Aaron Ripkowski

Fullbacks are going the way of the dinosaurs in today's NFL, but Ripkowski proved to be more than that last season, working as a short-yardage specialist and third-down back in addition to his regular role. His versatile skill set is likely to keep him involved again in 2017, and he figures to head into the new campaign as the No. 2 option in the backfield -- for snaps, but not necessarily touches -- behind Ty Montgomery.

Green Bay selected Ripkowski in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft despite the presence of long-time fan favorite John Kuhn on the roster. The rookie played almost exclusively on special teams, but in doing so, he enamored the Green Bay coaching staff with an old-school style of physicality and a willingness to make first contact. Thus, Kuhn may have presumably been deemed expendable in the name of capable youth. Since the team has struggled converting short distances on third and fourth down in recent years, it's possible Kuhn could be invited back if Ripkowski doesn't prove effective during training camp and the preseason. As it stands now, though, a changing of the guard seems to have materialized at the fullback position in Title Town. The starting fullback job in 2016 is Ripkowski's to lose.

Ripkowski was taken in the sixth round of this year's draft and will compete for the fullback job with long-time Packer John Kuhn.