Two undrafted rookies overcome odds to make Packers roster

Few teams give opportunities to undrafted free agents quite like the Green Bay Packers.

Players like Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, and recently Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan all earned opportunities with the Packers after going undrafted.

Williams became one of the best players of the entire Aaron Rodgers era, making crucial plays in the Packers' magical Super Bowl run in 2010.

Undrafted rookies know that they will get a fair opportunity in Green Bay. Play well enough over the summer, and a roster spot is there for the taking. And that run is set to continue this summer.

The Packers almost always keep an undrafted rookie on their initial 53-man roster, and we can add at least two more to the list this year.

Packers Rumors: Two undrafted rookies make 53-man roster

Wide receiver Malik Heath and edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. weren't given much shot of making the 53-man roster back in the spring. But here they are.

Heath revealed on Instagram that he has made the 53-man roster, and The Athletic's Matt Schneidman reports that Cox has also been informed that he has made it.

Both players deservedly make the 53 and had to overcome the odds to get here.

Heath joined a deep wide receiver corps featuring Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Samori Toure, Dontayvion Wicks, Grant DuBose, and Bo Melton. Six of those seven were Packers draft picks over the past two years. There wasn't much room for Heath.

He led the Packers in receiving in the preseason, making 12 catches for 146 yards. Just as importantly, he made plays as a blocker. His willingness to help his team would have stood out to head coach Matt LaFleur.

Cox was kicked off two college programs. He had the talent to make an NFL roster but needed to prove himself. He did this all summer and backed it up with a strong showing in the preseason.

Both players started the summer well, sustained success, and then performed in the preseason.

The Packers, like they often do, are ready to give them an opportunity, finding room for them on the 53-man roster.

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