Green Bay Packers 2018 roster preview: JK Scott

What can we expect from the Green Bay Packers’ new punter, JK Scott, in 2018?

It was somewhat surprising when the Green Bay Packers used a fifth-round pick to select a punter, especially as Justin Vogel was named a Pro Bowl alternate last season.

But the Packers took Scott for a reason. He will be expected to come in and play well from Day 1.

With Vogel gone, the job now belongs to the rookie.

Odds of making roster: 99 percent

The Packers weren’t interested in any training camp competition. Within a week of drafting Scott, the team waived Vogel, who had played well in 2017.

When asked about the plan moving forward, Mike McCarthy’s response was simple: “I think it’s obvious,” McCarthy told the media.

Considering the fact the Packers used a fifth-round pick on him, then made such a quick decision to release Vogel, Scott would need to play badly at training camp to not make the roster.

That’s not out of the question. But the chances of Scott making the 53-man roster have to be considered very good.

2018 preview

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projected Scott would be selected in the third or fourth round of the draft. Zierlein had high praise for the Alabama punter:

"“Four-year punter who is able to work for distance, hang time or placement whenever he needs. He’s been a consistent performer who operates well under pressure and possesses soft hands to handle poor snaps. He has the talent and play traits to become a long-time NFL starter.”"

Scott punted 54 times at Alabama last season, with an average of 43 yards per punt. It was his worst average in his four years at Alabama. His best came in 2014, when he averaged 48 yards per punt.

Scott also has kickoff experience. It’s possible the Packers give him the job over Mason Crosby, which would allow Crosby to focus solely on kicking field goals.

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Time will tell whether Scott will go down as a good draft pick. But he enters the NFL with the potential to be very good and give the Packers an upgrade at the position.