Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction

The offseason is in its early stages, as players are starting to file into their respective locker rooms and training camps.

There are no-brainer locks to make the 53-man game-day roster for every team in the NFL, but for some spots there are no clear-cut locks.

The Packers enter the 2012 season with six new defensive draftees and two new offensive players who are more than likely going to make the team.

Then there are the undrafted players who will surprise the NFL brass and make the game-day roster or practice squad.

Here is my prediction for the Packers 53-man roster.

Quarterback

This is about as easy as it gets in the NFL, no explanation needed.

Starter: Aaron Rodgers

Backup: B.J. Coleman

The competition comes down to Coleman and Graham Harrell. Harrell has a leg up on Coleman based on the fact that he's spent a year in the system already. However, I think Coleman's draft status and raw athletic abilities give him the backup job.

Cuts: Graham Harrell

Running Back

If Green comes back fully healthy, I think he wins the starting job. He showed excellent burst, vision, hands and quickness in limited duty last year.

Starter: Alex Green

Backup: James Starks

3rd Down-Backs: Brandon Saine

Cuts: None

Fullback

Another no-brainer, as John Kuhn is a solid RB/FB who is also a fan favorite.

Starter: John Kuhn

Backup (H-Back): Ryan Taylor

Cuts: Jon Hoese  

 

Wide Receiver

Here's where it gets tricky. It seems as if the Packers are keeping Donald Driver, as they should. But the Packers can't afford to try to sneak Tori Gurley back on the practice squad, so they keep six receivers.

WR1: Greg Jennings

WR2: Jordy Nelson

WR3: Randall Cobb

WR4: James Jones

WR5: Donald Driver

WR6: Tori Gurley

Cuts: Diondre Borel

Tight Ends

I have a gut feeling that Andrew Quarless will begin the season on the PUP list; therefore, the rest of the tight ends are cut and dry.

TE1: Jermichael Finley

TE2: D.J. Williams

TE3: Tom Crabtree

Cuts: None

Offensive Line

The offensive line is going to have a new look this season. With the loss of Chad Clifton and Scott Wells, the Packers will be moving forward with young left tackle Marshall Newhouse and veteran center Jeff Saturday.

LT1: Marshall Newhouse

LT2: Derek Sherrod

LG1: T.J. Lang

LG2: Evan Dietrich-Smith

C1: Jeff Saturday

C2: Jaymes Brooks

RG1: Josh Sitton

RT1: Bryan Bulaga

RT2: Andrew Datko

Cuts: Herb Taylor, Chris Campbell, Sampson Genus

Defensive Line

Hopefully, the defensive roller coaster on the defensive line is at the end of the ride. The Packers added new pieces to help rebuild the pass rush.

LDE1: Ryan Pickett

LDE2: Mike Daniels

LDE3: C.J. Wilson

DT1: B.J. Raji

DT2: Daniel Muir

RE1: Jerel Worthy

RE2: Jarius Wynn

RE: Anthony Hargrove (Suspended eight games, does not count against 53-man roster)

RE: Mike Neal (Suspended four games, does not count against 53-man roster)

Cuts: Johnny Jones, Lawrence Guy

Linebackers

LOLB1: Nick Perry

LOLB2: Vic So'oto

MLB1: Desmond Bishop

MLB2: Terrell Manning

MLB3: A.J. Hawk

MLB4: D.J. Smith

ROLB1: Clay Matthews

ROLB2: Frank Zombo

Cuts: Brad Jones, Erik Walden, Robert Francois, Jamari Lattimore

Cornerbacks

CB1: Charles Woodson

CB2: Tramon Williams

CB3: Casey Hayward

CB4: Sam Shields

CB5: Davon House

CB6: Jarrett Bush

Cuts: Brandian Ross

Safeties

I can see Morgan Burnett moving to free safety and Jerron McMillian taking the starting strong safety spot.

SS1: Jerron McMillian

SS2: Charlie Peprah

FS1: Morgan Burnett

FS2: M.D. Jennings

Cuts: Anthony Levine

Specialists

K: Mason Crosby

P: Tim Masthay

LS: Brett Goode

Cuts: None