Packers cut former first-round pick in 53-man roster prediction

The Green Bay Packers have completed one week of training camp.

Jordan Love got his massive deal, Zach Tom returned from injury, and the defense showed signs of unlimited potential under Jeff Hafley's leadership.

With the preseason around the corner, the Packers' roster decisions are far from over. What have we learned so far? Where do things stand entering the second week of training camp?

If Green Bay had to trim its roster down to 53 players today, it could see the team move on from former first-round pick Andre Dillard and 2023 draft pick Sean Clifford. Here are our updated projections.

Packers 53-man roster projections after first week of training camp

Quarterbacks (2)

• Jordan Love
• Michael Pratt

The Packers handed Jordan Love a record-breaking contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season. Green Bay must now figure out who backs him up this year.

Sean Clifford has struggled in the opening week of training camp, a concerning trend after he threw multiple interceptions at minicamp in June. Clifford threw five picks during Wednesday's practice, which Matt LaFleur said "might be a record."

Is Michael Pratt, a seventh-round rookie, ready for backup duties in the NFL? That's a challenging question the Packers must find an answer to, but with Clifford struggling, there's an opening for Pratt.

Running backs (3)

• Josh Jacobs
• AJ Dillon
• MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay's running back room is possibly the deepest we've seen in some time, even after losing Aaron Jones.

Josh Jacobs, the NFL rushing champion in 2022, lands in an ideal spot for a bounce-back season. His offensive line did him no favors last year, but Jacobs should get more help in Green Bay, especially with an elite passing game leading to lighter boxes.

AJ Dillon has a point to prove. He arrived at training camp in incredible shape, and it's already paying off.

"This is the best I've seen him, hands down," said Matt LaFleur. "He looks like he's in great shape, and I think he's in a great place mentally. Obviously, we know what he's capable of doing."

We have yet to see rookie MarShawn Lloyd, who is dealing with a hip injury, but this running back trio has the chance to put together a special season. Emanuel Wilson barely misses out on the 53, but he is making a strong impression at training camp and could force the Packers to make room for him.

Wide receivers (5)

• Christian Watson
• Romeo Doubs
• Jayden Reed
• Dontayvion Wicks
• Bo Melton

It's easy to forget how young this receiving corps is. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are the experienced veterans entering year three. If Watson can stay healthy, he has the chance to enjoy a breakout season, just like Davante Adams did in his third year.

Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks impressed as rookies, and the sky is the limit in year two. Jordan Love predicted that both players will "take the league by storm" this season.

The Packers' receivers can hurt defenses in so many different ways. An exciting year awaits.

Tight ends (4)

• Luke Musgrave
• Tucker Kraft
• Ben Sims
• Tyler Davis

Tucker Kraft remains sidelined with a pec injury, but he shouldn't be out for too much longer. Tyler Davis has returned from a torn ACL and immediately improved his roster chances. He should resume his role as a key special teams contributor.

With Luke Musgrave and Kraft leading the way, the Packers have an exciting future at tight end.

Offensive line (10)

• Rasheed Walker
• Elgton Jenkins
• Josh Myers
• Sean Rhyan
• Zach Tom
• Jordan Morgan
• Jacob Monk
• Kadeem Telfort
• Travis Glover
• Donovan Jennings

With Zach Tom limited as he recovers from a torn pec, the Packers' offensive line has been out of sorts in the first week of training camp. And it could be the end of the road for former first-round pick Andre Dillard, who Green Bay signed in free agency. Dillard has spent time with the first team during Tom's absence, but the results haven't been encouraging.

"Dillard has no shot at blocking Rashan Gary. Just a massive mismatch," Packer Report's Andy Herman wrote during Tuesday's practice.

First-round pick Jordan Morgan has seen extensive time at guard but will continue to cross-train at multiple positions. Meanwhile, 2023 undrafted free agent signing Kadeem Telfort has been getting first-team reps at tackle, which is something to watch.

Defensive line (10)

• Kenny Clark
• T.J. Slaton
• Devonte Wyatt
• Karl Brooks
• Colby Wooden
• Rashan Gary
• Preston Smith
• Lukas Van Ness
• Kingsley Enagbare
• Brenton Cox Jr.

Green Bay's defense has dominated the opening week of training camp, and it begins up front.

Rashan Gary has been the Packers' best player at training camp. He has given the offensive line all sorts of problems at each practice, including making three sacks in four plays on Tuesday, per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.

"Hand in the dirt and not dropping back. It's that simple," said Gary, who is enjoying the new defensive system under Jeff Hafley.

Lining up as a 4-3 defensive end should get the best out of Gary, Preston Smith, and Lukas Van Ness, and we're already seeing encouraging signs.

Inside linebackers (5)

• Quay Walker
• Edgerrin Cooper
• Isaiah McDuffie
• Ty'Ron Hopper
• Eric Wilson

Edgerrin Cooper might already be the Packers' best linebacker. All he does is make plays against the run and pass. Isaiah McDuffie has also made a fast start to camp, while Quay Walker intercepted a Jordan Love pass on Saturday. There's a lot to like about this group's potential.

Cornerbacks (6)

• Jaire Alexander
• Eric Stokes
• Carrington Valentine
• Keisean Nixon
• Corey Ballentine
• Kalen King

Eric Stokes was one of the standout performers in the Packers' first week of training camp, which is so good to see. Stokes has made multiple interceptions, including two during Thursday's practice, reminding everyone why he was a first-round pick. Carrington Valentine has also continued to impress.

Can Kalen King secure the final roster spot as a nickel corner? He has an opportunity but needs to make an impact in the preseason.

Safeties (5)

• Xavier McKinney
• Javon Bullard
• Anthony Johnson Jr.
• Evan Williams
• Kitan Oladapo

Javon Bullard looks like a star. He had his best practice on Saturday, spending time at safety and in the slot. He made several big-time plays, including a pick-six. No matter where he lines up, the second-round pick can make a huge impact in Jeff Hafley's defense.

This is likely Green Bay's best five. Zayne Anderson could make a case for Green Bay to keep six safeties.

Specialists (3)

• Anders Carlson
• Daniel Whelan
• Matt Orzech

Anders Carlson has made an excellent start to training camp, building off his good work during minicamp. He remains ahead in the kicking competition, showing good consistency. Hopefully, a year of experience in the NFL has helped him level up.

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