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Here is my early analysis of the 2007 Packer Roster going into the off-season. Feel free to add your thoughts.
BLUE CHIP – Player is among the best in the league at his position (top 2-3)
RED CHIP – Player has Pro Bowl caliber talent on a consistent basis (top 8)
WHITE CHIP – Player has the talent to be considered a reliable starter (top 16)
GREEN CHIP – Player might have talent to start, but is inconsistent or inexperienced
YELLOW CHIP – Player should never be considered more than a reserve player
(+) – Player is close to moving up a tier, usually due to upside potential/opportunity
(–) – Player is close to moving down a tier, usually due to age/injury
QB
Brett Favre: RED CHIP
Aaron Rodgers: GREEN CHIP +
Craig Nall: YELLOW CHIP
Favre had an excellent 2007 season. His physical skills remain strong outside of his mobility. His leadership and knowledge were important to a team with a relatively inexperienced set of players at the skill positions. Age is a concern, but there is little at this point to suggest his skills are suddenly going to erode drastically in 2008. Rodgers showed potential in limited action during 2007. He doesn’t possess great arm strength, but his accuracy is very good and he has sneaky good athleticism and mobility. Nall probably won’t be back. As long as Favre returns, there won’t be any change at the top 2 spots…and a second day draft pick will probably assume the #3 spot.
RB
Ryan Grant: WHITE CHIP + +
Brandon Jackson: GREEN CHIP +
Vernand Morency: GREEN CHIP
Deshawn Wynn: YELLOW CHIP
Grant took over the starting RB position halfway into 2007 and immediately made an impact. His running style suits the ZBS, and he has deceptive speed and strength as a runner. He was a Pro Bowl caliber runner in the second half of 2007, but he still needs work in several areas…namely blocking and receiving. I expect him to do just that and become a red chip caliber player during 2008. Jackson was abysmal early in the year, but had a few flashes late that give him something to build on in the off-season. Morency really has struggled to remain healthy, and really hasn’t distinguished himself as anything other than a halfway reliable pass blocker. He probably won’t be back in 2008. Wynn really did not do anything to show that he was worth more than a 7th round draft pick. Depth is a concern at this position, and I would expect Thompson to address it in the draft.
FB
John Kuhn: GREEN CHIP +
Korey Hall: GREEN CHIP +
Both Kuhn and Hall had their moments in 2007. Both guys seem to relish the role of a lead blocker, but their inexperience caused inconsistent play during most of the year. Both are young guys with lots of room for growth, and there is no reason to think that at least one of them won’t develop into a very reliable starter over the next few years. Both need to work hard on their development as a receiving threat in the offseason. With both showing good progress in 2007, there isn’t much priority on improving this spot during the off-season.
WR
Donald Driver: RED CHIP
Greg Jennings: RED CHIP
James Jones: GREEN CHIP +
Koren Robinson: GREEN CHIP +
Ruvell Martin: GREEN CHIP
Driver and Jennings both had excellent seasons in 2007. Neither has commanding size or speed, but both have incredible agility and field awareness. This makes them both incredibly dangerous after the catch. Driver’s age should not be viewed as a factor yet, but he probably has no more than 2-3 seasons left in him as a dynamic starter. Jones showed great hands, but was also extremely inconsistent and seemed to hit the wall late in the year. If he can take just half of the step forward that Jennings did this year, he could be viewed as a reliable starter in 2008. Robinson has talent, but the year off certainly affected his ability to contribute. With a full off-season schedule and training camp, he will push Jones for the #3 spot in 2008. Martin remains an enigma…making highlight reel catches on occasion, but he is too inconsistent to be considered starting material at this time. Position is probably the deepest on the team, and no changes are expected in 2008.
TE
Donald Lee: GREEN CHIP +
Bubba Franks: GREEN CHIP
Ryan Krause: YELLOW CHIP
Lee showed signs of being a capable receiver from the TE spot and looked more comfortable in the offense this year. Franks no longer is a consistent player, but his above average blocking skills remain useful and he knows how to get open in zone coverage inside the 10 yard line. Krause is a reserve player. Even though Lee has showed some promise, the Packers certainly should not pass over a chance to upgrade the receiving ability from this position in the off-season.
