Davon House (31) breaks up the pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) during last year’s game at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers‘ offseason activities kick off this weekend with the rookie orientation, and it is time to get excited about the season up ahead. Every year there are a handful of low profile players that are buried on the Packers’ depth chart that really shine during offseason activities and get all of our attention. Examples of this in years past are Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Brad Jones, and Dezman Moses.

As exciting as the new high-profile rookies are, the players that will become the young core of this team will come from a variety of places, like last year’s practice squad.

Let’s take a look at some of the relatively unknown players I believe may surprise us all this offseason and become key contributors to the team going forward. I’m going to pick one player for each phase of the game as my surprise players of 2013.

Offense

Tight end Brandon Bostick (48) carries the football as safety Morgan Burnett (42) defends during family night at Lambeau Field last year. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

TE Brandon Bostick 

In case you haven’t read it, Mike Spofford from Packers.com wrote a great article on Bostick and his growth at the tight end position. Bostick spent all of the 2012 season on the Packers’ practice squad. On the scout team Bostick emulated players like Vernon Davis for the defense to practice against, and this gave him the opportunity to showcase his athleticism and receiving ability at the position. Bostick is an athletic tight end, to say the least. He played wide receiver at Newberry College and entered the NFL last season as too big (6-3, 245 pounds) and too slow (4.6 40 time) to play wide receiver at the pro level, but some teams projected him as a tight end at the pro level that could stretch the field and be affective in the passing game.

The Packers brought Bostick in last offseason to convert to tight end, and although he showed some promise, he still had a lot to learn at the new position. Bostick struggled with run blocking early on and had troubles grasping all the various responsibilities the Green Bay offense asks its tight ends to learn. These early struggles prevented the Green Bay coaches from activating him on game day, but the Packers still saw enough potential in the athletic tight end to retain him on the practice squad.

This offseason Bostick raised his weight to 260 pounds, which will help him be more of a presence in run blocking. This will bode well for Bostick as Green Bay will look to be more physical on both sides of the ball this season. If Bostick is able to improve his ability to run block, he could be a real asset to the Packers’ offense.

It will be a long, uphill climb for Bostick to make the final 53-man roster. As of now, Bostick is buried on the depth chart at a very crowded position. However, with Tom Crabtree gone there is no clear-cut second tight end on the roster to line up alongside Jermichael Finley. Andrew Quarless is returning from a major injury and may not be the same player he was in 2010. The other young tight ends still have a lot to prove, and I believe Bostick has more potential and upside than any of them. He has the potential to be another receiving threat at tight end, but he won’t see any playing time unless he shows the coaches he can do all of the dirty work required at the position. If Bostick can put it all together, expect him to make the final 53-man roster and be a key contributor to the offense this season.

Defense

CB Davon House

If House comes to OTAs and camp this year and plays well, I’m not sure if this will surprise anyone or not, but it seems at a crowded cornerback position House is often the forgotten man. House’s young career has been defined by injuries. After being drafted by Green Bay in the fourth round in 2011, House saw very little action his rookie season, dealing with hamstring issues and spending most of the season on the scout defense. However, House began the 2012 offseason as a more aggressive and much-improved player.

Davon House (31) catches a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

House was a standout player during OTAs and training camp and was even penciled in as the starting cornerback heading into the first preseason game last year. House looked like a future star in the Green Bay defensive backfield before dislocating his shoulder against San Diego in the first preseason game. House missed the remainder of the preseason and had to play the rest of the year with a shoulder brace. This prohibited Houses’s ability to jam receivers at the line and be aggressive in his tackling. This pushed House down the depth chart as Sam Shields and breakout rookie Casey Hayward played well and solidified the starting and nickel cornerback positions opposite Tramon Williams.

House had surgery to repair the shoulder in January, and with an offseason to heal, there’s no reason to believe House can’t return to his pre-injury form.

