Tight end Andrew Quarless is being pushed for a roster spot this summer. Credit: Journal Sentinel files

Green Bay – The Green Bay Packers have reached the halfway mark of their formal preparation for the start of the regular season as a deep, established and talented team that has benefited from relatively good fortune on the injury front.

It's reflected on how the team's roster shapes up three weeks before opening night in Seattle.

A year ago on this date, the 90-man roster had 23 players judged to be locks to make the 53-man roster, and nine more considered good bets.

This year, there appear to be 28 locks and 12 good bets on an 89-man roster.

The increase from 32 to 40 players in the count-them-here category by mid-August suggests the Packers have their ducks in order even more than in most seasons as they bid to usurp the Seahawks as NFL champions.

"We'll be competitive, I'll tell you that much," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said early in the week. "We'll be in the mix."

Obviously, general manager Ted Thompson didn't think defensive end Jerel Worthy could contribute. Rather than having to cut Worthy in two weeks, Thompson on Tuesday at least coaxed a late-round draft choice from New England in the event he meets participation criteria.

Every year much is written about a surplus here or a surplus there on the Packers' roster.

Only in 2011, however, was Thompson able to trade a player for a pick on cut-down day: guard Caleb Schlauderaff was peddled to the Jets for a seventh-rounder, and fullback Quinn Johnson went to Tennessee for a conditional seventh-round pick that never materialized.

A year ago, perhaps the best players released at the end were tight end Matt Mulligan, running back Alex Green and linebacker Dezman Moses.

Where might the Packers pick up an extra pick via trade this summer?

"Outside linebacker is really deep," said Rodgers. "The secondary's deep. We've got five safeties that could make a team.

"I think the talent level on (defense) is higher than we've had in a while."

Coach Mike McCarthy sees difficult decisions ahead, especially on defense.

"The competition throughout the defense ... it's going to be a hard cut when we get down to the final 53," said McCarthy.

Besides outside linebacker, the positions with the best quality and quantity look like wide receiver, running back and cornerback. There could be depth issues in both lines.

"Running back is going to be as good as we've had here in a while," Rodgers said. "It's going to be tough to cut it (tight end) down. It'll be interesting at wide receiver; I'm not sure if we're going to keep five or six."

In addition to the 28 locks and 12 good bets, there are 28 players thought to be on the fence and 21 more are regarded as long shots.

All teams must reach the 75-man roster limit by 3 p.m. Aug. 26. The final cut to 53 must be made by 5 p.m. Aug. 30.

After 11 a.m. Aug. 31, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players. Candidates are waived players that do not have an accrued season (six games on the 53 or injured reserve) or were on the 46-man active roster for fewer than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season.

A player cannot participate on a practice squad for more than three seasons. A year of service on the practice squad consists of a minimum of three weeks.

A player can only be on a practice squad for a third year if the team has 53 players on its active list during the entire period.

For the third season, teams will be allowed to designate one player on injured reserve for return. Instead of being out for the year, as players on injured reserve automatically are, that player would be able to resume practice six weeks into the regular season and play after eight weeks.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5 or 6)

Locks: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams.

Good bets: Jarrett Boykin.

On the fence: Jeff Janis, Myles White, Kevin Dorsey.

Long shots: Alex Gillett, Gerrard Sheppard, Chris Harper, Jared Abbrederis.

Overview: It appeared as if the Packers would keep six for only the second time in 13 years before Abbrederis blew out his knee. Now the guess is five.

Janis made a stunningly fast two-week recovery from a bout with shingles and has had an impressive week of practice. He's too big, too fast and too talented to clear waivers. If the Packers want to develop him, they've got to keep him.

White is smooth, speedy and 12 pounds heavier than a year ago. His blocking is vastly improved; watch how persistent he has become stalking cornerbacks. His chances would be greater if he had experience returning punts.

Dorsey tied for the team-high in special-teams snaps (10) against the Titans, an indication he is getting a long look. Unlike some wide receivers, he's strong enough to tackle. He's not as fast as Janis or White but isn't far behind.

Gillett, the converted quarterback from Eastern Michigan, is much improved from last summer. He plays faster than he ran the 40 (4.59 seconds). He also uses his intelligence (30 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test) to get open for grateful quarterbacks.

Even Sheppard, awarded on waivers from Baltimore July 30, and the twice-cut Harper have redeeming qualities. Harper's hands just can't be trusted.

TIGHT ENDS (3 or 4)

Locks: Brandon Bostick, Richard Rodgers.

On the fence: Andrew Quarless, Ryan Taylor, Jake Stoneburner, Justin Perillo.

Long shot: Colt Lyerla.

Overview: Bostick and Rodgers figure to get the most playing time come September, but that surely could change at a position that is ultra-competitive.

