Surprise cuts have become an annual event around the league, and the Green Bay Packers are no stranger to some eyebrow-raising decisions. We all remember where we were when the Packers released Josh Sitton seemingly out of nowhere.
A roster cut of that magnitude is unlikely this summer, but the Packers may have no choice but to move on from one former draft pick: Colby Wooden.
Wooden has failed to live up to expectations after the Packers drafted him in the fourth round two years ago. Karl Brooks has made a significantly greater impact, while undrafted rookie Nazir Stackhouse is turning heads and beginning to get second-team reps ahead of Wooden. It could leave the Packers with a difficult decision. Let's break down how it could impact the 53-man roster.
Packers move on from former fourth-round pick Colby Wooden in 53-man roster prediction
Quarterbacks (2): Jordan Love, Malik Willis
One of the few positions without many questions. Jordan Love and Malik Willis will continue as the Packers' top two, with Sean Clifford or Taylor Elgersma returning to the practice squad.
Running backs (3): Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Emanuel Wilson
Brian Gutekunst has a daunting decision here. Unless the Packers find a way to keep four running backs on the 53, they must decide between Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks. Wilson dodged disaster after an injury scare at practice, but it's unclear how much time he will miss.
Brooks has an opportunity to pull ahead in the RB3 battle. For now, Wilson gets the slight edge after becoming such a reliable backup behind Josh Jacobs last season. His 502 yards and four touchdowns at 4.9 yards per attempt help strengthen his case.
Wide receivers (6): Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams, Mecole Hardman
PUP: Christian Watson
Talk about quality depth. Several Packers receivers have stood out this summer.
Matthew Golden looks like the real deal. He might be the WR1 the Packers have lacked. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs continue to show great chemistry with Jordan Love, while Dontayvion Wicks appears to have made progress in cleaning up the drops. He has to prove it in real games, but it would reignite the Davante Adams comparisons.
Savion Williams is going to be a problem for opposing defenses, while Mecole Hardman has used his experience to almost guarantee a roster spot. Hardman has enjoyed a strong summer to this point.
It's bad news for Malik Heath, who could be one of the team's most notable roster cuts this summer despite performing well at training camp.
Tight ends (3): Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims
Tucker Kraft's role in the passing game could reach even greater heights this season, while the Packers hope Luke Musgrave can finally stay healthy and show some of that second-round potential.
Musgrave has turned a corner at training camp and is beginning to stack wins. Hopefully, that translates into the regular season.
Offensive line (10): Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk, Kadeem Telfort, Donovan Jennings
PUP: John Williams
Green Bay has open competitions at left tackle and right guard, but all signs point to last year's starters retaining those jobs. Jordan Morgan still has a lot of work to do before becoming a starting tackle, but he has also been unable to take over the right guard job from Rhyan.
The Packers have a solid starting five, and Morgan and rookie Anthony Belton provide solid cover. Beyond that, there are concerns. An injury or two at the interior positions could force the Packers into some serious reshuffling.
Defensive ends (6): Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr.
The Packers' pass rush is showing signs of life. Lukas Van Ness is enjoying an excellent summer, offering hope that he can finally break out in Year 3. Brenton Cox Jr. is quietly stealing the show at camp. Forget about Cox competing for a roster spot; he could land significant playing time this season.
It's important for this group to translate training camp promise into regular-season success, but the early signs are encouraging.
Defensive tackles (5): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse
Nazir Stackhouse's rise is undeniable. He is showing off his impressive run-defense abilities, which is no surprise if you turn on his Georgia tape. More exciting is the rookie's flashes of interior pass-rush potential. It no longer seems in any doubt that he'll join Georgia teammate Warren Brinson on the Packers' 53.
That is potentially bad news for 2023 fourth-round pick Colby Wooden, who is already losing snaps to Stackhouse at practice and has started only one game in two seasons.
The Packers may move on from their former draft pick.
Linebackers (5): Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah Simmons, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper
Staying healthy is the top priority for Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker, who can form an exciting connection in the middle of the field. Isaiah Simmons has reminded everyone of his elite athleticism at camp, but he must now prove he can make plays when the real games begin.
The Packers need plenty of depth at linebacker, and this group enters 2025 with potential.
Cornerbacks (5): Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton, Micah Robinson
Nate Hobbs made an impressive start to camp before suffering a knee injury, but Carrington Valentine is the real star of the summer. He is making interceptions for fun and reminding everyone why he earned such high praise during his rookie season.
Valentine has a real opportunity to win a starting job on the outside, which could push Hobbs into a more full-time role in the slot.
Green Bay's depth is a real concern, though. Bo Melton has adjusted well since switching from wide receiver, but is he ready to play real NFL snaps at the position?
Safeties (5): Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo, Zayne Anderson
This group almost picked itself before second-year Omar Brown turned Family Night into his stage. Brown made three interceptions during the Saturday night scrimmage. He's one to watch throughout the preseason.
Brown is still a long shot to make the roster, but he might give the Packers a tough decision by continuing to make plays in the weeks ahead.
Specialists (3): Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
The difference a year makes. Unlike 12 months ago, there's no kicking competition in Green Bay. Brandon McManus has been almost perfect all summer long, and Matt LaFleur put it best.
"I don't even think about it. It's great," LaFleur said.