Last Fearless Stab At The 53 Man Roster

[Joemailman]

QB (3) Rodgers, Tolzien, Hundley
RB (5) Lacy, Starks, Neal, Kuhn, Ripkowski
WR (6) Adams, Cobb, Janis, Montgomery, White, Abbrederis
TE (3) Rodgers, Quarless, Backman
OL (8) Linsley, Tretter, Lane, Sitton, Walker, Bakhtiari, Bulaga, Barclay
DL (6) Boyd, Daaniels, Pennel, Raji, Ringo, Thornton
LB (9) Barrington, Elliott, Matthews, Mulumba, Neal, Palmer, Peppers, Perry, Ryan
DB (10) Hyde, Goodson, Gunter, Hayward, Randall, Rollins, Shields, Burnett, Clinton-Dix,
Richardson
ST (3) Crosby, Masthay, Goode

[Bretsky]

Feeling some new liking to the mailman for including Abby in his final 53.

If you listen to MM's interviews he really likes Abby.....talked of his natural hands as a returner and instincts in making others miss. Also a very good route runner....I fear we're cutting him in hopes nobody picks him up and then we stash him on the practice squad for a while. We kind of get two free spots for a bit; I hope Joe is right and they look at him more.

[Teamcheez1]

Abby missed all of last season, has done nothing this preseason except languish with a concussion, and you guys want him on the roster?

Let him go.

[Pugger]

Abby missed all of last season, has done nothing this preseason except languish with a concussion, and you guys want him on the roster?

Let him go.

We've hung onto other players with similar credentials in the past.

[Maxie the Taxi]

If it were up to me, I'd keep Crockett instead of Kuhn, and Gaston instead of Thornton.

[Guiness]

If it were up to me, I'd keep Crockett instead of Kuhn, and Gaston instead of Thornton.

Every year people call for a 6th WR...every year it doesn't happen.

I say Perillo makes it before a 6th WR. Not sure if White or Abby is gone. I get that Abby has potential as a returner, but isn't that what Montgomery is supposed to be bringing to the team?

Gunther seems like a shoe-in, that's pretty incredible. If he keeps improving, a year or two from now the Packers could have a pair of UDFAs starting at corner!

[texaspackerbacker]

Still no love for Banjo even after one interception and one tip for another guy's interception? I wish they would cut Richardson, but that ain't happening. Also, Pinkard deserves consideration - I think we would lose him if they tried the practice squad. I don't think they keep 6 D Linemen. Ringo and Thornton both should go and Gaston kept. I like Maxi's idea of Crockett as a back up FB and let Kuhn go, but I doubt they see it that way. Also, it seems like Barclay earned a ticket out of town and either Taylor or Rotheram will stay.

[vince]

QB (3) Rodgers, Tolzien, Hundley
RB (5) Lacy, Starks, Neal, Kuhn, Ripkowski
WR (6) Adams, Cobb, Janis, Montgomery, White, Abbrederis
TE (3) Rodgers, Quarless, Backman
OL (8) Linsley, Tretter, Lane, Sitton, Walker, Bakhtiari, Bulaga, Barclay, Taylor
DL (6) Boyd, Daaniels, Pennel, Raji, Ringo, Thornton, Gaston
LB (9) Barrington, Elliott, Matthews, Mulumba, Neal, Palmer, Peppers, Perry, Ryan
DB (10) Hyde, Goodson, Gunter, Hayward, Randall, Rollins, Shields, Burnett, Clinton-Dix,
Richardson
ST (3) Crosby, Masthay, Goode

Abbrederis should get to the PS but I don't think they are overly concerned if he doesn't.

I think they'd pick up James Jones immediately if he gets cut.

Hundley's been a big surprise, but not enough to supplant Tolzein as back-up IMO. He still locks onto receivers at times and has a lot to learn yet. His poise, mental clock and decisiveness has been very good though, which a lot of people (me included) didn't expect yet.

Gaston has earned a spot over Thornton IMO.