Bostick, the one-time wide receiver and basketball player at Newberry College, didn't know come here from sic 'em two years ago when it came to blocking. He found out it didn't hurt last year, and now runs his feet and moves defenders better than the departed Jermichael Finley probably ever did.

"He got after people last year and he's continued to do that," offensive coordinator Tom Clements said Wednesday. "He still needs to polish it but he's willing to give great effort."

At 272 pounds, Rodgers can't match Bostick's speed challenging two-deep secondaries or cavorting after the catch. His blocking has been at least adequate, and his hands are secure.

Quarless has the most experience. He also probably has the most drops in camp, and his blocking a year ago was awful.

Taylor is the best of the bunch on special teams and maximizes his ability. Stoneburner and Perillo are about the same size. Perillo is a crafty, almost-always-open rookie free agent from Maine.

Lyerla's hurdle of a defenseless cornerback in a non-tackling practice raised questions about his judgment. One way or another, the Packers might like him back as a fullback prospect come April 2015. His non-surgical knee-ligament injury ended his rookie season after a so-so first week.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8)

Locks: T David Bakhtiari, G Josh Sitton, C JC Tretter, RG T.J. Lang, RT Bryan Bulaga.

Good bets: T Derek Sherrod, C Corey Linsley.

On the fence: G Lane Taylor, T-G Aaron Adams, G Andrew Tiller, T Jeremy Vujnovich.

Long shots: C Garth Gerhart, G Jordan McCray, G-T John Fullington, T-G Don Barclay.

Overview: Sherrod is healthy, improving and No. 6 on the list.

Linsley, the fourth-round draft choice, has displayed balance and strength in posting a 7-0-4 record in the one-on-one rush drill. He'd be short for guard at 6 feet 2 ½ inches but was a backup at the position in 2010-'11 for Ohio State.

The coaches have let Linsley settle in exclusively at center. If they determine he could play guard, the No. 8 lineman could be a tackle or a guard.

Taylor, a pure guard, overcame a sluggish start and looks like the No. 3 guard once again.

Adams, a practice-squad player all last year after being cut by Cleveland, handled himself well in the Tennessee opener after ranking last on the O-line in one-on-one's (5-8-4).

He's somewhat underpowered at 6 feet 5 inches and 306 pounds, plus his arms are short and his hands are small. Still, if Adams keeps playing the way he did Saturday night in the rain, he has a chance.

Tiller, an enormous guard (6-4, 324), probably is next in line. He needs to work his hands better and not rely so much on brute strength.

Vujnovich, a Division III prospect from Louisiana College in Pineville, La., has top-flight feet and ran 40 yards in 4.89 at 280 a year and a half ago. He's practice-squad material.

McCray has had a disappointing first three weeks because he doesn't move well. At some point, Barclay will be placed on injured reserve.

QUARTERBACKS (2 or 3)

Lock: Aaron Rodgers.

On the fence: Matt Flynn, Scott Tolzien.

Long shot: Chase Rettig.

Overview: After watching Flynn direct a 64-yard touchdown drive in a deluge to open the Titans game, one scout said, "He had a great first drive managing the offense and not making mistakes.

"Tolzien? He's OK. Maybe a third. As a No. 2, that'd be a tall order."

Other scouts watched the same tape and preferred Tolzien. "He doesn't excite me, either, but at least he's got a better arm than Flynn," said one.

What matters is that the Packers have made it an open competition. At least the contestants aren't Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman and Vince Young.

Tolzien is out of practice-squad eligibility. Just as he grew on the 49ers' staff, he appears to be growing on the Packers'. His work ethic is borderline obsessive.

The Packers haven't kept a No. 3 quarterback since 2008. For them to do it this year wouldn't be a surprise.

RUNNING BACKS (4 or 5)

Locks: RB Eddie Lacy, RB James Starks.

Good bets: FB John Kuhn, RB DuJuan Harris.

On the fence: RB Rajion Neal.

Long shots: RB Michael Hill, FB Ina Liaina, RB LaDarius Perkins.

Overview: If Starks and Harris stay healthy the others don't have much of a chance.

Harris is ticketed to return kickoffs and possibly get a snap or three each week from scrimmage. He's fully back from two major injuries. Harris is a tough little guy that isn't the least bit afraid of banging north and south.

A wide receiver at Tennessee as recently as 2011, Neal has run harder than scouts thought he did in '12. He's 220, runs 4.56 and, understandably given his background, has great hands.

If Neal can return next week from a knee injury, he might be an attractive practice-squad player.

The challenges from Hill and Perkins haven't materialized. Liaina, though limited, has put the hurt on some linebackers.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6 or 7)

Locks: DE Mike Daniels, NT B.J. Raji, DE Datone Jones.

Good bet: DE Josh Boyd.

