Packers Roster: Six Defensive Lineman Remain

Six doesn't sound like a lot of defensive lineman, but the Green Bay Packers play so often with only two defensive lineman in their 2-4-5 formation that I wouldn't have been surprised if they had kept only five. I'm sure the status of injured DE Mike Neal also was a consideration (he says he'll be ready to play the Saints).

Defensive ends remaining: DE Ryan Pickett, DE C.J. Wilson, DE Jarius Wynn, and Neal. No surprises here, but it's been quite a 12 month improvement by Wynn. He showed some potential as a rookie pass rusher, but a poor 2010 training camp led to his release before the start of last season. He was quickly re-signed after DE Justin Harrell was lost for the season, but McCarthy was publicly critical of Wynn as late as last December. Now he seems to get at least one hit on the quarterback in every game as a part-time player. Wilson had been battling injuries in training camp, and was limited this preseason, but he got a lot of playing time against the Chiefs and made a couple tackles for losses. 

Nose tackles remaining: NT B.J. Raji and NT Howard Green. I've never saw Green play before he joined the Packers, but I can't believe he was released 10 times in his career. He must have hooked himself up to the Juvenation Machine last October. Now he's got his motor running and he's hustling his 340 lb. frame all over the field.

On the outside looking in: Chris Donaldson, Eli Joseph, and Jay Ross. I didn't expect any of these three undrafted players to make the roster, but they were given plenty of opportunities this preseason. They all seemed to be good at getting off blocks, but had trouble holding the point of attack. They were often pushed a couple yards back off the line. All three should be practice squad considerations.