Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses celebrates a tackle with free safety Morgan Burnett (42) against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Every offseason the Green Bay Packers lose key players to free agency or retirement (Driver, Jennings, Woodson, Walden, etc.). Green Bay has done a good job this offseason replenishing their roster through the draft and signing undrafted free agents. At this point, maybe Ted Thompson will even sign a few veteran free agents at a bargain price to add to the young and competitive roster, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Thompson just rolls with the players he currently has on the roster (in fact, today’s news about the shifting of the offensive line emphasizes that point).

With the new player acquisitions after draft weekend, the competition on the roster should be fun to watch this summer. With the offseason losses there are plenty of positions on the roster that need a young emerging player to step up and fill. Let’s take a look at some of the positions on the roster where the Packers need a player to emerge during the upcoming season.

Starting Running Back

Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin, DuJuan Harris, Alex Green, James Starks

Green Bay desperately needs to find a featured running back who can be a legitimate threat. The assumption here is that Lacy will be that guy next season because he was drafted in the second round. Lacy certainly has the ability and physical running style to be an every-down back, but I doubt anyone will just hand him the job. Lacy will have to earn a starting spot in training camp, and I expect there will be plenty of competition.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) gets by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

Fourth round selection Johnathan Franklin also has the skills and potential to be the starting back in the Packers’ offense. And don’t forget about last season late-comer, DuJuan Harris, who looked like the most explosive back on Green Bay’s roster at that point. Harris could give Lacy and Franklin a run for their money for the starting running back spot. At the very least, Harris will rotate in with Lacy and Franklin and provide a good change of pace.

There’s still Green and Starks, but I don’t see either of them being realistic options for the starting role at this point. Both have dealt with injuries in their short careers and haven’t proven to be consistent on the field. I expect the starter to emerge from Lacy, Franklin, and Harris, and a rotation between these three backs during games could be a real possibility.

Starting Strong Safety

Jerron McMillian, M.D. Jennings, Sean Richardson

After Woodson was released this offseason, the safety position suddenly looked awfully thin. The free safety position is set with Morgan Burnett, but strong safety is wide open. Like most, I thought Green Bay would find their safety in the draft, but Thompson focused on other positions and reiterated that he believes in the young players at strong safety. At this point, strong safety looks like a two-horse race between McMillian and Jennings. They both rotated in and out last season when Woodson missed time with a broken collarbone.

Jerron McMillian during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Being a smaller safety, Jennings struggled against the run, but held up well in coverage. McMillian showed the speed and athleticism to come up in the box and play against the run. He also played decent man coverage against tight ends and slot receivers, but he looked out of place at times when he dropped back in zone coverage.

McMillian seems to have the most growing to do on the field, but also seems to have more upside than Jennings. I think his playmaking potential and his fearlessness to create contact makes McMillian the favorite to start at strong safety. However, maybe Jennings shows more improvement this offseason or the unproven Richardson comes back from his neck injury and surprises us all.

Starting Left Tackle

Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod, Bryan Bulaga, David Bakhtiari

Editor’s note: This was written before the news This morning that McCarthy plans to move Brian Bulaga to left tackle and switch Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang at the guards.

It’s hard to even guess what will happen at left tackle this season.  Being the key position to protecting your franchise quarterback, you’d think it would be more settled at this point. Maybe Sherrod returns healthy and competes with Newhouse for the starting spot. Maybe Don Barclay lines up at right tackle and Green Bay moves Bulaga over to the left side. Maybe David Bakhtiari learns quicker than we expect and makes a real push to start at the position. Maybe all this increased competition gets the best out of Newhouse and he keeps his starting job. It’s too early to tell on this one. If I had to put money on it, I’d say Bulaga gets moved over to the left side, but that’s just a hunch. We’ll see how it develops in camp.

Backup Outside Linebacker

Dezman Moses, Nate Palmer, Andy Malumba, Other?

