Always expect the unexpected on roster cutdown day.
The Green Bay Packers once cut three-time Pro Bowler Josh Sitton, a move nobody saw coming. More recently, GM Brian Gutekunst traded a seventh-round pick for Malik Willis to back up Jordan Love. Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt had spent all summer competing for the job, and they both lost.
There could be surprise cuts. There could be trades. Anything is possible once teams start trimming their rosters from 90 to 53 players.
With Sunday's deadline looming, we take one final shot at predicting the Packers' initial 53-man roster, and there are some surprises. You'll find them at wide receiver, tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback.
Predicting the Green Bay Packers' 53-man roster ahead of cutdown day
Quarterbacks (2): Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor
Kyle McCord made things interesting with a dazzling four-touchdown display in the preseason finale, but the Packers' decision was already made. Tyrod Taylor didn't play a single snap, which is a clear sign he's the QB2. Green Bay will hope McCord clears waivers and returns to the practice squad.
Running backs (3): Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
"Well, I fully anticipate him being a member of our team," Matt LaFleur said of Josh Jacobs following the preseason finale on Friday night.
Pierre Strong Jr. is in contention for a 53-man roster spot, but for now, it seems like the Packers will stick with just the top three of Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks.
Wide receivers (7): Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Bo Melton, Skyy Moore, J. Michael Sturdivant, Will Sheppard
Injured reserve (designated to return): Savion Williams
Here's the first surprise. LaFleur didn't sound convinced that Savion Williams will be ready for Week 1, noting that his ankle injury "definitely" and "possibly" could impact his status for the season opener. If the injury could keep the Packers' second-year receiver out of multiple games, a trip to injured reserve could be the solution.
The Packers can designate two players to return from injured reserve before cutdown day. Williams would have to miss four games.
It would create room for one of J. Michael Sturdivant or Will Sheppard to make the 53-man roster. Why not both?
Sturdivant starred in the preseason finale with a six-catch, 112-yard, one-touchdown performance. Sheppard hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Kyle McCord before breaking out a big 81-yard punt-return touchdown.
Both players can contribute on special teams. Sturdivant could be a real contributor on offense, while Sheppard's return abilities can help fill the void without Williams.
Tight ends (3): Tucker Kraft, Jonnu Smith, Josh Whyle
PUP: Luke Musgrave
The arrival of former Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith likely suggests Luke Musgrave won't be back any time soon. Smith adds much-needed depth behind Tucker Kraft, giving Jordan Love two strong targets at the position.
Offensive line (9): Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, Zach Bako-Bewele, Anthony Belton, Jager Burton, John Williams, Donovan Jennings
Darian Kinnard has tumbled down the depth chart this summer. He was the Packers' swing tackle last season and even lined up at tight end, but he played deep into the preseason finale, which is never a good sign for a veteran.
Anthony Belton appears to be the preferred swing tackle, while John Williams has impressed this summer and can cover for Jordan Morgan.
The Packers waiving Kinnard would be another surprise nobody saw coming in July, but it now feels inevitable.
Defensive line (6): Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Chris McClellan, Karl Brooks, Jonathan Ford, Anthony Campbell
Injured reserve (designated to return): Warren Brinson
Warren Brinson suffered a calf injury in pregame warmups last week, and LaFleur said the second-year lineman will miss "a little bit of time." Brinson could be another candidate for injured reserve, keeping him out for a minimum of four games.
In his place, the Packers could hand Anthony Campbell a well-deserved 53-man roster spot. He was phenomenal again on Friday night, adding a sack, two QB hits, and a tackle for loss to his tally. Campbell could draw interest around the league if he becomes available. The Packers can't afford to waive him.
Edge rushers (6): Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., Dani Dennis-Sutton, Collin Oliver, Nyjalik Kelly
PUP: Micah Parsons
Another surprise!
Not only did fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton make an instant impact in his Packers debut, but Nyjalik Kelly may have forced his way into the 53-man roster conversation. Dennis-Sutton was dominant in the game, making a sack and a team-best four pressures (per PFF).
Kelly also had four pressures, a sack, an interception, two QB hits, and three tackles for loss. What a performance. While the undrafted rookie remains a long shot to make the 53, Collin Oliver's injury could give the Packers enough reason to keep Kelly on the roster. Something to watch.
Linebackers (5): Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann
The most settled position on the entire roster. Green Bay should have zero concerns at linebacker. The top five remains the same as it has been all summer.
Cornerbacks (5): Brandon Cisse, Keisean Nixon, Benjamin St-Juste, Carrington Valentine, Kamal Hadden
The Packers rarely cut draft picks in Year 1, but they might have no choice.
Sixth-round rookie Domani Jackson had a nightmare performance in the preseason finale, and it could cost him a spot on the 53-man roster. Per PFF, Jackson gave up five catches for 97 yards and a touchdown, and he also missed two tackles.
Brandon Cisse and Keisean Nixon will start in Week 1. As long as Benjamin St-Juste and Carrington Valentine are healthy, they can provide adequate backup on the boundaries. Kamal Hadden has experience on the outside but has found a new home as the backup slot corner to Javon Bullard.
Safeties (4): Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo
Hadden could technically join the safety group due to his extensive work in the slot. In any case, the Packers are loaded here. You won't find a better safety tandem than Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams, while starting nickel Bullard is an ascending star.
Specialists (3): Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan, Cal Adomitis
Despite his wobbles on the practice field, Trey Smack finished preseason a perfect 9-for-9 on field goals. That'll do. He also impressed on kickoffs. The job is his.
The Packers must now decide who their Week 1 long snapper is. Matt Orzech remains on the PUP list, while Cal Adomitis has stepped in brilliantly and formed a great connection with Smack and Daniel Whelan. With Orzech still not ready to return, Adomitis feels like an easy choice here.
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