Packers pre-training camp 53-man roster predictions

Tight ends (4)

Jace Sternberger, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Josiah Deguara

With the exit of Jimmy Graham, the Packers continue their search of an effective tight end. They are hoping they will find their guy in Jace Sternberger. He spent most of last season banged up, not seeing a lot of playing time, but made some plays in the playoffs, giving the Packers and their fans some hope.

Marcedes “Big Dog” Lewis signed another one-year deal to come back to Green Bay. He will undoubtedly bring that important veteran experience to a young tight end group. The Packers will also depend on his excellent blocking ability this season.

Robert Tonyan made a few nice plays last year as well. He is a good number three to provide some depth and make some plays every now and then. Josiah Deguara was drafted higher than a lot of people had projected. He is listed as a tight end on Packers.com, but he is projected to play more of an H-back position. Look for him to make some plays out of the backfield this season.

Cut: Evan Baylis*, James Looney

Offensive line (10)

David Bakhtiari, Rick Wagner, Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner, Corey Linsley, Lane Taylor, Alex Light, Lucas Patrick, Jon Runyan, Simon Stepaniak

Last season, the Packers had one of the best offensive lines in the league. Unfortunately, because of tight cap space, the Packers were unable to bring back starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga, leaving a big gap. They brought in veteran and former Badger Rick Wagner. Although Wagner is definitely not at the level Bulaga is, he is still a pretty decent replacement.

Elgton Jenkins burst onto the scene as a rookie and will be a big part of this line in the future. Billy Turner struggled a bit last year but will likely retain the starting right guard spot at the beginning of the season. Turner also has the ability to play tackle, which makes him even more valuable. Green Bay kept Lane Taylor, who took a pay cut, after missing all of last season with an injury. He will provide some nice depth because he has the ability to play guard or tackle.

Corey Linsley is also entering the final year of his deal. With so many other players to pay, this may be the last year for Linsley in Green Bay. Lucas Patrick will be the likely replacement should Linsley leave, but the Packers also drafted three linemen in the sixth round in this year’s draft. Right now, I think guards Jon Runyan and Simon Stepaniak will make the team to provide depth at guard.

I can see the Packers trying to stash center Jake Hanson on the practice squad. A year on the practice squad could help Hanson tremendously and he could be the future center for the Packers.

Cut: Jake Hanson*, Cole Madison*, Yosh Nijman*, Zack Johnson, Travis Bruffy, Cody Conway, John Leglue