Assessing Packers final 53-man roster

[Brandon494]

http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/2010/08/13/friday-extra-point-assessing-packers-final-53-man-roster/

Pretty good roster breakdown IMO


QUARTERBACKS (2)

Keep: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn.

Practice squad: Graham Harrell.

My two cents: The Packers aren’t likely to sway from their practice of keeping just two QBs on the active roster. In Ted Thompson’s mind, there’s too much talent elsewhere to waste a spot on a third QB that won’t contribute.

HALFBACKS (3)

Keep: Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Quinn Porter.

Cut: Kregg Lumpkin.

Injured reserve: James Starks.

My two cents: Mike McCarthy is clearly disappointed that Starks has languished on the sidelines with a bad hamstring. In his absence Porter has emerged and might claim a slight edge over Lumpkin.

FULLBACKS (2)

Keep: Korey Hall, John Kuhn.

Cut: Quinn Johnson.

My two cents: Johnson hasn’t shown enough to unseat Hall or Kuhn and the team is more likely to keep four tight ends rather than three fullbacks.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Keep: Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee, Spencer Havner, Tom Crabtree.

Practice squad: Andrew Quarless.

My two cents: Finley brings the whole package, Lee provides veteran savvy, and Havner is too versatile and valuable on special teams to cut loose. So it comes down to Crabtree’s blocking ability vs. Quarless’ potential. Crabtree will contribute more right now, and perhaps Quarless can be stashed on the practice squad where he can be seasoned for a year.

RECEIVERS (5)

Keep: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Brett Swain.

Cut: Patrick Williams, Chastin West, Jason Chery, Charles Dillon, Shawn Gore.

My two cents: Nelson looks like he will claim the No. 3 job outright. None of the youngsters has done enough to unseat Swain for the fifth and final spot. One or two receivers will land on the practice squad.

OFFENSIVE LINE (10)

Keep: Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Jason Spitz, T.J. Lang, Daryn Colledge, Marshall Newhouse, Breno Giacomini.

Cut: Allen Barbre, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Nick McDonald, Chris Campbell.

My two cents: In the past the Packers have kept nine linemen, so adding an extra one is a luxury. Assuming Bulaga wins the starting left guard job, Colledge could be traded to free up some space.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6)

Keep: Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Jarius Wynn, C.J. Wilson.

Cut: Justin Harrell, Anthony Toribio, Ronald Talley.

My two cents: This is the end of the line for Harrell, who has stayed healthy but doesn’t look as good as Wynn or flashed the potential of Wilson.

LINEBACKERS (8)

Keep: Nick Barnett, Clay Matthews, Brandon Chillar, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Frank Zombo.

Cut: Alex Joseph, Robert Francois, Cyril Obiozor, Maurice Simpkins.

My two cents: The Packers might keep an extra linebacker, although Havner could be considered No. 9 on the depth chart. Zombo is no sure bet and could be beaten out by any of the other challengers other than Simpkins.

CORNERBACK (6)

Keep: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood, Sam Shields, Pat Lee, Jarrett Bush.

Cut: D.J. Clark.

PUP list: Al Harris.

My two cents: If Harris’ knee is ready by the regular-season opener, Bush will have to go despite his special teams acumen. Shields appears to be a major find.

SAFETY (4)

Keep: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Derrick Martin, Will Blackmon.

Cut: Anthony Levine, Charlie Peprah.

PUP list: Atari Bigby.

My two cents: When Bigby returns from ankle surgery, Martin could be the odd man out. Of course, there’s no guarantee Blackmon will be healthy.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Keep: Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode.

Cut: Chris Bryan.

My two cents: Masthay is a better holder, and I didn’t like Bryan’s shank in practice on Thursday, which was all too reminiscent of Derrick Frost and Jeremy Kapinos

[falco]

Hard to believe Quarles doesn't make the roster just based upon his draft status.

Out of curiosity, what is the implication of someone with a multi-year contract being cut and then put on PS? I guess their signing bonus would hit the (non-existent) cap all in year one, and then they just become an exclusive rights free agent if they get moved to the roster?

[Brandon494]

5th round draft picks are never locks and I hear hes been dropping a lot of balls during training camp.

