The 2010 53-Man Roster Prediction

Here's the way I see things going down...

• QB (2): Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn
• RB (2): Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson
• FB (3): John Kuhn, Korey Hall, Quinn Johnson
• WR (5): Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain
• TE (4): Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee, Spencer Havner, Andrew Quarless
• OL (10): Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Josh Sitton, Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Bryan Bulaga, T.J. Lang, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Marshall Newhouse, Jason Spitz
• DL (6): Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, Justin Harrell, Jarius Wynn
• ILB (4): Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar, Desmond Bishop
• OLB (4): Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, Frank Zombo
• CB (6): Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Jarrett Bush
• S (4): Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Derrick Martin, Charlie Peprah
• ST (3): Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode

Trade candidates: Jason Spitz, Quinn Johnson, Breno Giacomini

Positions of possible need: Outside linebacker, safety, cornerback, running back

Last four in: Quinn Johnson, Jarrett Bush, Frank Zombo, Charlie Peprah

First four out: Will Blackmon, Cyril Obiozor, Tom Crabtree, Kregg Lumpkin

Practice squad: Graham Harrell, running back, Charles Dillon, offensive lineman, Tom Crabtree, C.J. Wilson, Cyril Obiozor, Anthony Levine

Notes:

• This was tough. The roster assumes no trades or waiver wire pickups. I expect there to be at least one or two of these, however.
• It was a tough call between Obiozor and Zombo. No matter who the Packers keep, I think either one of them are expendable should they acquire another linebacker via trade or the waiver wire.
• Depth at safety, while a concern, isn't as dire as some may believe. I don't think the Packers go out and acquire a safety just to ride the pine behind Collins and Burnett. Besides, Peprah has looked as good as he ever has in a Packers uniform and can fill the gap, at least until Atari Bigby comes off PUP.
• Because the reserve cornerbacks have looked underwhelming at best, I could see them pick up a player via the waiver wire or trade. Someone they think they can develop.
• If the Packers don't trade Jason Spitz, they'll keep 10 offensive linemen. All 10 are worthy of a roster spot and would give the Packers one of the deepest lines in the league.
• Going into the regular season with only two running backs is a risk. If they do, the Packers almost certainly will need one on their practice squad, and I don't think it's going to be Kregg Lumpkin.
• While Crabtree was a tough cut, I don't think other teams are going to be clamoring to put him on their 53. The Packers can probably stash him on their practice squad.
• The decision on Will Blackmon is going to be among the toughest on the team. His injury situation complicates his situation.
• If the Packers can't trade Quinn Johnson, I expect them to keep all three fullbacks again.