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses (54) prepares to hit Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Ricky Stanzi (12) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The starting outside linebackers are pretty much set with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. However, the Packers need another pass rusher to emerge from the second unit that can rotate into the game to provide fresh legs in the pass rush. Moses provided some good depth at the position last season, but Green Bay needs another guy to step up alongside Moses.

This is the most important position on the defense, and it’s essential to have at least two players that can step in if Perry or Matthews go down with an injury (like last season). Maybe the Packers bring in a veteran free agent here, but if not, it looks like it’s between sixth round pick Nate Palmer and undrafted free agent Andy Mulumba. Both of these guys were highly productive in college and have an affinity for rushing the passer. The Packers seem to be high on Palmer, so I’ll give him the edge at this point.

Backup Center

J.C. Tretter, Greg Van Roten, Patrick Lewis

It’s clear Evan Dietrich-Smith will be starting at center when the season begins, but the Packers still seem to be missing a clear-cut backup at the position. Van Roten is an undrafted free agent returning from last season and could show improvement from year one to year two, but he may be better suited at guard. Tretter played left tackle in college, but was drafted to provide depth on the interior offensive line. Tretter doesn’t have any experience playing center, but he’s intelligent and tough. He could be groomed into being a center behind Dietrich-Smith. Lewis is an undrafted rookie who played center at Texas A&M and could be one of those surprise players who pushes for a roster spot. This position is anyone’s for the taking at this point.

Second Tight End

Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, Brandon Bostick, Matt Mulligan, Ryan Taylor

Green Bay needs to find another receiving threat at tight end. This player could even be groomed to eventually start if Finley doesn’t return after the 2013 season. If Quarless returns healthy, he could be that guy. He missed all last season with a knee injury, but when healthy, he was Green Bay’s best blocking tight end and has the size (6-4) and athleticism to be an asset in the passing game.

Mulligan was brought in to replace Crabtree‘s former blocking duties and will offer little in the passing game. I’m not sold on Williams. He had too many drops in his limited action last season and was ineffective as a run blocker. However, Bostick shows some promise as both a receiver and run blocker. He could be a surprise player this offseason. I’m not sure Taylor will ever emerge as anything more than just a special teams player. My guess is Quarless has a good year and emerges as the second tight end.

Fourth and fifth Wide Receiver

Jarrett Boykin, Jeremy Ross, Charles Johnson, Kevin Dorsey, Other?

October 1, 2011; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Kevin Dorsey (12) is tackled following a catch against the Towson Tigers at Byrd Stadium. Maryland beat Towson 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The top three wide receivers are set with Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson; however, the remaining two wide receiver spots on the roster are wide open. Boykin has the most playing experience from the remaining receivers and is the favorite at this point for claiming the fourth wide receiver spot, but maybe another guy steps up and challenges him for the spot in camp. Ross could remain on the roster due to his kick and punt returning ability. We’ll see if he can offer something in the passing game as well.

Seventh round picks Johnson and Dorsey are intriguing prospects. They’re both big receivers with good speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them made the final 53-man roster. In the very least, they will both be retained on the practice squad. Every year in training camp it seems an undrafted free agent makes a splash at wide receiver, so don’t count out those players to fill the final roster spots as well

These positions will be settled during offseason workouts and in training camp, but for now, it’s fun to speculate what will happen come start of the 2013 season. Let me know what you think. Who do you believe will be holding down these positions when the season starts on Sept. 8 in San Francisco?

Greg Jennings may play Sunday.

This Friday’s release of the Green Bay Packers‘ injury report had some unsettling, yet not surprising news: That OLB Clay Matthews will be out for Sunday’s game at the New York Giants.

Both Charles Woodson and Sam Shields have also been ruled out.

While it was hoped Matthews would be ready to go, we all knew that Woodson and Shields wouldn’t be.

So, while that’s not such good news for Packers fans, there is some good news on the injury front and that includes news that wide receiver Greg Jennings and tight end Andrew Quarless are a step away from hitting the field. Both have been listed as questionable and could be gametime decisions.