[mraynrand]

Zombo, Crabtree Swain seem unlikely to make it over guys like Wynn/Harrell, Quinn Johnson, or exposing Quarless on the practice squad. Keep 4 TEs, with Finley in high use, may not have to have 5 WRs. If you get an injury, not too hard to find a guy as good as Swain on the wire or on PS. Wonder if Barbre will make it as a Guard. See what he does, where he lines up against CLE tonight -if he gets limited time, or plays poorly, he's gone for sure.

[packerbacker1234]

Zombo, Crabtree Swain seem unlikely to make it over guys like Wynn/Harrell, Quinn Johnson, or exposing Quarless on the practice squad. Keep 4 TEs, with Finley in high use, may not have to have 5 WRs. If you get an injury, not too hard to find a guy as good as Swain on the wire or on PS. Wonder if Barbre will make it as a Guard. See what he does, where he lines up against CLE tonight -if he gets limited time, or plays poorly, he's gone for sure.

It's doubtful the packers don't keep 5 wr's either, and not a single other WR is really better than Swain, making him all but a sure fire lock again this year. Just saying.

[Brandon494]

Not saying much if you think Swain is a lock to make the roster.

[Brandon494]

I like this roster breakdown even more

(the number next to each position in green is how many the Packers kept in 2009):
http://media.jsonline.com/images/28007144_53v1.jpg


Notes:

•A lot at the RB position is going to be determined by whether James Starks ever gets healthy. At this point, the Packers probably wouldn’t mind Starks heading to IR so they can put off making a decision there. It's getting to be a bit late for a rookie RB to really be able to contribute after missing half of OTAs and two weeks of training camp. And Starks won’t complain. Just not in his nature.
•Quinn Johnson is just not cut out for this offense, which was one of the fears when the Packers drafted him. He’d be a better fit for power running team that often uses the I formation. Might bring something in trade.
•The fifth WR position will work itself out through the games. It’s very early. Nobody has really separated yet, so we’re going with the status quo.
•Think the Packers would like to keep Tom Crabtree. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that the Packers keep five – yes, five – tight ends. Perhaps they only keep one FB. A lot will depend on how special teams works itself out. If Crabtree is more valuable there than a LB or a S, then, yes, I think five is possible.
•My gut tells me they are going to trade an offensive lineman at some point (likely for a linebacker), so that may get Marshall Newhouse on the 53. They’d like to keep him and they don’t cut many draft picks.
•Went with Jarius Wynn over C.J. Wilson because he’s a better pass rusher (Packers don’t have many good ones in that group) and Wynn is not practice-squad eligible. Wilson is another guy that, in the end, the Packers will keep.
•Outside of what Brady Poppinga brings on special teams, I had a hard time even wanting to keep more than six linebackers (they kept nine last year). After the first six, this seems to be the weakest part of the Packers’ roster in terms of players with starting NFL talent (or potential talent) on the entire roster. They almost have to make a trade there.
•On that note, it would not surprise me if the Packers kept Wilson over an extra linebacker.
•Think Alex Joseph is a better prospect than Robert Francois at this point, but Joseph has been hurt.
•Sam Shields sticks. If you have that kind of speed and athletic ability, and show at least some potential to develop, the team is going to keep you.
•Think Al Harris will make it back and be active for the opener, which will make the decisions very interesting. A lot hinges, at least the initial roster, on the health of Harris and Will Blackmon.
•If Blackmon proves healthy and capable of playing safety – something we absolutely do not know yet – then Charlie Peprah is expendable. But until Blackmon is healthy, the Packers like to cover themselves.
•It’s a coin flip at punter at this point.

[falco]

I feel good about our secondary depth. I think the young guys will be fine at CB. Underwood looks like he could be a starter one day.

After watching the preseason game, I think its going to be more about pass rush than coverage.

[retailguy]

I feel good about our secondary depth. I think the young guys will be fine at CB. Underwood looks like he could be a starter one day.

After watching the preseason game, I think its going to be more about pass rush than coverage.

Underwood really is looking good. Peprah also played well tonight.

[swede]

Thanks, Brandon.

I made a few tweaks, but I liked the list as a good guess for the starting roster. I tinkered with the list and bolded my changes.

Most notably I think we have at least four either/or situations.

Lumpkin OR Porter

Crabtree, Quarless, Lee OR keep 5 tight ends

Colledge OR keep 10 Offensive linemen

Zombo OR Obiozor


QUARTERBACKS (2)

Keep: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn.
Practice squad: Graham Harrell.

