2023 Packer 53-man Roster Discussion

[LouisEly]

33 minutes ago, patrickgpe said:

Obviously the 3 weaknesses on the team is K, #2 QB and Safety. I have no delusions that this is a SB bowl team or anything, but I'd hate to lose a game because Carlson misses a late FG. It will be interesting to see how they handle this once the rosters are finalized on Tuesday. I think you can put Anders on the PS and pick up a vet kicker.

Look what happened with his older brother.  Drafted by the Vikings in the 5th round, they got impatient during his rookie camp and released him, signed by the Raiders and was 1st Team All-Pro last year, 2nd team the year before.

Cautionary tale about getting impatient with rookie kickers.

[patrickgpe]

16 minutes ago, LouisEly said:

Look what happened with his older brother.  Drafted by the Vikings in the 5th round, they got impatient during his rookie camp and released him, signed by the Raiders and was 1st Team All-Pro last year, 2nd team the year before.

Cautionary tale about getting impatient with rookie kickers.

I didn't say to release him, I don't think he is ready to Kick on sept 10th. heck keep 2 kickers on the roster if you think someone is going to pick up him on waivers. This is a developmental year, not a going for it year. Maybe having a vet on the 53 would be helpful for him to learn by. 

[CheezWizHed]

15 hours ago, LouisEly said:

QB(2): Love, Clifford (PS - McGough)
RB(3): Jones, Dillon, Wilson (PS - Nichols, Taylor)
FB(1): Deguara
TE(3): Musgrave, Kraft, Allen (PS - waiver pickup)
OL(9): Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Tom, Nijman, Rhyan, Walker, Jones (PS - Tenuta, Empey, Telfort)
WR(6): Watson, Doubs, Reed, Toure, Wicks, Heath (PS - Dubose, Bonds)

DL(6): Clark, Wyatt, Slaton, Wooden, Brooks, Ford (PS - Slayton)
Edge(5): Gary, LVN, Smith, Enagbare, Hollins (PS - Cox, Mosby)
LB(5): Campbell, Walker, McDuffie, Wilson, Carpenter (PS - Phillips)
CB(5): Alexander, Douglas, Nixon, Valentine, Ballentine, Stokes - PUP (PS - Thomas, SJC)
CB/S(1): Gaines
S(4): Savage, Ford, Johnson, Leavitt (PS - waiver pickup)

Special teams (3): Carlson, O'Donnell, Ozrich

Last 2 in: Carpenter, Gaines
First 2 out: Newman, Cox

Center/guard depth is short, but Tom can move to C/G if needed.  Tenuta could go on IR, in which case they sign a guard off of the waiver wire to the PS.  Walker could probably play guard in an emergency too.  Real chance that they trade Nijman, in which case they keep Newman.

OL(9): Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Tom, Nijman, Rhyan, Walker, Jones (PS - Tenuta, Empey, Telfort)

I don't see them cutting Newman because that leaves Rhyan as your top G backup.  And they don't tend to like shuffling two spots (i.e. moving Tom) in case of injury.  As little as I think of him, we don't have many other options. 

Edge(5): Gary, LVN, Smith, Enagbare, Hollins (PS - Cox, Mosby)

You are probably right here though.  Cox is probably one of those "oh, no, we are going to lose him to waivers" players that just quietly goes on the PS.  

 

5 hours ago, patrickgpe said:

Obviously the 3 weaknesses on the team is K, #2 QB and Safety. I have no delusions that this is a SB bowl team or anything, but I'd hate to lose a game because Carlson misses a late FG. It will be interesting to see how they handle this once the rosters are finalized on Tuesday. I think you can put Anders on the PS and pick up a vet kicker. I also think they Packers should carry 3 QBs on the 53, I like Clifford but I don't think he would be ready if Love got hurt and then you really have nothing behind him. if this was  SB team with a QB like Rodgers you can probably just keep the 2 and be OK. 

I don't think it is obvious that #2 QB is a weakness.  I think Sean has been better than MANY backup QB options available this year.  He has been better than any rookie QB we've had in a long time (Rodgers and Love included). I don't see any third options (that we couldn't just stash on the PS) anyway.