OT
Chad Clifton: RED CHIP –
Mark Tauscher: RED CHIP –
Tony Moll: GREEN CHIP +
Orrin Thompson: YELLOW CHIP
Clifton and Tauscher still play at a high level when they are at 100%. The problem is that their advanced age makes them more prone to nagging injuries that reduce their quickness and effectiveness. It is getting to the point where you really can’t count on either guy to last for all 16 games in a season, so depth is going to be a priority at this position in 2008. Moll has showed some signs that he could be an effective starting RT. This is an important off-season for Moll in terms of increasing his conditioning and strength...which could cause the Packer coaches to think about moving Tauscher to RG to shore up the interior OL and lengthen his career. Developing successors to CC and MT is a priority in 2008.
OG
Jason Spitz: WHITE CHIP
Daryn Colledge: GREEN CHIP
Allen Barbre: YELLOW CHIP +
Junius Coston: YELLOW CHIP +
This is the most maligned group in the Packer organization. Spitz is the best of the bunch, and he is merely adequate. Colledge has the tools but is terribly inconsistent and gets dominated a lot by the more talented DTs in the league…which Green Bay seems to face on a regular basis. Barbre and Coston have shown flashes of potential, but haven’t been able to stay healthy enough to show their true worth. Thompson has to view this position as one that needs a major upgrade going into 2008. Expect either a major roster shake-up (Tauscher to RG) or a free agent OG signing to get some needed experience in the middle of the OL. I wouldn't put it past Thompson to also draft additional OG help.
C
Scott Wells: WHITE CHIP
Wells is a reliable starter, but he is undersized and struggles against bulky DTs. He will probably never get much better than he is right now…probably not a great sign from a guy who still is relatively young. If the OG situation wasn’t as dire, he would probably be OK as the weak link of the OL. However, the lack of consistency around him makes his own shortcomings even more magnified. Thompson seems to be comfortable with Wells though, as he hasn’t really brought in anyone in the last few years who could seriously challenge him as a starting caliber prospect.
DE
Aaron Kampman: RED CHIP
Cullen Jenkins: WHITE CHIP
KGB: WHITE CHIP –
Corey Williams: GREEN CHIP +
Mike Montgomery: YELLOW CHIP +
Kampman is an excellent DE who is one of the 5 best in the game. If any player on the Packer squad deserves consideration for a blue chip, Kampman is the guy IMO. He has above average physical ability and off-the-charts determination and drive, but he was overworked in 2007 and wore down in December/January. Jenkins was a guy with great promise coming into the season, but injuries slowed him early in the year and he never became an impact player. Williams is a guy who flashes greatness occasionally, but will disappear for games at a time as well. KGB is solid in his role as a situational pass rusher, but he relies greatly on speed that will decline rapidly over the next few years. He likely will need to accept a pay cut to remain in Green Bay going forward if Thompson becomes more aggressive in FA, which I think he would accomodate. Montgomery showed more in 2007 than he had previously, and is a very adequate reserve. If KGB and Williams stay in Green Bay, the position is relatively set for 2008 although finding a pass rush replacement for KGB (who can also spell Kampman) should be a priority.
DT
Ryan Pickett: RED CHIP
Johnny Jolly: WHITE CHIP
Justin Harrell: GREEN CHIP +
Colin Cole: GREEN CHIP +
Daniel Muir: YELLOW CHIP
Pickett is one of the premier run stuffers in the NFC. He is as reliable as they come, and young enough to remain effective for several more years. Jolly showed tremendous promise early in the year before injuries placed him on IR. He showed good push in collapsing the pocket and was uncanny in his ability to disrupt passing lanes when he was held up. Cole showed upside as well before injury slowed him. Harrell was slow in getting up to speed after basically taking a year off of football, but when he got playing time at year end he showed why his massive frame could be a real factor in a few years when he gains more experience and strength. Muir might be a good prospect, but he is hopelessly lost in the Packers deepest position on defense. Positioned strongly for 2008.