I look for House to have another good offseason this year, and barring any major injuries, be a contender to start at cornerback this season. Defensive back coach Joe Whitt Jr. said this offseason there will be an open competition for the starting spots at cornerback. As most will see this competition between Williams, Shields, and Hayward, don’t be surprised if House throws his hat in the ring and comes out on top.

House’s size (6-1, 195 pounds) offers a different body type than the other Green Bay cornerbacks. His physical playing style could be effective against big receivers in the division, like Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson. House was arguably the best cover corner on the Packers’ roster last offseason, and with Williams struggling the last two seasons maybe House will be a better candidate to play the shutdown corner role on the defense. I get the feeling House’s best play is still ahead of him. If House returns this offseason fully recovered from his shoulder injury, I believe he could be a serious contender to start at cornerback, and in the very least, be a solid player in the Packers’ defensive sub-packages.

Special Teams

WR/KR Jeremy Ross

Jeremy Ross (10) returns a punt during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

I imagine Coach McCarthy will relieve Randall Cobb from his returning responsibilities and use him solely on offense this season. If this is the case, I expect Ross to take over the kick and punt returning duties. Ross was a practice squad player last season until he was activated in week 15 against the Chicago Bears. The first time Ross touched the ball was when he fumbled a backward lateral from Cobb on a punt return and the Bears recovered it, nearly costing the Packers the lead. Ross’s brief career has also been defined by his fumble on a punt return in the playoff loss against the San Francisco Forty-Niners. This fumble led to the Forty-Niners going up two scores and putting the game out of reach.

Ross has had his low moments, but he has also shown some promise in his limited action as the punt and kick returner last year. After Cobb left the Tennessee game with an ankle injury, Ross took over returning duties and broke off a 58-yard kick return, and the following week Ross provided the Packers with a spark against Minnesota by returning a kickoff 44 yards and a punt 32 yards. Ross has definitely shown his ability to break a big return, and the best may be yet to come for this young player.

Ross’s size (6-0, 215 pounds) and speed (4.39 40 time) also offer some potential as a breakaway receiving threat in the pass game. Maybe with a full offseason working in the Green Bay offense and catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, Ross shows the coaches he can do more than just return punts and kicks. He could push for the fourth or fifth receiving spots on the roster.

I’m sure Ross would like to erase that fumble against San Francisco in the playoffs, but I look for him to redeem himself in the return game this season and maybe be a surprise receiving option on game day.

There is no way at this time of the year, as a fan and spectator, to predict which players will grow and develop on the roster and have a breakout season. However, you can look at players’ past work and see potential and speculate that under the right circumstances these players may grow and develop into special players. Whether these players pan out or not, look for Green Bay to continually find young talent to build their roster around.

Tramon Williams is one of the highest paid Packers on the roster. Will he be worth keeping around?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By now it’s not news that Green Bay Packers‘ cornerback Tramon Williams has struggled with inconsistent play for the past two seasons. It would appear that the soon-to-be 31-year-old cornerback has lost a step. Along with Williams’ age, he has also been hampered by the lingering shoulder injury he suffered two seasons ago in the first game of the 2011 NFL season.

Tramon returns an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

As an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech

Tramon Williams is one of the highest paid Packers on the roster. Will he be worth keeping around?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

, Williams may have already hit his ceiling in the NFL so his declining play may only get worse in the coming years. Personally, I think Williams still can be an elite corner in the NFL. Like I previously stated he has been hampered by the shoulder injury, which has impacted his play significantly, if he can come back healthy this season he will be fine.

The Packers have a very difficult decision to make with Williams, however, for a number of reasons.

First, can the defense continue to survive Williams’ poor performances as cornerback #1? Again, I think Williams will come back 100 percent healthy this season, which is huge for him since he hasn’t been healthy for two seasons. However, even if Williams comes back healthy stating that he can return to his 2010 form, may be a reach, but he has to become effective again.