Lane Taylor has jumped and is one of the 53 best but he can't play tackle. I wouldn't be shocked if they picked up someone from the remains who can hold up at tackle over Barclay, Walker, and/or Tretter. Back-up tackle is a concern I think. I guess Lang could slide out if needed.

Goodson or Banjo for the last DB spot... depends on Goodson's health. Banjo didn't hurt his chances last night but if healthy, I think Goodson's the better player.

I think both Harris and Crockett could develop/ have higher upside than Neal but not this year.

Vaughters has looked decent too. I may need to eat some crow re: him someday.

[Patler]

Gunther seems like a shoe-in, that's pretty incredible. If he keeps improving, a year or two from now the Packers could have a pair of UDFAs starting at corner!

The have had that ever since Shields became a starter, until this year. He and Tramon Williams were both undrafted.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I wouldn't be shocked if they picked up someone from the remains who can hold up at tackle over Barclay, Walker, and/or Tretter.

That's asking a lot, tackles are scare commodities. I wonder if Vujnovich isn't the best option at backup tackle.

[Ballboy]

I'm not sure on how the numbers would work out, but I have a fear that a few bigger name players to us maybe cut.

Tolzien - not that he hasn't played well, Hundley just played better...and NOT like a rookie. He could come in and play this year or even start if needed. Roster spots are huge, not sure Packers can waste 3 on QB's; would rather put a developmental one on PS.

Starks/Kuhn - I think Neal and Ripkowski have played at a high level. Again, roster spots are valuable.

Masthay - this worked out bad for us years back, but he had been punting horribly...only thing that might save him is holding for Crosby.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I'm not sure on how the numbers would work out, but I have a fear that a few bigger name players to us maybe cut.

Tolzien - not that he hasn't played well, Hundley just played better...and NOT like a rookie. He could come in and play this year or even start if needed. Roster spots are huge, not sure Packers can waste 3 on QB's; would rather put a developmental one on PS.

Starks/Kuhn - I think Neal and Ripkowski have played at a high level. Again, roster spots are valuable.

Masthay - this worked out bad for us years back, but he had been punting horribly...only thing that might save him is holding for Crosby.

I agree mostly. If we keep only two QB's on the 53 (#12 and Hundley) and both go down this season, the rest of the season is a crapshoot no matter who steps in at QB.

Ripkowski is a Kuhn clone. Why keep both?

We can use the extra roster spots for the DL (Gaston) and/or an extra RB (Crockett).

[pbmax]

Surprise signing for first three weeks:

ProFootballTalk ‏@ProFootballTalk 43m43 minutes ago
49ers cut DT Darnell Dockett http://wp.me/p14QSB-9QfS

[Fritz]

Lions or Bears will be all over this.

[vince]

That's asking a lot, tackles are scare commodities. I wonder if Vujnovich isn't the best option at backup tackle.
I don't think Vujnovich can hold up against a good bull rush consistently yet which is job 1. He needs another year to get stronger and heavier.

[Fritz]

I think Backman and Harris make the team, while Kuhn is cut. But this is a fearful stab.

[Guiness]

I think Backman and Harris make the team, while Kuhn is cut. But this is a fearful stab.

That's a tough one, and I wouldn't want to call it. Kuhn has held off a few challengers, most recently Quinn Johnson. I'd say there's a good chance he makes it.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I don't think Vujnovich can hold up against a good bull rush consistently yet which is job 1. He needs another year to get stronger and heavier.

He didn't get bull-rushed in preseason.

He'll be 25 in a month, he's no rookie. McGinn agrees with you that he needs more strength/bulk. At 25, you're not gonna get a complete makeover. Sure PS is ideal, but an LT prospect may get signed to a roster.

If his feet are excellent, and you don't want to lose the guy, maybe you have to live with his shortcomings. It's not like other options for tackle backup are flawless. Fish or cut bait; if he's a strong LT prospect, he's worth carrying on inactive list. He can play catch with Hundley.

[mraynrand]

That's asking a lot, tackles are scare commodities. I wonder if Vujnovich isn't the best option at backup tackle.

