Heading into training camp this year, the Green Bay Packers have a few spots up for grabs. Players will be competing for significant roles, but in some cases, bringing in some more competition wouldn’t be the worst idea.
Given how inexperienced the Packers are in a few areas, adding a veteran or two to the mix could help take the team to the next level. That was the basis of many of the selections that Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report made when naming the three biggest roster holes that the team needs to fill ahead of training camp.
Landing on the list was the tight end position. It is arguably the toughest position for players to make the transition to the NFL from college and the Packers may be relying heavily on not only one but two rookies to succeed at it.
Second-round pick Luke Musgrave and third-round pick Tucker Kraft could both be in line for major roles. Josiah Deguara is entering Year 4, but as Ballentine noted, he plays more of an H-Back role, so his presence may not impact the rookie tight ends as well as many people believe.
Defensive line depth is also needed, specifically on the interior of their defense. The Packers lost veterans Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed in free agency and didn’t replace either of them. Depth could be a concern here in addition to players stepping into larger roles.
Kenny Clark remains a stalwart and will be complemented by Devonte Wyatt and T.J. Slaton. There are a lot of rookies that could factor into the mix behind them along with Chris Slayton and Jonathan Ford. If no one emerges from that group, dipping into free agency makes sense.
Last but not least, the quarterback depth chart needs to be addressed. Jordan Love is locked in as the starter, but there is no solid contingency plan behind him. Fifth-round pick Sean Clifford and 2019 seventh-round pick Danny Etling are battling it out for the backup job.
The Packers have very little room for error if they want to succeed in 2023. An injury to Love and having to turn to Clifford or Etling would pretty much end their season as it is hard to imagine either is ready or capable of running the offense as the starter.
Teddy Bridgewater has been mentioned as a possible target for the Packers and would make a lot of sense. He has experience as a backup and has shown more than capable of leading a team should he need to start games.