Ranking Roster by importance

[Harlan Huckleby]

http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110906/PKR07/110905061/Mike-Vandermause-column-Ranking-Packers-from-No-1-No-53
Vandermause does interesting job. Put this in your pipe and smoke it.

1. Aaron Rodgers
The reigning Super Bowl MVP is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The Packers’ high-powered offense revolves around his cannon arm, pinpoint accuracy, scrambling ability and cool-headed decision-making. In short, Rodgers can do it all, and the Packers’ fortunes are tied to his limitless potential.
2. Clay Matthews
The runner-up for NFL defensive player of the year is a sack-seeking missile who gives opposing quarterbacks fits. Matthews has 28 sacks, including playoffs, in his first two NFL seasons and has earned two Pro Bowl berths and an All-Pro designation.
3. Charles Woodson
In five memorable seasons with the Packers, he has 30 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and a franchise-record nine defensive touchdowns. The man is a play-making machine capable of doing damage all over the field in defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ multi-faceted attack.
4. Jermichael Finley
The 6-foot-5 tight end creates matchup problems because he’s too big for defensive backs to cover and too fast for linebackers. He was on pace for a monster season in 2010 before getting hurt. Finley adds a rare dimension to the offense and could become Rodgers’ go-to target.
5. Chad Clifton
It’s imperative to protect Rodgers from blind-side pass rushers, and that will be Clifton’s greatest responsibility. At 35, he is the oldest starting left tackle in the NFL and must prove age is not catching up with him.
6. B.J. Raji
Entering his third NFL season, Raji is a high-impact player who can clog running lanes, command double-teams and rush the passer. He even can defend against the pass, with his interception return for a touchdown in January sealing the NFC title game victory.
7. Greg Jennings
Defenses must fear the dangerous No. 1 receiver who earned his first Pro Bowl berth last season. Jennings has amassed 3,670 receiving yards over the past three seasons and 37 touchdowns over the past four years.
8. Tramon Williams
He ranked No. 1 in the NFL with a combined nine interceptions last season, with six in the regular season and three in the playoffs. He earned his first Pro Bowl berth and is a rising star.
9. Nick Collins
Not since LeRoy Butler in the 1990s has a Packers safety earned three consecutive Pro Bowl berths. Collins ranks second in the NFL since 2008 among safeties with 17 interceptions. He has started all but three games because of injury in six NFL seasons.
10. Josh Sitton
In just two full seasons as a starter, he has become one of the best guards in the game, and the Packers rewarded him with a fat new contract last week. He’s strong and stout as a run-blocker and didn’t allow a sack in 2010.
11. Ryan Pickett
With the ability to play end or nose tackle, he offers versatility and the much-needed ability to stuff the run.
12. Bryan Bulaga
Rodgers can’t have enough solid pass protection, and Bulaga only will get better at right tackle after a promising rookie season.
13. Mike Neal
Although he hasn’t done enough to earn such a high ranking, the Packers desperately need the big, strong 294-pound Neal to fill Cullen Jenkins’ shoes as a disruptive inside rusher and run-stopper.
14. Sam Shields
In the pass-happy NFL, a defense can’t have enough quality cornerbacks. Shields’ coverage ability alongside Williams can’t be underestimated because it allows Capers to move Woodson around as a more disruptive weapon.
15. Scott Wells
It sounds like a broken record, but protecting Rodgers is imperative, and Wells’ veteran presence in the middle of the line provides stability.
16. James Starks
He likely will share the running back load with Ryan Grant and might not be the starter, but his expected role as the third-down back is crucial.
17. Donald Driver
At 36, he hasn’t lost his starting receiver job and remains a dangerous weapon. He will be expected to make plays to complement Finley and Jennings.
18. A.J. Hawk
Mr. Reliable hasn’t missed a game in his career and has ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 on the team in tackles every season.
19. Desmond Bishop
The Packers let Nick Barnett go because of their faith in Bishop, who finished second on the team in tackles in only 12 games last season.
20. Jordy Nelson
His nine-catch, 140-yard performance in the Super Bowl is evidence he is a viable option if defenses pay too much attention to other receivers.
21. Morgan Burnett
The Packers won it all without him last season but there is potential for defensive improvement with Burnett’s coverage skills.
22. T.J. Lang