Second, and most importantly, the money Williams is set to make. Williams and the Packers agreed to a 4-year, $41.25 million extension in 2010 that has paid Williams a boat load of money. In 2013, Williams is set to earn $6 million in base salary with a roster bonus of $1.2 million and miscellaneous earnings of $1.4 million. Add all that up and Williams’ 2013 salary cap hit against the Packers is a whopping $8.5 million with $4 million considered “dead money.”

2014 is also a big money year for Williams, if the Packers keep him around. In 2014, Williams will make $7 million in base salary with a $1.2 million signing bonus and another $1.4 million in miscellaneous earnings. Add all that up and Williams could make $9.5 million in 2014.

Tramon Williams is just short of the end zone at the end of an interception return against the Chicago Bears in 2009.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Third, is Williams hampering the development of the younger corners on the roster? Davon House, Casey Hayward and Sam Shields are the future of the secondary at the cornerback position for the Packers. Hayward has already been quoted this offseason as saying he would love to be a starter on the outside.

This begs the question, should the Packers and Williams part ways? It’s an interesting argument at the very least. The money the Packers would save by letting Williams walk either this year in training camp or next offseason would be significant.

However, on the flip side, losing Williams could be a bad thing for the young corners who count on Williams for helpful veteran tips and an example of how to conduct oneself on and off the field. Williams will take on the Charles Woodson role as veteran leader in the secondary for the Packers in 2013, releasing him might put too much pressure on the young guys in the secondary.

All in all, arguments can be seen on both sides. The Packers will have to ask themselves, is veteran leadership and solid play enough to keep an aging player on the roster  - one who makes a significant amount of money”

The release of Charles Woodson, Cullen Jenkins, Nick Barnett and Corey Williams (traded to Browns) in recent years might be a clue as to what the Packers might be thinking for Williams’ future with the team.

Where has the 2009 and 2010 lockdown, ballhawking cornerback Tramon Williams gone?

The answer: He is gone and will never return. Williams is set to make just under $6 million in 2013 and just under $7 million in 2014, those numbers make him the third highest paid Packer on the roster. This is the point where the Packers should be asking themselves, ‘is Tramon Williams really worth $13 million over the next two seasons?’

If the answer isn’t obvious then there is a problem in Titletown.

For the past two seasons Tramon Williams has been a liability for a Packers defense that has been tough to watch, especially in the playoffs. During the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, Williams was one of the best corners in the NFL. In those two seasons Williams had 10 interceptions, 35 pass deflections and 96 tackles, even though he only started 26 of the possible 32 games during that span.

The last two seasons Williams has just six interceptions, including only two this past season. Williams’ tackling ability has also taken a hit over the past two seasons, especially this season. In particular the two regular season games against the Minnesota Vikings, Williams appeared scared to tackle Adrian Peterson (I know it’s not easy).

His poor tackling (at best) paired with his diminishing coverage skills Williams just isn’t worth the money anymore. In a division that has receivers such as Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson, the Packers need a corner they can count on to limit these players, and Tramon cannot do that anymore.

 It’s no secret that guys like Clay Matthews, BJ Raji and Aaron Rodgers will need their contracts extended in the near future and the ability to free up $13 million from a declining player makes sense.

All one has to do is look at the Packers’ roster and see that the secondary is in good hands without Williams. Sam Shields had his best season as a Packer in just 10 games this season. Shields intercepted three passes and defended 10 passes. He also had a huge pick-six of Colin Kaepernick in the eventual playoff loss to the 49ers.

Rookie Casey Hayward also had a huge year for the Packers in his rookie campaign and could even be named defensive rookie of the year (most likely not). Also, don’t forget about Davon House, who was actually penciled in as the starter for the 2012-13 season before he went down with a shoulder injury in the preseason. House, Hayward and Shields give the Packers a solid secondary crew that are all very young and will continue to get better.

I’m in favor of the Packers and Williams agreeing on a new contract in which Williams takes a significant pay cut, but if a deal cannot be reached then the Packers should either trade or release the veteran cornerback.

I’ve been a Williams supporter for years and I think he still has some good football left in him. However, the past two seasons have made me feel otherwise. The Packers need the money he makes to extend better players and because of that reason he has played his last down in Green Bay.

