Chris Gallagher | June 7th, 2020
With the start of NFL training camps right around the corner and just under 100 days until week one, it’s time to begin to project what the 2020 Green Bay Packers roster will be. The Packers look to return most of their roster from the 2019 NFC championship team; however, there will be many battles at different positions, giving Matt Lafleur and his staff many difficult decisions to make.
I based the following projections on who I believe the Packers will keep on the roster based on team needs and assuming each player is healthy heading into the season.
Quarterbacks (2)
Players: Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love
Breakdown: Rodgers will once again return and lead the Packers heading into next season. Rookie quarterback Jordan Love will be the backup to Rodgers in a sit and develop season. Former backup Tim Boyle is the odd man out in the quarterback room.
Running Backs/Fullbacks (5)
Players: Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon, Tyler Ervin, Josiah Deguara
Breakdown: Jones will be the leader of the Packers rushing attack once again next season. Rookie Dillion gives the team a three-headed rushing attack and will be a power/change of pace back, allowing the Packers to move Jones all over the formation and keep his snap count down. Once again, Ervin will be the swiss army knife for the offense, taking snaps at wide receiver, running back, and punt/kick returner on special teams. Look for offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to use Deguara similarly to how the 49ers use fullback Kyle Juszczyk as a lead blocker and pass-catching option out of the backfield.
Tight Ends (3)
Players: Jace Sternberger, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan
Breakdown: Sternberger will be the leader of the tight end group and one of the key players on the roster heading into next season. Lewis will return as a primarily blocking tight end and a vital piece of the team’s rushing attack. After an injury-riddled 2018 and 2019 seasons, Tonyan could be fighting for his spot on the roster.
Wide Receivers (6)
Players: Davante Adams, Devin Funchess, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, Reggie Belton
Breakdown: After the addition of Funchess in the offseason, the Packers will begin 2020 with Adams, Lazard, and Funchess as the three primary receivers. Valdes-Scantling earns a spot on the roster due to his deep threat/special team abilities. The wide receiver room gets rounded out by former CFL standout Reggie Belton and third year-wide receiver Equanimeous St Brown.
Offensive Line (10)
Players: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Rick Wagner, Lane Taylor, Jon Runyan, Jake Hanson, Lucas Patrick
Breakdown: Overall the easiest unit to project as the team returns four of its five starters from last season in Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Linsley, and Turner. Former Lion Rick Wagner will slide in to start at right tackle in place of the recently departed Bryan Bulaga. Veteran guard Layne Taylor could be a prime candidate to be cut to clear salary.
Defensive Line (6)
Players: Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Kingsley Keke, Montravius Adams, Tyler Lancaster, Treyvon Hester
Breakdown: Behind one of the best interior defensive lineman in football in Clark, the Packers return all four other starters from last season. The team will need more consistency out of Lancaster and Lowry next season following a disappointing end to the 2019 season for both players. The biggest question for this position group comes with Adams who has shown flashes of having the ability to be an every-down defensive lineman in the NFL but has been held back by consistency and off the field issues.
Outside Linebackers (4)
Players: Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Tim Williams
Breakdown: Behind both Smiths, the outside linebacker position is wide open for competition. Gary showed flashes last season in pass-rushing situations and should get an expanded role in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme. Williams beats out Jonathan Garvin for the final spot.
Linebackers (4)
Players: Christian Kirksey, Oren Burks, Ty Summers, Kamal Martin
Breakdown: Kirksey will be the number one option at this position and should see plenty of snaps after signing in free agency. Martin should make a significant impact as a rookie after being praised for his strong tackling ability and toughness in the draft. Both Burks and Summers have substantial strides to make before they can be every-down players on defense and should see their contributions primarily come via special teams.
Cornerbacks (6)
Players: Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson, Ka’dar Hollman, Stanford Sammuels
Breakdown: Alexander and King will be the two corners in base defense after strong seasons from both last year. After receiving high praise at the end of last season, Sullivan looks to take the place of veteran Tramon Williams as the primary slot corner. Jackson will be battling for a roster spot following a disappointing first two seasons in the league.
Safeties (4)
Players: Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Will Redmond, Raven Greene
Breakdown: Amos and Savage make up one of the best safety tandems in the league and are locks to make the roster. A favorite of Pettine, Greene should see plenty of snaps at weakside linebacker in big nickel situations. Redmond is a special teams ace and took major strides in his development last season.
Specialists (3)
Players: Mason Crosby, Hunter Bradley, JK Scott
Breakdown: Crosby returns to the team after signing a 12.9 million dollar extension, tying him to the Packers through 2022.
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