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Ready for battle: Draft picks could vie for starting roles.
Last season, General Manager Ted Thompson's draft class turned out four full-time starters and another who was a part-time starter. This year, there's at least a chance the Green Bay Packers' latest class could match the 2006 contingent that saw linebacker A.J. Hawk, guards Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz and receiver Greg Jennings morph into full-time starters (when healthy) and another offensive lineman, Tony Moll, serve as a fill-in starter when injuries hit. When training camp opens in 27 days, the Packers will hold open competitions for no fewer than six starting positions, including kicker, and there's a strong possibility more than half of those will be filled by rookie draft picks.
"I think some of the rookies, by necessity, are going to have to play and play quite a bit," offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said at the conclusion of last month's organized team activities. "A bunch of them, unless in pads they totally look different, look like they can really play." Based on how players lined up during the minicamps and OTAs, it appears the most unsettled positions are: fullback, running back and tight end on offense, defensive tackle and safety on defense and kicker on special teams. The battle at running back between third-year pro Vernand Morency and second-round draft pick Brandon Jackson from Nebraska likely will be the most intriguing. Perhaps only the competition at the kicking spot, between incumbent Dave Rayner and sixth-round draft pick Mason Crosby/b] of Colorado, will be more closely scrutinized because of the nature of the kicking position, which is purely a make-or-miss contest.
"That backfield group is a big group of young guys that's far from being settled," Philbin said. "The dust hasn't settled at all." The same could be said at fullback, where the only returning player with any NFL experience is Brandon Miree. A trio of rookies, including sixth-round pick Korey Hall (a converted linebacker from Boise State), could be in the mix. Only the full-contact nature of training camp will show whether Hall can make the switch from defense. A pair of undrafted rookies looked promising during the OTAs. Ryan Powdrell of Southern California and Corey White of Alabama-Birmingham might have a shot at not only making the roster but winning the starting spot. "Powdrell looks like he has some football in him," Philbin said. "Hall looks the same way, and Corey White has some skills athletically."
The other starting spot on offense that appears to be up in the air is tight end, where long-time starter Bubba Franks worked more often with the backups than the No. 1 offense this offseason. However, it appears unlikely that seventh-round draft pick Clark Harris of Rutgers is ready to be a starter. If Franks doesn't start, the best bet is fifth-year pro Donald Lee, whose best season was 2005, when he caught 33 passes and had two touchdowns. At least one rookie — and possibly two — will see significant playing time when Philbin and coach Mike McCarthy employ multiple-receiver sets. The pecking order behind starters Donald Driver and Greg Jennings is far from set. Thompson used a third-round pick on James Jones of San Jose State likely with the expectation that he can be a No. 3 immediately and an eventual starter. Fifth-round pick David Clowney of Virginia Tech also could contribute as a No. 4 or No. 5 receiver. "That's a tougher position to break into," Philbin said of the receiver spot. "But I like what they've done. It's been a good group so far."
The only open positions on defense, barring injuries, are at safety and defensive tackle. Thompson used a third-round pick on towering safety Aaron Rouse, who is 6-foot-4. Rouse could push Marquand Manuel, the 2006 free agent from Seattle who struggled last season. So could second-year pro Marviel Underwood, who missed all of last season due to a knee injury. At the defensive tackle spot next to Ryan Pickett, it's a good bet that first-round draft pick Justin Harrell will be the opening-day starter. However, Harrell was held out of most offseason drills other than a few individual periods because of his injury last year at Tennessee. He tore the biceps tendon in his left arm and missed all but three games. He's expected to be cleared before training camp opens. Fourth-year pro Corey Williams had been slotted in as the starter before the Packers picked Harrell and could beat him out if Harrell isn't recovered from his injury....
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NO CLEAR FAVORITE AT TIGHT END.
Tight ends Donald Lee and Tory Humphrey split snaps with the first-string offense throughout the offseason workouts, but it would be a mistake to read too much into that. According to a person familiar with the situation, veteran Bubba Franks is still very much in the picture. “Mike McCarthy wanted to give the young guys a chance,” said the source. “He doesn't know exactly what he has in Lee and Humphrey. On the other hand, he knows exactly what he has in Franks.” And that’s the problem. The former No. 1 draft choice is coming off back-to-back poor seasons, and at age 29, appears to be on his last legs.
