Originally Posted by Joemailman
Quarterback
Lock to start: Aaron Rodgers (pretty sure about this one)
In a perfect world, Tolzien would show enough that the Packers could just keep him and Rodgers. After what happened last year though, they will probably keep Flynn. Tolzien needs to show he can eventually be more than a #3 to make the team. After an entire offseason in MM's QB school Tolzien should be much better than he showed last year. He is the better athlete so the QB backup battle will be one of the better ones this summer.
Runningback
Lock to start: Eddie Lacy
This may be the team's most settled position. James Starks and DuJuan Harris are excellent depth when healthy. John Kuhn should continue to be a fixture until someone can match his pass blocking excellence. Rajion Neal is an interesting guy but there may not be room for him. Neal might be a good candidate for the PS.
Wide Receiver
Locks to start: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb
Jarrett Boykin and Davante Adams should bet most of the reps at the #3 and #4 positions. That leaves Jared Abbrederis, Kevin Dorsey, Allex Gillett, Chris Harper, Jeff Janis and Myles White to fight for probably 2 spots. Myles White might be the fastest. Abbrederis' return abilities might give him an edge. The others are the type of physical receivers the Packers like. Great competition here.
Tight End
Locks to start: None
This may be the team's most unsettled position. Quarless is the only guy with much experience, but he is just marginal as a starter. Richard Rodgers was the talk of the OTA's, and seems to have a lot of natural pass catching ability. As does Brandon Bostick. Lyerla has a ton of talent, but we all know about the baggage. Ryan Taylor has been primarily a special teams player. He needs to show more. probably battling for 4 spots here.
Offensive Line
Locks to start: Josh Sitton, T. J. Lang
At Center, J.C. Tretter starts camp as the starter and will be battled by Corey Linsley and PS holdover Garth Gerhart. At LT Bakhtiari is the starter and will be battled by Derek Sherrod. AT RT it's Bulaga and Barclay. If Bulaga stays healthy and wins the job, Barclay may back up at G/T. Probably keeping 8-9 here. Unless he is injured again - god forbid - Bulaga is the starter at RT. Tretter will most likely win the center spot. LT might be the most intriguing if Sherrod plays like a first round pick this summer.
Defensive Line
Lock to start: B. J. Raji
In base it's expected that Datone Jones will be at one DE. The other could be a combination of Mike Neal, Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd and Khyri Thornton. Letroy Guion and Boyd will probably battle for backup NT reps. In Nickel, Daniels should be a fixture, with a rotation of other guys at the other DT position. With the DL in flux, there's a lot to sort out here. Probably keeping 7-8 here. Jones most likely is the other starter.
Inside Linebacker
Lock to start: A.J. Hawk
Not a ton of drama here. Sam Barrington and Jamari Lattimore will try to push Brad Jones. Maybe Jake Doughty will make some noise.
Outside linebacker
Lock to start: Clay Matthews.
Julius Peppers and Nick Perry will be battling to start opposite Matthews. Mike Neal will get reps here and on the DL. Andy Mulumba could be in the mix too, although UDFA OLB's haven't fared too well in their 2nd season here. Carl Bradford and Adrian Hubbard could also be in the mix. Nate Palmer needs to improve to have a chance. Pretty good depth here when healthy.
Cornerback
Locks to start: Sam Shields, Tramon Williams
If fully recovered, Casey Hayward should have the inside track on the nickel position. If he doesn't win the starting Safety position, Micah Hyde could see time here as well. Demetri Goodson is an intriguing prospect/project. Jumal Rolle could be in the mix. And let's not forget Jarrett Bush!
Safety
Lock to start: Morgan Burnett
Looks like Ha Ha and Hyde will battle for time opposite Burnett. Richardson is an intriguing physical specimen who could be a factor if he improves in coverage. Could there be room for Jim Leonhard? I have my doubts there is interest in Leonard. We have an opening on the TC roster and Leonard is still unemployed.
Special Teams
Same old same old (which isn't bad)
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