LB
Nick Barnett: RED CHIP
AJ Hawk: WHITE CHIP +
Brady Poppinga: GREEN CHIP
Desmond Bishop: YELLOW CHIP
Tracy White: YELLOW CHIP
Abdul Hodge: YELLOW CHIP
Nick Barnett established himself as one of the better MLBs in the league this season, rebounding from a subpar 2006. He still can disappear in certain games, which is why he can’t be viewed as a blue chip player at this time. Hawk has had some difficulty transitioning to the NFL game, but he showed great improvement in coverage during the year and started to make more plays behind the LOS near the end of the year. Poppinga tends to over-pursue against the run, and struggles greatly in pass coverage. He plays his best against physical OLs and RBs that try to run over you rather than around you. The rest of the LBs really haven’t shown much of anything outside of special teams. Depth should be a large concern at LB for 2008.
CB
Charles Woodson: RED CHIP
Al Harris: RED CHIP –
Tramon Williams: GREEN CHIP
Jarrett Bush: GREEN CHIP
Will Blackmon: GREEN CHIP
Woodson had a great 2007, especially when you consider he was battling injuries the entire second half of the season. He is a Pro Bowl caliber player even if he hasn’t been recognized as one the last two years when he was clearly deserving of it. Harris played pretty well, but he struggles against big, physical WRs and allows himself to get distracted by trash talking. He’s getting a long overdue trip to the Pro Bowl, but he is on the verge of becoming more of an average player due to age. Williams, Bush and Blackmon each have held their own as reserves from time to time, but none really can be counted on as reliable starters yet. Depth is a major concern here. Expect to see a first day draft pick used on a CB or a major FA signing.
S
Atari Bigby: WHITE CHIP
Nick Collins: WHITE CHIP –
Aaron Rouse: GREEN CHIP
Charlie Peprah: YELLOW CHIP
Tyrone Culver: YELLOW CHIP
Bigby was the most surprising defensive player for the Packers in 2007. His inexperience caused inconsistent play in the first half of the year, but Bigby raised his level of play in the last month of the regular season and continued to gain confidence in the post season. While he remains a liability in coverage, he is a feared in-the-box safety capable of delivering big hits in run support and on pass plays over the short middle and in the flat. Collins was almost invisible in 2007, and seemed to regress somewhat. Rouse seems to have instincts to make plays, but was too inconsistent to use full-time in 2007. He has the potential to be a starter, and will push Collins for playing time in 2008. Peprah and Culver have not showed enough consistency to be anything but reserves at this time, but both are young and have potential to develop quickly. With all the young talent in place, this could be a position where Thompson looks to improve through free agency for experience in the off-season.
K
Mason Crosby: WHITE CHIP +
Jon Ryan: GREEN CHIP +
Crosby had a fabulous rookie season, leading the NFL in points scored. He missed a few kicks he probably should have made, but he was money inside of 40 yards and nailed two difficult kicks in the NFCC game that will boost his confidence going into 2008. He has the talent to be a Pro Bowl caliber kicker for a long time in this league. Ryan continues to show inconsistency, although I thought he did show improvement overall in 2007. He had a horrific game against Chicago, and has been mediocre often in poor weather conditions. As a punter in Green Bay, he needs to strengthen that aspect of his game. I don’t expect any turnover here, although a couple camp legs will be brought in to keep both on top of their game.
