The Green Bay Packers made nine picks in the 2020 NFL draft, selecting a quarterback, running back, tight end, linebacker, three offensive linemen, a safety and an edge rusher.
Although the Packers will add to the roster via undrafted free agency, a good chunk of the 90-man roster is now set, allowing for analysis of the team’s depth chart coming out of the draft.
For the sake of clarity, all rookies (in italics) will be placed at the bottom of the depth chart at their respective positions.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers
Tim Boyle
Manny Wilkins
Jordan Love
Analysis: Love, the team’s first-round pick, provides a long-term developmental option and a short-term backup. The Packers love his talent and upside, but understand his need for growth and development. In theory, the Packers could keep three quarterbacks on the roster if Boyle comes out of training camp as the No. 2. Wilkins looks like the odd man out.
Running back
Aaron Jones
Jamaal Williams
Dexter Williams
Tyler Ervin
Damarea Crockett
Elijah Wellman (FB)
A.J. Dillon
Analysis: The addition of Dillon puts Dexter Williams on notice. If Dillon, Jones and Jamaal Williams are roster locks, and Ervin is a good bet as a returner, it’s going to be really difficult for Williams to stick around for a second season. This offense doesn’t really need a traditional fullback, especially if Josiah Deguara slides into an H-back role.
Wide receiver
Davante Adams
Allen Lazard
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Devin Funchess
Jake Kumerow
Equanimeous St. Brown
Darrius Shepherd
Malik Taylor
Reggie Begelton
Analysis: Surprisingly, there are no new additions here from the draft. The Packers are rolling with the nine above and maybe a UDFA or two. GM Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur sound content with the group, although a veteran free agent could be an option between now and camp. They’ll be banking on Funchess becoming a consistent contributor and the young receivers taking a big jump. It’s a gamble, and the Packers might be greatly overestimating their in-house talent here.
Tight end
Marcedes Lewis
Jace Sternberger
Robert Tonyan
Evan Baylis
James Looney
Josiah Deguara
Analysis: The Packers really like Deguara as a move tight end and H-back option. He might get chances to play inline and in the backfield. There’s a good chance the Packers will go into 2020 with Lewis, Sternberger, Tonyan and Deguara at tight end, although Tonyan’s spot now looks more threatened. Sternberger is expected to take on a major role.
Offensive tackle
David Bakhtiari
Rick Wagner
Alex Light
Yosh Nijman
John Leglue
Cody Conway
Analysis: The Packers surprisingly didn’t add help here. Jon Runyan played left tackle at Michigan and might be an option as a swing tackle, but he will likely head inside at the next level. Is there a projected future starter on the roster after Bakhtiari and Wagner? Light struggled last season, and Nijman, Leglue and Conway are undrafted projects. Wagner is coming off a bad final season in Detroit. Acquiring a veteran might be necessary here.
Interior offensive line
Corey Linsley
Billy Turner
Elgton Jenkins
Lane Taylor
Lucas Patrick
Cole Madison
Jon Runyan
Jake Hanson
Simon Stepaniak
Analysis: Three Day 3 draft picks added depth to the group and signaled potential future changes in the middle of the line. Runyan might have future starting ability at guard, while Hanson started 49 games at center in college and could be the replacement for Linsley, who is entering the final year of his deal. Taylor can’t be long for the roster. Madison, who is coming off a torn ACL, suddenly looks like a long shot.
Defensive line
Kenny Clark
Dean Lowry
Montravius Adams
Tyler Lancaster
Kingsley Keke
Gerald Willis (claimed off waivers, not official)
Analysis: No additions here. The Packers are bringing back five players who played snaps along the defensive line last season, but this group struggled to play the run, and Clark was the only disruptive player against the pass. Clearly, they are expecting a jump from Adams and Keke to improve this position group. Adding a veteran here still makes a lot of sense.
Edge rusher
Za’Darius Smith
Preston Smith
Rashan Gary
Tim Williams
Randy Ramsey
Greg Roberts
Jamal Davis (claimed off waivers, not official)
Jonathan Garvin
Analysis: Garvin, a seventh-round pick, will compete with Williams, Ramsey, Roberts and Davis to be the fourth rusher. It’s always possible the Packers could keep five here. Gary, in his second season, will play a lot more. The Packers like churning the bottom of the roster, particularly at edge rusher, so future additions are possible.
Inside linebacker
Christian Kirksey
Oren Burks
Ty Summers
Curtis Bolton
Kamal Martin
Analysis: The Packers added Kirksey to be the primary off-ball linebacker and drafted Martin, a player they think has the athleticism and length to play both linebacker spots in Mike Pettine’s defense. Can he be an early contributor? Collectively, Burks, Summers and Bolton must really improve for this position to avoid being a major weakness. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers had to make another move for a veteran at some point during the summer.
Cornerback
Jaire Alexander
Kevin King
Chandon Sullivan
Josh Jackson
Ka’dar Hollman
Kabion Ento
DaShaun Amos
Analysis: The Packers didn’t draft a cornerback, opening the door for veteran Tramon Williams to return at some point to play the slot. Then again, Gutekunst expressed confidence in Sullivan and suggested Darnell Savage might be able to play some as a nickelback. UDFAs at cornerback always have a chance to make the roster.
Safety
Adrian Amos
Darnell Savage
Raven Greene
Will Redmond
Vernon Scott
Analysis: The top four all look like good bets to make the roster. Scott is a bit of an unknown, but the Packers like his size and movement ability. He’ll need to earn a spot on the roster through special teams work. Greene is coming off a significant injury but has a specialized role, and Redmond was terrific on special teams last year.
Special teams
K Mason Crosby
P JK Scott
LS Hunter Bradley
Analysis: The Packers stood pat here, as expected. All three specialists are former draft picks.
[lawrence-related id=44043]