The 2014 Green Bay Packers: Top Storylines at Each Position

Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) picks up a fumble and runs the ball. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

SAFETY: Will the Packers see more impact plays from this group?

The Packers need a playmaker to emerge at safety. This year’s first-round pick Clinton-Dix should start immediately, but expectations for his impact as a rookie should be garnered.

Clinton-Dix certainly has the ballhawking skills to create turnovers in the secondary; however, his contributions as a rookie may be more to secure the back end, so Burnett can be freed up to roam the field and make plays.

If Clinton-Dix proves to be a reliable safety in coverage then Burnett may get the greenlight from Capers to play closer to the line of scrimmage and be more physical than he was able to last season.

The Packers may also cross-train Hyde at safety to provide depth at the position. His ability to play both cornerback and safety may allow them to only keep three safeties on their final roster.

This means the last safety spot would come down to last year’s reserves Sean Richardson and Chris Banjo and newly acquired UFAs Charles Clay and Tanner Miller.