Jennings suffered a groin injury in the first game of the season and  then aggravated it two weeks later. When the injury was slow to heal, Jennings decided to have surgery – a procedure that was delayed a week because of Superstorm Sandy. Jennings had the procedure completed in Philadelphia, which was hit hard by the storm and because his surgery was delayed, so was his recovery.

August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) looks on prior to the Family Night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

However, he returned to practice this week and reported he was feeling no pain and was close to ready. The Packers, which are clearly being cautious with their top receiver, have decided to list him as questionable, which means he has a 50-50 chance of playing.

The same goes for Quarless, the tight end who missed all of training camp and hasn’t had a chance to hit the field through the first three-fourths of the season. This could be his chance to at least get on the field and get his game-playing legs under him. That’s good news for the Packers who need all the depth they can get at tight end. Quarless could be a needed set of fresh legs come the last month of the year.

So, while this season has been disastrous for the Packers on the injury front, the news about Jennings and Quarless is indeed good and should soften the blow about the loss of Matthews.

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Dec 18, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (80) is congratulated by wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) after catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-14. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the defensive position battles for the Packers.

Today, we take a look at the Packers’ offensive position battles.

Number 3 Receiver

After last season, Jordy Nelson earned the number two spot on the depth chart at receiver behind Greg Jennings. Now, Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Donald Driver will battle for the third spot on the depth chart at receiver. Cobb provides the biggest speed threat for the Packers in the slot as he could make great route cuts and blow by slower cornerbacks and safeties. Donald Driver is the reliable veteran who konws how to get the job done while James Jones has been the number three guy in the past but he is going to have to do a lot to avoid falling to fifth on the depth chart. Jones will probably be in the five spot as Driver and Cobb will be the final two battling out for the third spot on the receiver depth chart. Driver’s experience will allow him to beat out Cobb as Driver is still a well-rounded receiver.

Dec 11, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Brandon Saine (33) rushes with the football as guard T.J. Lang (70) blocks during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Backup Running Back

James Starks is now the full-time starter at running back for the Packers but Starks will need the occassional breather and there will be a battle to be his backup between Brandon Saine, Alex Green, and Marc Tyler.

Green is the longshot in this battle as a disappointing training camp could lead him to being released. Undrafted free agent running back Marc Tyler could be a steal as the former USC tailback has all the basics that any solid NFL running back needs. Saine is the favorite as he was third on the depth chart last year and he is a more polished player.

Saine and Tyler will have a great battle but the veteran Saine will win the spot. Tyler could surprise and impress in camp for the Packers. The one thing that could change this battle is if the Packers sign Cedric Benson as Saine and Tyler could be in a spot where they are battling to make the roster.

Nov 20, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless (81) during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Buccaneers 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Second tight end

Jermichael Finley has the starting spot at tight end but behind him there could be a very long battle between Andrew Quarless and rookie D.J. Williams. This could be a surprising battle to most but I think it is realistic. Williams was a steal in the late rounds of the draft as I think he has the potential to be better than even Jermichael Finley when Finley’s contract runs out. Williams was a very effective tight end at Arkansas when they had a very good quarterback in Tyler Wilson. Williams’ game transfers well to the Packers but Andrew Quarless has done well for the Packers and will stay the tight end for the Packers. Williams’s presence could put Tom Crabtree in danger of being cut.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House (31) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28). Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

Round 4
Davon House, CB, New Mexico St.

After going offense three times to start the draft, Ted Thompson used the fourth round pick on a cornerback. No doubt worried about Charles Woodson’s ability to continue to play cornerback (notice I didn’t just say “play”) at a high-level for the next couple years, Thompson chose a tall cornerback with speed to put into the Packers’ draft and develop pipeline.

