Green Bay Packers: Five players to watch in preseason

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GREEN BAY, WI – AUGUST 03: Helmets sit on the field during the Green Bay Packers practice at summer training camp on August 3, 2009 at the Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Kofi Amichia

Kofi Amichia is quietly an important player for the Packers this season. While he doesn’t figure to be the starter, Amichia is one of the team’s only long term options at the guard position. After letting T.J. Lang and J.C. Tretter walk in free agency, Ted Thompson scrambled to bring in Jahri Evans, who is slated to become the team’s starting guard alongside Lane Taylor.

Amichia needs to make an impression for the Packers this preseason. Depth along the offensive line has been a problem in years past for the Packers, but between Amichia and Jason Spriggs, it is less of a concern for the team going forward.

Amichia may very well become the team’s starting left guard next season. Don Barclay is simply not talented enough to be the consistent starter, while Evans is a rental. Amichia developed a reputation for being a strong run blocker during his college years. This is an area where the Packers have struggled mightily in recent years.

The majority of Eddie Lacy’s yardage came after contact, while Ty Montgomery may have simply caught opposing defenses off guard. Amichia may help plug some real holes for the Packers running backs in the future. Finding balance with Aaron Rodgers seemingly has been a problem for the Packers every year of his career, but improvements along the offensive line may help accomplish that.

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