[CheeseheadInQC]

47 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

OL(9): Bakh, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Tom, Nijman, Rhyan, Walker, Jones (PS - Tenuta, Empey, Telfort)

I don't see them cutting Newman because that leaves Rhyan as your top G backup.  And they don't tend to like shuffling two spots (i.e. moving Tom) in case of injury.  As little as I think of him, we don't have many other options.

I think there’s a good chance Rhyan is the top guard backup either way. The question is, are they comfortable with him being the only interior backup without moving Tom?

[BrewerFan]

7 hours ago, patrickgpe said:

Obviously the 3 weaknesses on the team is K, #2 QB and Safety. I have no delusions that this is a SB bowl team or anything, but I'd hate to lose a game because Carlson misses a late FG. It will be interesting to see how they handle this once the rosters are finalized on Tuesday. I think you can put Anders on the PS and pick up a vet kicker. I also think they Packers should carry 3 QBs on the 53, I like Clifford but I don't think he would be ready if Love got hurt and then you really have nothing behind him. if this was  SB team with a QB like Rodgers you can probably just keep the 2 and be OK. 

I don't think I'd list QB 2 as a weakness. I think Clifford has come in and played out of his mind. I think you'd be in a better place with a backup than we've been the majority of the time since Favre took over.

He's really the perfect backup IMO. Smart, gutsy, he's mobile so he can pick up yards with his legs. 

If he was a couple years younger and had a bigger arm, then I think the Love vs Clifford debate would have some validity to it, but...I don't see a problem there. And I think the fact that we're likely not a SB team is all the more reason to go with 2 QBs. Why spend the money to bring in a...Carson Wentz? The 3rd QB has to be worth a roster spot and I don't see one that is.

 

Carlson, same idea. I think he just needs to get in games and kick. It's like a fielder throwing the ball. You can tell on the kicks he misses, he's aiming it. I'd say shortarming it in baseball, but the follow through doesn't look natural. When he just lets it go, he's got a massive leg and it's impressive. And it's straight. 

 

I haven't got the first clue what to do about safety though. Actually...I do, but Joe Barry has said Douglas to Safety is not going to happen.

Anthony Johnson played 40 snaps last game. Hopefully they find something there. 

[BrewerFan]

6 hours ago, patrickgpe said:

I didn't say to release him, I don't think he is ready to Kick on sept 10th. heck keep 2 kickers on the roster if you think someone is going to pick up him on waivers. This is a developmental year, not a going for it year. Maybe having a vet on the 53 would be helpful for him to learn by. 

I don't think it's worth rostering 2nd kicker and you'd have to waive him to get him onto the PS. I also don't think he'll be more ready to kick Oct 10th than Sept 10th. I think he just needs to go through it.

1 hour ago, CheezWizHed said:

You are probably right here though.  Cox is probably one of those "oh, no, we are going to lose him to waivers" players that just quietly goes on the PS.  

There's always a few guys we sweat that end up on the PS. I'm guessing the fringe roster guys who are most likely to be cut are being shopped right now. Again, Royce Newman. He got 43 snaps last week. Maybe that's to play some center or perhaps it's more about showcasing him(though he's got two years on tape).

 

If Rodgers were still here, I'd be mostly concerned about losing Heath/Wicks as you know Cobb would be on the team and we'd be a bit handcuffed, but there aren't many guys I'm too worried about. Even Cox. We're DEEP there and Enagbare has looked great. Van Ness doesn't offer much in the way of pass rush, but he's been stout vs the run(again, very similar to a young Gary). 

Hollins has had two good grades the last two weeks.

Wilson is the only guy I don't want to see gone and he's also probably safe as a RB, but I'd still protect him. I just feel like he could slide in so easily next year as our starting RB or our #2 and replace Dillon.  

[BrewerFan]

1 hour ago, CheeseheadInQC said:

I think there’s a good chance Rhyan is the top guard backup either way. The question is, are they comfortable with him being the only interior backup without moving Tom?

Newman was much better last week than the previous week or Family Night. We might be too hard on him based on how bad he looked at RT, but he's a solid backup, but it'd be nice to break the string of 3rd rd busts with Rhyan....who's also gotten snaps at Center.

 

[True Blue Brew Crew]

20 hours ago, patrickgpe said:

I didn't say to release him, I don't think he is ready to Kick on sept 10th. heck keep 2 kickers on the roster if you think someone is going to pick up him on waivers. This is a developmental year, not a going for it year. Maybe having a vet on the 53 would be helpful for him to learn by. 

