Here’s the breakdown of the Green Bay Packers final roster. The three specialists aren’t included.
Offense: (24)
WR (5): Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb TE (5): Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, Ryan Taylor, D.J. Williams OL (8) Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod, Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, Scott Wells, Evan Dietrich-Smith QB (2): Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, RB (4): Ryan Grant, James Starks, Alex Green, John Kuhn.
Defense: (26)
DL (6): Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn, B.J. Raji, Howard Green OLB (6): Clay Matthews, Erik Walden, Vic So’oto, Jamari Lattimore, Brad Jones, Frank Zombo ILB (4): Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, Robert Francois CB (6): Tramon Williams, Charles Woodson, Sam Shields, Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, Davon House S (4): Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, M.D. Jennings.
The Packers have an impressive veteran core with 20 of 22 players on their No. 1 units possessing regular starting experience.
On offense, Rodgers and his backup Flynn are outstanding. The Packers five receivers are an elite NFL unit. Grant is the starter at running back. It will be interesting to see how Starks and Green fit into the offense. Keeping five tight ends isn’t a surprise. Each have their strengths and roles in the offense and special teams. While concerns remain about the offensive line, we’re pleased to see C/G Dietrich-Smith stay and center Nick McDonald go. Dietrich-Smith outplayed McDonald in the preseason.
On defense, Neal will replace departed free agent Cullen Jenkins. Raji and Green are solid contributors. It looks like Wynn will start against the Saints, but Wilson has shown he can do the job. This is a solid group of linebackers with rookies So’oto, Lattimore and Smith being impressive in camp and earning roster spots. The cornerbacks look like an elite unit at the top with Williams, Woodson, and Shields. Lee saved his job with his special teams work and strong performance in preseason finale. Jennings just looked good in the preseason and has potential.