2016 Packers Roster Predictions: Mortell beats out Masthay for punter job

We are down to our final position grouping to break down in our predictions for the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster. We have identified the first 50 players that we expect to make the team, with just the specialists to go.

The one significant competition here is between Tim Masthay and Peter Mortell for the punting job. APC was narrowly split on this training camp battle, with the winner edging out the loser by just one vote. Here’s how we see it shaking out.

On the Roster

Mason Crosby, Rick Lovato, Peter Mortell

Is this the untimely end of Tim Masthay? We collectively think it is, and while this may seem like a bit of a wild guess, there is good reason to believe this may be it for the veteran punter. Mortell has a big leg, put 76 punts inside of the 20 while in college, can do the job at holder, and, as a local, may be able to fill the John Kuhn-sized hole in everyone’s heart. Masthay’s contract expires after the upcoming season, and as long as Mortell impresses in camp, there is every reason to believe they move on. Lovato impressed last year, and for a support specialist, making Mason Crosby happy is the name of the game. Crosby himself will return for his 10th season of accurate, if not terribly powerful kicking. As long as he keeps consistently hitting from inside of 50, he will probably have a job.

To be released

Tim Masthay

At his best Mathay was merely average, and at his worst, he was an enormous liability at a position where there isn’t an excuse to have an enormous liability. As a specialist, you need to be in the top half of the league or you will face competition. Masthay has successfully fended off all comers to this point, but given his age, contract status, and consistent mediocrity, we expect him to finally lose the battle.