You said "put him on the practice squad". There is no "putting" of a player on the practice squad. You release a player then sign them to the practice squad if no other team claims them or signs them for their 53.

That's why it's called "sneaking" a player on to the practice squad when you release a player on cut downs who you hope to keep in the organization.

[BrewerFan]

13 hours ago, True Blue Brew Crew said:

You said "put him on the practice squad". There is no "putting" of a player on the practice squad. You release a player then sign them to the practice squad if no other team claims them or signs them for their 53.

That's why it's called "sneaking" a player on to the practice squad when you release a player on cut downs who you hope to keep in the organization.

I think he pretty much solidified his spot on this roster today...not that there was much doubt as they hadn't even considered bringing in another kicker.

I don't see that changing unless the Packers have a surprisingly successful season and Carlson is still struggling 2 months in. Then Crosby would be an obvious candidate assuming he doesn't sign anywhere else in the meantime.

[BrewerFan]

Any changes from today's game?

Very few notable performances from players on the bubble.

I'd move Ballentine into the 53, SJC off.

Wilson-An ugly stat line, but the 2nd/3rd OL just didn't open any holes. I'd still keep him, but I suspect they'll start the year with 2 RBs, Taylor and Wilson on the PS. 

Carpenter looked better at MLBer. It's a low bar, but as he was probably going to make it for his STs ability, it's good to see. 

Newman had an injury, but assuming he's healthy, I think he makes the team...even if I don't think he should. The OT position is going to be interesting. I didn't notice Caleb Jones until later in the game

Cox Jr looked even better. 

WRer-I still think the top 6 is pretty settled. If there's anyone at risk here, I'd say it'd be Toure with Dubose beating him out, but going back to all the comments by MLF and Gutekunst, that seems unlikely. I think the Packers are going to be able to develop some of these PS players, whoever it ends up being. Dubose, Chrest, Bones....I think Bo Melton has fallen out of favor. Still like the idea of developing Dre Miller. Late signing, but big physically, really fits the Packers scheme. 

Watson needed to make that catch on the underthrow by Love if he wants to elevate his game, but that's not a 53 man issue.

 

[CheezWizHed]

3rd RB options:

• Taylor: 33%
• Wilson 33%
• Neither 34%

I'd hang onto Wilson, but I didn't see him in there pass blocking much, so I doubt the Packers keep him over Taylor.  It wouldn't shock me to see them both cut and attempt to get both on the PS to elevate them during the early season. 

Newman vs Rhyan. Rhyan has looked pretty decent, but I still don't see him passing Newman.  Both probably make it because there are not other backup Gs. 

Interesting to see Runyan at C.  I'm not sure I've heard him trying that before. 

Safety: Savage and Ford starting.  Johnson makes the backup.  Leavitt was a team captain today so I assume he is on the team. Owens becomes questionable but probably makes it. Moore probably gets an injury waiver or maybe they "stash" him on the IR to return later?

CB: I think they simply go with four to start the season (Alexander, Douglas, Valentine, Nixon)  Lots of options for the PS.  Little risk of losing anyone as we have several that are pretty comparable. Stokes on the PUP gives him an automatic 5th CB later in the season. 

OLB: Cox made a good final statement.  I'm guessing he makes the cut.

DL: Ford didn't look so hot and was rather movable for such a mountain of a man.  I give him 50/50 odds of making the 53 man. 

K: Carson had a nice day.  Might be an adventure, but the position is his.  At least he has a good leg.

P: No idea.  Both are punting well.  Might come down to holding and experience vs cost and upside. 

[BrewerFan]

5 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

3rd RB options:

• Taylor: 33%
• Wilson 33%
• Neither 34%

I'd hang onto Wilson, but I didn't see him in there pass blocking much, so I doubt the Packers keep him over Taylor.  It wouldn't shock me to see them both cut and attempt to get both on the PS to elevate them during the early season. 

Newman vs Rhyan. Rhyan has looked pretty decent, but I still don't see him passing Newman.  Both probably make it because there are not other backup Gs. 

Interesting to see Runyan at C.  I'm not sure I've heard him trying that before. 

Safety: Savage and Ford starting.  Johnson makes the backup.  Leavitt was a team captain today so I assume he is on the team. Owens becomes questionable but probably makes it. Moore probably gets an injury waiver or maybe they "stash" him on the IR to return later?

