Green Bay Packers: Predicting the 53 Man Roster

Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) and free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Safety (3)

Starters – Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Backup – Sean Richardson
Cut – Chris Banjo, Jean Fanor

The Packers really only need three safeties on their regular season roster because of Hyde’s ability as a dual-role defensive back.

If either Burnett and Clinton-Dix go down with an injury, Hyde will probably be the man to fill in at safety and not Richardson.

It’s tough to know what to make of Richardson. On the one hand, he’s a physical defensive back with unique size (6-2, 216) that can play up in the box in run support. The Packers even used him at times as one of the nickel inside linebackers during the preseason in obvious passing situations, which may be his role on the team this season.

However, Richardson has also looked really stiff in coverage and a step slow in trying to cover backs or athletic tight ends. You never want a situation where opposing offenses will target No. 28 in the passing game whenever he steps on the field.

Banjo just barely misses the cut. At times, I’ve even liked him better than Richardson. He’s a tremendous special teams player, he packs a punch, and he’s more athletic in coverage.

However, the fact the Packers paid Richardson this offseason over $2 million dollars in guaranteed money means they won’t just let him walk, even if Banjo had a better preseason overall.

Next: Specialists