Packers: Pre-camp 53-man roster predictions for 2021

Cornerback (6)

Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Eric Stokes, Chandon Sullivan, Shemar Jean-Charles, Kabion Ento

The Packers used their first-round pick on a cornerback, Eric Stokes, to pair with Jaire Alexander, one of the best corners in the league. They also brought Kevin King back on a one-year deal to bridge the gap for Stokes to become the full-time starter next season. Heck, he might even become the full-time starter this season if King can’t stay healthy, which he’s shown in the past that he can’t.

That gives us three locks for the team so far. Chandon Sullivan has done a great job for the most part in the slot, but the Packers also drafted Shemar Jean-Charles, who has the physical makeup and athleticism to eventually take that role from Sullivan as well. I think those five are locks to make the roster. After that, I see one spot left and about four players competing for it.

Kabion Ento has been a guy who has been a fringe player for years. He has been on the practice squad a number of times and continues to come back to Green Bay. Ka’dar Hollman is a former draft pick of the Packers who hasn’t quite emerged like we’d hoped he would. Stanford Samuels was an undrafted rookie last season who made a couple of appearances in the regular season. Finally, we have Josh Jackson, the former second-round pick who has been a massive disappointment.

I think this is finally the year the Packers part ways with Jackson, giving both sides a fresh start. I think between Ento, Hollman, and Samuels, Ento makes the roster and the other two are candidates for the practice squad.

Practice squad candidates: Ka’dar Hollman, Stanford Samuels

Safety (5)

Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Will Redmond, Vernon Scott, Christian Uphoff

Arguably one of the better safety pairings in the NFC, if not the NFL, is Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. Behind them are some question marks.

We’ve seen Will Redmond play, and some of us may not want to see him line up for the Packers again, but they must have seen enough to re-sign him this offseason.

Vernon Scott showed some flashes of potential last year along with Henry Black.

But the player that intrigues me the most in this group is Christian Uphoff. Uphoff is an undrafted rookie out of Illinois St. He was projected to be drafted in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. He went undrafted and signed with the Packers. Uphoff is my pick this year to be the undrafted rookie to make it onto the 53-man roster.

Practice squad candidates: Henry Black

Defense: 25 players

Specialists (3)

Mason Crosby, JK Scott, Hunter Bradley

The Packers brought in some competition for each of these players, but I just don’t see anyone beating out this group of three that has been together for the past few years. Scott may have some pressure on him after struggling last season, but Crosby is still as solid and dependable as ever.

Practice squad candidates: None

Special teams: Three players