CB: I think they simply go with four to start the season (Alexander, Douglas, Valentine, Nixon)  Lots of options for the PS.  Little risk of losing anyone as we have several that are pretty comparable. Stokes on the PUP gives him an automatic 5th CB later in the season. 

OLB: Cox made a good final statement.  I'm guessing he makes the cut.

DL: Ford didn't look so hot and was rather movable for such a mountain of a man.  I give him 50/50 odds of making the 53 man. 

K: Carson had a nice day.  Might be an adventure, but the position is his.  At least he has a good leg.

P: No idea.  Both are punting well.  Might come down to holding and experience vs cost and upside. 

I just don't get the need for Leavitt for STs. 

It made sense on an older team with a number of guys who weren't going to be playing STs. WRers, you weren't gonna have Cobbs, Lazard(last year as the #1), Watson or Doubs play as much STs. Toure was inactive.

If we're going younger, we have guys who have the potential to contribute on offense or defense and be core STers. Ballentine. He's a nice 5th CB, he's played a little safety. Carpenter will make the team, Wilson, Heath, Toure, Johnson. Hollins at Edge. It just seems like a waste of a roster spot to have dedicated STers who aren't Tasker or Slater type aces on this final 53 man.

I don't disagree he'll make it, it just doesn't make sense to me.

The only other thing I didn't really see was Ford getting moved. They doubled him a couple times, but thought he held his ground and even split the double teams pretty well. He was in there with Wooden when Seattle started running more power running and doubling at the point.

 

I'm seeing a lot of beat writers with 7 WRers(Dubose) 3 RB, but Taylor(he's not gonna get picked up, just elevate him if you need)...3 TEs(with Deguara if you want to call him that). 6 Edge. Bukowski had Deguara and Pearson both making the team, so...that's just silly. 

They have given 4 players now(other than Hanson) reps at Center and that doesn't include Jenkins.  JRJ looked the best there, but I didn't get to see Tom in there. 

I've also seen Wheelan projected to land on the PS in a lot of projections. They save 1.15M and I think that's worth it IF he can hold. If he's not a good holder...you risk ruining Carlson as it seems like it's all about confidence with him.

 

Like I said when I made my own, there are going to be 5-6 moves the Packers make that I wouldn't. Leavitt, 2 RBs, Owens at S, a 7th WRer and probably just the 5 OLBers(Enagbare has been outstanding this pre-season, so it's not like they don't have depth even without Gary).

 

As an aside, McGough looked impressive...for a 3rd stringer that wasn't on a team long before camp started. 

[CheeseheadInQC]

My go at it

QB (2): Love, Clifford

Duh

RB (3): Jones, Dillon, Taylor

Taylor edges out Wilson based on special teams and general steadiness. Could drop to two if they pick up a tight end in the cuts

WR (6): Watson, Doubs, Reed, Heath, Wicks, Toure

Dubose might push Toure. I can't see them keeping 7. Too many other teams have passable bottom of the depth chart receivers getting cut.

TE (3): Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Josiah Deguara

Could at minimum see them using how light the depth chart as an incentive to get another team's cut to accept their practice squad offer over others.

OL (9): Bakhtiari, Tom, Jenkins, Runyan, Myers, Nijman, Walker, Rhyan, Jones

Jones vs. Newman for one spot unless they keep 10. With Tom's versatility, I think they go upside.

DL (6): Clark, Wyatt, Slaton, Wooden, Brooks, Ford

Ford is on the bubble, but the fact guys his size sometimes take extra time to develop I think pushes them to keep 6

Edge (6): Gary, Smith, Van Ness, Enagbare, Hollins, Cox

Cox gets one of the last spots

ILB (5): Campbell, Walker, McDuffie, Wilson, Carpenter

Carpenter squarely on bubble, but gets final roster spot over 11th DB and 10 OL

CB (5): Alexander, Douglas, Nixon, Valentine, Ballentine

Until Stokes comes back. Gaines would have made it if I kept 11 DBs

S (5): Savage, Ford, Owens, Johnson, Leavitt

Leavitt might as well be listed as a fourth special teamer. Especially given the injury situation, I think Owens edges Moore for the last safety spot (Johnson I think has shown enough where the fact none of the veterans are under contract for next season works in his favor).

