Green Bay Packers 2017 roster preview: Davon House
Davon House is back with the Green Bay Packers, and he’ll likely be a Week 1-starter.
House returns to the Pack on a one-year deal, just two seasons after he departed for Jacksonville. He adds much-needed experience to a secondary that is fresh off a woeful 2016 campaign. No. 31 against the pass, the Packers needed reinforcements, and House helps in that regard.
The 27-year-old won’t be expected to be the miracle potion for Dom Capers’ defense, but the hope is he offers some stability at the cornerback position.
Let’s take a closer look.
2016 stats
In 16 games, House made 17 tackles, zero pass breakups and zero interceptions.
2016 review
The concerning news from Green Bay’s perspective is that House’s 2016 season was bad one, and it led to Jacksonville releasing him with two years left on his deal.
Poor play landed House a regular spot on the bench, and he started just four games in total. His numbers may cause a few Packers fans to cringe. According to Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, quarterbacks throwing House’s way went 18-of-21 for 238 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions (153.5 rating). He didn’t break up a single pass.
Odds of making roster: 100 percent
House is a roster lock. The Packers need all the help they can get at cornerback, and the veteran’s arrival is an important one.
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2017 preview
Clearly House needs to improve on last year to make the kind of impact the defense is crying out for. Familiarity in Capers’ scheme will allow House to make a quick transition, and could also help him reach a level of play previously seen while wearing the green and gold.
House will be leaned on to start each week, possibly alongside LaDarius Gunter or even rookie Kevin King. He’s far and away the most senior member in the cornerback room, and his experience will be vital as the Packers get deep into the season.
His role doesn’t just stop at breaking up passes and covering defenders. House will also be the leader, something he’s already taken to. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, House has been spending extra time with the young cornerbacks. Position coach Joe Whitt Jr. made note of it:
"“He’s trying to be — not trying to be — he’s being that leader that we need,” Whitt said. “He’s the most veteran player in the room, and we need him not only to be a voice of strength off the field but on the field as well. He’s doing that.”"
That’s exactly what the Packers need. House’s role in the secondary this year can’t be understated.
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Check out our full interview with Vince Biegel here. Lombardi Ave’s Dan Dahlke spoke to him ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he’s now a member of the Green Bay Packers.