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Packers 53-man roster: Breakdown of every position

By Freddie Boston

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 15: Darrius Shepherd #10 of the Green Bay Packers makes a touchdown catch during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 15: Darrius Shepherd #10 of the Green Bay Packers makes a touchdown catch during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 08: Joe Webb III #5 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball while being chased by Ty Summers #44 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter in the second quarter during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 08, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 08: Joe Webb III #5 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball while being chased by Ty Summers #44 of the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter in the second quarter during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 08, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Linebackers (8)

OLB: Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Kyler Fackrell, Rashan Gary

ILB: Blake Martinez, Oren Burks, James Crawford, Ty Summers

There were no surprises at outside linebacker. The only question was whether they’d keep a fifth player at the position. But with Za’Darius and Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary joining the team’s 2018 sack leader Kyler Fackrell, the Packers are in a good position at edge rusher.

At inside linebacker, it’s good news that Oren Burks is on the initial 53 and hasn’t been placed on season-ending injured reserve. That’s a good sign that his injury isn’t as serious as initially feared. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported last week that he won’t need surgery.

Curtis Bolton, who played well in the preseason before getting injured, has been waived/injured. One player who does make the roster is seventh-round pick Ty Summers, who led the NFL in tackles during the preseason.

Cornerbacks (7)

Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Tramon Williams, Josh Jackson, Tony Brown, Ka’Dar Hollman, Chandon Sullivan

The top six at cornerback were as expected. But I love the decision to also keep Chandon Sullivan on the roster. Sullivan impressed in the preseason, making a total of 17 tackles and an interception. He did more than enough to earn a roster spot, it was just a question of whether there would be room.

Gutekunst made the right call. Cornerback is a premium position and, as we’ve seen in recent years, finding talent isn’t easy. Sullivan played well and deserves a spot on the 53-man roster.

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