I think they have to keep Vuckovich. Might even take 'em over Barclays. Barclays is very overpriced for his ROI.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I think Backman and Harris make the team, while Kuhn is cut. But this is a fearful stab.

That's what would happen if I was GM. Perish the thought!

I don't think Tolzien will get cut, but I'd shed no tears after watching Hundley.

Backman has flashed better than Perrilo.

[smuggler]

No way both Ringo and Thornton make it over Gaston.

I agree on Walker over Lane Taylor, but suspect the Packers might not, for some reason.

[pbmax]

I dunno. Lane Taylor was the backup LG for 90% of Sitton's missed snaps.

Who has PS eligibility left?

[smuggler]

Walker does certainly. I doubt it with Taylor, but the rules changed last year, so it's possible. Vujovich is definitely eligible, though.

[vince]

He didn't get bull-rushed in preseason.

He'll be 25 in a month, he's no rookie. McGinn agrees with you that he needs more strength/bulk. At 25, you're not gonna get a complete makeover. Sure PS is ideal, but an LT prospect may get signed to a roster.

If his feet are excellent, and you don't want to lose the guy, maybe you have to live with his shortcomings. It's not like other options for tackle backup are flawless. Fish or cut bait; if he's a strong LT prospect, he's worth carrying on inactive list. He can play catch with Hundley.
Yes he did. I don't have the games on tape but he got pushed back into the QB's space more than once in the preseason.

[pbmax]

Yes he did. I don't have the games on tape but he got pushed back into the QB's space more than once in the preseason.

He got trucked lat night on a play side run. Stuffed backwards into the ball carrier. At least two steps in retreat.

[vince]

I do have last nights game dvr'd yet.

2nd series. Vujnovich got pushed right back into Tolzien and defender easily reached through Vuj to deflect the ball or hit Tolzien's arm as it had just started to move forward, causing the ball to flutter to the side, and forcing the 2nd 3-and-out to start the game. Split second sooner and it would have been a fumble deep in Packer territory.

He has tackle feet but not enough anchor.

[Harlan Huckleby]

He has tackle feet but not enough anchor.

No backup is perfect. Better than "good anchor no feet" - Barclay.

Of course it would be ideal to hide him for the season, just don't know if this is possible. He can be emergency plan lurking on inactives.

[HarveyWallbangers]

QB (3) Rodgers, Tolzien, Hundley
RB (5) Lacy, Starks, Neal, Kuhn, Ripkowski
WR (6) Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis, White, Abbrederis
TE (3) Rodgers, Quarless, Backman
OL (8) Bakhtiari, Sitton, Linsley, Lang, Bulaga, Tretter, Barclay, Walker
DL (5) Daniels, Raji, Pennel, Boyd, Gaston
LB (9) Peppers, Matthews, Barrington, Neal, Perry, Elliott, Mulumba, Ryan, Palmer
DB (11) Shields, Hayward, Burnett, Clinton-Dix, Randall, Rollins, Gunter, Goodson, Hyde, Richardson, Banjo
ST (3) Crosby, Masthay, Goode

Susp: Guion, Jones (I think they'll go one short on the DL initially)

Guys I'd like to see on the practice squad: QB Blanchard, RB Crockett, WR Pinkard, TE Perillo or Henry, OT Vujnovich, OG Rotheram, DL Ringo, OLB Rasco, ILB Thomas or Bradford, S Fanor

[Harlan Huckleby]

They have too many good OL to only keep 8. Cut Palmer or Richardson or somebody.

[HarveyWallbangers]

They have too many good OL to only keep 8. Cut Palmer or Richardson or somebody.

I could see that, but they've rolled with 8 for awhile and I don't know what Taylor gives you that the other three don't already give you. I think it comes down to special teams. I could see them cutting Banjo or Richardson, but those guys might be core special teams players (along with Elliott and Ripkowski). I was looking for the first team charts for special teams in the last game or two, but I couldn't find it. Abbrederis could get cut too. He may stick on the practice squad. Maybe not though. Midround pick could be enticing for WR-starved teams like Carolina.

