The Green Bay Packers will open the preseason on Saturday against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. While a good chunk of the eventual 53-man roster is already set, several roster spots are still up for grabs as the preseason opens this week.
Not all roster battles are created equal. Some are more important than others based on the construction of the roster and potential impact on the 2025 team.
Here are the most important roster battles to watch for the Packers on Saturday night:
Wide receiver: Malik Heath vs. Mecole Hardman
Heath is a big, physical perimeter receiver who can block, has experience in the offense and can play special teams (130 snaps over last two seasons). Hardman is a fast, versatile receiver with big-game experience, gadget value and legitimate ability as a kick and punt returner. Assuming the Packers keep six receivers, the winner of Heath vs. Hardman is likely sticking around.
Tight end: John FitzPatrick vs. Ben Sims
FitzPatrick overtook Sims as the preferred No. 3 tight end to end last season, and he’s done nothing this summer to lose hold of the job. In fact, he’s flashed some pass-catching ability during training camp. The Packers still like Sims, who has a good mix of athleticism and blocking experience in Matt LaFleur’s offense. While it’s possible the Packers keep four tight ends, having only three on the first 53-man roster is probably fine given how much Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave can handle at the position.
Offensive line: Donovan Jennings vs. Kadeem Telfort
Travis Glover’s season-ending shoulder injury opened the door behind the team’s top eight offensive linemen. It’s probably safe to assume the Packers will keep at least nine offensive linemen to start 2025, and Jennings (a collegiate left tackle who has cross-trained at guard and center) and Telfort (a massive tackle who is in his third season in Green Bay) are the top candidates. Neither is a roster lock, however, and the better player during preseason games will likely get the job.
Defensive line: Colby Wooden vs. Nazir Stackhouse
The Packers have clearly defined roles along the defensive line, but one job is up for grabs: nose tackle. Wooden has added weight to better handle business against the run, while Stackhouse has been a standout run defender throughout camp. Assuming Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks and Warren Brinson are locks, Wooden or Stackhouse is a good bet to stick as the fifth defensive tackle.
Cornerback: Bo Melton vs. Kalen King vs. Kamal Hadden vs. Micah Robinson
Corey Ballentine could be part of this competition, too. But even if Ballentine makes the team, the Packers need a young player at cornerback to emerge as a backup option on the 53-man roster. Melton is raw at corner but excelling at a new position, King and Hadden (who is currently injured) have made plays to open Year 2 and Robinson looks like a feisty young corner who just needs experience. Preseason games will play a big role in sorting this one out. Melton’s ability to play receiver and several roles on special teams could end up being the deciding factor if he proves capable at corner over the next three weekends.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Most important roster battles to watch as Packers open preseason
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
