Early training camp predictions

[bobblehead]

Re: Early training camp predictions

Allen Babre wins the LG job and the pack deals College at the end of camp for whatever they can get for him. Babre was mentally lost at RT, but inside he should be better off and not have to take on speed rushers. He still has that low center of gravity and is an athletic freak.

What changed since two years ago when he was handed the job and lost it to Colledge in camp?

I don't recall him being handed the job, I recall it being an open competition that he lost. What changed? College hasn't really improved (I have been one of the biggest DC supporters in the past), and I think Babre has improved in certain areas. He is still too slow at reading things to play tackle as I pretty much was ready to shoot him last season.

Part of this equation is that I don't think they packers see either guy as the LG of the future, that is Lang. I think at the end of camp you can land a 5th for college and if the competition is equal that will settle it, and like I said, Lang likely is the starter by week 6 when he is fully healed.

Perhaps they might view him as a stop gap. Unfortunately, right now all of them look like a stop gap. Colledge, Barbre and Lang have all taking a beating during pass rush drills.

Colledge simply has not learned to effectively pass block at Guard. Which is odd given his background, that he has improved little since year two. His run blocking is what has improved. I thought he had it in him to fix it. It doesn't look that way so far.

Barbre has almost the exact same problem plus recognition issues. I think Spitz gets the call if this continues. Lang will stay. I almost would say that no one will trade for a Guard, drafted in the 2nd round who has only earned a 2nd round tender. But he can play tackle in a pinch. I would still be surprised with something as high as a 5 if his play stays at the reported level.

You could be right, but I am figuring some team is going to need some help at LG somewhere and if a multi year starter becomes available for a 5th they might pull the trigger. I also had high hopes for him...I still remember that big run against detroit with DC playing RT...he takes out 3 guys on the same play, absolutely fantastic, but like you said, he never has gotten the NFL art of pass protection down. He gets blown up by bull rushers, and then occassionally looks bad by whiffing.

Lang is looking bad, but I think its because of the brace and injury. I liked him a lot last year when he had to play. He is a scrapper who MM repeatedly says is an ideal LG. That tells me who MM thinks is the future there.

[Ballboy]

I'm thinking/wishing that Bishop can take the next step and replace Hawk. He has shown much in every pre-season, then gets railed in the regular season and we only see him on special teams.

Seems bigger, faster and has better instincts in pass coverage.