Way-too-early Packers 17-man practice squad prediction includes a QB surprise and some brutally tough roster decisions

The training camp starts for the Green Bay Packers in two weeks. Before that, it's hard to precisely project everything that will happen over the course of the next two months, until general manager Brian Gutekunst has to round out the 53-man roster and the 17-man practice squad. However, it's already viable to make some analysis without definitive proclamations.

To make this exercise of the 17-man roster practice squad, there are some reasonable premises. First, we used our own 53-man roster projection to see who will or won't be available. Second, we are not considering scenarios where other teams claim Packers players off waivers, because that would take it too far. Also, the 17th practice squad spot is reserved to a member of the International Pathway Program, and the Packers' player with that designation is Australian kicker Alex Hale.

Quarterback competition

Currently, the third-string quarterback is former fifth-round pick Sean Clifford, who spent his rookie year on the active roster and almost all of last season on the PS. However, the Packers did bring competition by signing Canadian undrafted rookie Taylor Elgersma. The rookie has a higher ceiling and a stronger arm. Because the Packers have a comfortable backup situation with Malik Willis, it makes sense to keep a player with better tools to develop, and not necessarily a high-ceiling reserve. So, Elgersma is the option here.

Skill position pieces

Bo Melton got in, but he also has a realistic chance of making the 53-man roster once again—especially with his versatility to play special teams and even defense as a cornerback. Cornelius Johnson had some flashes and probably jumped over Julian Hicks for another wide receiver spot.

Among running backs, Chris Brooks is another solid candidate to make the team, but the competition is hard. He's the perfect veteran type to have on the PS and elevate for gamedays whenever it's needed. The other running back would be Amar Johnson, an undrafted rookie with developmental potential. The tight end option is Ben Sims, who doesn't bring the same value as John FitzPatrick on special teams, but is a viable backup offensive piece.

Offensive line development

The Packers have invested a lot in the offensive line throughout Brian Gutekunst's tenure as a GM, and you can see the results on the team's depth. Even if the Packers decide to keep 10 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, which they have done in the past, there will be good options left.

For this exercise, we decided to maintain three linemen on the practice squad, and all of them have developmental potential. Last year's sixth-round pick Travis Glover failed to play at a good level at guard, but he's a tackle. Donovan Jennings may be a surprising name on the active roster and had reps with the ones in the minicamp. Meanwhile, the third name is undrafted rookie guard Tyler Cooper.

Defensive front

Nose tackle Nazir Stackhouse is the undrafted player with the highest chance of making the roster, but it's still a hard proposition. On the edge, Arron Mosby has significant experience and spent last year on the active roster, with real playing time down the stretch, after Preston Smith got traded. At linebacker, two players with two different profiles. Jamon Dumas-Johnson is a developmental rookie with a higher ceiling, while Kristian Welch is an established veteran with special teams acumen.

Secondary full of talent

The Packers don't have big answers at cornerback on the top of the depth chart, but Gutekunst made sure to have bodies to compete for roster spots. This means someone won't make it, and the practice squad will be there for them. Last year's seventh-round pick Kalen King and this year's seventh-round pick Micah Robinson are some of the options, considering they lose the battle to Kamal Hadden. Cornerback/safety hybrid Johnathan Baldwin is also a great PS alternative due to his versatility, and the Packers guaranteed him $115k as an undrafted free agent.