Predicting the Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster in 2013

Predicting the Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster in 2013

The Green Bay Packers are coming off of their third consecutive NFC North championship but have been struggling to get back the form they were in when they won Super Bowl XLV. They still have all the major components of their Lombardi Trophy winning team, but they've been trying to fill the gaps over the past few seasons.

The Packers haven’t had much of a running game over the past few years, which they tried to address by selecting Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy in the second round of the draft. They will also be looking to find a replacement for veteran cornerback Charles Woodson. Sam Shields has proved a viable replacement for the Packers, but he is currently in the middle of a holdout.

The Packers can’t dwell on the past if they hope to repeat as division champs for the fourth consecutive season. While they still have the best quarterback in the league, he was beginning to feel more pressure last season than he has in the past.

The Packers lost star wide receiver Greg Jennings, by their own choice, who joined the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. Fortunately for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers is capable of turning almost anyone into a quality receiving threat so this should not be a major issue.

The Packers are returning their entire offensive line, which should certainly help in keeping Rodgers upright throughout the season. However, they will need to improve their running game if they hope to compete with the NFL’s elite.

David Fouty is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davefouty

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman

Knowing who your quarterback is going to be going into the season makes it a lot easier on the rest of your team, and for the Packers, there is no doubt.

Running Backs

Eddie Lacy, John Kuhn, Jonathan Franklin, DuJuan Harris and Alex Green

The Packers have had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL which has been covered up by one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. They addressed that need by drafting two running backs in the first four rounds of this year's draft.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

WR: Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Jarrett Boykin, Kevin Dorsey and Charles Johnson

TE: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless and Matthew Mulligan

The loss of Greg Jennings shouldn't be a major issue for the Packers as they have been able to turn nobodies into exceptional receiving threats in the past.

Offensive Linemen

Bryan Bulaga, Josh Sitton, Evan Dietrich-Smith, T.J. Lang, Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod, Greg Van Roten and Don Barclay

The Packers offensive line should improve from last season as they are returning their entire group.

Defensive Linemen

Datone Jones, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Jerel Worthy, Mike Neal, Josh Boyd and Johnny Jolly

The Packers used their first-round pick to draft defensive end Datone Jones. His speed off the edge should help the Packers get after the opposing quarterback.

Linebackers

Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Nick Perry, Dezman Moses, Jamari Lattimore, Terrell Manning and Nate Palmer

The Packers put a lot of pressure on their linebackers, but all four are returning for the team and they drafted a couple of solid backups should they feel the need for an injection of youth.

Defensive Backs

Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Davon House, Jarrett Bush, Jerron McMillian, M.D. Jennings, Micah Hyde and James Nixon

The loss of Charles Woodson may be felt in the locker room, but it shouldn't hurt the Packers too much on the field. They needed to get a little quicker in the secondary, not to mention they now have a solid tandem at corner with Williams and Shields.

Special Teams

K: Mason Crosby

P: Tim Mathsay

LS: Brett Goode

Crosby struggled for much of the 2012 season, but Packers' fans shouldn't be worried. He has shown the ability to kick at Lambeau Field which can be a tough place to make field goals.