HALFBACKS (3)

Keep: Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson
Bubble: Kregg Lumpkin or Quinn Porter
Injured reserve: James Starks.

FULLBACKS (2)

Keep: Korey Hall, John Kuhn.
Cut or trade: Quinn Johnson.

TIGHT ENDS (5)

Keep: Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee, Spencer Havner, Tom Crabtree, Andrew Quarless.

RECEIVERS (5)

Keep: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Brett Swain.
Cut: Patrick Williams, Chastin West, Jason Chery, Charles Dillon, Shawn Gore.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

Keep: Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Jason Spitz, T.J. Lang, Marshall Newhouse, Breno Giacomini.
Traded: Darryn Colledge
Cut: Allen Barbre, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Nick McDonald, Chris Campbell.


DEFENSIVE LINE (6)

Keep: Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Jarius Wynn, C.J. Wilson.
Cut: Justin Harrell, Anthony Toribio, Ronald Talley.

LINEBACKERS (8)

Keep: Nick Barnett, Clay Matthews, Brandon Chillar, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop
Bubble: Frank Zombo or Cyril Obiozor
Cut: Alex Joseph, Robert Francois, Maurice Simpkins.

CORNERBACK (6)

Keep: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood, Sam Shields, Pat Lee, Jarrett Bush.
Cut: D.J. Clark.
PUP list: Al Harris.


SAFETY (4)

Keep: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Derrick Martin, Will Blackmon.
Cut: Anthony Levine, Charlie Peprah.
PUP list: Atari Bigby.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Keep: Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode.
Cut: Chris Bryan.

[MJZiggy]

Don't we have to have a final 53-man roster before we can assess it?

[Brandon494]

5 TEs? Its not out of the question but I think Crabtree will be the odd man out and we'll end up keeping Harrell. Everything else I pretty much agree with.

[pack4to84]

QUARTERBACKS (2)
Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn.

HALFBACKS (4)
Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Quinn Porter, Kregg Lumpkin
Injured reserve: James Starks.

FULLBACKS (2)
Quinn Johnson, John Kuhn.

TIGHT ENDS (3)
Jermichael Finley,Tom Crabtree, Andrew Quarless.

RECEIVERS (4)
Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Jason Spitz, T.J. Lang, Darryn Colledge, Breno Giacomini.

DEFENSIVE LINE (7)
Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Jarius Wynn, C.J. Wilson. Justin Harrell

LINEBACKERS (9)
Nick Barnett, Clay Matthews, Brandon Chillar, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Spencer Havner, Frank Zombo

CORNERBACK (5)
Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood, Sam Shields, Pat Lee

PUP list: Al Harris.

SAFETY (5)
Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Derrick Martin, Will Blackmon, Anthony Levine,

PUP list: Atari Bigby.

SPECIALISTS (3)
Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode.

My reasoning on 4 Halfbacks is Lumkin and Porter are too talented to cut aka Sutton last year.

My reasoning on 4 WR's is that Finley or Quarless could lineup as a WR. Swain hasn't shown me any reason on keeping him.

Spencer Havner would make this team as a ILB. I watched the Brown's game keying on him when he was playing ILB. He showed enough as ILB that he has enough talent to play that position.
My reason on keeping 5 CB and 5 Safeties is Blackmon could easy play CB.

[retailguy]

If Crabtree really is close to sticking, we will cut/trade Lee. I do not believe we will keep 5 TE's. 4? Yes, 5? No.

[Brando19]

If Crabtree really is close to sticking, we will cut/trade Lee. I do not believe we will keep 5 TE's. 4? Yes, 5? No.

If the team really thinks Crabtree is going to be a star...I would keep Lee over Quarless...Lee is reliable and a veteran.

[retailguy]

If Crabtree really is close to sticking, we will cut/trade Lee. I do not believe we will keep 5 TE's. 4? Yes, 5? No.

If the team really thinks Crabtree is going to be a star...I would keep Lee over Quarless...Lee is reliable and a veteran.

That's not how this team does business. They do not have a track record for getting rid of "potential". Crabtree's strength is blocking. Lee's strength is blocking. Quarless should make this team on potential. Lee is a known commodity on the decline, losing his starting position.

He'll be the one to go, even though I personally agree with your statement.