2007 Starting Offense:
0 – BLUE CHIPS
5 – RED CHIPS (2 declining)
3 – WHITE CHIPS (1 very promising)
3 – GREEN CHIPS (2 promising)
Weakest Link(s): Daryn Colledge
Strongest Link(s): Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings
2007 Starting Defense:
0 – BLUE CHIPS
5 – RED CHIPS (1 declining)
5 – WHITE CHIPS (1 promising, 1 declining)
1 – GREEN CHIPS
Weakest Link(s): Brady Poppinga
Strongest Link(s): Aaron Kampman
Positions where off-season upgrades are critical for team improvement:
1. OG
2. S
3. CB
4. LB
5. DE
Positions set up the best for continued success in 2008 and 2009:
1. WR
2. DT
3. K
4. FB
5. QB (assuming Favre returns)
BLUE CHIP – Player is among the best in the league at his position (top 2-3)
RED CHIP – Player has Pro Bowl caliber talent on a consistent basis (top 8)
WHITE CHIP – Player has the talent to be considered a reliable starter (top 16)
GREEN CHIP – Player might have talent to start, but is inconsistent or inexperienced
YELLOW CHIP – Player should never be considered more than a reserve player
(+) – Player is close to moving up a tier, usually due to upside potential/opportunity
(–) – Player is close to moving down a tier, usually due to age/injury
QB
Brett Favre: RED CHIP
Aaron Rodgers: GREEN CHIP +
Craig Nall: YELLOW CHIP
Favre had an excellent 2007 season. His physical skills remain strong outside of his mobility. His leadership and knowledge were important to a team with a relatively inexperienced set of players at the skill positions. Age is a concern, but there is little at this point to suggest his skills are suddenly going to erode drastically in 2008. Rodgers showed potential in limited action during 2007. He doesn’t possess great arm strength, but his accuracy is very good and he has sneaky good athleticism and mobility. Nall probably won’t be back. As long as Favre returns, there won’t be any change at the top 2 spots…and a second day draft pick will probably assume the #3 spot.
RB
Ryan Grant: WHITE CHIP + +
Brandon Jackson: GREEN CHIP +
Vernand Morency: GREEN CHIP
Deshawn Wynn: YELLOW CHIP
Grant took over the starting RB position halfway into 2007 and immediately made an impact. His running style suits the ZBS, and he has deceptive speed and strength as a runner. He was a Pro Bowl caliber runner in the second half of 2007, but he still needs work in several areas…namely blocking and receiving. I expect him to do just that and become a red chip caliber player during 2008. Jackson was abysmal early in the year, but had a few flashes late that give him something to build on in the off-season. Morency really has struggled to remain healthy, and really hasn’t distinguished himself as anything other than a halfway reliable pass blocker. He probably won’t be back in 2008. Wynn really did not do anything to show that he was worth more than a 7th round draft pick. Depth is a concern at this position, and I would expect Thompson to address it in the draft.
FB
John Kuhn: GREEN CHIP +
Korey Hall: GREEN CHIP +
Both Kuhn and Hall had their moments in 2007. Both guys seem to relish the role of a lead blocker, but their inexperience caused inconsistent play during most of the year. Both are young guys with lots of room for growth, and there is no reason to think that at least one of them won’t develop into a very reliable starter over the next few years. Both need to work hard on their development as a receiving threat in the offseason. With both showing good progress in 2007, there isn’t much priority on improving this spot during the off-season.
WR
Donald Driver: RED CHIP
Greg Jennings: RED CHIP
James Jones: GREEN CHIP +
Koren Robinson: GREEN CHIP +
Ruvell Martin: GREEN CHIP
Driver and Jennings both had excellent seasons in 2007. Neither has commanding size or speed, but both have incredible agility and field awareness. This makes them both incredibly dangerous after the catch. Driver’s age should not be viewed as a factor yet, but he probably has no more than 2-3 seasons left in him as a dynamic starter. Jones showed great hands, but was also extremely inconsistent and seemed to hit the wall late in the year. If he can take just half of the step forward that Jennings did this year, he could be viewed as a reliable starter in 2008. Robinson has talent, but the year off certainly affected his ability to contribute. With a full off-season schedule and training camp, he will push Jones for the #3 spot in 2008. Martin remains an enigma…making highlight reel catches on occasion, but he is too inconsistent to be considered starting material at this time. Position is probably the deepest on the team, and no changes are expected in 2008.
TE
Donald Lee: GREEN CHIP +
Bubba Franks: GREEN CHIP
Ryan Krause: YELLOW CHIP
Lee showed signs of being a capable receiver from the TE spot and looked more comfortable in the offense this year. Franks no longer is a consistent player, but his above average blocking skills remain useful and he knows how to get open in zone coverage inside the 10 yard line. Krause is a reserve player. Even though Lee has showed some promise, the Packers certainly should not pass over a chance to upgrade the receiving ability from this position in the off-season.