On the fence: DE Khyri Thornton, NT-DE Letroy Guion, NT Mike Pennel.

Long shots: DE Luther Robinson, DE Luther Gray.

Overview: It's possible the Packers did as well 30 minutes after the draft as they did in the third round. Pennel, Robinson and Gray all have performed at or above the level of Thornton, the third-round pick.

Thornton had a rough debut against the Titans in terms of aggressiveness, awareness and point-of-attack strength. His $563,252 signing bonus guarantees a roster berth, but after three weeks there's little indication he can contribute much as a rookie.

Guion impressed the coaches in the off-season but then reported back in less than tip-top condition and with a hamstring injury. There's no telling when the former Vikings starter can practice, and all this lost time is compromising his capability to learn the defense.

Pennel repeatedly powered across into the Titans' backfield and stood firm against double teams. Given his size (6-4, 331) and athleticism, he's pushing hard to make the club.

If Robinson plays as well in the next three games as he did in 25 snaps Saturday night, he might be claimed, too. He penetrated and battled, just as he has been doing on the practice field.

At 313, Gray is 10 pounds heavier than Robinson and might be able to play some nose tackle as well as end. He's agile, slips blocks and has made plays.

LINEBACKERS (9 or 10)

Locks: OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Julius Peppers, ILB Brad Jones, ILB A.J. Hawk.

Good bets: OLB Mike Neal, OLB Nick Perry, ILB Sam Barrington.

On the fence: OLB Andy Mulumba, OLB Jayrone Elliott, OLB Nate Palmer, ILB Jamari Lattimore, OLB Adrian Hubbard, OLB Carl Bradford, ILB Joe Thomas.

Long shots: ILB Jake Doughty, ILB Korey Jones.

Overview: Of the remarkable group of nine outside linebackers, the least impressive has been Bradford, the fourth-round pick. He's just so short and short-armed compared to the competition.

Bradford needs to play. His game is contact. But others need to play as well.

If Bradford is released, a 4-3 team might claim him to reprise his role as an end at Arizona State. If not, the Packers might well add him to the practice squad and see if he has the intelligence and instincts to play inside.

With Neal and Perry seemingly secure, there are four others besides Bradford competing for what looks like two jobs.

Mulumba and Palmer played extensively as rookies but neither performed well in the opener. Mulumba is bigger and more talented than Palmer.

The rookie free agents, Elliott (Toledo) and Hubbard (Alabama), haven't gotten the practice-field or game exposure like Mulumba and Palmer but certainly look the part.

Elliott's 4-4-2 record in the one-on-one's is tied with Julius Peppers for the best mark at the position. He has long arms, big hands and is probably even more athletic than Mulumba.

Hubbard (2-6-2) has 4.67 speed and incredible wingspan and started for two years in Alabama's 3-4 defense. Surprisingly, his strength at the point has exceeded his pass rush.

The Packers might be able to trade Mulumba based on his potential and 348 snaps in 2013. Elliott and Hubbard might be claimed.

Barrington has been more physical than Lattimore from scrimmage but isn't as effective on special teams.

Thomas, a rookie free agent from South Carolina State, had been fast to the ball but suffered a sprained knee in Tennessee. He had the edge on Doughty, another tough, undersized free agent with a nose for the ball.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (10 or 11)

Locks: CB Tramon Williams, CB Sam Shields, S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Micah Hyde, S Morgan Burnett, CB Casey Hayward.

Good bets: CB Davon House, CB Jarrett Bush.

On the fence: CB Demetri Goodson, S Sean Richardson, S Chris Banjo, CB Jumal Rolle.

Long shots: CB-S Ryan White, S Tanner Miller, S Charles Clay, CB Antonio Dennard.

Overview: After a rocky start, Goodson's spirited play and length (5-11, 31 ¾ arms) have come to the fore and convinced position coach Joe Whitt he was worthy of a sixth-round choice.

Goodson has more athletic gifts than Rolle, the second-year man from Catawba who was cut by Buffalo and New Orleans in '13. However, Rolle has made more plays and shouldn't be counted out.

White, a free-agent handyman from Auburn, is smart as a whip and with versatility approaching Hyde and Bush. He plays hard, too.

At safety, Richardson (6-2 ½) towers 4 ½ inches over Banjo and has been the club's leading interceptor in practice. Richardson has more straight-line speed than quickness but seems to be looser-hipped than late last season when he functioned primarily as a box player.

Banjo makes his money on special teams.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Locks: P Tim Masthay, K Mason Crosby.

Good bet: LS Brett Goode.

Overview: Injury-free and steady once again, this trio returns intact for a fifth straight season. Only Kansas City's triumvirate of kicker Ryan Succop, punter Dustin Colquitt and long snapper Thomas Gafford also hasn't had a member miss a game from 2010-'13.