Let's Make Some Roster Cuts

Turns out projecting the Packers final 53 man roster is a very popular thing to do, as several of my favorite blogs and writers have already done so. I've resisted looking at them though, in order to give you my true opinion on the roster cuts (with a little help from my brothers, I might add).

As important as last night's loss to the Titans was in helping determine roster cuts, many of these decisions are the result of the entire training camp period, not just one game (By the way, if you're looking for stats and details about the game, head over to Packers.com. No recap from me because instead of watching the game I attended my brother's high school soccer match. He scored the game winner, so it was more than worth it).

However, if you're looking for strictly the highlights, I can help you out there:



Now on to the 53 man roster:

QB (3): Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Brian Brohm

Rodgers has looked wonderful this preseason, and I'm ready to finally see how he'll perform when these things count for real. Brohm is the number two, althought Flynn has played better, and with more confidence. There is an outside chance the Packers go and sign a guy like Daunte Culpepper, but I still think we're not going to sign a veteran unless one of these guys actually go down.

RB (4): Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Noah Herron, Kregg Lumpkin

Vernand Morency's career as a Packer will be over, and that seems to be the common consensus among Packers fans. Four running backs might still be one too many when Ted Thompson does his version of this, but Kregg Lumpkin has been to impressive to cut. Jackson and Herron have looked good this preseason.

FB (2): Korey Hall, John Kuhn

No surprises here.

WR (5): Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Jordy Nelson

The Packers have a lot of receivers vying for that 6th spot, and even though there are some decent candidates, none of them are going to be making the team. Brett Swain and Jake Allen have practice squad written all over them, while my guy Taj Smith has slowly faded into obscurity. Perhaps the Packers take six, as Jones is a little banged up, but I've seen the Packers go into games with only three healthy receivers before, and Jones will be fine soon enough.

TE (3): Donald Lee, Tory Humphrey, Jermichael Finley

Donald Lee could have a breakout year, I've been targeting him in my fantasy drafts. Humphrey is now a legitimate two, and Finley could shine if given the chance.

OL (8): Chad Clifton, Scott Wells, Mark Tauscher, Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge, Allen Barbre, Josh Sitton, Tony Moll

Here's where things start to get tricky. I've cut Orrin Thompson and Breno Giacomini, although I'd be surprised zero percent if they both made the roster. I probably should have kept an extra offensive linemen here, but I found it tougher to cut the defensive fringe guys than the offensive ones.

DL (9) : Aaron Kampman, Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins, Colin Cole, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Daniel Muir, Jason Hunter, Michael Montgomery

Jeremy Thompson is one of the cuts here, which means neither of the Thompson brothers made the team. I'm going with Hunter for his special teams play, and Muir because he is a body on the line. There's speculation KGB could be sent either the PUP list, or be cut outright. Perhaps traded.

LB (7): A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brady Poppinga, Brandon Chillar, Desmond Bishop, Abdul Hodge, Tracy White

One of the things me and my brother have agreed on the most is our desire to see the Packers keep seven linebackers. Maybe it's not traditional, but it's not that far of a stretch, and these guys are just too good to just cut. The linebackers stole the show last night (as I've been told), and have played well as a unit. If one of these guys is cut, however, it's likely to be Tracy White. Or Hodge. Or Bishop. Ah, just keep seven.

CB (5): Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Will Blackmon, Tramon Williams, Pat Lee

Not much surprise here. You have your two veterans, your two young guys that can return kicks, and your rookie.

S (4): Atari Bigby, Nick Collins, Aaron Rouse, Jarrett Bush

I said goodbye to Culver and Peprah, instead keeping Jarrett Bush. Bush has caught a lot of flack this preseason, but the Packers have had a tradition of always keeping that guy in the secondary that seems to suck in the preseason (read: Terrell Buckley, Lenny McGill, Marques Anderson)

LS (1): J.J. Jansen

Jansen has actually had a very disappointing preseason. There's talk he could be put on the IR, and the Packers go elsewhere (perhaps Thomas Gafford?)

K (1): Mason Crosby

P (1): Jon Ryan

No challenge for these guys.

So that's my list, although likely nowhere near what Ted Thompson will decide to do. Last year I would have never though to put 4th string Giants running back Ryan Grant on my list, so expect a trade or two before it's all said and done. Either way, if you look at my list, other blogger's lists, and the final list, it's clear to see there are some very difficult decisions to be made.