McCarthy would love for one of the young tight ends to step up and claim the job, but based on the minicamps and the OTAs, that may be wishful thinking. “Neither Lee nor Humphrey really took advantage of the opportunity,” said a former scout who attended about 10 practices during the offseason. “They certainly look the part athletically, but they don’t seem to get much done. Based on what I saw in May and June, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with either player starting at tight end come September.” As for Franks, the three-time Pro Bowler lost quite a bit of weight during the offseason and looks like a different person. “I almost didn’t recognize him - until he started to run his routes,” said the scout. “Then, unfortunately, he looked like the same old Bubba. He’s just too slow to separate from defenders and too stiff to create anything after the catch. On the positive side, he didn’t drop many passes....”
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Projected Depth Chart [PN'S VIEW]
Quarterback
Brett Favre-Brett Favre will be the starting quarterback for another season unless he gets hurt (lets hope not). I think Brett will have an above average year. No he will not play like the old Brett but I think he will still be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. I think he will also break several passing records this season. First he will break the most career victories for a quarterback. (He only needs one. If we don’t get that the Packers are in serious trouble). Brett will also break the all time TD record (he needs 6 I believe). Brett will also break the INT record (he only needs 4 more). Finally he could break the passing yard record (I think he needs around 3,600 yards).
Aaron Rodgers-Aaron Rodgers will once again sit on the bench. I think he will show Packer fans in training camp and the preseason that he will be ready to take over once Brett retires. I am expecting that Rodgers will be an above average starting quarterback once Brett retires.
Ingle Martin-Ingle Martin will make the team by default. While I don’t think he is bad, I think he needs a lot of work. He has great arm strength but he needs to work on his accuracy if he wants to become anything more than a third stringer.
Running Back:
Vernand Morency-Last year Morency had an on and off season. This year I think he will be an average starter. He will start the first couple of games while splitting carries with Brandon Jackson. By midseason I think he will become the backup. Overall I think he will have around 600-700 and 5 touchdowns.
Brandon Jackson-I think Jackson will start as the backup and eventually become the starter. I think by the end of the season we will show us how good he can be. By looking at highlights I can see Barry Sanders qualities....By the end of the season I think he will have between 600-700 yards and 5 touchdowns. After this season he will be our starter for years to come.
Deshawn Wynn-I know he has work ethic and attitude problems but I think he will still make the team. I think he will start off slow but will eventually become a great compliment to Jackson in the future. He will be the power back while Jackson is the speed back.
Fullback:
Brandon Miree-Although he didn’t have a great season last year, I think Brandon Miree will still make the roster this year. With another year of experience under his belt I think he will be an average starter. I think he will eventually need to be replaced though.
Korey Hall-Since there is an roster spot left Kory Hall will make the team as a special teams player. He will also learn how to play the fullback position (he was a linebacker in college) and maybe will be good enough to start next year.
Wide Receivers:
Donald Driver-Donald Driver will have another big year. Donald Driver will make the Pro Bowl once again. I think he will have a bigger year this year since he will have a healthy Greg Jennings and Koren Robinson to help him out.
Greg Jennings-Greg Jennings will improve on last season. I think he will get 1,000 yards and will be a good #2.
James Jones-Even though a lot of people criticized his selection he has been showing his critics how good he can actually be. He has done great so far. He has caught every pass that has come close to him. I think he will be a good number 3 and number 4 once Koren Robinson comes back. He will be a good jump ball receiver in the very least.
Ruvell Martin-Ruvell Martin has been a solid receiver for the Packers. He will be a good pocession receiver. Once Koren Robinson’s suspension is over either Martin or Holliday will be cut.
Carlyle Holiday-Carlyle Holiday surprised a lot of people last season. Once Koren Robinson’s suspension is over either Holliday or Martin will be cut.
David Clowney-Although David Clowney is a project I think he will make the team. He will be the kick and punt returner and I think he will be a very good one since he is so fast. After 2 or 3 years I think Clowney could be a good number 2 or number 3 receiver.
After week 6 Koren Robinson will be added to the roster (once his suspension is over). I think the first couple weeks since being back he will be rusty but after that I think he will be our #3 receiver and will provide a good big play receiver for Brett Favre.
