Packers 2014 Roster Predictions: Four Offensive Tackles Make the Cut

To prepare for training camp, we will be breaking down every player on the Green Bay Packers' 90-man roster in more detail, looking at contract terms and 2013 statistics, before we make our prediction for which players will make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp.

For nearly a decade, the Packers enjoyed the consistency and reliability of Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton as their bookend tackles. Since they retired in 2010 and 2011 respectively, the team has shuffled five different players through those spots hoping to find a long-term solution. Entering 2014, the Packers hope David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga finally provide one.

Green Bay generally retains between three and four offensive tackles depending on the versatility of their reserve blockers and the quality of their backup interior linemen. APC predicts they keep four tackles in 2014.

Projected Starters: David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga

This hardly qualifies as a projection as Packers head coach Mike McCarthy already declared David Bakhtiari as the starting left tackle and praised Bryan Bulaga's rehabilitation. Barring an injury to either, these are the Week 1 starters.

Backups: Don Barclay and Derek Sherrod

When the head coach says he views an offensive lineman as a sixth starter that usually means he's making the team. Such is the case with Don Barclay, a third-year tackle who has also practiced at both guard spots and, for a time, at center. That versatility not only makes him a safe bet for the 53, but he also a near lock for the active roster every week. Derek Sherrod's spot isn't quite so safe, but unless he demonstrates that he can't play at all he should make the final cut as well.

Released: Aaron Adams, Jeremy Vujnovich, and John Fullington

If nothing else, Jeremy Vujnovich will be a victim of math. At most, the Packers will keep four offensive tackles, and he's a fifth wheel. Given his Division III background, an injury alone may not be enough to give him a shot at the 53. Fullington's versatility is intriguing, but it's not likely that he can beat out Barclay for a spot as a swing lineman who can back up multiple positions. While he has the year of practice squad experience, Aaron Adams also is unlikely to break the 53.