It’s vital that Lang ably replace departed starting left guard Daryn Colledge because depth at the position isn’t strong.
23. Erik Walden
The Packers need some production at outside linebacker opposite Matthews to keep opponents honest, and Walden has been steadily improving since getting picked up off the street last year.
24. Howard Green
Capers repeatedly has said the defense must stop the run first, and who better to do that coming off the bench than the 340-pound Green?
25. James Jones
Maybe this is the year Jones surpasses Nelson and Driver and becomes the bona fide No. 2 receiver. If that happens, his ranking will soar.
26. Ryan Grant
This is a low ranking for the team’s likely starter at running back, but Grant will share the carries this season and because of his third-down shortcomings is less valuable than Starks.
27. Mason Crosby
The new kickoff rule makes Crosby more dangerous with his ability to produce touchbacks. He also will have plenty of chances to score with the Packers’ explosive offense.
28. Randall Cobb
He could make an immediate impact as a bona fide return man, something the Packers have lacked for years. He also showed in training camp he’s a capable pass-catcher.
29. John Kuhn
He proved to be a multi-talented back who can run like a halfback, block like a fullback, produce in short-yardage situations and catch passes.
30. Jarrett Bush
One of the best special teams players on the roster, he also will open the season as the No. 4 cornerback and could play safety in a pinch.
31. Tim Masthay
Field position is crucial in today’s NFL, and Masthay has the potential to be one of the team’s best punters in more than a decade.
32. Vic So’oto
If his preseason performances carry over to real games, So’oto will provide welcome pass-rushing skills and could see increased playing time in Frank Zombo’s absence. He also will contribute on special teams.
33. Matt Flynn
Rodgers sustained a concussion last season and Flynn filled in capably. He is considered one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league.
34. Marshall Newhouse
If the aging Clifton goes down, Newhouse will be first in line as the backup tackle, meaning Rodgers’ health could depend on him.
35. Ryan Taylor
The rookie could emerge as the second-best among five tight ends on the roster, but his special teams prowess will make him stand out.
36. Charlie Peprah
He proved invaluable as the starting safety in Burnett’s absence last season and provides a security blanket in the secondary.
37. D.J. Smith
The rookie will be asked to provide depth at inside linebacker if either Hawk or Bishop goes down.
38. Tom Crabtree
When the Packers need a blocking tight end they may call on Crabtree, who can also catch an occasional pass when needed and contribute on special teams.
39. Jarius Wynn
His ranking could rise if he continues to improve and can become an effective member of the defensive line rotation.
40. Evan Dietrich-Smith
As the likely top backup at left guard, center and right guard, he easily could find himself thrust into duty.
41. Robert Francois
He is versatile enough to play inside and outside linebacker and provides veteran depth.
42. Pat Lee
After a career-saving performance in the final preseason game, Lee is once again waiting in the wings in case one of the top cornerbacks gets injured.
43. C.J. Wilson
It’s possible he could move ahead of Wynn on the defensive line depth chart, but until that happens, he will be a candidate for the inactive list.
44. Alex Green
It’s likely the Packers will work the rookie back in slowly, but he also could be asked to return kickoffs.
45. Andrew Quarless
The return of Finley could overshadow or even obliterate Quarless’ contributions.
46. Brad Jones
Unless injuries strike at outside linebacker, Jones could be relegated to the bench.
47. Brett Goode
As long as no one notices the long snapper, he’s doing his job.
48. Davon House
If he can stay healthy, the rookie could move up the cornerback depth chart.
49. Jamari Lattimore
He brings pass-rushing talent as an outside linebacker but will struggle to find playing time as an untested rookie.
50. Derek Sherrod
This isn’t a lofty ranking for the rookie first-round draft pick, but he has a lot to learn and might be inactive as the projected No. 8 offensive lineman.
51. D.J. Williams
It’s doubtful the team would activate five tight ends, and for now, Williams ranks No. 5.
52. M.D. Jennings
He made plays during the preseason but as the No. 4 safety will be a regular on the inactive list.
53. Frank Zombo
Nursing a broken shoulder blade, Zombo can’t play for a few weeks. When healthy, he will fight for playing time and climb the rankings.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think he has Clifton too high, the old man probably ain't gonna make it through the season, and I expect Sherrod or Newhouse will do credible job and move up the list.