Tight End:
Bubba Franks-While I don’t think Bubba Franks will be good this year, I think he will rebound a little from last year. Bubba will still be a good blocking TE, and an average receiving TE.
Donald Lee-Donald Lee needs to step up this year or he probably won’t make the team next year. Lee had a horrible year last year. If he can show more of the flashes he showed in the 2005 season I think he will be our leading receiving TE.
Zac Alcorn-The coaching staff has been in love with this kid ever since he joined the team. I have heard from some reports that he has some of the best hands on the team. If Alcorn lives up to his potential he might be able to start before the year is over.
Offensive Line:
RT Mark Tauscher-Mark Tauscher returns for another year. Mark didn’t have his best year last year. I think he will rebound and have a good year. Hopefully he can finally get enough respect around the league and get the Pro Bowl invite he has deserved for years now.
G Daryn Colledge-I think this will be Daryn Colledge’s breakout year. The zone blocking scheme is perfect for him. He improved as a player every week last year and I think he will continue to improve. By the end of the year he will be an above average guard and after his third year he will be a great Guard.
C Scott Wells-Scott Wells was probably our best offensive lineman last year. I think he will have another good year this year.
G Jason Spitz-I think Spitz will have a pretty good year but he will be the weakness of the offensive line.
LT Chad Clifton-Clifton has been hurt a lot in the past couple of years. This offseason is very promising for him though. I have heard from several places he is the healthiest he has been in years at this point in the year. Lets hope Clifton avoids the injury bug this year.
Tony Moll-Tony Moll was one of the surprise players of last year. I think Tony Moll will be a great backup this year at both the tackle and guard position. I think Tony Moll will also be groomed to take over for either Tauscher or Clifton (probably Clifton because he is so injury prone).
Allen Barbre-Don’t expect to see much from him this year. Barbre is a huge project. He will sit on the bench for at least two years if not more before he can break the starting lineup (unless someone gets hurt).
Junius Coston-Coston will make the team by default. Unless one of the undrafted rookies can show something Coston will get the job. (Lets hope one steps up since Coston can’t seem to live up to his potential. Tony Palmer is the most likely too.)
Defensive
Defensive Line:
Aaron Kampman (DE Starter)-After last year expectations are high for Kampman. I think he will fulfill them. He has a great defensive line to go with him now so he shouldn’t get double teamed as much anymore. I think Kampman will put up very similar stats to last year.
Cullen Jenkins (DE Starter on running plays and starting DT on passing plays)-Cullen Jenkins had a great end to his last season which got him a huge payday this offseason. Once Jenkins got moved to DE last season he started to show how could he could actually be. On running downs Jenkins will play DE. Our run defense should be great this year because we will practically have 3 DTs on the field with Jenkins, Pickett, and Harrell. On passing plays Jenkins will move inside and play DT so KGB can come in on passing plays. I think we are going to have the best pass rushing defensive line in the league. We will have KGB and Kampman at DE, and Jenkins and Corey Williams at DT. We will have four sack masters on the field at the same time. How can you beat that.
Ryan Pickett-While Pickett didn’t get all the stats like other DTs in the league last year he was still one of the best DTs in the league last year. Pickett is a great role player. His job on the team is to open holes so linebackers can make plays, and stuff the run. I think Pickett will have another great year but will still not have the stats to back it up though.
Justin Harrell-Picking Harrell in the first round upset a lot of people. I think Harrell will turn out to be a great player though. This year I think he will only play on running downs as a run stuffer though. His biggest strength is his run stuffing anyways. Harrell is a mountain of a man and should do a great job clearing space in the middle to tackle the running back behind the line. Lets hope he stays healthy though. After this year I think we will use him more on passing downs.
Corey Williams-Corey Williams was hurt the most by the Harrell pick but he will still get a lot of playing time on this team. Williams won’t be playing on running downs. Williams will mostly be playing on passing downs. Last year even in his limited amount of playing time he was one of the leaders in sacks for DTs. I expect that to continue this year.
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila-This year KGB has been demoted to pass rush specialist. He should have always been a pass rushing specialist. I think he will get double digit sacks this year since he will only have to focus and use all of his energy just on pass rushing.