ST (3): Carlson, O'Donnell, Orzech

O'Donnell's holding makes the difference

[CheezWizHed]

9 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I just don't get the need for Leavitt for STs. 

It made sense on an older team with a number of guys who weren't going to be playing STs. WRers, you weren't gonna have Cobbs, Lazard(last year as the #1), Watson or Doubs play as much STs. Toure was inactive.

If we're going younger, we have guys who have the potential to contribute on offense or defense and be core STers. Ballentine. He's a nice 5th CB, he's played a little safety. Carpenter will make the team, Wilson, Heath, Toure, Johnson. Hollins at Edge. It just seems like a waste of a roster spot to have dedicated STers who aren't Tasker or Slater type aces on this final 53 man.

I don't disagree he'll make it, it just doesn't make sense to me.

The only other thing I didn't really see was Ford getting moved. They doubled him a couple times, but thought he held his ground and even split the double teams pretty well. He was in there with Wooden when Seattle started running more power running and doubling at the point.

 

I'm seeing a lot of beat writers with 7 WRers(Dubose) 3 RB, but Taylor(he's not gonna get picked up, just elevate him if you need)...3 TEs(with Deguara if you want to call him that). 6 Edge. Bukowski had Deguara and Pearson both making the team, so...that's just silly. 

They have given 4 players now(other than Hanson) reps at Center and that doesn't include Jenkins.  JRJ looked the best there, but I didn't get to see Tom in there. 

I've also seen Wheelan projected to land on the PS in a lot of projections. They save 1.15M and I think that's worth it IF he can hold. If he's not a good holder...you risk ruining Carlson as it seems like it's all about confidence with him.

 

Like I said when I made my own, there are going to be 5-6 moves the Packers make that I wouldn't. Leavitt, 2 RBs, Owens at S, a 7th WRer and probably just the 5 OLBers(Enagbare has been outstanding this pre-season, so it's not like they don't have depth even without Gary).

 

As an aside, McGough looked impressive...for a 3rd stringer that wasn't on a team long before camp started. 

I thought about doing one list for "what I'd do" and another for what the Packers will do.  Leavitt seems like something the Packers will do.  Seems like a Rich B "guy" that will make the team if healthy.

RB: If they do want Taylor over Wilson, I hope they cut both and do like last year.  Like you said, no one is going to grab Taylor on waivers. Open the spot for someone else and elevate them from the PS.  

WR: I can't see them keeping Dubose.  He hasn't shown enough to prioritize him over other similar guys (that everyone has).  If we lose him there will be several like him available on waivers. 

TE: I'm going to guess no on Allen.  Another guy I can't see on the final 53.  He has decent value to us, but little to others.  Another 53-man elevation option. Pearson has little value to us and none anywhere else (who has FBs anymore)?  

DL: When the Seahawks broke a bunch of runs late in the game, Ford was getting moved around a bit.  He made good plays too, but when your main purpose is to plug the middle, you can't let backup OL clear you completely out of there.  He might still make it, but I'd take Cox over him (if it comes down to that). 

Wouldn't surprise me to see heavy DL, OL, LB with minimal TE, RB, and CB while utilizing promotions from the PS to cover those 3 spots. 

[CheezWizHed]

My final prediction of what the Packers will do:

QB (2) - Love and Clifford (McGough/or waiver pickup on PS)

RB (3) - Jones, Dillon, Taylor - Goodson and Wilson to the PS (hopefully).  

WR (6) - Watson, Doubs, Reed, Wicks, Toure, Heath.

TE (3) - Musgrave, Kraft, Deguara - Allen to PS.  Possible waiver pickup?

OL (10) - Bahk, Jenkins, Myers, Runyan, Tom, Nijman, Newman, Rhyan, Walker, Jones

DL (6): Clark, Wyatt, Slaton, Brooks, Wooden, Ford.

OLB (6): Gary, Smith, Van Ness, Enagbare, Holiins, and Cox

ILB (5): Campbell, Walker, McDuffie, Wilson, and Carpenter

CB (4): Alexander, Douglas, Nixon, Valentine. Stokes on PUP - Going light initially.  Stokes returns later and backed by PS promotions, having several similarly skilled players (Ballentine, Gaines, Thomas) that are unlikely to be claimed.