I move BJ Raji up to #3 position just because of quality of backups and various positions. Maybe Mike Neal up a few slots too.

[pbmax]

Brett Goode should be higher. There are 22 starters, a 3rd WR and a nickel corner plus maybe a third down back. He should be #26. Goode hasn't had a bad snap since he took over for Rob Davis, has he?

[Deputy Nutz]

I still don't understand the basis of this ranking. Is it value to the team because of their talent? Or their potential in 2011 based on their position?

[Harlan Huckleby]

D.J Williams and Donald Driver should be #54 and #55. Just kidding! Since I've ragged on those guys, thought I'd take opportunity to twist the knife. I actually have come around to seeing why D.J. Williams is worth keeping, he's a better prospect than West or Gurley. Driver is as asset if his creaky body holds up, which I seriously doubt.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I still don't understand the basis of this ranking. Is it value to the team because of their talent? Or their potential in 2011 based on their position?
yes and yes, I think

[King Friday]

Driver/Nelson/Jones are all too high...simply because they are all on the roster together. If one goes down, I don't think this offense even misses them. In fact, all three could probably go down and we'd still be a top 10 offense by plugging in West and Gurley.

[Guiness]

Driver/Nelson/Jones are all too high...simply because they are all on the roster together. If one goes down, I don't think this offense even misses them. In fact, all three could probably go down and we'd still be a top 10 offense by plugging in West and Gurley.

That's some solid Kool-Aid you got going on there.

West and Gurley made it through waivers to the practice squad. Sometime in the future, maybe, but right now they are what they are, and that is 'not NFL receivers'.

[pbmax]

I still don't understand the basis of this ranking. Is it value to the team because of their talent? Or their potential in 2011 based on their position?

Just like actually defining the MVP award in baseball, knowing the purpose of this list reduces the chances of having a fight about it's arbitrary rankings.

[Partial]

Looking at the top 10, they should all be pro bowlers. Wow, this team is stacked and ridiculously deep. That said, Raji is too low. He's gotta be #3. He's unbelievable.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Bob McGinn does his take

