Packers 53-man roster predictions for second week of training camp

Linebackers (8)

Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Kyler Fackrell, Reggie Gilbert, Blake Martinez, Oren Burks, Ty Summers

Much of the focus has been on Za’Darius and Preston Smith, which is understandable. But reports from the first week of training camp have been very good for first-round pick Rashan Gary.

Here’s an interesting quote from an excellent article at PackersNews.com:

"“It’s much too soon to know if Gary will be great, but the Packers have to be pleased with their top rookie’s start. Gary spent years preparing to be an NFL player. Through two days in pads, he has certainly looked the part.”"

The Packers could have a dominant pass rush with the Smiths, Gary and Kyler Fackrell. It’s easy to forget that Fackrell had double-digit sacks in this defense a year ago.

I have Green Bay going with five outside linebackers: Smith, Smith, Gary, Fackrell, and Reggie Gilbert. At inside linebacker, it’s the trio of Blake Martinez, Oren Burks, and rookie Ty Summers.

I’m excited to see Burks this year. Andy Herman of Cheesehead TV noted a couple of good plays Burks made in coverage last week. Burks and Martinez could form a strong starting duo for the Packers at inside linebacker this season.

It’ll also be interesting to see how many snaps Summers gets if he makes the final 53.