Back to Packer Defense - The Battle Safety!

The attitude that the defense brings to a game is critical.  Looks like Mike Daniels is making an effort to  change that as mentioned in my blog two days ago.  The next issue to tackle is the poor play at safety.  Ever since the departure of Nick Collins and more recently Woodson, the Pack has suffered at this key position.

1 - Lack of interceptions
2 - Poor tackling
3 - A leader

Here is what we have going into the 2014 season:

Morgan Burnett
Micah Hyde
Sean Richardson
Chris Banjo
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Tanner Miller
Charles Clay

Morgan Burnett - Year 5 - 6'1" - 209 lbs. - Georgia Tech
Burnett has played a lot of football for the Packers over the last 3-4 years, but has he developed into a quality defensive back?  How about some numbers?
Morgan has started 3 years - Interceptions - 2011 - 3 int, 2012 - 2 int, & 2013 - 0 int.  I see a trend here and it is not good.  Forced Fumbles - 2011 - 2, 2012 - 2, & 2013 - 0.  Another trend, not good.  TD's - 2011 - 0 TD, 2012 - 0 TD, & 2013 - 0 TD.  No defensive TD's!  I really do not remember any big hits. And during games, great plays?  Can't remember any.  Maybe a player next to him will make him better?  To my eye, Morgan's job is not secure.

Micah Hyde - Year 2 - 6'0" - 197 lbs. - Iowa
Hyde had a nice rookie season.  Played mostly cornerback and is a good special teams player.  Also, has the ability to return punts & kicks.  This versatility had prompted the move to safety.  Looks like Hyde will be given a chance to start.  His all around play, corner, safety, special teams, returner make him an asset and probably assures a roster spot.  Is he a difference make?  Time will tell!

Sean Richardson - Year 3 - 6'2" - 216 lbs. - Vanderbilt
Another recovering neck injury - check out the article - Packers Safety Optimistic After Surgery
Had played well in special teams.  As I see it, a good back up or special teams player at best.  Not a threat to start.

Chris Banjo - Year 2 - 5'10 - 207 lbs. - SMU
Another special teams and back up at best.  He will be fighting for a roster spot.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - Rookie - 6'1" - 208 lbs. - Alabama
He we go!  The Pack #1 draft pick this year.  That means, Clinton-Dix should be a difference maker!  First, he will be fighting with Hyde for playing time at safety!  Here is my prediction, in the end it may be Hyde & Clinton-Dix at safety, with Burnett the odd man out!  Ha Ha (still have issues with the name!  See - How did Clinton-Dix become Ha Ha) will hopefully have a great career in Green Bay!

Tanner Miller - Rookie - 6'1" - 211 lbs. - Iowa
Miller should be given a chance to back up at safety & special teams.  Will find out the first 2-3 weeks of camp if he will stick.  I have a weakness for track & field athletes and Tanner was a state champ in the 400 hurdles!  Tanners Bio.  Will he be a surprise?

Charles Clay - Rookie - 5'10" - 204 lbs. - Hawaii
Another chance for a young player to make an impression.  Sounds like he has some athletic ability! Will he stick?  Read about Clay here.

My early predictions:
Making the 53 Man roster - Burnett, Hyde, Clinton-Dix & Miller.
Practice squad - Charles Clay