1. AARON RODGERS
Once again, for the fourth straight year, Rodgers enters a season atop this list. He improved in camp after a slow start. Rodgers is 27, in complete command of the offense and the personnel, and capable of making every throw. His ability to keep everyone happy with just one football might go a long way toward the overall success of the team, not just the offense.
2. B.J. RAJI
A year ago, Raji was No. 10 on this list. That was before he emerged as a dominant force in the regular season. The Packers would prefer that Raji not have to match his 85% playing time in 20 games last year, but don't count on that happening. He reported in great shape and seemingly can go all day. His goal should be more than the Pro Bowl. It should be to challenge Baltimore's Haloti Ngata, Detroit's Ndamukong Suh and New England's Vince Wilfork as the best big man in football.
3. CLAY MATTHEWS
Matthews will be under even more scrutiny from opposing offenses, but with Dom Capers' schemes to free him he should be up to the task. Will play a little lighter this season. He hopes that by playing at 250 will improve his zone pass drops and lateral movement against the run. Intense, fiery, smart competitor. Wins with power, speed, athleticism and heart.
4. CHARLES WOODSON
Blew off the edge like a man possessed in the third exhibition game, harassing Colts QB Curtis Painter. "We didn't show anything," CB coach Joe Whitt said. "Those were base calls. Some of the things we haven't shown will be very good for him. He's going to have his best year. Put that down." If he's better than in 2009 (15 turnover plays), the Packers probably will be back in Indianapolis for the 46th Super Bowl.
5. TRAMON WILLIAMS
He could be the best athlete on the team. Watch Williams before the snap. He exudes confidence, sizing up wide receivers and then sidling up across from them. He mirrors them beautifully, is physical at the break point and trusts his instincts implicitly. Not only must foes worry about completing a pass against him, they have to fear balls going back all the way in the other direction. On this list, he's jumped from No. 15 as a nickel back in 2009 to No. 7 as a first-time starter in '10.
6. JOSH SITTON
Moves up from No. 21 in 2009 and No. 7 last year. Had a strange summer. Day in and day out in camp, he was almost unbeatable. But in games, he was beat cleanly for sacks by the Cardinals' Darnell Dockett and the Colts' Tommie Harris, who was cut Saturday. Perhaps Sitton was preoccupied with ongoing contract negotiations that consummated Friday with a five-year extension. Results of Sitton's annual duels with Suh will go far in determining NFC North champion.
7. CHAD CLIFTON
Catches a break right off the bat with the NFL's two-game suspension of Saints DE Will Smith. It's hard to say where the 35-year-old Clifton is at. The medical and coaching staffs kept him in mothballs much of camp, preferring to take their chances with a healthy if not fully prepared Clifton. Not only couldn't he block the Colts' Dwight Freeney on Aug. 26, he couldn't block backup John Chick, who was waived. All that's obvious is the Packers must have Clifton playing well.
8. SCOTT WELLS
There's a huge drop-off from Wells to Evan Dietrich-Smith so it's crucial that Wells stay in one piece. At 30, Wells is one of the better centers in the game. The ridiculous choices in 2010 as NFC Pro Bowl centers, Dallas' Andre Gurode and the Giants' Shaun O'Hara, now are out of football. If Wells can put together another one of his solid seasons, he'll earn a new contract and make the Pro Bowl for the first time.
9. BRYAN BULAGA