OT
Chad Clifton: RED CHIP –
Mark Tauscher: RED CHIP –
Tony Moll: GREEN CHIP +
Orrin Thompson: YELLOW CHIP
Clifton and Tauscher still play at a high level when they are at 100%. The problem is that their advanced age makes them more prone to nagging injuries that reduce their quickness and effectiveness. It is getting to the point where you really can’t count on either guy to last for all 16 games in a season, so depth is going to be a priority at this position in 2008. Moll has showed some signs that he could be an effective starting RT. This is an important off-season for Moll in terms of increasing his conditioning and strength...which could cause the Packer coaches to think about moving Tauscher to RG to shore up the interior OL and lengthen his career. Developing successors to CC and MT is a priority in 2008.
OG
Jason Spitz: WHITE CHIP
Daryn Colledge: GREEN CHIP
Allen Barbre: YELLOW CHIP +
Junius Coston: YELLOW CHIP +
This is the most maligned group in the Packer organization. Spitz is the best of the bunch, and he is merely adequate. Colledge has the tools but is terribly inconsistent and gets dominated a lot by the more talented DTs in the league…which Green Bay seems to face on a regular basis. Barbre and Coston have shown flashes of potential, but haven’t been able to stay healthy enough to show their true worth. Thompson has to view this position as one that needs a major upgrade going into 2008. Expect either a major roster shake-up (Tauscher to RG) or a free agent OG signing to get some needed experience in the middle of the OL. I wouldn't put it past Thompson to also draft additional OG help.
C
Scott Wells: WHITE CHIP
Wells is a reliable starter, but he is undersized and struggles against bulky DTs. He will probably never get much better than he is right now…probably not a great sign from a guy who still is relatively young. If the OG situation wasn’t as dire, he would probably be OK as the weak link of the OL. However, the lack of consistency around him makes his own shortcomings even more magnified. Thompson seems to be comfortable with Wells though, as he hasn’t really brought in anyone in the last few years who could seriously challenge him as a starting caliber prospect.
DE
Aaron Kampman: RED CHIP
Cullen Jenkins: WHITE CHIP
KGB: WHITE CHIP –
Corey Williams: GREEN CHIP +
Mike Montgomery: YELLOW CHIP +
Kampman is an excellent DE who is one of the 5 best in the game. If any player on the Packer squad deserves consideration for a blue chip, Kampman is the guy IMO. He has above average physical ability and off-the-charts determination and drive, but he was overworked in 2007 and wore down in December/January. Jenkins was a guy with great promise coming into the season, but injuries slowed him early in the year and he never became an impact player. Williams is a guy who flashes greatness occasionally, but will disappear for games at a time as well. KGB is solid in his role as a situational pass rusher, but he relies greatly on speed that will decline rapidly over the next few years. He likely will need to accept a pay cut to remain in Green Bay going forward if Thompson becomes more aggressive in FA, which I think he would accomodate. Montgomery showed more in 2007 than he had previously, and is a very adequate reserve. If KGB and Williams stay in Green Bay, the position is relatively set for 2008 although finding a pass rush replacement for KGB (who can also spell Kampman) should be a priority.
DT
Ryan Pickett: RED CHIP
Johnny Jolly: WHITE CHIP
Justin Harrell: GREEN CHIP +
Colin Cole: GREEN CHIP +
Daniel Muir: YELLOW CHIP
Pickett is one of the premier run stuffers in the NFC. He is as reliable as they come, and young enough to remain effective for several more years. Jolly showed tremendous promise early in the year before injuries placed him on IR. He showed good push in collapsing the pocket and was uncanny in his ability to disrupt passing lanes when he was held up. Cole showed upside as well before injury slowed him. Harrell was slow in getting up to speed after basically taking a year off of football, but when he got playing time at year end he showed why his massive frame could be a real factor in a few years when he gains more experience and strength. Muir might be a good prospect, but he is hopelessly lost in the Packers deepest position on defense. Positioned strongly for 2008.
