Early Green Bay Packers 53-man roster predictions after 2024 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers improved on both sides of the ball during the 2024 NFL Draft, finding big-time upgrades at their most significant positions of need.

Green Bay drafted three safeties, three offensive linemen, and two linebackers, moving up and down the draft board to prioritize positions of need. The Packers have the potential to take a massive step forward, and their roster will be even younger than a year ago. The future is bright.

Most importantly, the draft class adds competition across the roster. Gutekunst has repeatedly spoken about the need for depth, and the Packers have plenty of that.

Between now and the end of training camp, Gutekunst will determine which players make the Packers' 53-man roster. With the NFL Draft in the books, it's time to make our way-too-early predictions.

Way-too-early Packers 53-man roster predictions following 2024 NFL Draft

Quarterbacks (2): Jordan Love, Michael Pratt

We have a quarterback competition. Gutekunst said he wanted to add another passer in the draft, and the Packers landed a steal with Michael Pratt falling to Round 7. Pratt will compete with Sean Clifford for the backup job. Clifford has the advantage of spending a year in Green Bay, but Pratt has exciting upside and should make the roster.

Running backs (3): Josh Jacobs, AJ Dillon, MarShawn Lloyd

The Packers could have the best running back room in football. Josh Jacobs was the NFL rushing champion a little over a year ago, and he is now joined by MarShawn Lloyd, who was named the best running back in the class by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

Lloyd is a home-run hitter with great athleticism and speed, and he has drawn comparisons to Aaron Jones. Lloyd is an ideal complement for Jacobs. Along with AJ Dillon, this is an excellent backfield.

Wide receivers (6): Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath

Green Bay is confident in its receiving corps and didn't feel the need to add another pass-catcher via the draft. And for good reason. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks showed star potential as rookies. Romeo Doubs is an ascending player and showed his upside in a dominant playoff performance against the Dallas Cowboys.

We've all seen how unstoppable Christian Watson can be when healthy. If he can overcome his hamstring injuries this season, look out.

Tight ends (4): Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Ben Sims, Tyler Davis

It wasn't a deep draft class at tight end, but that was no problem for the Packers. They made their moves at the position a year ago. Green Bay is set for the future with Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft entering year two. Ben Sims was a valuable backup last season, and the Packers will also get Tyler Davis back from injury.

Offensive line (10): Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, Jacob Monk, Travis Glover, Donovan Jennings, Andre Dillard

Help is on the way for the offensive line. Green Bay entered the draft with zero depth behind the starting five, but that all changed over the weekend. Gutekunst drafted three linemen, including first-rounder Jordan Morgan, before continuing to build depth in undrafted free agency.

All of their draft picks offer positional versatility. Gutekunst said Morgan can play four positions. Jacob Monk has experience at tackle, guard, and center. Travis Glover and Donovan Jennings have both played tackle and guard.

What's the best starting five? Where will each player line up? To be determined. But the Packers have plenty of options, adding much-needed depth and competition across the line.

Interior defensive line (5): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, T.J. Slaton, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden

The Packers didn't add an interior defensive lineman in the draft, which suggests they are happy with their current group. Devonte Wyatt is entering year three, while Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden are going into their second seasons. Leading the way is Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, who should benefit from the switch to a 4-3 defense.

Edge defenders (4): Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr.

It would be ideal to keep more than four edge rushers on the initial 53-man roster, and a lot will depend on the status of Kingsley Enagbare. Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur indicated that his injury isn't as significant as once feared, which is good news.

Linebackers (5): Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Eric Wilson

The Packers completely revamped their linebacker room in the draft. In desperate need of more talent and depth, Green Bay used two top-100 picks at the position by bringing in Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper. Cooper was the best linebacker in the class and can start immediately next to Quay Walker. Hopper provides good depth and can help out on special teams.

Green Bay improved significantly at linebacker.

Cornerbacks (6): Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Corey Ballentine, Kalen King

It seems the Packers are more comfortable with their cornerback room than the consensus. They are banking on Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes staying healthy and Stokes getting back to his 2021 best. The hope is that Carrington Valentine can build on a promising rookie season. Rookie safety Javon Bullard has experience at slot corner, which also helps.

It will be interesting to see Kalen King at training camp. He was once considered a potential first-round pick after an outstanding 2022 season, but he struggled last year and fell to Green Bay in Round 7. He's a player to watch.

Safeties (5): Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Anthony Johnson, Evan Williams, Kitan Oladapo

Gutekunst loves to double and triple down at positions of need. The Packers lost Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford in the offseason. Even after signing Xavier McKinney, more work was required in the draft.

Javon Bullard and Evan Williams offer the versatility to be the "interchangeable" safeties Gutekunst wanted. It allows Jeff Hafley to move them around and disguise coverages. With three rookies joining McKinney and second-year Anthony Johnson, the Packers' safety play will almost certainly improve in 2024.

Specialists (3): Greg Joseph, Daniel Whelan, Peter Bowden

There are a couple of interesting positional battles to watch on special teams. Will Greg Joseph, Anders Carlson, or another kicker make the 53? We have the more experienced Joseph just winning the competition, and undrafted rookie Peter Bowden beating Matt Orzech for the long snapper job.

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