Enters second season as mainstay on the offensive line. Had a strong camp, giving as much as he got from Clay Matthews. His future position depends partially on how Derek Sherrod's career unfolds. Still only 22 but already acts and performs like a true professional. His future couldn't be brighter.
10. NICK COLLINS
Ranks with Washington's LaRon Landry as the top two safeties in the NFC. Now that Atari Bigby is in Seattle and Charlie Peprah is on the bench, it will be incumbent upon Collins to develop an even stronger voice both making and communicating calls in the secondary. Better playing center field than in the box. Still can chase down almost any ball carrier in the open field.
11. SAM SHIELDS
Shields didn't progress the way the Packers expected that he would in his second training camp. With that talent, he can cover anyone and make big plays. He gave up too many completions in camp and games, and there weren't enough big plays. Shields was a terrific nickel back down the stretch in 2010. This is no time to rest on his laurels.
12. GREG JENNINGS
Sits in same No. 12 slot as a year ago, which is direct reflection of team's extraordinary depth at wide receiver. Coming off his greatest season, one in which he carried the passing game after the loss of Jermichael Finley. Silky smooth, sneaky fast, surprisingly strong and smart. Apt comparison would be Isaac Bruce.
13. JERMICHAEL FINLEY
Dropped way too many passes in camp and missed two games with nagging injuries. On the first day of camp, Finley said his only objective was to be healthy for the New Orleans game. Mission accomplished. He has everything necessary to be a dominating player and warrant a lucrative new contract, but two major knee injuries in the last two seasons don't bode well for his longevity.
14. MATT FLYNN
Flynn had another solid camp until the fourth exhibition game, when he didn't read a cornerback blitz and didn't have much on his fastball. His rank climbed from No. 26 a year ago, mainly because he's now backing up a quarterback that suffered a pair of concussions in 2010. In four summers, his composite statistics show a passer rating of 86.0 and a completion mark of 60%. He was sacked 16 times, and he rushed 16 times for 76 yards.
15. MIKE NEAL
Neal's exhibition season included just one game. That was an 11-play, one-quarter stint Aug. 13 against Cleveland. He sat out the last three games with a sprained knee. Neal doesn't like being portrayed as oft-injured, but he has been in Green Bay and he was at Purdue, too. It's not his fault. It's the facts of life. Now the Packers need him to stay on the field.
16. T.J. LANG
To his credit, he didn't panic when Derek Sherrod was the first man up at LG. Displaying new-found maturity and strength, Lang became the starter Aug. 22 and didn't look back. There will be good days and bad days for any first-year starter. As long as Lang doesn't go in the tank, the Packers will live with him because he provides a bigger and more physical presence than Daryn Colledge.
17. RYAN PICKETT
Averaged 25.9 snaps a year ago as an early-down specialist, which will be his role once again. This is his 11th season; the Packers can't afford slippage at the point of attack. He almost seemed to be moving more easily than in 2010. A jolly giant, Pickett has a knack for leading teammates in the right direction.
18. JAMES STARKS
Against Indianapolis, Starks ran through a frontal tackle by hard-hitting S David Caldwell, the same player that knocked Ryan Grant backward more than once. Against Kansas City, he managed to gain 6 yards by somehow managing to avoid two defenders that immediately appeared in his face behind or at the line. He sat out one exhibition because of injury and carried a grand total of four times in the other three games. His promise is unmistakable but he remains raw.

