Who are the backup guards?

[Harlan Huckleby]

Man, it sounds like both Newhouse & Sherrod are strictly suited to LT. We have an awkward mix of players.

I'm holding out a sliver of hope that Sherrod can make progress at LG and win the starting job. That would allow Lang to backup across the line and really stabilize the line for the season, which is bound to include some injury time.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm not sure it's an awkward mix, but we seem to be short on OG depth. I'm getting the feeling that it will be Clifton-Sherrod-Wells-Sitton-Bulaga starting with Lang, Newhouse, and McDonald as the backups. Is anybody else worthy of a roster spot? I don't see it. Perhaps Thompson plucks a developmental prospect from another squad.

[Harlan Huckleby]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/127917878.html McGinn's analysis

OFFENSIVE LINE (9 or 10)
Locks: G Josh Sitton, C Scott Wells, T Bryan Bulaga, T Chad Clifton, G-T Derek Sherrod, G-T T.J. Lang.

Good bets: T Marshall Newhouse.

On the fence: C-G Nick McDonald, G Caleb Schlauderaff, G-T Ray Dominguez, C-G Evan Dietrich-Smith.

Long shots: C-G Sampson Genus, T Theo Sherman, T Chris Campbell, G Adrian Battles.

Comment: Newhouse had problems at right tackle in Cleveland but perhaps it should have been expected. He spent the first two weeks at LT and led the O-line in the one-on-one pass protection drill (18-2-2, .864).

If Newhouse nails down the No. 7 berth, either McDonald or Dietrich-Smith figures to be No. 8 because the Packers must have a backup center. McDonald has it all physically on Dietrich-Smith but really hasn't outperformed him. In the one-on-one's, Dietrich-Smith is 17-6-3 (.712) compared to McDonald's 9-5-4 (.611).

The Packers still seem high on McDonald, but right now it's debatable if he's strong enough to play.

Mike McCarthy has opened four of the last five seasons with nine O-linemen. Based on what's here, it's quite likely just nine will stick.

That No. 9 berth appears to be between Schlauderaff and Dominguez. A sixth-round draft choice, Schlauderaff (12-11-7, .517) is smart and persistent but doesn't play with strength.

Dominguez, a free agent from Arkansas, has lost 10 pounds, a key to his improvement. Unlike Schlauderaff, he played tackle in college and probably can play there in the NFL. In flashes, Dominguez has shown potential.

Genus (14-10-3, .574) is an excellent technician but might be too short at 6-0½. Campbell, also a free agent, looked much better than last summer and might have had a shot before a knee injury knocked him out the last 10 days.

[Harlan Huckleby]

What really jumps out from McGinn's analysis is that the group lacks strong run blockers. Newhouse, Sherrod, Schlauderaff, McDonald are not going to be able to play RG, and maybe not RT.

[Fritz]

I agree with Harlan - it seems an awkward mix. Newhouse was playing rather well as the backup LT, but struggles now where they need him - at RT. Sherrod and Lang are both better suited to the left side. If I recall correctly, MacDonald plays center and backed up at LG (?) last year a bit. Or maybe it was RG - but apparently he hasn't been all that impressive in camp at center this year, which is a bad sign.

There's talent, but it's concentrated on the left side. I'd like to see them keep Lang at guard and train Sherrod at left and right tackle. But I don't know much about all this. It's just my feeling.

[RashanGary]

We're a passing team.

[Harlan Huckleby]

We're a passing team.

Tell that to Sitton and Bulaga.

You're probably right that TT favors pass blockers for a pass-first team.

It seems from McGinn's analysis and camp buzz that the only candidate suitable to play on right side in event of injury is Lang. Not good. You really don't want to weaken two positions on line in event of an injury. It will be better for team strength if Sherrod manages to win LG job.

[TennesseePackerBacker]

While Colledge was stalwart when it came to playing, he was little more than above-average. The person replacing the hole left at LG doesn't have to be a world-beater right off the bat.

I'm more worried about our OLB situation (besides Clay) and lack of DL depth than how the OL will come together. IMO the talent is there, they just have to gel; much like any other year.

[Harlan Huckleby]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/128720553.html

situation seems to grow worse at backups inside

Dietrich-Smith will have to be the iron man

[mraynrand]

"He's still growing," Campen said, referring to McDonald. "The thing is, he has to keep his pad level down when he has guys in his face."

You could see that coming a mile away.

[Harlan Huckleby]

where are all the f-ing punks who said the offensive line depth would be fine? Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about last night's O-line disasters I suppose.

Sherrod and Newhouse will be OK, but they have nothing inside.

[pbmax]

where are all the f-ing punks who said the offensive line depth would be fine? Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about last night's O-line disasters I suppose.

Sherrod and Newhouse will be OK, but they have nothing inside.

Genus will have to grow, literally, into his new role as backup RG.

[Pugger]

where are all the f-ing punks who said the offensive line depth would be fine? Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about last night's O-line disasters I suppose.

Sherrod and Newhouse will be OK, but they have nothing inside.

Hopefully the entire starting O line doesn't get hurt all at once...