Predicting the winners of Packers biggest positional battles ahead of roster cuts

The Green Bay Packers have many difficult roster decisions regarding crucial aspects of offense, defense, and special teams that can greatly impact their 2024 season positively and negatively.

There has been a lot of speculation on what the Packers' 53-man roster will consist of, with some people supposedly earning and losing spots during Saturday's battle with the Baltimore Ravens.

Here is a prediction of what the Packers will do, for those of you that can't wait to find out.

Predictions for the Packers' toughest 53-man roster decisions

Backup quarterback: Michael Pratt

When evaluating the two backup candidates throughout training camp, quarterback Michael Pratt has certain elements to his game that quarterback Sean Clifford does not have. Day in and day out, Pratt outplayed Clifford, including the two-minute drill and other offensive periods of play. Given that many of the training camp plays cannot be seen by fans, the preseason games were some fans' first look at Pratt and Clifford.

It is not bold to claim that Pratt outplayed Clifford in each of the three preseason games, despite not always looking amazing himself. It is no secret that Pratt still has plenty of work to do, but his raw arm talent and processing abilities make him the more desirable project at this time.

It is also worth noting that since Pratt is a rookie, the Packers have more time for contract control. Clifford may have an extra year of experience under his belt in the Packers system, but after a training camp to forget for the former Penn State QB, the Packers should be going with Pratt as their backup quarterback.

Kicker: Anders Carlson

From what was perhaps the most disappointing battle, the Packers will take kicker Anders Carlson on their 53-man roster. With nearly identical kicking numbers throughout training camp, Carlson gained a slight edge over kicker Greg Joseph towards the end of the preseason.

Packers fans remained concerned with Carlson after he shanked a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against the Ravens, despite squeezing in a 54-yard kick earlier in the game. Both the Packers' kickers have shown the ability to nail deep kicks, but they lack the consistency to give the organization and fans comfort.

Given that Carlson is on a rookie deal and still has potential upside, the Packers will likely opt for him and hope he takes a similar trajectory to his brother, Daniel Carlson. For reference, Daniel Carlson played poorly as a rookie for the Minnesota Vikings, who later released him before he became a star kicker for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Anders Carlson is more likely to walk away with the kicking job for Week 1, but his job is nowhere near safe for the long term.

Sixth wide receiver: Malik Heath

Despite some impressive performances from Grant DuBose, the Packers should keep Malik Heath on their roster, as they did last year. Both receivers have a willingness to block downfield and play on special teams, and both are serviceable in those aspects of the game. After a big performance against the Ravens with a team-best 39 yards and a touchdown, Heath proved that he deserves to keep his roster spot that DuBose is gunning for.

In what felt like a "prove-it" game for Heath, he delivered when he needed to. He has real NFL experience, making valuable plays late last season, with key moments against the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants. Heath's playmaking ability showed up when the Packers needed it, and it would be unwise to strip him of his roster spot for the less experienced DuBose.

Despite his potential, it is more likely that DuBose could return to the practice squad than Heath, as Heath would likely be claimed by another team on waivers. He has continued to deliver behind five other wide receivers, and the Packers should hand Heath a roster spot.

Final running back spot: Emanuel Wilson

Emanuel Wilson was impressive throughout the preseason and training camp. However, in a deep running back room including Josh Jacobs, AJ Dillon, and MarShawn Lloyd, it is unclear whether a spot will open up for Wilson, who made the team last year following an impressive preseason.

Given the injuries to Dillon (stinger) and Lloyd (hamstring), the Packers should consider placing one of these running backs on injured reserve. This would free up a roster spot and allow the injured player to return in Week 5. It is more likely that Lloyd would be given the injured reserve designation due to the sensitivity of hamstring injuries.

This designation would allow Wilson to make the opening-day roster without using another spot on a fourth running back. Wilson has shown enough in the preseason that the Packers should be comfortable making this move.

Other defensive players who make roster: Kristian Welch and Arron Mosby

It is no secret that big plays in the preseason stand out, and these two young defenders made their mark in the preseason finale. Linebacker Kristian Welch came up with an impressive interception for the second straight week, even showing off his return skills against the Ravens on Saturday. Turnovers that Welch has been able to force can change the outcome of games, and the linebacker made some big-time plays when he needed to.

Defensive end Arron Mosby made his presence felt in the final preseason game, causing a forced fumble that led to a touchdown and an interception of his own. Mosby was already noted by various coaches for putting pressure on the quarterback, and it finally paid off on the stat sheet against the Ravens. After that performance, it would be difficult for the Packers to keep Mosby off their 2024 roster.

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