S (5): Savage, Ford, Owens, Johnson, Leavitt.  - Moore's lack of availability dooms him.  Perhaps he sticks around on the PS. 

ST (3): Orzech, Carlson, O'Donnell  - O'Donnell makes it as a holder to give Carlson the best chance.

Prediction: 24 offensive players, 26 defensive players and 3 ST.

Last in: Ford and Taylor

First out: Allen and Ballentine

[LouisEly]

One thing to keep in mind is that the 53 they have right after cuts is rarely the 53 they have on gameday week 1.  They've historically initially kept the players they felt like they are most likely to lose in waivers, and at times that has made some positions overly deep or thin after cuts (one year didn't they not keep a LS?). 

It's a little easier sneaking guys on the practice squad after other teams have set their 53.  Expect some changes after cuts are made.

I think Tenuta and Nichols get IR'd.  50/50 on Wilson; the funny thing about RBs is that expensive RBs aren't valuable, but cheap RBs are.

[CheezWizHed]

12 hours ago, LouisEly said:

I think Tenuta and Nichols get IR'd.  50/50 on Wilson; the funny thing about RBs is that expensive RBs aren't valuable, but cheap RBs are.

I'm there on Wilson too.  I tend to hope the Packers keep him as there is certainly some potential there.  But recent history tends to favor 2 RB.  But Wilson and Cox are probably the two bubble players with the highest chance of being claimed if cut.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

29 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

I'm there on Wilson too.  I tend to hope the Packers keep him as there is certainly some potential there.  But recent history tends to favor 2 RB.  But Wilson and Cox are probably the two bubble players with the highest chance of being claimed if cut.

Almost every team has a Wilson-type who got a lot of preseason carries. Its a devalued position. If they want to sign him to the practice squad, I doubt many teams will be lining up to challenge them.

I think Taylor makes it because he's a core special teamer.

[CheezWizHed]

Bubble players: if cut, what are our chances of losing them?  We often overvalue a particular guy and fear we lose them only to see them pass through waivers.  Here is my take on this year's bubble players:

QB:

• McGough: 0% chance he is claimed if cut

RB:

• Taylor: 0% chance of being claimed.  Works for the Packers, but little upside anymore. A year older than last year when no one claimed him.
• Wilson: 50% chance.  Definitely a spark.  RB isn't valued as much in a passing league, but his splash runs and leading the league might get someone's attention.
• Goodson: 0% chance.  Injured and barely played.  Someone else might grab him for their PS though. 

WR/TE: 

• DuBose: 5% chance. Injury set him back, but looked OK in games.  Being a 7th rounder might make someone look.
• Melton, Bonds, Chrest: Zero percent chance.  Lots of these guys.  Melton might stand out because of his speed, but injury and lack of production (due to that injury) will keep anyone away from a 53 man squad selection.
• Allen: 5% chance.  His size and athleticism might make someone look if they need a blocking TE.  

OL: 

• Newman: 75% chance.  I've warmed to the idea of cutting Newman as he simply isn't getting better.  Someone will grab him given his starting experience and draft status.  But if we cut him... do we care?
• Caleb Jones: 25% chance. He has shown enough that someone might nab him as a 4th T
• Telfort/Tenuta/Empey. Zero chance.  Might be interesting developmental, but not ready for a 53 man.  If both Te* tackles are healthy, we probably lose one to someone else's PS, but not a 53 man waiver.

DL:

• Ford: 60% chance.  Just because he is a big man that is starting to look like he can contribute (kind of like 2nd year TJ Slaton... talent and size, but wasn't quite there yet). 
• Chris Slayton: 0% chance.  Wasn't claimed last year when he had a good preseason.  Didn't splash much this year.

LB:

• Cox: 75%. I keep bouncing around on him.  Maybe because I'm trying to convince myself that if the Packers cut him, we can keep him on the PS.  But I think all Cox really needed to show was that he could play as a team player.  Talent wasn't questioned and would've been drafted if it weren't for other issues. At a premium position, someone will grab him given the physical talent and strong pre-seasons showing. 
• Carpenter: 10%. If someone needs a ST player, he would be one to grab.  Still a mile away from impacting the playing field, but has some upside there.
• Moseby, Banks, Phillips: Zero chance.  