Most probably thought Thompson’s first defensive pick should have been at OLB or DE, since it looked like the defensive backfield was well-stocked. House didn’t even play until the meaningless regular season finale. Fast-forward one year and this pick looks pretty prescient. Why? Because a year after Tramon Williams and Sam Shields played almost lights-out football, they both visibly regressed. Shields was even pulled from the playoff game in favor of special-teamer Jarrett Bush. This pick also looks smart now because Charles Woodson may be forced to play safety to fill-in for the injured Nick Collins. Let’s just hope that House can actually play.

Green Bay Packers tight end D.J. Williams (84) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Round 5
D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas

With his fifth selection, Thompson picked a replacement for Jermichael Finley. With Finley coming into this last contractual season, Thompson needed to hedge against the possibility of Finley leaving the Packers for a humongous contract elsewhere. With the labor strife, no one knew whether or not franchise tags would exist for the Packers to use on Finley, or if they would be prohibitive. It turns out though that the Packers were able to sign Finley to a compromise contract, much like they did with Greg Jennings, that allows Finley the opportunity to hit the free agent market when he is still in the prime of this career.

Meanwhile, that means that Williams, who was an occasional contributor for the Packers in 2011, can take two more years to get up to speed (much like Finely took 1-2 years) with the offense before he’s expected to play a big role, assuming that Finey does leave for more green. In the meantime, Williams should compete with fellow tight end Andrew Quarless for the backup TE spot.

The moves came this morning after it became known that Quarless was ruled out for the season after his gruesome leg injury suffered against the New York Giants last Sunday.

The complete official press released distributed this morning by the Packers’ PR department can be found after the jump …

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(more…)

There are those who are brutally honest about the happenings in the game. Some are witty and some just plain deadpan.

I thought it might be fun to give just a taste of what was posted last night during the Vikings vs. Packers game.

Enjoy.

Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky)
11/14/11 6:00 PM
The scene from Lambeau Field before tonight’s #Packers-#Vikings game. pic.twitter.com/LIcqUYmA
Green Bay Packers (@packers)
11/14/11 7:46 PM
Cobb first rookie in GB history to have a 100-yard KR, 80-yard PR in same season.

Green Bay Packers (@packers)
11/14/11 8:01 PM
Packers up 14-0, 5:02 remain in 1Q. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:53 time of possession. 24-yard TD pass to Jennings

See more after the jump …

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Desmond Bishop is being tabbed as a starter at inside linbebacker, but who will back up inside is something yet to be decided. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With day three of Packers camp in the books and the first day of pad work being held Monday night, there seem to be three things (among others) developing that are of interest to the final coming together of a team.

First, the rookies – it looks like first and second round choices, Derek Sherrod and Randall Cobb, are being looked to quickly for contributions.

Cobb, according to tweets last night and early morning news reports, made several difficult catches yesterday, showed impressive bursts of speed and is being touted as everything he’s been billed in the early going. Getting his timing with quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to take some time. (more…)

Jermichael Finley is reportedly slimmer this season, but is still being limited during the early practices. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Headed to the Packers facility at 7 p.m. for day two of training camp?

Well, here’s some things you will find:

Day two of practices will again see tight end Jermichael Finley, safety Morgan Burnett and defensive lineman Mike Neal in limited participation, as they continue their rehabs. Rookie defensive lineman Eli Joseph (hamstring), tight end Andrew Quarless (hip flexor) and linebacker Diyral Briggs (hamstring) have yet to pass their physicals.

In addition, Mason Crosby, Spencer Havner and Brett Swain will be watching from the sidelines because they can’t practice until Aug. 4 … CBA rules.

The Packers receivers are some of the best in the game. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Last week, the Sporting News came out with its top five ranking of passing groups in the NFL, ranking the packers trio of Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver fourth best in the league.

That’s a respectable ranking, and probably fair on its face value due only to one factor in my mind: Donald Driver’s age.

But despite his years in the league, nobody that I’ve seen keeps himself in shape any better than Double -D. Injuries caught up with him as the season wore on last year and his injury in the Super Bowl was tragic in that he couldn’t finish the game. (more…)