The Green Bay Packers are undertaking a lot of change heading into 2023 and one player’s role is no different.
The Packers drafted safety Tariq Carpenter in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft and the then-rookie struggled to get onto the field, logging just 14 defensive snaps. He did, however, display a solid special teams presence.
The Packers have questions when it comes to who starts at safety opposite Darnell Savage, but they also have three solid candidates in Rudy Ford, Jonathan Owens, and Tarvarius Moore.
Special teams ace Dallin Leavitt and seventh-round rookie Anthony Johnson Jr. are also in the mix, so, it’s clear the safety room is pretty carved out.
Where does that leave Carpenter? Many have noticed he’s been practicing with the inside linebackers and on Tuesday, LaFleur confirmed the Packers are moving him into that spot.
“Tariq’s been there predominantly the entire offseason,” Matt LaFleur told reporters Tuesday. “It’s a move that we felt like could be in the best interest for him. We’ve all see his value on [special] teams and just the impact he can make. So, it’s another way to see where he best fits.”
Carpenter has a much better shot of making the 53-man roster in this scenario. His primary competition, now, is Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson.
Both players have proven their worth on teams, as well, so it won’t be an easy competition for the ILB3 or ILB4 position.
But, at the same time, it’s a much better scenario than having to compete for snaps with five guys.
Carpenter will receive a lot more reps, therefore, a lot more chances to prove that he belongs on the final roster. Now, it’s just a matter of him making it happen.
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