The 90 to 1 Green Bay Packers roster countdown: No. 38 – Raven Greene

Raven Greene spent the start of training camp with the No. 1 defense.

The Green Bay Packers, and their 90 players on the roster, are in the midst of their first training camp under coach Matt LaFleur. In an annual tradition from my 11 years at Packer Report, I rank the players in order of importance from No. 90 to No. 1. This isn’t just a listing of the team’s best players. Our rankings take into account talent, importance of the position, depth at the position, salary and draft history. More than the ranking, we hope you learn something about each player. (Note: The start of this series can be found with my former employer.)

No. 38: S Raven Greene ($571,166 cap)

Greene could move way up this list, depending on the future of Josh Jones.

Assuming defensive coordinator Mike Pettine uses the same formula as last season, a safety – presumably Jones – will play a lot of snaps alongside inside linebacker Blake Martinez.

“If you can get the best of both worlds and have your second ‘backer be a safety or have some safety in his background, I think that’s ideal,” Pettine said.

Jones, of course, made waves in the offseason by reportedly asking for a trade. If Jones doesn’t start the season on the roster, Greene is the logical next man up to be the No. 3 safety and earn those quasi-linebacker duties. Greene played some linebacker with the No. 1 defense during the offseason practices, where he practiced with his sleeves rolled up to show his considerable guns. When first-round pick Darnell Savage missed the first week of camp, Greene joined Adrian Amos in the starting lineup.

“It’s a crazy business, and it’s even more crazy what a year can change,” Greene said. “I’m just glad to be in the position I’m in right now – have an opportunity, going out to compete and pushing other guys the same way they push me. I’m just really excited about this year. It’s a blessing.”

At James Madison, Greene set a school record with 14 career interceptions but went undrafted, despite a 4.51 in the 40 at pro day. Last year’s release of Jermaine Whitehead and trade of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix opened the door for Greene to get snaps on defense. In 30 defensive snaps against Miami in Week 10, he dropped an interception and recorded a sack. Plus, he converted a fake punt with a 26-yard run. He played 13 snaps the following week but missed the rest of the season with an ankle injury. With the injury keeping Greene off his feet, he pumped iron. A lot of iron.

“I’ve put on some significant weight, I’ll be honest,” he said.

Of his 43 snaps, four came on the defensive line and nine came as a box linebacker, according to Pro Football Focus. He could be in line for a lot more playing time this season.

“Raven, he’s a smart football player and has shown some versatility whether we line him up as a dime or at safety. I’m excited about him moving forward,” coach Matt LaFleur said.