Packers Sign OT Byron Bell

[HarveyWallbangers]

Bell started 74 games for Cowboys, Titans, and Panthers. He was a four year starter for Panthers. He'll compete for starting RT spot while Bulaga is out. He's 29 years old.

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2018/05/29/veteran-ol-byron-bell-says-he-signed-with-packers/

[woodbuck27]

Bell started 74 games for Cowboys, Titans, and Panthers. He was a four year starter for Panthers. He'll compete for starting RT spot while Bulaga is out. He's 29 years old.

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/201...-with-packers/

What do you think of this fella Harve?

[HarveyWallbangers]

He's been a below average starter. Versatile and has a lot of experience though. Better at OG than OT. Inconsistent year to year. Provides a fallback for McCray or Murphy/Spriggs falling on their faces. I wouldn't be surprised if he were cut in camp or if he ended up starting at RG (over McCray) or RT (until Bulaga returns). Not all that excited, but at least the new GM is filling roster holes with some vets--which is what the paying customers have wanted.

[woodbuck27]

He's been a below average starter. Versatile and has a lot of experience though. Better at OG than OT. Inconsistent year to year. Provides a fallback for McCray or Murphy/Spriggs falling on their faces. I wouldn't be surprised if he were cut in camp or if he ended up starting at RG (over McCray) or RT (until Bulaga returns). Not all that excited, but at least the new GM is filling roster holes with some vets--which is what the paying customers have wanted.

Yes Gut is trying.

I'm a concerned at the WR position. That may take another Season to get fixed.

[run pMc]

Yes Gut is trying.

I'm a concerned at the WR position. That may take another Season to get fixed.

It will. GM drafted a bunch of WRs this year with the hope one or maybe two pan out. Plus there's the Yancey/Davis mess.

Meanwhile they have Adams, Cobb, Graham, and maybe Allison. Unless he falls flat on his face, J'Mon Moore overtakes Allison by end of season.

Some of the young WRs will stick on ST's. Sounds like they way the rules are going, it's better to have big fast guys vs. backup linemen there. Once they cut their teeth on ST's they can learn the offense and make the proverbial leap.

By that time Cobb's contract is done and they can figure out whether to re-sign (I'd offer 2y/8M), but they'll have WRs in the pipeline. They'll need to keep drafting WRs unless they hit the jackpot this year with their picks (history says unlikely)...and they'll need a TE too. Gotta give your QB weapons.

[run pMc]

I think the Bell signing is low risk, medium reward. It gives them depth and options, at least until Bulaga comes back.

I do worry that this move was made because they didn't like what they saw from the young guys in OTAs.

I also think Jahri Evans isn't coming back.

[mraynrand]

I do worry that this move was made because they didn't like what they saw from the young guys in OTAs.

Same. SPRIGGS™ may never be their RT.

[pbmax]

You can't make a starting determination during an OTA non-contact session.

You can do medical checks. This move means Bulaga is likely not going to be ready for the start of the season. It anticipates having a spot open while he sits on PUP.

He also refused a pay cut. Which might make his roster spot more tenuous if his prognosis is borderline.

[Deputy Nutz]

CHAMPIONSHIP!

[mraynrand]

You can't make a starting determination during an OTA non-contact session.

Maybe Todd couldn't but Cheat can.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Fucking aye, a journeyman lineman. I can't keep up here. I couldn't name the current top three running backs on the Packers roster without looking it up.

I did learn the names of all the players in the NBA playoffs who get in the game. And I did recently learn that Grant Hill is the son of famous Cowboy Calvin Hill. So I can learn.

[mraynrand]

And I did recently learn that Grant Hill is the son of famous Cowboy Calvin Hill.

They are son and grandson of Ouvertha Hill

[gbgary]

meh. a backup's backup most likely.

[Joemailman]

I think the Bell signing is low risk, medium reward. It gives them depth and options, at least until Bulaga comes back.

I do worry that this move was made because they didn't like what they saw from the young guys in OTAs.

I also think Jahri Evans isn't coming back.

I think it's just insurance with all their RT's coming off season ending injuries. If everybody is healthy come September, Bell will be hard-pressed to make the team.

[pbmax]

Spriggs got the first snap with the No. 1 offense during the first open OTA practice last week, but he did so wearing a bulky brace on his left knee and usually came out after a snap or two of 11-on-11 work. Murphy still hasn’t been cleared for action but was at practice last week. It’s unclear when he’ll be able to get team snaps.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/sports/football/professional/with-uncertainty-at-right-tackle-packers-add-veteran-byron-bell/article_051118d1-1ff5-5713-9495-a29d74ff8261.html

Going to need a healthy body or two for minicamp as well.