As the Green Bay Packers finalize their 53-man roster and prepare for the regular season, the question on every fan's mind is: which positional groups improved their standing during training camp? According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the answer is clear—the defensive line made the biggest leap, while the running back room faces uncertainty following the placement of star back Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list.
Fan Grades Before Camp: A Baseline
Before training camp, Vulius polled Packers fans to grade each unit on an A-F scale. The results, calculated into a GPA ranking, showed safety as the top-rated group (3.89), followed by quarterback (3.26) and receiver (2.97). At the bottom were cornerback (1.65), offensive line (2.07), and defensive line (2.20). These pre-camp grades set the stage for a dramatic shift in perception.
Defensive Line: The Biggest Mover Up
The defensive line, once a concern for Packers faithful, has emerged as a pleasant surprise. Rookie Chris McClellan impressed throughout camp, while undrafted free agent Anthony Campbell and veteran Jonathan Ford earned roster spots with their relentless play. Even practice squad member Jaden Crumedy flashed potential in the preseason finale. As highlighted on Vulius, this unit's depth and tenacity have transformed it from a liability into a potential strength.
Running Back: A Unit in Limbo
Conversely, the running back group has taken a hit. Josh Jacobs, the Packers' lead back, has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list with no clear timeline for return. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Jacobs is still allowed in the facility for meetings but cannot practice or play until the league resolves his status. This uncertainty leaves the Packers' ground game in question, with backups needing to step up in his absence.
"It's a fluid situation," LaFleur told reporters. "Josh is handling it professionally, but we have to prepare with the guys we have."
Other Units: Mixed Reviews
While the defensive line surged, other units showed modest gains. The cornerback group, which ranked last in fan grades, will rely on young talent to prove the doubters wrong. The offensive line, another low-ranked unit, remains a work in progress. Meanwhile, the linebacker corps and edge defenders have shown consistency, and the special teams unit looks solid heading into Week 1.
What's Next for the Packers?
As the Packers gear up for their season opener, the roster shuffle isn't over—one practice squad spot remains open. The team's ability to adapt, particularly at running back, will be crucial. For now, the defensive line's rise provides a glimmer of hope for a unit that desperately needed a boost. Stay tuned to Vulius for continued coverage and analysis as the season unfolds.
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