Verba in GB: update, after minicamp TT feels ok at OG

[Harlan Huckleby]

Verba made pretty good money in his last contract.

a vet ain't coming to GB for a last shot at a Super Bowl, I assume he wants starter money. If Verba couldn't win a starting job, given our weak situation at guard, he probably is over the hill.

[Chester Marcol]

I see what you're saying Shamrockfan and you put it the only way you can, hypatheticaly because of the big unknowns which is what Verba really is thinking and what, if anything he was told by the Packers and not what the media has reported(the most reliable source). Does he want to go to a team and fill the role he has earned or is he thinking he's a sure starter who desserves starter money and if neither of those 2 things are met, he'll turn into a problem?? Is he the guy who bolted because he was moved to guard then bolted the Browns because he was promised a contract rework OR does he become a Sanders type player and happily take on whatever role is best for the team.

Does it really sound like Thompsons/McCarthy style to promise a player who has been off for a year a starting job? If they did say they were bringing him in to be a starter, would you expect them to say anything less? Of course they want a player they bring into camp at a position that we desperately need to be a starter but I would hope he was also told he would still have to earn that starting spot just like everyone else. No guarantees. Not the most uncommon thing in football to be brought to camp as a starter but by game one not even be on the team. If he comes in knowing that he may be a back up, then I like this pickup. If he is still the player he was, then it's a huge upgrade over Klemm. Hypathetically.

[motife]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=421731

This is from Bob McGinn in the Journal today. After the minicamp, the interest in Verba appears to have waned :

"Standing pat: Don't look for the Packers to add a veteran offensive lineman. They recently worked out a familiar face, former Packer Ross Verba, and have discussed former Saint guard Kendyl Jacox.

Verba, 32, sat out last season after being waived by Cleveland on June 9. He demanded more money. When the Browns wouldn't deliver, they cut him.

"We had him in for a visit," Thompson said. "I won't get into it other than to say he looked fine."

Verba generally started at left tackle from 2001-'04, although he missed all of '03 with a torn biceps. He was the Packers' left tackle from 1997-'99 and their left guard in 2000.

Thompson appeared to be relatively pleased with the Packers' situation at guard after the minicamp.

"I think we're going to have some interesting competition," he said. "We wanted to try to get some competition going.

"(Daryn) Colledge looked all right. He got better every day, which is kind of what you want to see from young guys. He's a tough guy and he's smart. Same with Spitz.

"We've always looked at Tony Moll as more of a tackle. He's very gifted athletically.""

[Fritz]

How many offensive linemen does the team keep? I wouldn't sign him if it means you'd have to cut a promising young pup.

[Patler]

How many offensive linemen does the team keep? I wouldn't sign him if it means you'd have to cut a promising young pup.

Usually 9 are kept, sometimes 10 or as few as 8 if all are healthy and quite versatile. Look at how young this line could be:

2 in their 7th years (Tauscher & Clifton)
1 in his 3rd year - Wells
3 in their 2nd year - Coston, White, Whittacker
3 rookies - Colledge, Spitz, Moll

I know, there are Klemm (7th year) and Barry (5th year) around too, but an awful lot of young guys.

I wonder if Barry can make this team if he is not a starter?
Moll, a recently converted TE could be a practice squad candidate.
Does Whittaker even have a chance anywhere, absent injuries?

Lots of questions. Real interesting camp this summer for these guys!

[Bretsky]

How many offensive linemen does the team keep? I wouldn't sign him if it means you'd have to cut a promising young pup.

We could easily plug Verba in for Klemm or Whittaker, two guys who IMO don't have a lot of potential in this system. Klemm isn't a G and Whittaker just doesn't move well enough.

[Tarlam!]

We could easily plug Verba in for Klemm or Whittaker, two guys who IMO don't have a lot of potential in this system. Klemm isn't a G and Whittaker just doesn't move well enough.

We could. But Klemm is a pretty good tackle. And Whittiker may be O.K.

I hope we keep Klemm. If we do need to release somebody, I vote for Whittiker, since he seems to be the odd man out in the zone-system.