Projecting Packers’ Roster With Recalibrated Lock-O-Meter

Defensive ends: Kingsley Enagbare.

Linebackers: None.

Cornerbacks: None.

Safeties: None.

Specialists: None.

Analysis: Brooks is in a strong position because of his all-around skill-set and MarShawn Lloyd’s injury. His ability to protect quarterback Jordan Love on passing downs and play some fullback will make him a valuable contributor. The only hesitation in moving him up a rung is he’s not as dynamic with the ball as Emanuel Wilson and rookie Amar Johnson.

The Packers kept most of their top players on the sideline for last week’s preseason game against the Colts, but Enagbare was out there for 15 snaps. Still, it would be a shock if he didn’t make it after running with the No. 1 defense when Lukas Van Ness was out on Monday.

65.1 Percent to 89.9 Percent Locks (5)

Quarterbacks: None.

Running backs: Emanuel Wilson.

Receivers: None.

Tight ends: John FitzPatrick.

Offensive line: C/G Jacob Monk.

Defensive tackles: None.

Defensive ends: Brenton Cox, Barryn Sorrell.

Linebackers: None.

Cornerbacks: None.

Safeties: None.

Specialists: None.

Analysis: A solid, proven track record shouldn’t be thrown overboard because of one bad performance. So, Wilson’s 2024 campaign as Josh Jacobs’ backup – and MarShawn Lloyd’s injury – should be enough to have the Packers look past last week’s fumble and sack allowed at the Colts.

The Packers have seven locks to make it on the offensive line. History says they’ll keep nine or 10. Monk hasn’t been great but he’s the best of the rest.

FitzPatrick has been one of the surprises of training camp because of his receiving ability. From the percentages, he seems much closer to 89.9 percent than 65.1 percent. Same with Cox, who has had a strong training camp, as well.

Sorrell was a 100 percent lock during our first run through of the Lock-O-Meter but fell to this category because of the knee injury sustained against the Colts. While he seemed confident that he wouldn’t miss much time, it’s possible he’ll start the season on injured reserve.

55.1 Percent to 64.9 Percent Locks (2)

Quarterbacks: None.

Running backs: None.

Receivers: Malik Heath.

Tight ends: None.                                

Offensive line: None.

Defensive tackles: None.

Defensive ends: None.

Linebackers: None.

Cornerbacks: None.

Safeties: Kitan Oladapo.

Specialists: None.

Analysis: The race for the sixth receiver was always going to come down to weighing Heath’s value as a receiver and blocker vs. Mecole Hardman’s value as a receiver and returner. Not that special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia is going to pick the roster, but this was an informative comment when asked about having a dedicated returner on the roster to take the burden off Jayden Reed and Keisean Nixon:

“Usually, you have to have players make the team and then find roles for them to play in the kicking game. Everybody talks about special teams, ‘Your way of making the team is on special teams. The only chance you have to make the team is on special teams.’ They have to be pretty good at their position, as well, in order to make the 53 and then to be on the 48 to dress and help us everywhere. So, I’ve never really had a guy that just does that and does nothing else.”

Heath’s ability as a blocker – especially with Christian Watson out – will be valuable. Plus, he’s made more plays as a receiver.

With Xavier McKinney and Zayne Anderson out, Oladapo has been running with the No. 1 defense.

50.1 Percent to 55.0 Percent Locks (5)

Quarterbacks: None.

Running backs: None.

Receivers: None.

Tight ends: None.

Offensive line: None.

Defensive tackles: Colby Wooden, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse.

Defensive ends: None.

Linebackers: None.

Cornerbacks:. Kalen King.

Safeties: Zayne Anderson.

Specialists: None.

Analysis: We got rid of the 50.0 percent bubble in this run of the Lock-O-Meter.

The Packers probably will keep five defensive tackles. Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks are three, meaning Wooden, Brinson and Stackhouse presumably are fighting for two spots. A case could be made for all three, though six players at a position group in which only two play at a time seems like overkill. Wooden is experienced and put together a good final stretch. Brinson is a draft pick who has made some impact. Stackhouse could be a key factor against the run.

In the secondary, King has played himself onto the right side of the bubble. He has taken some No. 1 reps in the slot this week, with Javon Bullard moving from the slot to safety alongside Evan Williams. We’d move him King up a tier but Corey Ballentine’s experience on defense and track record on special teams could swing the decision. At safety, Anderson seemed to be pretty close to a lock until his MCL injury in the preseason opener.

45.0 Percent to 49.9 Percent Locks (7)

Quarterbacks: None.

Running backs: MarShawn Lloyd.

Receivers: None.

Tight ends: Ben Sims.

Offensive line: None.

Defensive tackles: None.

Defensive ends: Arron Mosby.

Linebackers: Isaiah Simmons, Kristian Welch.

Cornerbacks: Corey Ballentine, Micah Robinson.

Safeties: None.

Specialists: None.

Analysis: Lloyd’s hamstring injury adds some uncertainty on whether he’ll be on the opening 53 or go to injured reserve to start the season. Due to his long list of injuries, the Packers might want to err on the side of caution rather than try to get him on the field at the start of the season.

With Barryn Sorrell’s injury, the Packers might need another defensive end. Mosby played in 16 games last season.

At linebacker, it’ll be Simmons vs. Welch for the final spot if they keep five. Simmons, the eighth pick of the 2020, has elite traits and has played plenty of high-level snaps in his career. But he’s been a fish out of water as a full-time linebacker, at least in the preseason games. Welch has a strong background on special teams and, at this point, might even be the preferred option if they needed someone to play on defense in a pinch. It’s hard to totally ignore Simmons’ upside, though.

At cornerback, Robinson, a seventh-round pick, took a lot of second-team reps this week. Ballentine, who was re-signed during camp, was a key player for the Packers in 2023 and has a track record on special teams.