Packers move Blackmon to safety

[RashanGary]

I think Josh Bell is going to make it. Even though he screwed up that Steeler play, there is something about the way he plays, you kind of get the feeling he knows what he's doing. Unfortunately, that's not the case with a lot of our backup DB's.

[vince]

I see what you're saying JH. I think he's serviceable, and could stick especially if there are injury issues from the others that have to be dealt with at cut-down time.

I just don't think he'll be better than a healthy Lee or Underwoood this year. And if there's a tough choice to make there, perhaps he has his work cut out for him not being one of Ted's original chosen ones.

[Joemailman]

I think Josh Bell is going to make it. Even though he screwed up that Steeler play, there is something about the way he plays, you kind of get the feeling he knows what he's doing. Unfortunately, that's not the case with a lot of our backup DB's.

Josh Bell started 5 games for Denver in 2008. On the Steeler play, he was guilty of not knowing where his safety help was. That can at least partially be attributed to lack of familiarity with the defense. He had only been with the team for about 3 weeks at that time. I think he makes the team at CB along with Woodson, Harris, Williams, Underwood and Lee, with Collins, Bigby, Burnett and Blackmon at Safety. Jarrett Bush, Derrick Martin and Charlie Peprah battle it out for the final DB/ST position. Did I forget anyone?

[vince]

I'd say those are all of the viable candidates Joe, unless someone like Jones shocks the world in camp and preseason.

The camp bodies you didn't mention are D.J. Clark, Trevor Ford, Kahlil Jones, Anthony Levine, and Sam Shields.

Derrick Martin became a valuable special teamer before he got hurt late last year. He helped spearhead an improved squad in the second half of the season. I think that last spot in that scenario would be his to lose because of the dire need for improvement on special teams. I suspect that Peprah may be a better safety though.

[get louder at lambeau]

So last year there were 10 DBs on the 53 man roster for opening day- 5 CBs, 4 Safeties, and a CB/S, like vince's prediction above.

CBs-
Woodson (starter)
Harris (starter)
Williams (sub)
Blackmon (not active)
Underwood (not active)

Safeties-
Collins (starter)
Bigby (starter)
Martin (sub)
Rouse (sub)

CB/S-
Bush (sub)


Just for reference, Here's the DB roster as of right now, with 18 DBs- 9 CBs, 7 Safeties, and 2 CB/S-

CBs-
Woodson
Harris
Williams
Underwood
Bell
Lee
Sam Shields
Trevor Ford
D.J. Clark


Safeties-
Collins
Bigby
Martin
Burnett
Peprah
Kahlil Jones
Anthony Levine

CB/S-
Bush
Blackmon

[falco]

I know others are less high on our secondary, but I think we have a very good bunch. I think our depth will be better than last year (even just by improving from within) and hopefully we won't face the same injuries.

[falco]

FWIW, I just have a gut feeling Blackmon isn't on this team on opening day. Not sure why.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Blackmon, in my opinion, was never that competent at CB. I like him as a S.

Underwood will start at some point this year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see Williams and Underwood as CB's and Woodson at S.

[get louder at lambeau]

My wild guess at this point is that the Packers keep 11 DBs. They can use the roster spot that was used on the 3rd FB last year to shore up depth in the defensive backfield.

Here's a list of 12. I figure one of them, at random, will be injured before the season starts, making the final 11-


CBs-
Woodson
Harris
Williams
Underwood
Bell
Lee

Safeties-
Collins
Bigby
Martin
Burnett


CB/S-
Bush
Blackmon