[Harlan Huckleby]

19. DESMOND BISHOP
There's nothing new to report on Bishop since the Super Bowl. He's the club's No. 1 inside linebacker, he will be entering his first season as a starter and, at 27, should only get better. Last year at this time, he ranked No. 42. Bishop has decried his wasted first three seasons. He is playing like there's no time to waste.
20. MORGAN BURNETT
Less than 11 months removed from reconstructive knee surgery, Burnett appears back to full capacity. When paired with Nick Collins, Burnett gives the Packers one of the most athletic safety combinations in the business. This summer, he made two terrific plays in Cleveland and came from nowhere to break up a corner route to the great Larry Fitzgerald. The downside, and it was enormous, came on the blown coverage that gave the Colts' Reggie Wayne a gimme 57-yard TD. Burnett hasn't become a real player yet, but the Packers are convinced that he will.
21. A.J. HAWK
In conjunction with Charles Woodson, he is the captain of the defensive ship. He transmits the electronic call to the huddle, declares the strength of the offense and makes the front seven operate in unison. At 27, Hawk enters his sixth season with a big new contract and unwavering confidence from his coaches and teammates.
22. JOHN KUHN
This is the first time under Mike McCarthy that the Packers kept just one FB. It's the main reason why Kuhn has leaped from No. 41 a year ago. There's also the strong possibility that Kuhn will see extensive duty as the third-down back. It won't always be pretty, but Kuhn usually will block the right man, catch the ball and gain the tough yard on third and 1.
23. DONALD DRIVER
Driver still isn't out of the woods from a physical standpoint (ankle, knee) but you wouldn't have known it by his performance this summer. He never missed a day and caught just about everything thrown to him. Nobody's saying this is the old Driver: He ranked No. 2 on the most important list in 2006, No. 1 in '07. But if defenses flock to Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, old Double-D still can make plays.
24. JORDY NELSON
Nelson embarks on his contract year seeking a big strike here or elsewhere. It will be a highly competitive if not a charged environment for snaps and catches, and Nelson is worthy of his fair share. He has really improved over the three years in run after the catch. Now he must clean up his drops. He had 10 in 2010 after having just four total in his first two seasons.
25. MASON CROSBY
After a sluggish start, Crosby was automatic in practice the last three weeks and beat the Colts at the buzzer from 50 yards. He has altered his approach on kickoffs now that the ball is teed up 5 yards ahead. Concentrating on lower, driving boots, Crosby averaged 70.2 yards and a mere 3.62 seconds of hang time in four games. He tied for 18th in touchbacks with four. Green Bay ranked 12th in opponents' average starting point (21.1).
26. RYAN GRANT
He ranked No. 8 in 2008, No. 3 in '09 and No. 8 in '10. That's dramatic slippage precipitated largely by the presence of James Starks and Alex Green, not to mention a 2010 season that ended for Grant with an ankle injury after 18 snaps. The coaches swear he looked like the same back. Some scouts don't see it that way.
27. ERIK WALDEN
Drafted in the sixth round by Dallas in 2008, he bounced around with three teams before finding a home with a fourth, Green Bay, in late October. With Frank Zombo expected to miss about another month, Walden becomes an NFL starter for the first time. He's 12 pounds heavier than late last season, which has helped him butt heads at the point of attack. Now he needs to start beating some tackles on the pass rush.
28. MARSHALL NEWHOUSE
Entered 2010 No. 52 on this hit parade, ahead of only C-G Nick McDonald. Neither one played a down as rookies. McDonald's gone now but Newhouse will play if Bryan Bulaga is injured and he might play over Derek Sherrod if Chad Clifton goes down. Newhouse did a great job with his body in the off-season, gaining weight and losing fat. It remains to be seen if he has LT feet, but they are awfully good. Still, his game needs refinement in every area.
29. FRANK ZOMBO
Can you imagine playing half of a football game with a broken shoulder blade? Few laymen can, but Zombo did it against Arizona after being blocked by John Kuhn in warm-ups. Zombo will miss the occasional tackle in space, but it's not because of athletic limitations. He played WR in high school and tested extremely well coming out of Central Michigan. He can stack and shed at the point. He also has become more than just a bull rusher.
30. TIM MASTHAY
On 21 punts, Masthay ranked seventh in the NFL both in gross average (48.8 yards) and net average (42.6). He also put seven inside the 20, suffered just one touchback and averaged 4.37 seconds of hang time. Masthay was consistent all summer. His height and distance were good, his directional work was solid and his Aussie-style drop punts often were deadly.
31. HOWARD GREEN
It seemed possible that Green, a meat freezer of a man who has been cut 10 times, might just let himself go after winning the Super Bowl. Not on your life. Big Howard has continued to give an honest day's work for $860,000 ($50,000 above minimum), locking up a roster berth weeks ago. His sack against the Chiefs in which he split G Rodney Hudson and C Casey Wiegmann was something else.
32. RANDALL COBB
The only thing Cobb didn't show in his first camp was durability. The Packers can only hope he doesn't play too big for his body. Beyond that, Cobb was open most of the time from the slot, caught just about everything, darted away from tacklers and showed no fear whatsoever on returns. Mike McCarthy hasn't done much with Cobb in "wildcat" sets, but that could be coming next.
33. JARRETT BUSH
He did seem to be covering more tightly in the first two weeks of camp. Still, Bush ended up getting beat too much in games. He's one of the most competitive players on the roster, with practice-field intensity almost matching game-day intensity. Not only is he effective on special teams, he really cares about special teams. As long as his snaps from scrimmage can be minimized, he would have a niche on many teams.
34. C.J. WILSON
Looked like the No. 4 D-linemen early in camp but then suffered a concussion against Arizona and had to sit out two weeks. He returned last week and did more good things against Kansas City. He's up to 300 pounds but isn't just a run-stopping slug. Wilson will back up both ends, start in the 4-4 "hippo" alignment and assist in the nickel pass rush.
35. JARIUS WYNN
Each year, Wynn picks up his game. A year ago, he got better as a pass rusher. This year, he became stouter against double-teams in the run game. Against Indy, he proved hard to block for old pro Jeff Saturday, a four-time Pro Bowl center. In 2009, Wynn was a naïve rookie just happy to be in the league. In 2011, he has the size, ability and confidence to contribute.
36. CHARLIE PEPRAH
He's an intelligent, reliable, always prepared player that is highly valued by GM Ted Thompson and the coaches. Peprah will sell out his body from scrimmage and on special teams. At times, his average range and athleticism will create problems for the defense and special teams. Peprah is at his best moving forward. His limitations show up in chase and open-field situations.

[Harlan Huckleby]

