Packers Post-Draft Depth Chart Projection

Back in early April, we took a stab at projecting the Packers' pre-draft depth chart. Now that the Packers have added nine rookies through the draft and even more undrafted free agents, it's time once again to look at where the depth chart stands.

As before, we project which players make the final 53-man roster. We also include a depth chart for both the base 3-4 defense and the 4-3 under package the Packers are expected to use this season. Rookies are italicized.

Offense (24 total)

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Scott Tolzien

Halfback: Eddie Lacy, James Starks, Johnathan Franklin

Fullback: John Kuhn

X receiver: Jordy Nelson, Chris Harper

Z receiver: Jarrett Boykin, Davante Adams

Slot receiver: Randall Cobb, Jared Abbrederis

Tight end: Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Brandon Bostick

Left tackle: David Bakhtiari, Derek Sherrod

Left guard: Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley

Center: J.C. Tretter, Corey Linsley

Right guard: T.J. Lang, Don Barclay

Right tackle: Bryan Bulaga, Don Barclay

The biggest changes from our last depth chart projection is the loss of a tight end (Ryan Taylor) and running back (DuJuan Harris) and the addition of rookies Richard Rodgers, Corey Linsley, Davante Adams, and Jared Abbrederis. In this projection, a tight end needed to go in order to keep the roster at 53, but that player just as easily could be Brandon Bostick. However, given the two years the Packers invested in Bostick while he learned the tight end position, it seems more likely the team will want to see whether their investment pays off. Similarly, another player had to be trimmed to accommodate the additional wide receiver, and Harris was at the bottom of the tailback depth chart.

As for the rest of the offensive depth chart, rookie center Corey Linsley was drafted to challenge J.C. Tretter for the starting center job. While we have Tretter winning, Linsley's experience playing both guard and center at Ohio State should allow him to back up both positions in 2014.

3-4 Defense (26 total)

Left end: Datone Jones, Mike Neal, Jerel Worthy

Nose tackle: B.J. Raji, Letroy Guion, Josh Boyd

Right end: Mike Daniels, Julius Peppers, Khyri Thornton

Left OLB: Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Carl Bradford

Left ILB: A.J. Hawk, Sam Barrington

Right ILB: Brad Jones, Jamari Lattimore

Right OLB: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Adrian Hubbard

Left cornerback: Tramon Williams, Demetri Goodson

Right cornerback: Sam Shields, Davon House

Slot corner: Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde

Free safety: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Micah Hyde

Strong safety: Morgan Burnett, Sean Richardson

The defensive linemen remain the same save for the addition of third-round pick Khyri Thornton. The secondary on the other hand saw the most significant amount of clipping. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix pushes Chris Banjo out of the picture, and increases on the defensive line and at linebacker forced out Jarrett Bush and James Nixon. While rookie Demetri Goodson made the roster in this projection mostly on the basis of his contract (four cheap years) and his potential to develop as a long-term boundary corner.

Taking a deeper look at linebacker, Nate Palmer and Andy Mulumba were inconsistent to say the least in their combined ~550 snaps last season. While each should improve, they'll be fighting along with undrafted free agent Adrian Hubbard for one spot assuming rookie Carl Bradford demonstrates at least some competence. We give the edge in that battle to Hubbard due to his superior size (6-6, 257 lbs.) and his position versatility which is favored in Dom Capers' defense.

4-3 Under Defense (26 total)

3-tech: Datone Jones, Jerel Worthy

Nose tackle: B.J. Raji, Letroy Guion, Josh Boyd

4/5-tech: Mike Daniels, Khyri Thornton

Elephant: Julius Peppers, Mike Neal, Nick Perry

Weakside linebacker: A.J. Hawk, Sam Barrington

Middle linebacker: Brad Jones, Jamari Lattimore, Carl Bradford

Strongside linebacker: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Adrian Hubbard

Left cornerback: Tramon Williams, Demetri Goodson

Right cornerback: Sam Shields, Davon House

Slot corner: Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde

Free safety: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Micah Hyde

Strong safety: Morgan Burnett, Sean Richardson

The 4-3 under allows for several new Packers to showcase their versatility. Carl Bradford, an outside linebacker in the base 3-4, can move into the "mike" role on third down to create some pass rush up the middle. As mentioned in our April depth chart projection, Julius Peppers will line up in a more comfortable position (the so called "elephant" end) and rush the passer from there. Mike Neal and Nick Perry also expect to see time in that role, and don't be surprised if Adrian Hubbard takes some snaps there as well.

Special Teams (5 total, 3 additional)

Place kicker: Mason Crosby

Punter: Tim Masthay

Long snapper: Brett Goode

Kickoff return: Jared Abbrederis, Micah Hyde

Punt return: Micah Hyde, Jared Abbrederis

The Packers invited California place kicker Vincenzo D'Amato and Temple punter Paul Layton to camp. Neither is likely to unseat Mason Crosby or Tim Masthay. As for punt and kickoff returns, it should be a close call between Micah Hyde and Jared Abbrederis. For now, we'll give one responsibility to each.