How the Packers adjust to the changes they have endured this year will make a difference in Sunday’s game.

The Green Bay Packers are riding a five-game win streak into New York where they will take on the Giants Sunday night. But you know what? Though the Packers sit at 7-3, it feels to me like this team could very easily be sitting at 3-7.

Maybe I’m spoiled, having seen this team run through its schedule last year like a hot knife through butter. Maybe I’m spoiled having watched Aaron Rodgers toss perfectly placed back shoulder throws; watching receivers make catches in traffic that were beyond belief.

Last year was clearly unbelievable.

Then this year comes along. The Packers lose their opener with a lackluster performance after so much buildup and anticipation; they dispatch the Bears and then fall apart at Indianapolis, giving up an 18-point lead to fall below .500. Somebody then turns on a switch in Texas and it seems the Pack is Back.

Jordy Nelson and the Packers had a tough time against the 49ers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But are they really? Ok, so they’ve beaten the Jags, the Cardinals and the Lions most recently, but could we really consider them the cream of the crop, the elite of the league?

Hardly.

Now comes the most interesting portion of the team’s schedule, with the bulk of their games over the next six weeks against NFC North Division foes. It’s time to put up or shut up.

But back to the Giants. Here is a game that may come down to whichever team has final possession of the football. My guess is it will be close, it will be hard fought, it will be heart-wrenching.

So, with that in mind we take a look at a few things that could turn the game for various reasons. I’ve broken it down here:

Three reasons the Packers will win …

Randall Cobb is a rising star for the Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

• Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb. This combination has been heating up of late and should no doubt continue to blossom. With the loss of Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, Rodgers turned to Cobb and the connection has brought some memorable moments for the Packers over the past five weeks.

• Casey Hayward and Davon House. The two young cornerbacks are not only living up to their expectations, they are exceeding them. They are aggressive, they intimidate and they make plays.

They are just the types of players who the team needs on the defensive side of the ball at this point in the season. They have been a godsend given the loss of Woodson and Matthews and have proven they are more than just adequate fill-ins. They are potential stars.

• Tim Masthay. The consistent punter has thrown a touchdown pass, missed on one and continuously uses his foot to tilt the field in favor of the Packers. His value to the team has flown well under the radar, but it’s clear that his is one of the most impactful players on this year’s team

Three reasons why the Packers will lose …

• Receiver drops. Like the Playoff game where the Packers receivers seemed to have greased their hands with Crisco, this unit, as good as they are, still have plenty of drops this season. Put together another handful of those against the Giants and it could add up to a loss. The Packers need to take care of the ball in this one in order to have a chance.

• Offensive line. Protection of quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be key in this game. We all know the Giants’ defensive line is made up of studs. Keeping them off Rodgers’ back is important, as is opening holes for the Packers run game. The makeshift offensive line will have its plate full come Sunday. How the line performs will be an indication of how the Packers will fare in this one.

Our hope is that Mason Crosby starts a new string of made field goals. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

• Mason Crosby. We all know what this is about. The veteran kicker must make his kicks.

Yes, the 50-plus-yarders might be excused, but Crosby has got to start nailing the 40-yarders on a consistent basis.

If he misses another couple in this one and it could be the difference. He simply can’t miss or he may find himself watching not from the Packers sidelines, but from his family room. Make ‘em, Mason.

August 9, 2012, San Diego, CA: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers (12) calls an audible in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE

Turnovers, Injuries, dropped passes, a poor running game and just general inconsistency plagued the Packers in their preseason opener against the San Diego Chargers Thursday night on national television.

It’s not an uncommon scene and certainly not something that should concern Packers fans too much. There is never much one can take away from that first game of the year – other than the fact that, thankfully, it doesn’t count.

But there are some things for certain – the Packers have to get healthy and they have to show vast improvement in consistency next time out.

