Packers Release First Training Camp Depth Chart
The Green Bay Packers released their first unofficial depth chart of the season on Tuesday.
There is still a long way to go in training camp, and these things are far from official as they are put together by the public-relations staff, but there were some interesting news and notes to follow.
From Jordan Love all the way to Keisean Nixon, here's what stood out in each position group.
Quarterback
Jordan Love is the starting quarterback. That isn't surprising unless you've been living under a rock for the last six months.
Sean Clifford is listed as the backup and is part of one of the least-experienced quarterback rooms in modern history.
The Packers could bring in some competition in the form of a veteran but have shown little interest in doing so. For now, it's Clifford and former USFL MVP Alex McGough battling to be the No. 2.
Running Back
Patrick Taylor was the first name listed as the team's third running back. That is one of the more heated competitions in training camp. The team recently added another back to the mix when they signed Nate McCrary on Monday.
If Lew Nichols gets back from a shoulder injury, that should be a three-way competition with Taylor, Nichols and Tyler Goodson. Taylor does everything well, Nichols is the talented draft pick and Goodson is the explosive open-field threat.
Wide Receiver
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are listed as the top two receivers. That's not a surprise.
One potential surprise is Samori Toure is listed as a starter over Jayden Reed. Reed has shown some nice things in camp, including two touchdown catches on Monday. He's also taken a good amount of reps with the first team.
The top backups behind Watson and Doubs are Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton. Malik Heath, who has been a standout as an undrafted rookie, is listed with the third team.
The back end of the receiver room is always a heated competition. For players such as seventh-round pick Grant DuBose, who practiced for the first time on Monday, the joint practices and preseason games will be vital.
Christian Watson (Photo by Tork Mason/USA Today Sports Images)
Tight End
The two big things that stand out are one person who is listed and one who isn't.
Luke Musgrave is listed as the starting tight end. That's not surprising since he's taken first-team reps since the day he stepped on the field. He is well ahead of incumbent Tyler Davis and fellow rookie Tucker Kraft.
The surprise is that Josiah Deguara is not listed as a tight end. The team listed him as the starting fullback. He's played that kind of role before, but it's never been officially worded that way.
Offensive Line
Josh Myers is listed as the starting center. Zach Tom is listed as the starting right tackle. Tom spent one day working in with the first team at center due to the inconsistency of Myers but right tackle has been his main spot.
Behind those guys, Rasheed Walker being listed ahead of Caleb Jones could be interesting. The Packers are likely to keep at least nine offensive linemen, so that should be another heated competition as camp continues.
Defensive Line
TJ Slaton is listed at nose tackle with Kenny Clark listed as a defensive end. Clark has traditionally played on the nose, but moving him around might help unleash his playmaking ability.
Jonathan Ford is listed as the backup nose tackle. Young defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Books are listed as backups to Clark and Devonte Wyatt.
No real surprises here.
Outside Linebackers
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith are listed as the starters with Gary coming off the PUP list before practice on Monday.
First-round pick Lukas Van Ness and veteran Justin Hollins are listed with the second unit ahead of Kingsley Enagbare, who had a strong rookie season.
This is a position group that could be the team's deepest now that Gary is back.
Brenton Cox, a highly touted undrafted free agent, is listed with the third string. Whether or not he makes the roster is likely the only drama at this position, barring injury.
Inside Linebackers
De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker are the starters. Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie are the top backups. Tariq Carpenter, coming off a big Family Night performance, is listed as a third-stringer. He'll be one of the team's core special teamers.
Cornerback
The most interesting part about the cornerback group is Innis Gaines being listed as the backup in the slot behind Keisean Nixon. Sort of like Deguara at fullback, this is the first time the team has acknowledged Gaines' true position. Gaines is listed ahead of Shemar Jean-Charles, a former fifth-round draft pick who has yet to establish himself as a contributor.
Gaines, who they call "Thump," is one of the team's primary special teams players, but has gotten some work on defense dating to late last season. In fact, he started the finale against Detroit.
This group is deep and talented, and the depth will only increase once former first-round pick Eric Stokes returns from last year's foot injury.
Safety
Rudy Ford has taken the majority of the reps with Darnell Savage and the first-team defense, though Jonathan Owens got the No. 1 snaps at Family Night and on Monday. While Ford is listed as the team's starter, this will be a competition all the way through the end of camp. It may even extend into the season. Tarvarius Moore, who has some experience starting in San Francisco, could factor, as well.
Seventh-round pick Anthony Johnson Jr is listed with the third team. He'll need to make a splash in the preseason.
Specialists
Anders Carlson is the kicker. Pat O'Donnell is listed as the team's top punter.
The biggest thing to point out with specialists is Keisean Nixon being listed as the starter at punt returner.
That feels like a job that is up for grabs. Jayden Reed has taken the first rep at that position in practice. He'll get chances to return punts in the preseason, as well.
More Green Bay Packers News:
Packers release QB Danny Etling
Jonathan Ford comes up big on Family Night
Five overreactions from Family Night
Highlights from Practice 8 (Family Night) of Packers training camp
GM Brian Gutekunst goes all-in on potential
De’Vondre Campbell trashes Adam Schein for ripping Jordan Love