[Fred's Slacks]

If Crabtree really is close to sticking, we will cut/trade Lee. I do not believe we will keep 5 TE's. 4? Yes, 5? No.

If the team really thinks Crabtree is going to be a star...I would keep Lee over Quarless...Lee is reliable and a veteran.

That's not how this team does business. They do not have a track record for getting rid of "potential". Crabtree's strength is blocking. Lee's strength is blocking. Quarless should make this team on potential. Lee is a known commodity on the decline, losing his starting position.

He'll be the one to go, even though I personally agree with your statement.

Here's something to think about: Despite Quarless' inconsistencies so far I think he's having a better camp then what Finley had as a rook. At the time we had no talent at the position so it was easy to keep Finely around and let him develop. So, knowing how Finely turned out, would you feel comfortable letting a guy with Quarless' ability walk for a limited athlete like Crabtree or a high-priced vet on the decline like Lee?

[SkinBasket]

Quarless makes the roster. Anyone who believes he doesn't is retarded.

[Patler]

Here's something to think about: Despite Quarless' inconsistencies so far I think he's having a better camp then what Finley had as a rook. At the time we had no talent at the position so it was easy to keep Finely around and let him develop. So, knowing how Finely turned out, would you feel comfortable letting a guy with Quarless' ability walk for a limited athlete like Crabtree or a high-priced vet on the decline like Lee?

Excellent point. Coming out of his first camp, Finley was virtually useless. He was a horrible blocker, with no ST talent and didn't understand the offense at all. There was some talk about the Packers MAYBE trying to sneak him onto the practice squad, but figured it was unlikely. Some writers questioned if he would mature in time for the Packers to get any value before he reached FA status.

[Guiness]

While it's hard to pick what happens with the last 3-4 spots on the roster, one thing I'm pretty sure is wrong on these lists is who ends up on the PS.

We tend to fall in love with guys, and hope they can be 'stashed' on the PS, while the reality is, the player isn't as good as what you've got on your roster. The last few guys on the roster don't dress on game day anyways, so if you think you've got something, put him there.

The Pack tends to use a good chunk of the spaces on their PS to audition players floating around to see if they can find something.

[mraynrand]

Here's something to think about: Despite Quarless' inconsistencies so far I think he's having a better camp then what Finley had as a rook. At the time we had no talent at the position so it was easy to keep Finely around and let him develop. So, knowing how Finely turned out, would you feel comfortable letting a guy with Quarless' ability walk for a limited athlete like Crabtree or a high-priced vet on the decline like Lee?

Excellent point. Coming out of his first camp, Finley was virtually useless. He was a horrible blocker, with no ST talent and didn't understand the offense at all. There was some talk about the Packers MAYBE trying to sneak him onto the practice squad, but figured it was unlikely. Some writers questioned if he would mature in time for the Packers to get any value before he reached FA status.

Good stuff. Here's the thing about Crabtree. If they keep him you have to think that they want him to play on Teams. But how do you keep 4 TEs, including Crabtree, and then actually have him game day active? But if he won't be active, why would you keep him? I'm thinking the Packers can only keep two FBs and probably won't keep more than 4 WRs. Swain would have to be absolutely outstanding to be worth a roster spot. They easily can keep 4 with Finley functioning as a fifth (and a huge matchup problem all across the field).

[KYPack]

Don't we have to have a final 53-man roster before we can assess it?

No way.

We are much better as a group making assessments when we don't know what we are talking about.

[Patler]

Don't forget that Swain was a pretty darn good ST performer last year before he got hurt. He was the one who diagnosed the Bears fake punt and stopped it cold. Made numerous stops on coverage with impressive effort.

[hoosier]

Now that Raji and Pickett have been switched I am wondering if the Packers won't keep a seventh defensive lineman (Toribio). Because if Raji or Pickett were to get hurt they would all of sudden be down to one guy capable of playing NT. And if that guy gets hurt or needs a rest, then you're stuck playing two linemen and four or five linebackers. Even in today's pass happy NFL, finding yourself limited like that on defensive configurations would be cause for concern. So keep Toribio and dump Obiozor?

[Little Whiskey]

In today's pass dominated NFL, I cannot imagine keeping only 4wrs, then 4 TE's? but i was confused by them keepin 3 fb's last year too.