Colin Cole-Colin Cole has been a really good backup and situational player for the Packers.
Jason Hunter-I think Hunter will make the team again. I think the Packers will groom Hunter to be KGBs replacement as pass rushing specialist. Last training camp and preseason showed us that Hunter has enough speed. If he continues to improve his talent I think he could become a great pass rushing specialist.
Linebackers:
AJ Hawk-AJ started out a little slow last year but ended off the year on a high note. He showed why he was worth the #5 pick. This year I expect him to become one of the top linebackers in the entire league and would be shocked if he didn’t make the pro bowl. AJ will lead possibly the best linebacking crew in the NFL.
Nick Barnett-Nick Barnett got a big contract extension this offseason lets hope his play lives up to his new salary. I expect him to play at least as well as he did last season. I actually expect him to play a little better because I think Harrell will open up a lot of holes up the middle which will give Nick Barnett more opportunities to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Maybe this year Nick Barnett will finally make the pro bowl.
Brady Poppinga-How can you not like his enthusiasm. Poppinga had some problems in coverage last year but he seemed to improve throughout the season. I think his coverage skills will continue to improve.
Abdul Hodge-Abdul Hodge had a great training camp last year and many wanted to move him outside so he could start last season. I doubt he will be moved this year. He will be a great backup though and might get to play some on running downs.
Juwan Simpson-Juwan Simpson was one of our undrafted rookies. The main reason he wasn’t drafted was because of his attitude and he has some behavior problems. I heard somewhere that if he didn’t have character problems he probably would have been drafted around the third round. If Simpson can overcome his character problems he has enough talent to make this team.
Desmond Bishop-Desmond Bishop was the linebacker we chose in the sixth round this year that we are actually keeping at linebacker. I don’t think Bishop will get any time at linebacker this year unless several linebackers get hurt. Bishop will be a backup and a special teams master. In college he was amazing at special teams and I think that is where we will use him the most. I think he will eventually become an above average backup.
Cornerbacks:
Al Harris-Al Harris will have another great year and will be one of the best shutdown corners in the league. Hopefully he can finally make the Pro Bowl like he deserve to.
Charles Woodson-Charles Woodson started off a little slow last year but ended strong with 8 interceptions. I expect to have at least as many interceptions as he had last year.
Will Blackmon-If Will Blackmon can actually stay healthy I think he will be a very good #3 and will eventually be a starter. Will he stay healthy is the question though? Will we see him as the #3 or on the IR?
Frank Walker-Frank Walker was the only FA added this offseason. I think he will decent year.
Patrick Dendy-I have never been a big fan of Patrick Dendy but I though he did a pretty good job as the #3 corner last year.
Jarret Bush-Jarret Bush only played special teams last year but I think he could do pretty well as a CB. In the OTA practice I went to he had two really good INTS.
Safeties:
Nick Collins-I think Nick Collins will have a bounce back year. I think he will finally show how good he can really be. I think this will be his breakout year.
Marviel Underwood-If Marviel Underwood wouldn’t have gotten hurt last year I believe he would have started. He had a great training camp and showed that he could be a turnover machine. I think he will stay healthy and be the starter this year.
Aaron Rouse-I think Aaron Rouse has a chance to start part way through the year if either Underwood falters or he shows flashes of brilliance.
Tyrone Culver-I was pleasantly surprised by Culver last year. He was a good backup and spot starter last year.
Atari Bigby-The Packers have always been high on him, but I never have been.
Special Teams
Kicker:
Mason Crosby-I think Mason Crosby will get the job because he has as accurate and a stronger leg than Dave Rayner. In OTAs he consistently kicked the ball 5 yards further than Rayner. I expect this position will come down to the last week of training camp.
Punter:
Jon Ryan-Jon Ryan almost gets this position by default. He technically has competition but there is really no way that he can beat Ryan. The Packers are also working with Ryan in order to improve his hang time. This should make him a better punter.
Long Snapper:
Rob Davis-I have never thought the long snapper position was very important. The Packers have always thought it is though. Rob Davis will get the job unless Clark Harris can show that he is a good long snapper. The good thing about Rob Davis is that he provides veteran leadership.
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