will also prepare for the upcoming NFL draft. That holds true at SB

Packers release fullback Aaron Ripkowski as part of final cuts Youth Darnell Savage Jersey , per report Once an understudy to Green Bay Packers’ folk-hero John Kuhn, fullback Aaron Ripkowski had the name and grit to quickly become a fan favorite in his own right. But at least for the time being, Green Bay is cutting ties with the fourth-year player.As has been noted in the past, the role of the fullback has been diminishing across the NFL. The Packers were one of very few teams to utilize the position in a prominent role. However, even last season, there were signs that Green Bay was also beginning to move away from its traditional use of the fullback. Ripkowski was called on for just five carries and seven receptions in 2017 Jamaal Williams Jersey , a far cry from his 34 carries in 2016. His offensive snap count also was significantly reduced by over 100 (288-180) in that two-year span. The release of Ripkowski in the final year of his rookie contract paves the way for an extra tight end to make the final roster. At the time of this post, Emanuel Byrd and Robert Tonyan were still safe from the cut down and each could play a role as an H-back player for the Packers in Ripkowski’s absence. Also adding intrigue is that Joe Kerridge currently remains a Packer. The third-year fullback has bounced between the active roster and practice squad over the past two seasons, but also contributes on special teams.It was noted earlier today that Quinten Rollins suffered a hamstring injury and could pose a difficult challenge to the Packers’ front office if they value his versatility in the secondary enough to place him on returnable injured reserve. In that case, Ripkowski could be a strong bet to find his way back on the roster after injury placements sort themselves out. Still, there could be some interest in Ripkowski from teams around the league that still employ the fullback position.In the scenario that Green Bay does not retain Ripkowski, the Packers are in a curious position in terms of their backfield for week one. With Aaron Jones serving a suspension and Devante Mays and Joel Bouagnon released earlier today White Darnell Savage Jersey , it leaves Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery as the only two sure-fire players to be in the backfield. While Kerridge and late pickup LeShun Daniels have not been mentioned in the reported releases as of yet, it would appear the Packers could be on the lookout for another running back casualty in final cuts around the NFL.Stay tuned to our Roster Cuts Tracker to follow along with all of the Packers’ moves this weekend. While the Green Bay Packers’ head-coaching search commands most of the attention around Wisconsin, the team will also prepare for the upcoming NFL draft. That holds true at SB Nation as well where scouting guru Dan Kadar has released a new mock draft this week.Once again, Kadar sees the Packers grabbing a front-seven defender and a pass catcher with their two first-round picks. The identity of those players has changed again this week, however.Jachai Polite has become a popular name in draft circles for his impressive production and high-end athletic traits. He probably doesn’t fit into every defense, and the Packers could shift to a new scheme under their next head coach Kenny Clark Jersey , but Polite offers plenty of intrigue as a 3-4 outside linebacker.If T.J. Hockenson declares, he will battle with Iowa teammate Noah Fant to become the first tight end selected in the upcoming draft. Green Bay just signed Jimmy Graham to a multiyear contract last year, but the limited returns could push general manager Brian Gutekunst to find a long-term answer in the draft.