The first data point for predicting the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster in 2026 has come and gone, with the team completing their offseason program, which included multiple practices at OTAs and minicamp that were open to the media.
While training camp and the preseason will be the true decider, here is a look at how Green Bay’s roster could look for the upcoming season as things stand today:
QB (2): Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor
It is difficult to envisage one of Kyron Drones or Kyle McCord making a legitimate push for a roster spot. One of them should win a place on the practice squad, with Green Bay’s quarterback room anchored by Love and seasoned veteran Tyrod Taylor.
RB (4): Chris Brooks, Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr.
There is no new information on Josh Jacobs’ legal situation, and although he has still not formally been charged, there is a good chance this rolls into the season, and the Packers may need to protect themselves by having extra depth at the running back position.
Everyone is holding their breath to see if MarShawn Lloyd can stay healthy in 2026, but it should not be taken as a given by any means.
If for some reason Strong and Damien Martinez both do not make it to the practice squad (i.e. they are signed by other teams), that could put Green Bay in a tough spot if Jacobs ends up being suspended.
Strong made some plays during the offseason program and would seem to have the inside track to a roster spot as of right now, if there is one available.
WR (6): Matthew Golden, Bo Melton, Skyy Moore, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Savion Williams
Melton has switched back to the offensive side of the ball again. Regardless of whether he is technically a wide receiver or a cornerback, expect this coaching staff to give him every chance to make the team due to his versatility and general usefulness, including on special teams.
Isaiah Neyor will look to make some noise this summer, and between him and J. Michael Sturdivant, Green Bay will hope to get at least one of their big, fast receivers back on the practice squad.
TE (4): Tucker Kraft, Luke Lachey, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle
The Packers belatedly signed Lachey after he previously failed his physical, and he will be a welcome addition to the roster as a blocking-first tight end, especially as the league veers towards the use of multiple tight ends.
With Tucker Kraft set to be ready for the start of the season, at least according to the man himself, the tight end room suddenly looks a bit more well-rounded.
OL (9): Aaron Banks, Anthony Belton, Jager Burton, Travis Glover, Darian Kinnard, Jordan Morgan, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, John Williams
5th round rookie Burton is already getting reps with the first-team offense, and although injuries play a part in there being more opportunities at OTAs and minicamp, it was notable that Williams, a seventh rounder from last year subbed in with the ones.
Williams has been working at both center and guard, and will look to beat out the likes of Jacob Monk for a back-end roster spot as an interior swing guy.
DL (6): Warren Brinson, Karl Brooks, Javon Hargrave, Chris McClellan, Nazir Stackhouse, Devonte Wyatt
With Wyatt still working his way back from injury and Javon Hargrave also spending some time with the rehab group during the offseason program, young players like McClellan, Brinson and Stackhouse all got reps with the first-team defense.
There is a chance the Packers only keep five, expecting to get one of Stackhouse or Jonathan Ford on the practice squad as a backup run-stuffing nose tackle, but it would be safer to keep Stackhouse and have six D-linemen to cover the three starting spots in base defense.
EDGE (5): Brenton Cox Jr., Dani Dennis-Sutton, Collin Oliver, Barryn Sorrell, Lukas Van Ness
Micah Parsons all but confirmed he will miss several games to start the 2026 season as he fights back from an ACL tear, so Green Bay goes with a committee approach to start the year here, hoping someone rises to the occasion and is a worthy starter opposite Van Ness.
LB (4): Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Ty’Ron Hopper, Isaiah McDuffie
One of Nick Niemann or Kristian Welch should be back on the practice squad as a fifth body in case of emergencies, with only two starting linebacker spots available in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Both Niemann and Welch could be called up to the active roster for special teams purposes.
CB (6): Brandon Cisse, Kamal Hadden, Domani Jackson, Bo Melton, Keisean Nixon, Benjamin St-Juste, Carrington Valentine
Kamal Hadden is a bit of a wild card, as it seemed the coaches wanted to give him starting snaps late last season before an injury ended his campaign early. If he can get back on the field in training camp, he could make a case at a crowded but relatively unproven position.
S (4): Javon Bullard, Xavier McKinney, Kitan Oladapo, Evan Williams
The only question here is whether Bullard’s presence as mostly a slot corner inspires the Packers to keep a fifth safety. The top four are locked in.
ST (3): Matt Orzech, Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan
Smack had some ups and downs during the practices open to the media, while Havrisik had a dominant kicking session, albeit indoors and therefore without the elements working against him. Is this going to be a real competition, or just for show?
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers 53-man roster prediction after OTAs and minicamp
Reporting by Mark Oldacres, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mark Oldacres, Packers Wire | USA TODAY Network