37. JAMES JONES
He was beset by an old knee problem late in camp. Played in three games, caught just one pass. His role will depend on how much Jermichael Finley is used at wide receiver and if Mike McCarthy decides he has to utilize Randall Cobb's play-making skill in the slot. Jones' best routes are takeoff and back-shoulder fades along the sideline, and then slants on third down.
38. ANDREW QUARLESS
As a rookie, he was a hit-or-miss blocker. This summer, Quarless showed more pop and tenacity at the point of attack. He talked about becoming a dominant blocker, a very good sign for someone who was drafted mostly because of his receiving dimension and 4.59-second speed in the 40. The Packers will mix-and-match tight ends behind Jermichael Finley based on specifics of the play that's called. If Finley were to be lost, Quarless seems like the next player in.
39. D.J. SMITH
Ted Thompson's miss on OLB Ricky Elmore with the 197th pick (sixth round) was more than overcome by his hit on ILB Smith with the 186th pick (sixth round). Smith stands just 5 feet 10½ inches but he isn't small. Muscular and thick, Smith proved he can find the football and was a sure wrap tackler when he arrived. Against the Chiefs, he ducked under LT Jared Gaither, a starter in Baltimore from 2008-'09, and sacked Tyler Palko on a cross blitz. Blitzing is one of his many strengths.
40. ALEX GREEN
In three games, Green carried 16 times for 23 yards. His horrendous average of 1.4 per carry was more the result of inferior blocking by the backup O-linemen than his own shortcomings. Coming from the Hawaii spread offense, Green needs time to develop patience and feel. But he does run aggressively between the tackles and catches the ball very well.
41. PAT LEE
It's hard to say if Shawn Slocum fought for Lee or not. Either way, Lee is someone the special teams coach can count on to get off the line as a gunner and make the sure tackle downfield. At cornerback, Lee is better suited inside than outside. He has more short-area quickness than long speed. His speed is ordinary.
42. VIC SO'OTO
So'oto, a rookie free agent from Brigham Young, made the team chiefly because there's so much violence in his play. He has trashed opponents on special teams, strong-armed tight ends near the line and bull-rushed as if there's no tomorrow. So'oto needs work. He can be hooked, shows some stiffness in space and isn't always on-point in coverage. But when you see the ferocity with which he ripped the ball from the arms of Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles last week, it's impressive.
43. RYAN TAYLOR
Taylor possesses a big, bold personality and has the game to match. He didn't play much tight end at North Carolina. When he did, primarily down the stretch in 2010, it was from a flexed position. This summer, Taylor showed the scrappiness and strength to succeed as an in-line blocker. His hands and routes were OK. And he has special-teams "ace" written all over him.
44. TOM CRABTREE
Crabtree is a complete, competent, modestly talented tight end. As a blocker, both on the front- and back-side of the formation, he knows what he's doing and strives to carry out his assignment. Crabtree looks to finish, but not to the point where he gets carried away and takes penalties. His blocking on special teams is well above average. As a receiver, he's probably somewhat underrated. His hands aren't great, but he gets where he's supposed to go.
45. EVAN DIETRICH-SMITH
Released by the Packers a year ago, Dietrich-Smith was resigned Dec. 31 after a month spent in Seattle and this summer won back the backup job that he held as a rookie in 2009. He's square. He moves his feet. His strength is OK. It took five weeks, but by the end of camp the coaches reached the conclusion that he was better than Nick McDonald and Caleb Schlauderaff.
46. BRETT GOODE
The science of long-snapping is far more than just speed and accuracy. According to Tim Masthay, the litmus test for a top placement snapper is his ability to spin the ball so when the holder catches it the laces already are facing away from Mason Crosby. "When Brett gets in a groove, it's coming laces out 19 out of 20 times," he said. "Or even better."
47. ROB FRANCOIS, LB
Francois never let a pair of free agents even challenge for his position because he didn't miss a day of practice and stayed assignment-sure. Francois isn't a great talent. However, he does give the coaches a consistent, competitive effort every day, and he can play all four LB positions.
48. BRAD JONES
If Jones made strides in his third season, it wasn't apparent. He isn't a speed rusher or a power rusher. His bull rushes usually are negated by bigger opponents, and he hasn't perfected spin and/or rip-and-dip moves to win off the edge. His performance against the run has been adequate.
49. JAMARI LATTIMORE
An undrafted free agent, Lattimore easily beat out Ricky Elmore because he was more physical against the run and had more quick-twitch as a pass rusher. Even at 230 pounds, Lattimore became adequate on runs toward his side because he began to understand how to play the position. A collegiate end, he was able to transfer his rushing skill from a three-point stance to a two-point stance. Plus, his work on special teams was top-notch.
50. DAVON HOUSE
House missed 2½ of the four exhibition games with hamstring and ankle injuries. Early on, House seemed destined to become the No. 4 CB. Besides ideal size, he's a top athlete with ease and fluidity in coverage. He will need to become more physical to reach his potential.
51. DEREK SHERROD
Sherrod, a first-round draft choice, had a disappointing summer. It wasn't unexpected that the coaches' decision to make him the starter at LG didn't pan out. Not only had Sherrod never played guard, he wasn't thick enough to play inside. Shifted to LT, his natural position, he continued to struggle. With his abnormally long arms and huge hands, Sherrod does some excellent things. But he's erratic using his hands and hasn't shown the ability to recover from a poor set or misstep.
52. M.D. JENNINGS
Jennings probably was the most surprising member of the 53-man roster, outlasting two respectable players, Anthony Levine and Brandon Underwood. The undersized Jennings did it by demonstrating a nose for the ball, good toughness and top speed for the position.
53. D.J. WILLIAMS
Williams made the club because of his promise as a receiver. He has the speed to get down the seam and turn the corner on bootlegs, and the quickness to uncover inside. His hands are good, not great. He runs well after the catch. As a blocker, he's a project who might never be anything other than marginal. His special-teams play was spotty.