CB: 

• Ballentine: 10% CB depth with little upside.  Versatility and capability might have someone grab him if they need a short-term depth piece.  
• Jean-Charles: 10%.  Similar to Ballentine, but shorter and younger. Had his moments in pre-season, but not much upside.  
• Tyrell Ford, Hooper, Thomas. Zero.  Between the five CBs here, Thomas might have the best upside. Not much distinguishing them from each other.  So even if there is a claim here...next man up and move on.

S

• Owens or Moore: 75% I have a feeling one is cut as Ford and these two are rather redundant. Experience gives them a good chance of being claimed, but it isn't a loss since we have the other two. Maybe one could be traded?
• Gaines: 10%.  Similar to Ballentine or SJC above, could be a fill-in depth piece but limited upside.
• Sapp:  Zero percent. Splashed a bit in pre-season, but needs more work. Good opportunity for Packer PS. 

ST:

• O'Donnell: 100%.  His experience and leg gets him in somewhere.
• Welean: 50%.  I'm not sure the state of punters in the NFL frankly.  Showed he has an NFL leg... not sure if someone would bite on him being their main punter or not?

[CheezWizHed]

4 minutes ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

Almost every team has a Wilson-type who got a lot of preseason carries. Its a devalued position. If they want to sign him to the practice squad, I doubt many teams will be lining up to challenge them.

I think Taylor makes it because he's a core special teamer.

Normally, I'd agree with you, but only one RB led the pre-season in rushing.  That is the only difference I'd make.  He showed off his cutting, size, and speed.  This isn't like the Goodson discussion last year.  I had zero worries about losing Goodson. 

Remember that Taylor was a core ST last year too, but started the season on the PS because they could. I expect that to happen again. The PS is now an extension to the 53-man squad.

[bjkrautk]

Daniel Whelan has apparently won the punting battle, as the Packers released Pat O'Donnell.

[Jopal78]

1 hour ago, bjkrautk said:

Daniel Whelan has apparently won the punting battle, as the Packers released Pat O'Donnell.

Pretty big gamble, breaking in a rookie kicker with a rookie holder at the same time. 
 

Must have believed Whelan wouldn’t make it to PS.

Also, in the last 15 years or so, the list is pretty long for punters who didn’t have much of a career if any after leaving Green Bay: Justin Vogel, Jake Schum, Tim Masthay, Jeremy Kapinos, Derek Frost. Time will tell if O’Donnell gets added to the list or if he manages to find another gig like JK Scott, Bojorquez and Jon Ryan.

[CheezWizHed]

I'm not sure the state of NFL punters, but I doubt O'Donnell sits idle very long.  He was a very solid punter I would say this is more about picking a younger player for the future (and perhaps $$) than it was about O'Donnell's punting ability.  I think the early release was evidence that they were giving every other team some notice before final cuts to claim him. 

So with rookie K and P this year, you could say our kicking situation was just rebooted!

[BrewerFan]

9 hours ago, Jopal78 said:

Pretty big gamble, breaking in a rookie kicker with a rookie holder at the same time. 
 

Must have believed Whelan wouldn’t make it to PS.

Yeah, it feels like a real big gamble. I don't think he's as good as O'Donnell just yet. Certainly not as good at directional punting or dropping it back inside the 10. Huge leg and he must be a pretty good holder.

 

The fact that O'Donnell is one of the better directional punters, they paid him a decent roster bonus and Whelan didn't really have a great preseason until the final game...good reminder that the preseason games are probably less relevant to their decision making than we make them out to be.

 

[BrewerFan]

12 hours ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

Almost every team has a Wilson-type who got a lot of preseason carries. Its a devalued position. If they want to sign him to the practice squad, I doubt many teams will be lining up to challenge them.

I think Taylor makes it because he's a core special teamer.

I don't think they do. I think every team has a RB that they really like, but I think Wilson is a really good back and I wouldn't want to run the risk of losing him when we're looking at possibly losing both of our RBs next year. 

They can cut Taylor and put him on the PS. There's far less risk he'll be claimed. He's not a particularly good RB. He's a good STer, but it certainly feels like this team is taking a multi-year view right now(Whelan making it over O'Donnel is one indication) and looking ahead.

Again, 230, quick feet, runs low, great balance, vision and 4.4 speed?

 

But, he'll probably be cut.