Will Every Packers Draft Pick Make Roster Again?

Generally, being drafted means a ticket to the Green Bay Packers' 53-man roster. Here's a look at the battles for the Packers' sixth- and seventh-round draft picks.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
Jun 5, 2023 11:05 AM EDT

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Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – In 2021, all nine of the Green Bay Packers’ draft picks earned a spot on the 53-man roster. In 2022, all 11 selections made the 53. All eight made it in 2019, as well.

In April, general manager Brian Gutekunst drafted 13 players. While the Packers are either rebuilding or reloading with Jordan Love leading what might wind up being the youngest roster in the NFL, is there room for a baker’s dozen draft picks on the Week 1 roster?

Assuming the early- and mid-round picks are locks, let’s take a look at the six late-round picks.

Sixth Round: DT Karl Brooks

Last year’s opening 53: 6 defensive linemen.

The Packers have only three players on the depth chart who’ve ever played in a game. It would be a huge disappointment if Brooks doesn’t join veterans Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton and fourth-round pick Colby Wooden on the 53. In fact, Brooks shouldn’t just make the 53; he needs to get on the field.

Sixth Round: K Anders Carlson

Last year’s opening 53: 1 kicker.

At the moment, Carlson is flying solo on the depth chart. That, obviously, doesn’t mean Carlson has won the job but it is his job to lose. No doubt Gutekust and his pro scouts have a ready list of kickers young and old. Speaking of old kickers: Mason Crosby remains available if the kicking situation has devolved into chaos through two preseason games.

Seventh Round: CB Carrington Valentine

Last year’s opening 53: 5 cornerbacks.

With Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon locks for four spots, Valentine, 2021 fifth-rounder Shemar Jean-Charles and free-agent re-signing Corey Ballentine are the front-runners in the battle for the fifth spot. Green Bay’s obvious preference toward drafting and developing should give Valentine a leg up in the competition, though there’s a reason – special teams – why Ballentine is back.

Seventh Round: RB Lew Nichols III

Lew Nichols III (Photo by USA Today Sports Images)

Last year’s opening 53: 2 running backs.

It was two with an asterisk, with Green Bay using roster elevations to have three backs before moving Kylin Hill and, later, Patrick Taylor to the 53. Assuming the Packers carry the traditional three on the roster, it will be Nichols vs. Taylor (undrafted in 2020) and Tyler Goodson (undrafted in 2022) for the third spot. Again, draft status should weigh in Nichols’ favor, though Taylor’s do-it-all skill-set and Goodson’s explosiveness make them worthy contenders.

Seventh Round: S Anthony Johnson

Last year’s opening 53: 5 safeties.

You might have better odds picking the winning Powerball numbers than guessing the combination of safeties the Packers will carry on the opening 53. Darnell Savage is the one lock, Rudy Ford probably is one, too, and Dallin Leavitt is one of special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia’s favorites.

Johnson’s floor is a spot on the practice squad. His ceiling is breakthrough starter. The ability to tackle and play multiple roles will be key in sorting out the last couple spots on the 53. Jonathan Owens started all 17 games for the Texans last year and is an excellent tackler but was dismissed in free agency. Johnson started 42 games at corner at Iowa State before shifting to safety in 2022. However, fellow safeties Tarvarius Moore and Innis Gaines can play in the slot, as well.

Seventh Round: WR Grant DuBose

Last year’s opening 53: 7 receivers.

Including Amari Rodgers and Sammy Watkins, neither of whom made it through the season, the Packers kept seven on the opening 53 last year – one more than usual.

Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and second-round rookie Jayden Reed are the locks. Samori Toure and fifth-round rookie Dontayvion Wicks figure to make it, too. So, that’s five. In the battle for what could be the final spot, it will be DuBose against Bo Melton (seventh round pick by the Seahawks in 2022), Jeff Cotton, Malik Heath, Duece Watts and Jadakis Bonds (all of whom went undrafted).

DuBose hasn’t practiced yet due to an undisclosed injury. Blocking and doing the dirty work will be key, which should work in DuBose’s favor.