If there is one position that the Green Bay Packers are least sure about heading into the regular season it is at safety. Green Bay struggled at the back end last season and things don’t look like they will improve much this season based on the depth chart that was released ahead of the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Darnell Savage Jr. is the closest thing to a surefire starter the Packers have, but that isn’t very encouraging. After a strong first few seasons in the NFL, Savage was benched at points in 2022 for ineffective play.
Rudy Ford was his replacement in those games and was the likely starter alongside him in 2023. However, he hasn’t cemented his standing on the depth chart and is receiving pressure from free agents Jonathan Owens, Tarvarius Moore and Dallin Leavitt.
Those five have been jostling for playing time with the first and second-team defenses throughout training camp. However, there is another player that has thrown his hat into the ring for not only a spot on the 53-man roster but playing time as well.
Rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. has ascended up the depth chart after a great performance against the Bengals. For the majority of training camp, he was playing with the third-stringers, but that changed after the preseason opener.
Johnson received some reps with the first-team defense in practice on Sunday and Monday. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has been impressed with the rookie’s performance, praising his work in the game and in practice.
“I think he’s done a great job,” said LaFleur on Monday. “You can certainly see his speed. His athleticism. He made plays on teams which is absolutely critical. I thought he went in there, (and) outside of the dropped interception, I thought he played pretty well.”
Johnson posted elite athleticism numbers during the pre-draft process that has thus far translated to the field. His burst has consistently flashed in practice and against the Bengals, which has garnered the attention of the coaching staff.
Another thing working in Johnson’s favor is that he is making an impact on special teams. Anyone who is going to make the end of the Packers’ 53-man roster has to contribute on special teams and the Iowa State product has gotten the job done.
Against the Bengals, per Paul Bretl of Packers Wire, Johnson had 10 special teams snaps across four units, which was the sixth-most on the team. He recorded two tackles and showcased his sound tackling ability while playing with the defense as well.
“I think he’s done a great job,” added LaFleur. “He loves football. I think RD (Ryan Downard), G-Money (Greg Williams) have done a good job with him—and Hoodie (Justin Hood). He loves it. He’s totally invested into it, and he’s done a really, really nice job for us.”
Making the 53-man roster would be quite an achievement for Johnson, who was at best sixth on the depth chart when training camp opened. But, his good play has not gone unnoticed and he has put himself in position for at least a developmental spot with the Packers.
