Linebackers on final 53

[Patler]

I know the linebackers are being discussed in several different threads, but this is turning out to be a very interesting competition. Started a thread so we can focus on them.

Teams often keep 6, rarely keep 7, but the Packers have 7 who deserve consideration.

Starters - Barnett, Hawk, Poppinga

Chillar - I listened to Larry McCarren discuss him. He thinks Poppinga keeps the starter role, but said Chillar really gives the team strength in pass coverage. Plus, he can play all three positions at least competently. McCarren was pretty high on him, even though his camp has been relatively quiet. Called him a good, assignment sure, reliable player with excellent speed, quickness and instincts.

Bishop - supposedly has made huge strides physically and in his understanding of the game. Was very good on special teams. Has been considered to be ahead of Hodge, but that may be changing. Is thought to be capable of playing outside, too.

White - the coaches still say he is the key man on special teams. Always gets special attention from the other team, making it easier for guys like Hunter and Bishop to make plays. ST play is an important component of the 5th/6th LB spots.

Hodge - showing why he was a high draft pick. Was tried on ST two years ago, but coaches pulled him off and said he had poor understanding of ST play, not having done it before. Probably the second best mlb on the team in base defenses, but may struggle some on passing downs. Questionable speed for playing outside.

ST play is very important for backup LBs, and if White is as important on ST as they say he is, I think they keep him. But, White has been injured some and is not big to start out with. Years of ST play may be catching up to him. May come down to Hodge or Bishop as the odd man out. ST contributions may sway this toward Bishop.

Unless injured, whoever gets cut probably ends up on another roster.

[packers11]

good write up... Agree one of these LB's that get cut will end up somewhere else.

question : any of these guys Practice Squad eligible?

[Patler]

question : any of these guys Practice Squad eligible?

No, I don't think so. Even if they were eligible for PS the Packers wouldn't be able to keep them there. Someone would sign them to their regular roster.

[Tony Oday]

Hodge is gone IMO. I really like him but with his knees and injury history I just dont see him sticking.

[Tarlam!]

Too many LB's!! It's such a nice problem to have.

I am in Hodges corner. I've been on his bandwagon ever since the Packers drafted him. But maybe I am underestimating the ST aspect.

I'm just glad I'm not TT and have to make this choice.

[RashanGary]

I think it's between Hodge and White as the least valuable LB for our roster.

It might come down to who has the most trade value though and in that case maybe Hodge or Bishop would fetch a 5th or 6th rounder, making White more safe and Bishop being tradable it might make him unsafe for our roster.

[RashanGary]

dp

[RashanGary]

geeze, triple post

[The Leaper]

I'd side with letting Hodge go as well. No real ability to play outside, and not a huge factor on ST. Barnett has also proven rather durable.

[DonHutson]

I don't think the Packers keep seven LB's and Hodge is the odd man out - unless they stick Harrell on the PUP or IR list. That would open a roster spot for Hodge, Muir, or Bush. Assuming Pickett, Jolly, Jenkins, and Cole can man the DT spots Hodge is probably the best player out of those three.

[Patler]

I'd side with letting Hodge go as well. No real ability to play outside, and not a huge factor on ST. Barnett has also proven rather durable.

In terms of overall value to the team, Hodge is probably the one to go for just those reasons. Would be nice to be able to trade him for a usable DT or something. Not expecting anything great for him, but a draft pick or a DT who can rotate in a few snaps as the 4th or 5th guy would be nice.

[Fritz]

Of course, the problem is that everyone's keeping an eye on this position, and knows one of the two - Hodge or White - will be axed. So why trade away a pick if you can get a guy freed?

I'm curious though about whether a guy who gets cut - Hode or White or Bishop - has to go through waivers. If so, maybe a team that thinks the player wouldn't reach them would give up a sixth or seventh.

[Patler]

Of course, the problem is that everyone's keeping an eye on this position, and knows one of the two - Hodge or White - will be axed. So why trade away a pick if you can get a guy freed?

I'm curious though about whether a guy who gets cut - Hode or White or Bishop - has to go through waivers. If so, maybe a team that thinks the player wouldn't reach them would give up a sixth or seventh.

White will be a free agent if he is released between now and the trade deadline. Hodge and Bishop would each be subject to waiver claims. In any of those situations, a team might be willing to trade something just to not have to compete with other teams for the player. Won't be a lot, but maybe something.

[Guiness]

I also think Hodge would have to really show something to stick. How good is Chillar at MLB? Would Hodge be 3rd string there? If so, or even if it's close between him and Chillar, and he's still not playing STs, he's as good as gone.

And I'm not so sure we could get a pick for him. Chillar didn't exactly light up the FA market, and he was out there for a while. Seems like there's a lot of good LBs around right now.

[KYPack]

This doesn't take into consideration the other personnel groups, either.

This year we are gonna lose & cut some really good players.

A good lb. A good safety, and a real good corner. Other teams know how good our young boys are, so none of 'em will make it to or last on PS.

The talent level on this roster is vastly improved.