[HarveyWallbangers]

24. JORDY NELSON
Nelson embarks on his contract year seeking a big strike here or elsewhere. It will be a highly competitive if not a charged environment for snaps and catches, and Nelson is worthy of his fair share. He has really improved over the three years in run after the catch. Now he must clean up his drops. He had 10 in 2010 after having just four total in his first two seasons.

I'm glad McGinn pointed this out. Jones and Nelson both had the drops last year, but my argument for Nelson was that Nelson seemed to have better hands in previous years--while Jones drops seem to be a more consistent problem (although they were magnified last year by the timing of them and the fact that many negated potentially long TD strikes).

[bobblehead]

I don't see how all these guys don't have Vic So'oto at #4 like he rightfully deserves.

[vince]

McGinn's write-ups were for the most part pretty spot on I thought, though a few of the rankings are head-scratching. Matt Flynn, Mason Crosby and Marshall Newhouse aren't even in the right zip code IMO. All should be way lower on this list. I think John Kuhn was too high too.

I also would take 46-49 and move them down below 50-53, but that's splitting hairs at that point.

[Smidgeon]

McGinn's write-ups were for the most part pretty spot on I thought, though a few of the rankings are head-scratching. Matt Flynn, Mason Crosby and Marshall Newhouse aren't even in the right zip code IMO. All should be way lower on this list. I think John Kuhn was too high too.

I also would take 46-49 and move them down below 50-53, but that's splitting hairs at that point.

I liked McGinn's better too, but I pretty much agree with your complaints.

[TennesseePackerBacker]

No one mentions Masthay being ranked too far down on both lists? Having a reliable punter is a definite asset. The Packers haven't enjoyed a punter this good since Craig Hentrich.

[vince]

No one mentions Masthay being ranked too far down on both lists? Having a reliable punter is a definite asset. The Packers haven't enjoyed a punter this good since Craig Hentrich.
Masthay didn't do a thing against Atlanta in the playoffs last year.

[Harlan Huckleby]

If Cobb is the PR, KR and emergency QB, that makes him pretty important, especially if he is good at it, as he appears to be. move him up 5 or 10 slots from 28 and 32.

[Packers4Glory]

I think he has Clifton too high, the old man probably ain't gonna make it through the season, and I expect Sherrod or Newhouse will do credible job and move up the list.

I move BJ Raji up to #3 position just because of quality of backups and various positions. Maybe Mike Neal up a few slots too. no. Clifton is the blind side protection for your most important player. whoever is there immediately moves up to that spot.

Finley is a beast but obviously he's not as important as Vandermause has him rated.

I think McGinn's list is more accurate. O-line is perhaps the most important group as a whole on any team. If they suck or have a major weak spot, your team will struggle. I like he has them rated highly individually.

I don't feel Flynn is too high on his list. look at Indy's situation. You can win w/ a competent back up...you can win a SB w/ one on a good team. Flynn is a very important player on this team, esp in a lg that QB's tend to miss games.