Quarterback (2): Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn
Cut: Graham Harrell
Breakdown: So Aaron Rodgers survives another year of Saturday cuts. But seriously, Rodgers and Flynn were locked into their positions and the only real question was whether the Packers A) believed Harrell warranted a spot on the roster or B) would pass through waivers and be added to the practice squad. General Manager Ted Thompson went with the latter, cutting Harrell and hoping no team takes a flyer on him. There's a small chance a team will grab Harrell and put him on their 53-man roster, but he didn't show much in the preseason and is more of a system quarterback (the Packers' system) than anything at this point. With Flynn set to test the free agent market in 2012, Harrell could be the top candidate to backup Rodgers next year.
Running back (3): Ryan Grant, James Starks, Alex Green
Cut: Dimitri Nance, Brandon Saine
Breakdown: Nance and Saine were two of the last cuts to be publicly announced, so there was optimism that one of the two would stick. However, the Packers instead decided to keep 10 linebackers. The decision to cut Saine and Nance should also dispel any rumors that the Packers will try to trade Ryan Grant, who is in the final year of his contract. Starks and Green provide excellent depth and Kuhn is able to run the ball as well, so there was really no need to keep either of the two cut.
Fullback (1): John Kuhn
Cut: Quinn Johnson (trade), Jon Hoese
Breakdown: The question of whether or not there was a roster spot for Johnson was answered when it was revealed the Packers were keeping five tight ends. However, it was announced that the Packers received an undisclosed draft pick for Johnson in a trade with Tennessee. The move coincides with Titans' fullback Ahmad Hall being suspended for four games for violating the NFL's drug policy. Since there really was no room for Johnson, it's good to see him stick with another team and the Packers to get something back for him. Kuhn will enter 2011 as the Packers' only fullback.
Wide Receiver (5): Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb
Cut: Diondre Borel, Chastin West, Tori Gurley, Kerry Taylor, Shaky Smithson (I.R.)
Breakdown: No cuts were easy on the ultra-talented and deep Packers' roster, but letting Gurley and West go rank as two of the toughest. It was known going into camp that the five who were ultimately kept were locks and, with the depth at tight end, it was going to be difficult for a sixth wide receiver to hang on to a roster spot. West's production and Gurley's size were obvious throughout training camp and the preseason, but the fact was that they were disposable with the depth already at the position. The Packers would love for West and Gurley to sneak through waivers, but it seems unlikely that both will and it's more unlikely that both do.
Tight End (5): Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, Ryan Taylor
Cut: None
Breakdown: Tight end was far and away the biggest storyline on Saturday, as Thompson decided to keep a whopping five tight ends. Entering the preseason, Finley was the only lock for the roster but Quarless' impressive preseason, Crabtree's blocking/special teams ability, Williams' potential and Taylor's big preseason were all reason enough to keep them all. With the Packers keeping just one fullback, expect to see tight ends in the backfield on shotgun formations, which has become standard in Green Bay.
Offensive Line (8): Chad Clifton, T.J. Lang, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Marshall Newhouse, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Derek Sherrod
Cut: Caleb Schlauderaff (trade), Nick McDonald, Sampson Genus, Chris Campbell, Ray Dominguez
Breakdown: If you are surprised the Packers kept just eight offensive linemen, you should be. One of the Packers' thinnest positions had one, maybe two, interesting cuts in McDonald and Schlauderaff. The former, a 2010 undrafted free agent, has versatility but struggled down the stretch and was seemingly beat out by Dietrich-Smith, who will now act as the backup center and left guard. Schlauderaff had a weak offseason but there was a chance the sixth round rookie would stick. It was announced that Schlauderaff has been traded to the Jets for an undisclosed draft pick. With just eight linemen, it would not be surprising to see the Packers pick up a ninth lineman for depth, picking a player on waivers who was cut by a different team.
Defensive Line (6): Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, B.J. Raji, Jarius Wynn, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson
Cut: Jay Ross, Eli Joseph, Chris Donaldson
Breakdown: There were no real surprises with the defensive line cuts, but it is worth noting that the Packers must feel comfortable with Mike Neal's knee injury by keeping just six defensive linemen. There is still a chance the Packers could look to the free agent/waiver market if Neal is not ready by Week 1, but it's likely that the 2010 second round draft pick will be ready.
Linebacker (10): Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, Robert Francois, Vic So'oto, Brad Jones, Jamari Lattimore, Frank Zombo, Erik Walden
Cut: Ricky Elmore, Cardia Jackson, Elijah Joseph
Breakdown: Ted Thompson is human, we think. That much was made clear by the selection and eventual release of Elmore, who was selected in the fifth round of this year's draft. What is interesting is that the Packers decided to keep 10 linebackers, including Lattimore. The Packers must have been worried a team would claim the undersized, athletic linebacker, who will contribute on special teams. Jones backed his way into a roster spot but his experience surely helped him. So'oto was really no surprise after his final two weeks and everyone else was a lock to make the roster.
Cornerback (6): Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Jarrett Bush, Davon House, Pat Lee
Cut: Brandian Ross, Brandon Underwood, Josh Gordy
Breakdown: So Pat Lee survives after all. After struggling much of the earlier portion of training camp, Lee came on strong to beat out the likes of Ross and Gordy, both of whom had plenty of upside and will be likely practice squad candidates. Davon House, who missed much of training camp, also made the team.
Safety (4): Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, M.D. Jennings
Cut: Anthony Levine, Anthony Bratton
Breakdown: Collins, Burnett and Peprah were all locks for the roster, but Jennings showed enough in preseason (16 tackles, 1/2 sack, 1 interception) to earn him a roster spot. He beat out the likes of Anthony Levine, a 2010 practice squad player, and Anthony Bratton for the spot and, while undersized, will be used on special teams and as a backup to Collins.
Special Teams (3): Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode
Cut: None
Breakdown: These three remain unchanged from a year ago.
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