Monday, December 23, 2024
Sports

3 Packers UDFA signings who will make the 53-man roster

Green Bay Packers

Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Packers still have questions after the draft but, in light of that, these three UDFA signings afterward have a great chance to make the roster. 

With Aaron Rodgers gone and Jordan Love now QB1, things look much different for the Green Bay Packers. More pressingly, though, the task at hand has become putting the first-time starter in the best position to succeed. That, however, is easier said than done.

In the wake of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Packers have undoubtedly filled some holes. However, there are still big questions throughout the roster that Brian Gutekunst will need to address for Green Bay to have a puncher’s chance at winning the NFC North this season.

But perhaps that work has already started with the crop of UDFA signings the Packers made after the draft.

There will likely be several of the UDFAs who make the practice squad when the offseason concludes, but these three signings after the draft have a real chance to make it onto the 53-man roster after training camp and the preseason given the current state of the team.

Packers UDFA Jason Lewan can make the roster

Jason Lewan had a pre-draft visit with Green Bay, which shows that the team was interested in him but, instead of drafting him, waited until after the proceedings in Kansas City to bring him into the fold.

And it’s not hard to see why the franchise had interest. Lewan made 41 starts over five seasons with Illinois State in his college career and, playing on the interior defensive line, he amassed 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and showed some prowess on special teams with a blocked kick to his credit as well. He also tested quite well with a Relative Athletic Score (which measures athleticism in relation to size) of 8.55 (out of 10).

One of the big areas of concern for the Packers right now is on the defensive line. Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden were both drafted on Day 3, but there are questions about whether either player can contribute right away. Outside of Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt, though, the depth in that position group is problematic.

Though Lukas Van Ness has the versatility to move inside from the edge at times, the Packers will need bodies to work with on the defensive front. Given that they liked Lewan pre-draft and now that he’s in the building, there is a pathway for him to show out and earn a roster spot this offseason.

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