Packers 53-man roster predictions after first week of training camp 2021
Defensive line (5)
Kenny Clark, Kingsley Keke, TJ Slaton, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster
One player receiving a lot of praise so far at camp is rookie defensive tackle TJ Slaton, which is great news for a Packers defense that has needed some help up front. Slaton can immediately help the run defense. If he continues to impress over the summer, don’t be surprised if he’s on the field often in the regular season.
TJ Slaton is a completely immovable object.
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) July 29, 2021
With a potential top three of Kenny Clark, Kingsley Keke, and Slaton, the Packers are in a better position than they were at defensive tackle, although some questions still remain.
Inside linebackers (5)
De’Vondre Campbell, Krys Barnes, Kamal Martin, Ty Summers, Isaiah McDuffie
Initially, I had the Packers keeping four inside linebackers. But with a couple of spots still left after putting together an initial roster, I was able to also keep rookie Isaiah McDuffie.
According to Mike Spofford of Packers.com, it has been De’Vondre Campbell and Krys Barnes working in the starting defense early on at camp, which comes as no surprise. They are the frontrunners to be the starting pair in the base defense. Kamal Martin provides some depth, while Ty Summers is a key special-teams player.
Outside linebacker (4)
Za’Darius Smith, Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Jonathan Garvin
No real surprises here. The hope is Rashan Gary can build on his impressive end to last year with a breakout 2021 season. If he can, a top three of Gary and the Smith Bros. puts the Packers’ pass rush in good shape. Jonathan Garvin is the most-likely choice at the number four spot at outside linebacker.