[Patler]

I heard a good analysis on the radio today for why Abrederris will make the final 53:

- Cobb isn't likely to return many punts this year, being the only WR with much experience.
- Hyde might not be available for game #1, or more.
- There is a bit of concern about Montgomery's hamstring, and they may want to limit his snaps for a week or more.
- They like Janis' potential as a punt returner, but he needs more experience catching punts. He has shown good hands, but unsteady getting into position.

Leaving Abrederris as the only reasonable choice to return punts in week #1.

[Pugger]

I hope we hear soon the final 53.

[pbmax]

Jason Wilde ‏@jasonjwilde 2m2 minutes ago
They do NOT. RT @treecrew85: do the suspended players occupy a roster spot on the 53 while they are suspended?

[mraynrand]

I heard a good analysis on the radio today for why Abrederris will make the final 53:

- Cobb isn't likely to return many punts this year, being the only WR with much experience.
- Hyde might not be available for game #1, or more.
- There is a bit of concern about Montgomery's hamstring, and they may want to limit his snaps for a week or more.
- They like Janis' potential as a punt returner, but he needs more experience catching punts. He has shown good hands, but unsteady getting into position.

Leaving Abrederris as the only reasonable choice to return punts in week #1.

SNAFU. :)

Cobb could still return punts, but be under the 'fair catch rule' where everything is fair caught or let go through the endzone. I could see Stubby going this way just to avoid a Ross-like disaster by putting a queasy Abracadabra back there on opening day.

[pbmax]

We have to decide on that kid's nickname while he is still healthy enough to play.

[red]

James jones has just been released by the giants

he's like a 95% lock to sign with us i would have to imagine

[pbmax]

I could see that, but they've rolled with 8 for awhile and I don't know what Taylor gives you that the other three don't already give you. I think it comes down to special teams. I could see them cutting Banjo or Richardson, but those guys might be core special teams players (along with Elliott and Ripkowski). I was looking for the first team charts for special teams in the last game or two, but I couldn't find it. Abbrederis could get cut too. He may stick on the practice squad. Maybe not though. Midround pick could be enticing for WR-starved teams like Carolina.

Taylor seems to be the 6th guy right now by playing time. Tretter and Walker never got to fill Sitton's spot with him around. He got a TON of snaps at Left Guard.

He doesn't give you much flexibility, but the coaches didn't test anyone else out there with the starters. Wouldn't be the first time depth spots went to the versatile, but the coaches seem convinced he is the third best Guard.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Taylor seems to be the 6th guy right now by playing time. Tretter and Walker never got to fill Sitton's spot with him around. He got a TON of snaps at Left Guard.

He doesn't give you much flexibility, but the coaches didn't test anyone else out there with the starters. Wouldn't be the first time depth spots went to the versatile, but the coaches seem convinced he is the third best Guard.

You guys and a JSO article on Taylor's improvement have me convinced Taylor will make the roster. Put him in. You could take off Goodson, perhaps Walker, or perhaps either Richardson or Banjo. I'm leaning towards them keeping Walker because he's earned a spot and Richardson and Banjo because of special teams. Taylor has probably earned spot more than Goodson.

[vince]

QB (3) Rodgers, Tolzien, Hundley
RB (5) Lacy, Starks, Neal, Kuhn, Ripkowski
WR (6) Adams, Cobb, Janis, Montgomery, White, Abbrederis
TE (3) Rodgers, Quarless, Backman
OL (8) Linsley, Tretter, Lane, Sitton, Walker, Bakhtiari, Bulaga, Barclay, Taylor
DL (6) Boyd, Daaniels, Pennel, Raji, Ringo, Thornton, Gaston
LB (9) Barrington, Elliott, Matthews, Mulumba, Neal, Palmer, Peppers, Perry, Ryan
DB (10) Hyde, Goodson, Gunter, Hayward, Randall, Rollins, Shields, Burnett, Clinton-Dix,
Richardson
ST (3) Crosby, Masthay, Goode



Abbrederis should get to the PS but I don't think they are overly concerned if he doesn't.

