The Lass Word: Roster Numbers Tell a Story

The 2024 Green Bay Packers take the field for their first training camp practice of the season today.  91 players are in the fold.   It is interesting and instructive to examine the team roster, as listed on the Packers own website, to perhaps gain a few insights as to what the coaches and front office may be thinking. 

By far, the position group with the highest number of players in camp is defensive line.  No fewer than seventeen prospects are listed as DLs, although that is a bit misleading.  The change to a 4-3 defensive scheme has resulted in what used to be called edge rushers now  being included as DLs.  So guys like Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Brentan Cox Jr. are listed as defensive linemen.  All may, at certain times, line up on the line of scrimmage with their hand on the ground.  Still, seventeen is a big number.  The team is clearly looking to build better depth among the front seven.  At least five of the candidates are new to the team. 

The second highest number of players in a position group may surprise you.  It’s receivers.  Twelve receivers are on the camp roster.  Most fans might be under the impression that the Pack is set at the position, with their top seven from last season all returning, including Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Samori Toure and Malik Heath.  Despite that bevy of promising talent, the team is looking at five more pass catchers.  They gave up on the experiment of converting quarterback Alex McGough to receiver, releasing him last week, and then signed two more off the street, in Jalen Wayne and Rory Starkey.  Grant DuBose was actually a seventh round draft pick in 2023 but has scarcely had the opportunity to prove himself.  Clearly, the coaching staff intends to keep the pressure on these young veterans from last year, and make them realize nothing will be given them toward making this year’s squad. 

Green Bay is not taking it for granted that they have solved their safety issues just because they drafted three of them.  There are eight safeties taking the field today.  Draft picks Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are thought to be vying for a spot opposite free agent prize Xavier McKinney.  But the front office is making sure they feel the heat from guys like Zayn Anderson, Tyler Coyle and Benny Sapp, as well as second year player Anthony Johnson, who saw plenty of playing time last year.  Draft pick Kitan Oladipo is starting camp on the injured list, but he’ll be in the mix eventually.  This is also one of the areas the Packers hope will spawn several special teams prospects. 

Judging by sheer numbers, the Packers may be concerned about cornerback.  There are nine of them.  Jaire Alexander and Keisean Nixon may be the only locks to make the team.  There will be a battle royale from amongst Eric Stokes, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballantine, Robert Rochelle, Kalen King, Gemon Green and Zyon Gilbert for the remaining spots.  The coaches are hoping at least three or four can step up to be reliable starting caliber players.  That competition will be fierce and fascinating to observe. 

Eight inside linebackers will start camp.  Quay Walker and rookie Edgerrin Cooper are expected to be the mainstays.  But the coaches will make sure they get plenty of challenge from returning veterans Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson and Kristian Welch, along with draft pick Tyron Hopper and newcomers Ralen Goforth and Christian Young. 

The Packers brought back running back AJ Dillon, but the popular “mayor of Door County” will have to fight to make this team.  There are six running backs in camp, led by sure bets Josh Jacobs and third round pick MarShawn Lloyd.  Henry Pearson is the lone fullback listed on the roster, but RBs Jarveon Howard, Ellis Merriweather and returning veteran Emanuel Wilson want a slot somewhere on this club. 

Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft probably don’t have to worry too much about job security, but Ben Sims will be looking over his shoulder at three other tight end prospects wanting to take his slot, including veteran Tyler Davis, and newcomers Messiah Swinson and Joel Wilson. 

The labeling along the offensive line is intriguing.  Sean Rhyan is listed only as a guard.  Zach Tom is listed only as a tackle.  First round pick Jordan Morgan is the only player being classified as a tackle/guard, while three players, Elgton Jenkins, Royce Newman and Donovan Jennings are guard/tackles.  Apparently the first position listed is the one the team feels the player is most likely to play, although that can certainly change.  Six players are listed as tackles only, including projected starter Rasheed Walker and newly acquired former first round pick Andre Dillard.  There will be massive cross training throughout camp, and labeling any of these OL guys may be a lesson in futility. 

Not a single player on the squad is listed as a center only.  Josh Myers and draft pick Jacob Monk are shown as center/guards.  Do we read anything into that regarding Myers status as the starting center?   

There are three quarterbacks.  The Packers are hoping back ups Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt play well enough to force them to keep all three on the final 53.   

Finally, Anders Carlson is getting heat from, not just one, but two other kickers, including veteran Greg Joseph.  James Turner, the kicker from Michigan”s national championship team, is also on the scene.  Carlson’s performance last year was unacceptable.  The Packers know it and he knows it.  He will have to earn the right to come back.  Long snapper Matt Orzech was shaky at times last season, and free agent Peter Bowden was brought in to challenge him. 

Clearly, the Packers recognize the key to their surprising renaissance of a year ago was the product of giving young players the opportunity to compete, and win, playing time on this team.  They are hoping the same formula takes them to the next level in 2024.