Packers draft pick changing positions could help roster chances

In an offseason that has seen the Green Bay Packers part ways with Aaron Rodgers and many of last year's starters, an under-the-radar move sees a former draft pick switch positions.

Second-year Tariq Carpenter, a seventh-round draft choice in 2022, played safety in his rookie season but is now listed as a linebacker.

Carpenter has experience playing both and he offers versatility for the Packers on defense.

As a rookie, Carpenter only played a handful of snaps on defense with most of his work coming on special teams. He had become a key contributor for Rich Bisaccia's unit late in the season.

Carpenter isn't guaranteed a roster spot this summer, but the positional change could help his chances.

Switch to linebacker could help Tariq Carpenter make Packers roster

The safety room is crowded.

Along with returning starter Darnell Savage, the Packers re-signed Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt and added three new players to the room: Tarvarius Moore, Jonathan Owens, and draft pick Anthony Johnson Jr.

Breaking into that group could be difficult for Carpenter.

His best path to the roster could come at linebacker. De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker are Green Bay's starters with Isaiah McDuffie likely the top backup. Eric Wilson was a special teams standout last season.

Carpenter could realistically make the roster as the Packers' fifth inside linebacker. He showed he can contribute on special teams last season, and his versatility on defense is a bonus. Carpenter is a player to watch this summer as he adapts to his new role in Green Bay.

He will need to perform well in the preseason as there is always a lot of competition for the final roster spots. His ability to play special teams helps, and he could secure a roster spot by showing he can play at linebacker this summer.

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