Packers players who will make the 53-man roster but don't deserve it

The Green Bay Packers are approaching their first preseason game of 2024 against the Cleveland Browns, and, entering a game week, we can already tell that there are certain players making this team who don't exactly deserve it.

The Packers have an exciting young roster full of talent on both sides of the ball, but there's no such thing as a perfect roster in the NFL.

Every team is going to be flawed in some way, and there are always going to be players who make the 53-man roster because they are beloved by the coaches or front office for reasons unknown to the masses.

What players are in line to make the Packers' roster in 2024 who shouldn't be taking up roster space?

These Packers shouldn't make the roster but likely will

1. Royce Newman, offensive line

The war on attrition affects every NFL roster annually, there's no doubt about it. But injuries on the offensive line have really put the Packers in a bind when it comes to moving on from players like Royce Newman. The Packers have been dealing with a number of key absences on the offensive line this offseason, including starting right tackle Zach Tom and starting center Josh Myers.

Since the Packers are getting a taste of what life is like with a couple of key injuries now, it feels extremely unlikely that this team would be able to justify cutting Royce Newman, a guy who has actual starting experience. Even though the Packers seemingly demoted Newman last year, they might have no choice but to keep him around.

2. Sean Clifford, quarterback

You could really put either potential backup quarterback on this list for the Packers between Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt. The Packers desperately need an upgrade in the backup QB department but they're not getting it from the recently-released Jacob Eason.

Clifford has been an interception merchant this offseason, and if that continues into the preseason, it's possible that he could make the roster despite a horrendous offseason. The Packers should be going after a veteran like Ryan Tannehill or seeing if they can offload a late draft pick for a better QB2 situation.

3. Andre Dillard, offensive tackle

Once again, the war on attrition is something the Packers are having to deal with already on the offensive line. There are a lot of young players on the offensive line who are unproven at this point, and Andre Dillard has a lot of experience. The free-agent pickup and former first-round pick of the Eagles has struggled during training camp, which is really just a continuation of what we've seen from him in his time in the NFL.

Dillard has been bad in a starting role, and it doesn't really look like he's going to be effective enough if the Packers actually have to call on him in a swing tackle role. The idea of signing a former first-round tackle has merit, but the Packers might be in trouble if they actually have to see him on the field for any stretch of time.

4. Anders Carlson, kicker

It's possible that Packers kicker Anders Carlson could make the roster after an undeserving offseason, simply because of the fact that he was drafted. Even if Greg Joseph "wins" a training camp competition this offseason, the Packers might decide to roll with Carlson because he's younger and they invested draft capital in him just last year.

Carlson struggled as a rookie, and you could hardly blame the Packers for betting on his talent -- especially after Rich Bisaccia helped his brother Daniel get back on track with the Raiders. However, he may not ultimately be deserving after the preseason but might make the team anyway.

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