Packers fans are floored preseason star didn't make 53-man roster

Building a 53-man roster isn't easy. Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had to make tough decisions, including moving on from multiple draft picks.

He cut kicker Anders Carlson, a sixth-rounder only a year ago, in favor of free-agent addition Greg Joseph. Gutekunst gave up on two quarterbacks he drafted for Malik Willis, who the Packers traded for this week. It's impossible to keep everyone.

The Packers certainly had their share of feel-good moments. Arron Mosby deservedly made the roster after a preseason performance for the ages. Emanuel Wilson fought hard for his roster spot and earned his way onto the 53.

However, Green Bay surprisingly moved on from preseason star Kristian Welch, and it doesn't make much sense.

Packers fans aren't happy Kristian Welch didn't make 53-man roster

Welch came agonizingly close to living out his dream of making the Packers' 53-man roster. The Wisconsin native played 210 snaps on special teams last year despite not making the initial roster, but he was aiming to go one better this summer by securing a spot on the 53.

And there's not much more he could've done.

Welch left everything on the field in the preseason, making 18 tackles (including 14 solo), three pass defenses, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. That's right—he was part of a takeaway in each game.

No Packers defender earned a higher PFF grade than Welch's 90.1. He earned elite scores in total defense and coverage and an excellent tackling grade.

The Packers need linebacker depth as they transition to a 4-3 defense, especially as rookie Edgerrin Cooper is returning from a groin injury.

Backups need to contribute on special teams. Welch can do that in a big way. He has built his NFL career on special teams consistency, playing 1,101 snaps on fourth down for the Packers and Baltimore Ravens.

What more could Welch have done? He is a core special teams player, tackles well, and made play after play in the preseason.

The good news is that Green Bay could get him back on the practice squad, assuming he clears waivers. But if any player on the roster bubble deserved a spot on the 53, it was Welch.

More Packers news and analysis