When Nick Perry opened the game with a sack on Philip Rivers, Packers fans cheered. But when the flag came out for unsportsmanlike conduct because of his post-sack enthusiasm, Packers Nation could only grow. I guess it was the harbinger of the the night.

The Packers gave up a 23-yard touchdown to Antonio Gates after fumbling the ball away on their first drive of the night. Another fumble on the ensuing kickoff only spelled out what type of night it would be. Though the defense held its own throughout the game and Graham Harrell finally led the Packers to a score just before halftime and another touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) is tended to by members of the Packers

But Donald Driver said patience is required, especially at this time of year. “That was the whole thing,” Driver said. “You have to get the rust off, and then you start playing ball. You see exactly what he can do. Right before half, he drives the ball right down there and scores. That was big for us. He has the confidence that he can play on this level, and he’s proven it.”

To his credit, Harrell didn’t get down. He kept working and the coaching staff showed their confidence and stuck with him.

“That’s kind of the attitude and mentality I try to bring in every day,” Harrell said. He who finished 15 of 27 passing for 135 yards and a TD. His passer rating was 81.6. “Whatever just happened, whether it was great or whether it was really bad, let’s play the next one and see what happens.”

The game ended after the Chargers had scored a late touchdown to give them a 21-13 lead. Rookie B.J. Coleman was then thrust into the lineup to lead the Packers on a last ditch attempt to try to score. On the last play of the game, Coleman completed a pass to rookie RB Marc Tyler who was stripped of the ball by former Packer Ricky Elmore.

It was a fitting end to a game where inconsistence ruled the day.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) yells out defensive calls before the snap against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Positives that came out of the game? Randall Cobb, Tim Masthay, D.J. Smith, Davon House, Tramon Williams, and even Harrell once he got his legs under him. One could also include the play of Tyler, but his fumble to end the game put a damper on that.

Negatives: Injuries to House and Desmond Bishop. Bishop’s could be serious and would be an extreme blow to the Packers middle defense. House is to have X-rays to see the extent of the damage.

The Packers have a week of practice ahead of them where one hopes the coaching staff stresses ball security. They are in action again Thursday, Aug. 16, when they host the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field.

Though not the riveting excitement that can be found in a regular season game, this scrimmage provided insight into the new players who are starting to make a name for themselves. Look for performances from guys like Jerel Worthy, Davon House, Nick Perry and of course Aaron Rodgers.

This will provide a quick look into how the team’s shaping up and concludes with the field goal kicking contest among offensive and defensive linemen.

Enjoy.

August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson (left) talks with head coach Mike McCarthy prior to the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

In addition to closing out the Packers’ Family Night with a field goal kicking contest between offensive and defensive lineman, there were some other items of interest that came out of one of the more successful family nights in recent history.

Here’s a look:

• It didn’t rain! After several Family Nights had been either rained out completely or shortened because of rain, there wasn’t a drop in the air.

• The 11-member Lambeau Leap – According to Donald Driver, the effort to have all 11 members of the Packers climb the wall after the first team’s touchdowns was orchestrated by Greg Jennings.

• Donald Driver continuing to make plays.

July 26, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) lines up under center during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

• The sourpuss referee who called an unsportsmanlike penalty after the 11-man Lambeau Leap was pretty lame. IT’S FAMILY NIGHT, DUDE! Apparently he didn’t get the memo until the first team’s second touchdown – he didn’t throw the flag after that.

• Linebacker Dezman Moses seems to be the real deal. Getting some snaps with the number one defense must have given him an emotional boost, but he’s quickly rising the depth charts and continues to make plays. He clearly outplayed Erik Walden and could be considered the third best outside linebacker on the roster.

• It was unusual for Mike McCarthy not to tell the press about why left tackle Marshall Newhouse left the field. He’s usually pretty good at disclosing immediately injuries that occur both in practice and after games.

• Seeing Mason Crosby miss so many field goal attempts. Though most that he missed were from long distance, he showed he is human. It was nice to see him nail a 60-yarder. Newly-re-signed punter Tim Masthay also had a solid night. Getting kicks down within the 10 and 20-yard line consistently and even having one pinned down on the one yard line.

