Prior to Tuesday’s 3 p.m. Central deadline, when they must reduce their roster from 90 players to 53, the Green Bay Packers must make some difficult decisions.
Now that we’ve outlined a few potential cuts, let’s adopt a more positive outlook. These five guys should remain on the Packers’ roster even if they may be on the verge of leaving.
Football player Michael Pratt
Fans and opponents alike agreed that Michael Pratt didn’t necessarily prevail in the quarterback duel between him and second-year pro Sean Clifford, but he did show signs of a greater potential that make him valuable. His final preseason encounter, which featured a mishandled interception followed by a masterfully thrown touchdown pass to Bo Melton, brilliantly captured both his potential and growing pains.
Despite making records as a quarterback at Tulane, Pratt fell to the seventh round, when he was selected by Green Bay. Despite having a mixed preseason, there have been times when he appeared like a great deal.
Keeping Clifford on the 53-man roster and placing Pratt on the practice squad might be the prudent course of action. But since neither quarterback is prepared to make an impact right now, the Packers may want to try to swing for the fences and keep Pratt on the active roster while trying to move Clifford to the practice squad.
The Packers may also choose to sign a veteran who has been waived by another team and waive both quarterbacks. Though there are other options, Green Bay should hold onto Pratt, give him more development, and hunt for another player to fill Jordan Love’s void.
This preseason, Green Bay’s wide receiver competition was among the most competitive at the position, with Bo Melton, Malik Heath, and Grant DuBose all putting up compelling arguments. Melton is the most skilled and accomplished pure receiver in the group, but Heath and DuBose may have more to give in terms of blocking and special teams, which are vital for the fifth and sixth receiver positions.
During a playoff game the previous season, the Packers dialed up plays for Melton, demonstrating their faith in him. It’s difficult to see them cutting him after only a few months, given their previous degree of confidence. Despite the likelihood that the Packers don’t carry seven receivers, which is something to think about, Melton should be safe on the roster.
Cornerback Corey Ballentine
Fans were dubious when the Packers decided not to invest a lot of money in improving their cornerback room this offseason. Rather, Green Bay stuck with their current squad and only used a seventh-round pick on Kalen King.
The Packers made a wise choice thus far. Keisean Nixon and rookie safety Javon Bullard will receive action in the slot, while Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes will start on the outside. King has demonstrated promise, while Carrington Valentine has also made an impression.
However, Corey Ballentine’s steady play may have guaranteed him a position on the roster. Considering the past injuries to some of Green Bay’s best corners, Ballentine has established himself as a trustworthy backup. The Packers would be wise to retain a sixth corner like Ballentine, who would give them insurance and depth in a crucial position.
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