http://packersnews.greenbaypressgaze...rom-No-1-No-53
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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.