The Packers’ offseason roster changes are already well under way. Will the majority of the names who are currently making headlines in 2023? Simply put, no. However, it does occur, and part of creating a strong roster is identifying players who go from unknowns on the periphery to consistent players and beyond, so it’s still important to keep an eye on it.
I will be monitoring these low-end roster players during the offseason, even though it is far too early and some of them might not even make the team for training camp.
In December, the Packers signed Melton from Seattle’s practice squad to take Dean Lowry’s spot on the injured reserve roster. Melton ranked higher on Dane Brugler’s board than Romeo Doubs, whom the Packers took in the fourth round, during last spring’s pre-draft process.
Melton represents a bit of a departure from Gutekunst’s usual style. He’s somewhat smaller than the usual trees Gutekunst loves at receiver, standing 5-11 and weighing 189 pounds. Despite Randall Cobb’s uncertain future in 2023 and the presence of Amari Rodgers in Houston, he possesses good speed and agility metrics, which could help him succeed as a slot receiver. Taking into account the Packers’ apparent interest in acquiring receiving skill during the previous spring,
All three of these players appear to hold great expectations for the Packers. Surprising everyone last year’s training camp, Jones—a big prospect from Indiana—emerged as an undrafted free agent to make the practice squad and then gain a promotion to the regular roster in September. While Yosh Nijman departed Virginia Tech to join the NFL, Tenuta began at Virginia Tech, and Walker was a pretty well-decorated recruit at Penn State.
For all three of these players, Nijman is a name to keep in mind since the Packers undoubtedly want to emulate his success. Given the Packers’ propensity for acquiring valuable lineman who appear out of nowhere, I’d wager that one of these three ends up making a significant contribution.
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