So now that the scrimmage is past, it’s now time for the team to look ahead to the first preseason game at San Diego. The Packers will have the opportunity to practice making long road trips and figuring out the logistics right away. It will be an interesting week of practice as they get ready for the Thursday night game.

June 12, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses (54) during the team

Don’t expect the starting units to play more than one or two possessions. It will be interesting to see what players step up and get noticed in this first preseason game.

Look for Davon House, Dez Moses, and Casey Hayward on the defense to make plays. Many are also looking to first round pick Nick Perry to start making plays opposite Clay Matthews. He’s been relatively quiet in Training Camp, many attributing it to his learning curve. Let’s hope so.

July 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end D.J. Williams (84) makes a one handed catch during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

From all indications, the Green Bay Packers have had a very productive week of training camp practices.

And if one doesn’t believe that, just ask Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

Not only is the coach fired up about being back with his team for the start of a new season, he seems even more excited to talk about it.

After Wednesday’s practice, McCarthy held his daily round at the microphone answering questions and talking about what he’s seeing.

An animated McCarthy took to the podium to crack a couple of jokes – as wry as they were – tussle a bit with a reporter, call out the efforts of some of the players who are standing out to him and describe where the team is headed at this point.

He began, as he always does, with an injury report. On the good news front, he told reporteres that John Kuhn and Desmond Bishop were headed toward a full return to practice, but he also mentioned that wide receiver Tori Gurley left because of a leg injury. He didn’t say how severe it was.

Gurley can ill-afford to miss any practice time as he competes against a deep and talented pool of players vying for a roster spot at that position.

Most interesting from McCarthy today was his take on the defense, which he said amped it up Wednesday afternoon and focused on their blitz packages.

“I felt it was important to crank it up,” McCarthy said, implying that the team is just beginning to get into the swing of the camp with now being the time for both the offense and defense to begin giving their best shots.

This is the time of camp when players stand out and show their value.

It’s also a time when both the offense and defense show what they’re made of.

“We had great work on both sides … it’s great for the offense … we had some quality work today.”

That said, what I feel will bring this team togther this year is the depth on the defense. Not only will it give opponents jitters once the games begin, but a better defense always makes for a better offense. After all, it’s the offense that has to go up against the defense every day at practice.

If one can imagine the Packers’ offense getting any better, consider that it’s only inevitable. As the defense stiffens, the offense needs to also bring its best.

Anyway, it’s great news from McCarthy.

The head coach also called out some players who have been standing out for him. Davon House, the second year defensive back was mentioned by McCarthy, but he would be remiss not to mention players from the offensive side as well.

Nov 14, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Ryan Taylor (82) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

He was asked about tight end D.J. Williams and said that he’s been impressive. “The quickest way to the end zone is the middle of the field,” McCarthy said, indicating that the skill set Williams brings to the field allows the offense to exploit the middle.

“D.J. Williams … Ryan Taylor … really happy with those guys,” McCarthy said.

Other notes of interest:

• McCarthy’s concerns about the transition from morning practices to evening practices and the need to do so to make the adjustment to the game schedule;

• His disagreement that Packers backs – Marc Tyler in particular – were having difficulty adjusting to pass protection; and

• His discussion about readying his team for Family Night.

With injuries at a minimum, it seems this first week of training camp has been very productive for the Packers. Can you believe that it’s just a few days before the team kicks off its preseason schedule?

While some may yawn at the prospect, I look at preseason games as the Super Bowl – you see for the guys on the bubble, the guys who are fighting for a job, this is their Super Bowl. This is their time to shine.

That’s why I love watching these games. You can pick out the guys who have a shot, you have the opportunity to watch players for the first time who are the stars of the future and you can always pinpoint the guys who will be turning in their playbook the following Monday.

