Green Bay Packers: The battle to become a starter
By Josh McPeak
The preseason for all teams, especially the Green Bay Packers, is a time that puts position battles and every other aspect of the game that can be analyzed on display.
The Packers seem to have the majority of the foundation to their roster constructed. However, there are a few battles that could linger, along with a few surprises.
One of the key battles that could be up for grabs is who will start at safety alongside Micah Hyde.
Morgan Burnett will be on the sidelines in the first preseason game, allowing rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to get the start. The majority of the Packers’ fan base would probably prefer the duo we will see on display come Saturday night.
The battle for the third quarterback, which after last year I’m sure the Packers will keep, also seems to be up for grabs all-of-a-sudden. Many reports have been swirling that Chase Rettig has constantly been outperforming Scott Tolzien. This may come as a surprise to many, as Mike McCarthy expressed high praise for Tolzien entering camp.
The running back position may have lost some of the drama surrounding roster spots when the sad news broke that Johnathan Franklin’s NFL career was over. However, it will still be interesting to see how the Packers’ plan to juggle the likes of Eddie Lacy, James Starks and DuJuan Harris.
It’s probably an extremely good problem to have.
Corey Linsley has also reportedly been impressive despite battling a nagging shoulder injury. The rookie from Ohio State could push J.C. Tretter for the starting position at center. Tretter can also play multiple positions on the line and with the recent loss of Don Barclay, it could very well push him into a utility position. This could be a big door opening for Linsley.
Wide Receivers are one of the strongest groups on the roster which opens up the competition battle. It appears however, that Davante Adams has suffered from an acute case of the dropsies early on. This could very well cement Jarret Boykin as the number three behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
Jeff Janis
With the injury to Jared Abbrederis the rest of the receiving group is left wide open.
The starting tight end position will ultimately be decided during the preseason. Andrew Quarless is listed as the early starter but a gaggle of talent lurks in the shadows behind him. Rookie Richard Rodgers has been turning heads in camp in addition with Brandon Bostick and the potential of Colt Lyerla.
Many fans hope the injury that Lyerla sustained does not end his chances of making the Packers’ roster.
Jamari Lattimore should give Brad Jones everything and then some at a run for starting inside linebacker beside A.J. Hawk.
One position battle that most have overlooked in normal formations is the starting cornerback opposite Tramon Williams. Williams has obviously done enough to earn his staple at left corner, but in base formations who will be opposite?
The house money has got to be on Casey Hayward to become the starter over Sam Shields, even with the new deal Shields signed in the offseason with the ink still drying on the paper.
Yet again, another really good problem to have.
A name not to sleep on – Davon House.
Come Saturday we will all get to see what we have been waiting on since the shivery cold days of January. The Green Bay Packers take the field and hit someone else in the mouth.
Questions will arise and questions will be answered. Battles will arise and battles will be settled.
The 2014 roster will begin its formation on Saturday night!