Packers Drop 1st Depth Chart: Winners, Losers & Surprises
Green Bay Packers Release First Training Camp Depth Chart: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
The Green Bay Packers have shared their first unofficial depth chart of training camp! Think of a depth chart like a team’s seating chart—it shows who the coaches currently think should start, who backs them up, and who’s fighting for a spot. Since it’s "unofficial," things can (and will) change, but it gives us our first real peek at how the roster is shaping up.
Important Note: This is the PR team’s version of the depth chart. The actual coaching staff might see things differently once games start!
Skill Positions: Receivers & Running Backs
Wide Receivers — The Top 3 Are Set
The starting trio is exactly what most fans expected:
| Position | Starter | Backup | On the Bubble |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR1 | Christian Watson | Davion Williams | Isaiah Neyor |
| WR2 | Jayden Reed | Bo Melton | J. Michael Sturdivant |
| WR3 | Matthew Golden | Skyy Moore |
What this means: Watson, Reed, and Golden are your "big three." The backups are fighting for the 4th, 5th, and maybe 6th spots. Neyor and Sturdivant have work to do to crack the main rotation.
Running Back — A Mild Surprise at RB2
- Starter: Josh Jacobs (not listed, but he’s the clear #1)
- Second String: Chris Brooks — not MarShawn Lloyd
- Why it’s interesting: Brooks has mostly been a blocking specialist in Green Bay. He hasn’t gotten full drives carrying the ball like other Packers backs. Lloyd, a draft pick, will need to show he can handle pass protection to leapfrog Brooks.
Offensive Line: The Real Competition Is at Right Guard
Starting Five (for now)
- LT — Rasheed Walker
- LG — Elgton Jenkins
- C — Josh Myers
- RG — Anthony Belton The name to watch
- RT — Zach Tom
The RG Battle
Belton holds the starting spot right now, but he has three serious challengers breathing down his neck:
- Jager Burton (rookie)
- Jacob Monk (2nd year)
- Donovan Jennings (veteran)
The "Two-Deep" (Backups) Shake-Up
The backup guards/tackles are Donovan Jennings and John Williams.
- John Williams is a swiss army knife—he’s practicing at all five positions this camp!
- Travis Glover, who was almost a lock to make the team last year before a season-ending shoulder injury, is currently left off the two-deep entirely. He has major ground to make up.
Defensive Line: New Faces Starting Inside
The Starters
- DE — Devonte Wyatt
- NT — Karl Brooks
The Big Name on the Bench
- Javon Hargrave (big free agent signing) is listed as second-string alongside Warren Brinson.
Why? Don’t panic! Hargrave is a known Pro Bowler. This is likely load management for a veteran who knows the system, or a way to motivate the younger guys. Expect Hargrave to play a lot of snaps when the real games start.
Edge Rushers: Sorrell Takes the Lead
The Peacking Order
- Starter (opposite Lukas Van Ness): Barryn Sorrell
- Backups: Collin Oliver & Brenton Cox Jr.
- Third String: Rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton
The Context: Sorrell and Van Ness have been getting the "first look" every single day in practice. The whole group will rotate heavily—Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley loves to keep fresh legs on the field.
Cornerback: The Most Intriguing Position
The Listed Starters
- Outside: Keisean Nixon & Carrington Valentine
- Slot (Nickel): Kamal Hadden (listed as #2 slot defender)
The Reality in Practice
All four corners (Nixon, Valentine, Brandon Cisse, Benjamin St-Juste) have been getting heavy reps with the first-team defense when healthy. The depth chart might just be a formality here—the competition is wide open.
The Slot Puzzle
- Kamal Hadden is listed as the backup slot corner, but he’s never played slot in a regular season game for Green Bay.
- Kitan Oladapo (a safety) has been practicing as the slot defender in place of injured Javon Bullard.
- New Factor: The Packers just signed two new safeties. This might free up Oladapo to officially move to slot corner for the preseason.
Special Teams: Long Snapper Situation
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Matt Orzech | Starter (but on PUP List with a calf injury) |
| Cal Adomitis | Backup (signed because Orzech got hurt) |
Translation: Orzech keeps his job on paper while he heals. Adomitis is the insurance policy.
Summary: 5 Key Takeaways
- WR Room is Set: Watson, Reed, Golden are your guys. The fight is for depth.
- RB2 is a Battle: Brooks (blocker) vs. Lloyd (rookie playmaker) — pass protection decides it.
- RG is Wide Open: Belton starts, but Burton, Monk, and Jennings are pushing hard.
- Hargrave on Bench = Strategy: The veteran DT is listed 2nd string, but he’ll play starter snaps.
- Cornerback is a Mess (Good Kind): Four guys competing for two outside spots; slot role is TBD.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Does "unofficial" depth chart mean it’s fake?
No! It’s real info from the team, but coaches aren’t bound by it. It’s a snapshot of today, not a promise for Week 1.
Should I worry Javon Hargrave is a backup?
Absolutely not. Veterans often get "rest" designations in camp. He’s a Pro Bowler signed to start. He will start when it counts.
Why is Chris Brooks ahead of MarShawn Lloyd?
Pass protection. Brooks knows the system and trusts his blocking. Lloyd is talented but young; if he misses a blitz pickup, the QB gets hit. Coaches hate that.
What does "two-deep" mean?
It means the top two players at each position—the starter and the primary backup. If you’re not on the two-deep, you’re fighting for a practice squad spot or the final 53-man roster.
Can John Williams really play all 5 O-line spots?
Yes! It’s rare but valuable. "Swing" linemen who can play LT, LG, C, RG, and RT are gold because they let you carry fewer total linemen on the roster.
Enjoy the rest of camp, Packers fans! The depth chart will look very different by the time the regular season kicks off.