July 31, 2010; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96) takes part in a blocking drill during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIREAfter the first days of training camp, much can be learned about the 2012 Green Bay Packers. Nothing more stands out to me, however, than the improvements being made on the defensive side of the ball.This is probably because of all the competitions being held on the defensive side, meaning more chances for players further down the depth chart to make their names known.One example would be Davon House – a rookie last season. He has been making plays left and right by getting interceptions and just making big plays all around. Head Coach Mike McCarthy thinks he can develop into a solid bump and run cornerback in the NFL sooner rather than later.Another player making big plays in the secondary has been second round pick, Casey Hayward out of Vanderbilt. Both House and Hayward, have been taking turns making big plays in the, seemed to be improved, Packers' secondary. Hayward is talked about as being a ball hawk cornerback with good speed.Both players have a good chance to move up the depth charts quickly if they continue on these hot streaks.Moving from the secondary, the Packers have also seen improvements along the defensive line where another rookie, Mike Daniels out of Iowa, has made the most of his opportunities. He has the size, strength, and even the quick feet to shed blocks and become a force in both slowing down the running and passing attack.Green Bay Packers defensive end Jerel Worthy

Another rookie making big strides early would be defensive lineman Jerel Worthy out of Michigan State University. He’s been consistently improving from day to day but where he has been making the biggest impact has been the defensive attitude he has brought to the team. He has a lot of energy which he uses to pump up not only himself, but the rest of the Packers’ defense.

The final two players who have made an impact early are returning veterans Charles Woodson and B.J.Raji.

Woodson has been playing safety in the Packers’ base defense which, ultimately, places him always in better position to make big plays on the ball and this is exactly what he has been doing in the first days of training camp.

Raji had a slow year last season, but it seems as if he is trying to turn it around this season. He has slimmed down to become more athletic and be able to slide around blocks a lot easier and this has made a big difference in training camp so far.

There will be much more to come with training camp getting under way but after the first days of training camp, not much more can be asked out of the defense as they look much improved from last season.

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.

Joe Tafura of GMEN HQ allowed lombardiave to talk about today’s Packers vs. Giants game – asking us about how we feel about who has the upper hand.

Here is our Q&A exchange:

Ray Rivard from Lombardiave.com checked in to answer some questions for us here at GMENHQ.COM

Q. Is anyone in Green Bay concerned that the defense is ranked last in the NFL, or is it simply a matter of them being able to take chances since Rodgers and the offense is so good?

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What’s so cool about it is that it will be the first time at the hallowed location for many of those fans.

But they won’t be alone.

In fact, because of the NFL lockout this may in fact be the first time several of the rookies on this year’s team have had a chance to even see the field, let alone play on it.

In an enlightening story on packers.com, Mike Spofford details what the experience will be like for the rookies.

“That’s something you dream about as a kid, and now I have the opportunity to do it,” receiver Randall Cobb, a second-round pick, told Spofford. “It’s going to be exciting. I can’t wait.”

Rookie cornerback Davon House had similar thoughts: “It will actually be my first time seeing Lambeau. I haven’t even seen the field yet since I’ve been here, because I’ve been so busy with meetings, and going over the playbook. It’s going to be fun.”

Fifth round pick and tight end D.J. Williams said he has peeked at the field from the mouth of the tunnel, but didn’t take a Twitter picture or go too far for fear of “getting in trouble.”

“I stepped on it for the first time, just my toe,” he told Spofford. “It will be fun actually playing out there. All that history, a big-time place to play NFL football.”

So a special night it will be for many.

In the past, the event included a full scrimmage, but because this is just the fifth practice in pads, tonight’s event will be just that … a practice.

There will, however, like other practices, be match-ups between offense and defense.

So if you’re in the vicinity tonight, you might want to swing by Lambeau. 

Heck, what other time will you be able to walk up to the window at the field, buy a $10 ticket and go in and watch the Packers?

If not, the scrimmage is also being broadcast throughout the state of Wisconsin live and is also going to be presented on tape delay on NFL Network.

Check your local listings and enjoy the show.