LB
Nick Barnett: RED CHIP
AJ Hawk: WHITE CHIP +
Brady Poppinga: GREEN CHIP
Desmond Bishop: YELLOW CHIP
Tracy White: YELLOW CHIP
Abdul Hodge: YELLOW CHIP
Nick Barnett established himself as one of the better MLBs in the league this season, rebounding from a subpar 2006. He still can disappear in certain games, which is why he can’t be viewed as a blue chip player at this time. Hawk has had some difficulty transitioning to the NFL game, but he showed great improvement in coverage during the year and started to make more plays behind the LOS near the end of the year. Poppinga tends to over-pursue against the run, and struggles greatly in pass coverage. He plays his best against physical OLs and RBs that try to run over you rather than around you. The rest of the LBs really haven’t shown much of anything outside of special teams. Depth should be a large concern at LB for 2008.
CB
Charles Woodson: RED CHIP
Al Harris: RED CHIP –
Tramon Williams: GREEN CHIP
Jarrett Bush: GREEN CHIP
Will Blackmon: GREEN CHIP
Woodson had a great 2007, especially when you consider he was battling injuries the entire second half of the season. He is a Pro Bowl caliber player even if he hasn’t been recognized as one the last two years when he was clearly deserving of it. Harris played pretty well, but he struggles against big, physical WRs and allows himself to get distracted by trash talking. He’s getting a long overdue trip to the Pro Bowl, but he is on the verge of becoming more of an average player due to age. Williams, Bush and Blackmon each have held their own as reserves from time to time, but none really can be counted on as reliable starters yet. Depth is a major concern here. Expect to see a first day draft pick used on a CB or a major FA signing.
S
Atari Bigby: WHITE CHIP
Nick Collins: WHITE CHIP –
Aaron Rouse: GREEN CHIP
Charlie Peprah: YELLOW CHIP
Tyrone Culver: YELLOW CHIP
Bigby was the most surprising defensive player for the Packers in 2007. His inexperience caused inconsistent play in the first half of the year, but Bigby raised his level of play in the last month of the regular season and continued to gain confidence in the post season. While he remains a liability in coverage, he is a feared in-the-box safety capable of delivering big hits in run support and on pass plays over the short middle and in the flat. Collins was almost invisible in 2007, and seemed to regress somewhat. Rouse seems to have instincts to make plays, but was too inconsistent to use full-time in 2007. He has the potential to be a starter, and will push Collins for playing time in 2008. Peprah and Culver have not showed enough consistency to be anything but reserves at this time, but both are young and have potential to develop quickly. With all the young talent in place, this could be a position where Thompson looks to improve through free agency for experience in the off-season.
K
Mason Crosby: WHITE CHIP +
Jon Ryan: GREEN CHIP +
Crosby had a fabulous rookie season, leading the NFL in points scored. He missed a few kicks he probably should have made, but he was money inside of 40 yards and nailed two difficult kicks in the NFCC game that will boost his confidence going into 2008. He has the talent to be a Pro Bowl caliber kicker for a long time in this league. Ryan continues to show inconsistency, although I thought he did show improvement overall in 2007. He had a horrific game against Chicago, and has been mediocre often in poor weather conditions. As a punter in Green Bay, he needs to strengthen that aspect of his game. I don’t expect any turnover here, although a couple camp legs will be brought in to keep both on top of their game.
2007 Starting Offense:
0 – BLUE CHIPS
5 – RED CHIPS (2 declining)
3 – WHITE CHIPS (1 very promising)
3 – GREEN CHIPS (2 promising)
Weakest Link(s): Daryn Colledge
Strongest Link(s): Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings
2007 Starting Defense:
0 – BLUE CHIPS
5 – RED CHIPS (1 declining)
5 – WHITE CHIPS (1 promising, 1 declining)
1 – GREEN CHIPS
Weakest Link(s): Brady Poppinga
Strongest Link(s): Aaron Kampman
Positions where off-season upgrades are critical for team improvement:
1. OG
2. S
3. CB
4. LB
5. DE
Positions set up the best for continued success in 2008 and 2009:
1. WR
2. DT
3. K
4. FB
5. QB (assuming Favre returns)
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