The second preseason game is in the books, and as always, the tape tells a different story than the box score. Roster cutdowns are looming. Green Bay’s dress rehearsal against the Chiefs is up next. The final 53 is starting to take shape - but a few battles could flip this projection upside down. Let’s break down the locks, the long-shots, and the names you need to know before the deadline hits.
The Offense: Sorting the Skill Positions and Shoring Up the Trenches
Quarterback is settled. Jordan Love is the franchise guy. Malik Willis is a capable, if unspectacular, backup. The real intrigue on this side of the ball sits in the receiver room and along the offensive line.
At wideout, the top four of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks are locks. The battle for the final two spots is where it gets spicy. Bo Melton’s speed makes him a constant deep threat, and his special teams value is undeniable. But rookie Jaylin Noel, the third-round pick, has been electric in the return game all summer. He’s not just fighting for a roster spot - he’s making a case for meaningful offensive snaps as a gadget player. Right now, Melton and Noel are in. But a strong final game from a guy like Malik Heath could force the coaching staff to keep seven. Don’t sleep on that possibility.
The offensive line is a unit defined by versatility. Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom are the starting tackles, with Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan inside. Josh Myers’ future beyond 2025 is a question, but he’s the starter at center now. The real battle is for the backup spots. Jordan Morgan’s ability to play both guard and tackle gives him a massive edge. Andre Dillard and Travis Glover are competing for one swing tackle role, while Jacob Monk’s positional flexibility as a center/guard makes him a near-lock. If the Packers keep nine, the final spot comes down to a pure tackle versus a hybrid interior guy.
Remember the tight end room. Tucker Kraft is the alpha. Luke Musgrave’s skill set is unique, but if a young guy like Ben Yurosek shows out on special teams, Musgrave could find himself on the trade block. It’s a name to watch.
| Position | Starter | Backup | Battle to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Reed, Doubs, Watson | Wicks | Melton vs. Noel for WR5/WR6 |
| TE | Kraft | Musgrave | Yurosek pushing for roster spot |
| OL | Walker, Jenkins, Myers, Rhyan, Tom | Morgan, Monk | Dillard vs. Glover for swing tackle |
| QB | Love | Willis | No competition - settled |
The Defense: Edge Depth, Cornerback Chaos, and a Linebacker Logjam
Defensively, the front seven has serious talent. But the depth chart is far from settled. Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness are the starting outside linebackers, no debate. The free-agent signing of Dayo Odeyingbo gives this unit a legitimate three-man rotation. After that, it’s a fight to the finish. Kingsley Enagbare is a proven commodity against the run, but Brenton Cox Jr. has been a camp darling, generating pressure in flashes. His special teams contributions could be the deciding factor. The Packers typically keep five edges. If Cox wins the job, it’s a tough beat for Enagbare’s roster spot.
📊 Odeyingbo signed a 3-year, $39M deal on March 24, 2025 - He’s the highest-paid rotational edge in the room, cementing his spot as the No. 3 rusher.
Inside, Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper are the future - and the present. Cooper looks like a star in the making, flying around the field in a way that jumps off the tape. The backup roles are a competition between Isaiah McDuffie, a reliable special teamer, and Ty’Ron Hopper, who needs to show more consistency in the run game. This is a classic “prove it” preseason for Hopper. Right now, McDuffie’s consistency gives him the edge.