I think they'd pick up James Jones immediately if he gets cut.

Hundley's been a big surprise, but not enough to supplant Tolzein as back-up IMO. He still locks onto receivers at times and has a lot to learn yet. His poise, mental clock and decisiveness has been very good though, which a lot of people (me included) didn't expect yet.

Gaston has earned a spot over Thornton IMO.

Lane Taylor has jumped and is one of the 53 best but he can't play tackle. I wouldn't be shocked if they picked up someone from the remains who can hold up at tackle over Barclay, Walker, and/or Tretter. Back-up tackle is a concern I think. I guess Lang could slide out if needed.

Goodson or Banjo for the last DB spot... depends on Goodson's health. Banjo didn't hurt his chances last night but if healthy, I think Goodson's the better player.

I think both Harris and Crockett could develop/ have higher upside than Neal but not this year.

Vaughters has looked decent too. I may need to eat some crow re: him someday.
Damn you Banjo!

[vince]

QB (3) Rodgers, Tolzien, Hundley
RB (5) Lacy, Starks, Neal, Kuhn, Ripkowski
WR (6) Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis, White, Abbrederis
TE (3) Rodgers, Quarless, Backman
OL (8) Bakhtiari, Sitton, Linsley, Lang, Bulaga, Tretter, Barclay, Walker
DL (5) Daniels, Raji, Pennel, Boyd, Gaston
LB (9) Peppers, Matthews, Barrington, Neal, Perry, Elliott, Mulumba, Ryan, Palmer
DB (11) Shields, Hayward, Burnett, Clinton-Dix, Randall, Rollins, Gunter, Goodson, Hyde, Richardson, Banjo
ST (3) Crosby, Masthay, Goode

Susp: Guion, Jones (I think they'll go one short on the DL initially)

Guys I'd like to see on the practice squad: QB Blanchard, RB Crockett, WR Pinkard, TE Perillo or Henry, OT Vujnovich, OG Rotheram, DL Ringo, OLB Rasco, ILB Thomas or Bradford, S Fanor
You nailed the defense. Not sure about Goodson/Glover-Wright... Goodson may have some sort of injury designation... Everyone missed Neal. Swap Taylor for Abby and that's pretty much it. Good work.

Vaughters over Rasco for PS though.

[HarveyWallbangers]

You nailed the defense. Not sure about Goodson/Glover-Wright... Goodson may have some sort of injury designation... Everyone missed Neal. Swap Taylor for Abby and that's pretty much it. Good work.

Vaughters over Rasco for PS though.

I put Taylor back in later. Do I get credit? :)

[Joemailman]

Not my best effort. Missed Banjo, Gaston, Harris, and Taylor. Banjo played great Thursday night. In retrospect, not sure why I picked Thornton over Gaston. Harris is a mystery. I wanted to keep Taylor, but didn't think TT would go with just 5 DL, so I didn't think there would be room.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I still don't understand keeping two FB's.

[Joemailman]

I still don't understand keeping two FB's.

Kuhn is still their best at picking up blitzes. It's his farewell tour before Rip takes over next year.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Kuhn is still their best at picking up blitzes. It's his farewell tour before Rip takes over next year.

Let's hope it doesn't cost someone good who doesn't clear waivers...like Crockett.:???:

[pbmax]

Not my best effort. Missed Banjo, Gaston, Harris, and Taylor. Banjo played great Thursday night. In retrospect, not sure why I picked Thornton over Gaston. Harris is a mystery. I wanted to keep Taylor, but didn't think TT would go with just 5 DL, so I didn't think there would be room.

Its just the Bears.

#DatonesContractDriveWeek2

[pbmax]

I still don't understand keeping two FB's.

That's part of what keeping Harris weird. Why not some speed and receiving? Harris' best run was versus the 5th string.

[smuggler]

You guys are forgetting a cobb and a montgomery that can roll from the backfield.

They kept two FBs because Rip is better on ST than Perillo or Spears