Here's an article I wrote for a different site on the Packers up and coming training camp. Just thought I'd share what I think and get some feedback on the Pack. Green Bay arguably has the most up for grabs training camp in the NFL this year. With a new coaching staff and a fairly new look the Packers have plenty of gossip going around. Here are 5 things to watch for. 1. Mark Roman could be released Roman could possibly be released if Green Bay feels safe with Marvel Underwood as the top backup. Roman is unhappy in Green Bay and the Packers are looking to get younger all over. If Underwood impresses the coaches enough, it could mean the end of Roman as a Packer. Word is Underwood had a solid mini camp. 2. One of 3 Receivers could go It?s no secret that Thompson wants a young team that will be built for the future but able to compete now. The Packers will probably keep 6 receivers. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings are probably the only locks. Cory Rodgers is a safe bet as he was a 4th round pick. The question is will Thompson keep Robert Ferguson, Rod Gardner, and Marc Boerigter or keep 2 of them and a younger guy like Leo Bookman or Chad Lucas. With Chad Lucas having a great off season and with Rod Gardner in the coaches dog house don?t be shocked to see Gardner go. Don?t rule out Robert Ferguson getting traded yet either. 3. Strong side Linebacker The position is up for grabs. Brady Poppinga was set to be a top candidate but will probably miss all of training camp and the start of the season. Abdul Hodge is more of an inside backer so don?t expect him to be a true starter right away unless it?s inside. The 2 options I see are the favorite Ben Taylor and current inside linebacker Nick Barnett. Green Bay is still exploring the option of having Barnett on the outside with AJ Hawk. Bob Sanders the defensive coordinator will play what he believes are the best 3 linebackers on the team. So if he likes Hodge enough to start him in the middle then Barnett on the outside is possible. Right now Ben Taylor is the favorite. 4. Charles Woodson Charles Woodson is considered overrated by many. Woodson has unbelievable amount of talent but his injury problems are a concern. Will Woodson make through training camp? That?s the question on most minds. It?s a fresh start so a healthy Charles Woodson for all 4 pre season games and most of the practices would have a lot of skeptics optimistic about Charles Woodson and Al Harris. If Woodson goes back to his old ways and misses practices because of injuries, it?ll have Packer fans questioning the decision to bring him in for the kind of money he?s getting. 5. Who will start at Guard? Another up for grab position. Left and Right Guard are for the taken. The best fit could be Chris White. White currently is in position to start at either or guard. If he does then Green Bay will have possibly the youngest interior line in football. Rookie Daryn Colledge is another great fit. He?s a bit of a project but his pass blocking is exceptional. If he can work on his run blocking then he might be the closest thing to a lock. Jason Spitz has really emerged in mini camps. A lot of talk is Spitz is the top interior lineman on the team. Don?t rule him out. Junius Coston caught the coaches eye early but lost the job late. Coston, Spitz, Colledge, and White. It?ll be a 4 way race. Don?t rule out Adrian Klemm or even Will Whitticker yet but chances are it?ll be 2 of the 4 younger athletic guys that get the go.
1. I hope Roman sticks this year, but if someone shows enough to beat him out, it'll be ok with me if they dump him, They say Parcells in Dallas really likes him and there were even talks of Roman and a 3rd or 2nd rounder being traded for Julius JOnes earlier this year, however if we could get even a 6th or 7th rounder for him if Underwood shows enough to beat him out I'd take it. 2. Jerry Porter is also on the market right now, and is said to have drawn trade interest from many suitors including the Packers, he would be an excellent addition across from driver. If no more changes are made I say that Boerigter and Fergy take the two veteran spots, with a young guy by the name Of Ruvell Martin also issuing a challenge for one. Gardner unless he has a stellar TC is on the Staffs Shit list at the moment. 3. Popp won't be ready for ahwile like you said, I beleive there are 3 guys battling for that outside spot right now, Hodge(More of an ILB like you said), Taylor, and Roy Manning who played well as a fill in starter for Diggs and Robert Thomas last year. 4. I agree with everythign said here, Woodson has the power to become a Reggie White(Ok maybe not that big!) or Joe Johnson type of signing only time will tell. 5. My picks for this earlier this year were Coston and Colledge, however I would not be supriesed to see Spitz or even Wayne Lucier here, Whittaker and Klemm have been moved to tackle status as of now, so netiher will see much competition at Gaurd.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>5. Who will start at Guard?</div> Jason Spitz just signed for "starter money." The coaches are raving about him... http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=477076 I hope he lives up to the hype!
It's nice to hear some positive talk about the O-line but the lack of veterans on it still worries me.
Adam Meadows is schedualed for a visit tuesday, if healthy enough he could provide a veteran presence on our interior line.
If Ben Taylor can do what I believe I think this could be one of the top linebacking crews in the NFC. All depends if AJ is NFL ready and Barnet keeps improving and not overrunning plays. Otherwise I'm still very high on Barnett for the future
