Time to start to Break Down Packer Roster

Packer 2018 Roster

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First, if you have been following the summer practices, we are already down 2 on defense!  Ryan, our starting inside linebacker & Brice, our possible starter at one of the safety spots - NOT GOOD!  Hope they make it back by first game!

Let's start our camp breakdown at Quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers - Year 14 - 6'2" - 225 lbs
Brett Hundley - Year 4  - 6'3" - 226 lbs.
DeShone Kizer - Year 2 - 6'4" - 235 lbs.
Tim Boyle - Rookie - 6'4" - 232 lbs.

Starter, ahhhhh........... #12 Aaron Rodgers!!  In case, you have NOT been counting Packers Fans, 26 years - that is Favre to Rodgers!  WE ARE LUCKY!!!!!!!  First, stay healthy!!!  Second,  running game, offensive changes, Jimmy Graham & Mercedes Lewis, No Jordy??  Adams & Cobb & a TON of you wide receivers!  Let's say MVP?  Some Packer records?  How about one of those BIG seasons!!!!!!

OK, how about our back-up QB.  Last year, Hundley - NOT so good!  Remember, the winning Super Bowl team, Eagles, BACK-UP quarterback Roles!!!  I WILL repeat that, a super bowl winner, directed by a back-up!  CAN be done!!!

Battle, probably Hundley & Kizer.  We have seen Hundley, personally, I am finished with Hundley, my vote goes to Kizer.  Boyle, our rookie out of Eatern Kentucky.

Back to Aaron:

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Stats show us, when Aaron is healthy, the Packers are healthy.  And, it is obvious, Aaron NEEDS another Super Bowl win for his career!!!

Watch the pre-seaon games! - Watch Hundley-Kizer-Boyle!!  This is WHY pre-season games are important!!!!

I predict, 2 QB's on the 53 man roster, 1 QB on the practice squad!

Packer Training Camp News #1

July 26, 2018, Thursday

Already the Packer 90 man roster is in flux!  Latest:

Out:
WR, Michael Clark retired
OL, Cole Madison, did not report?

In:
WR, Adonis Jennings - Temple
WR, Kyle Lewis - Cal Poly

Roster now at 89 players

Michael Clark apparently saw the writing on the wall, Packers drafting 3 wide receivers, and Clark decided to look at his future out of football.  Remember, Clark was the 6'6" basketball player that had one year of college football experience.  Looks like that experiment is over.

Cole Madison, the Packers 5th round draft pick, is tending to personal matters.

Two wide receivers were brought in, Jennings & Lewis.

Here is my BIGGEST concern, Brian Bulaga & Nick Perry!  Places on PUP list.

Bulaga, has been a physical wreck the past few years!
Bulaga Games played in career:
2010 - Games played 12
2011 - Games played 12
2012 - Games played 9
2013 - Games played 0
2014 - Games played 15
2015 - Games played 12
2016 - Games played 16
2017 - Games played 5

And, his salary is BIG!!

Nick Perry????  More of a physical wreck than Bulaga!! At probably our WEAKEST position?
2012 - Games played 6
2013 - Games played 11
2014 - Games played 15
2015 - Games played 14
2016 - Games played 14
2017 - Games played 12

Wow!  That is NOT GOOD!

So, as camp opens, keep a close eye on the Packer outside linebacker competition!

Early predictions, Bulaga is gone, will help save $$$ and cap space.  We are STUCK with Perry, two reasons, we are SO weak at outside linebacker and $19 millions guaranteed contract money!  Watch the battle outside with Biegel & Gilbert!  And, I would put Clay Matthews in a sealed room & save for the season!!!

What Do Packer Fans Look For In The 2018 Packers?

All right, the 90 man roster is set, minus one - unknown Parris Bennett has retired (as a rookie) and we are at 89 as of today.  Here is my list of key things to watch for in 2018:

1 - Replacing Jordy?

This will be difficult for several reason!  Jordy & Aaron has that "IT" factor on the football field!  Jordy, the hard working, throwback receiver with a "midwestern farm boy" background!  Aaron the west coast, free thinking, just "R-E-L-A-X" background!  Anyone that saw a Packer game, noticed it!  From spinning the ball in the end zone together before games, to hitting that "back shoulder" fade in the end zone!  We have, Adams & Cobb.  Will Geronimo Allison (still love the name) step in?  How about the rookies?  And, Jimmy Graham has always been more wide receiver than tight end!  My prediction, Jimmy Graham will at least get the red zone TD's from Aaron, and the 3 new rookies will stretch the field for Aaron.  But, we will NOT replace Jordy!

2 - Defense - Defense - Defense!

Has it been since Reggie White since the Packers have had a scary defense?  YES!  Will the new look, brought in from Mike Pettine have that swagger that we need?  I HOPE SO!  Best case scenario - our D-line looks great & will play great!  Our mix of old D-backs (House & Williams) & new D-backs (Alexander, Jackson & King) will demonstrate early they can play ball!  And, our linebackers Matthews & Perry stay healthy, with Martinez, Ryan & Burks surprising everyone!
A TOP 10 DEFENSE!

3 - Injuries!  STAY HEALTHY!!!!!!

4 - We hit a home run with our new GM!  Brian Gutekunst

It has been a unique transition.  But, the Packers are the only team of the 32 NFL teams owned by stockholders!  Usually, the GM can hire & fire the coach, NOT in Green Bay.  The president Mark Murphy has that power!  Russ Ball, handle the salary cap issues.  And, we still have our head coach Mike McCarthy, but I feel his days are numbered!  More than the football players, how will the "Front Office" players do in 2018????

5 - Sign Aaron to an extension!  Aaron is good through 2019, but, an extension will show the the team, the fans, and the NFL the Packers are in it for 5-6 more years!  And, the front office can plan accordingly knowing the numbers for 5-6 more years!  In case you have not counted lately........

Favre 1992-2007

&

Rodgers 2015-2018

27 Years of

Quarterbacking!!!!

Packer Blog is Back! Roster July 2018!

Here we go!  What is the roster going into training camp?  Is this a Playoff Team?  Is this a Division Champ?  Is the a Super Bowl Champ?

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Packer 2018 Special Teams, Something Old & Something New?

NFL Special Teams.  NFL Rule Changes?  What do we expect for 2018?

First, it seems the NFL is always trying to mess around with the special team rules & safety concerns!    Let us save the safety discussion for a later date.  First, Packer personnel for 2018?

Kicker
Mason Crosby - 6'1" - 207 lbs - Year 12 - Colorado
Just as we have been VERY fortunate to have Favre, followed by Rodgers, we are VERY lucky to have Mason Crosby for 12 years!  Already, Packer all-time leading scorer, let's hope we have 4-5 more years of this guy!!!!

How about some stats?  (Click to Enlarge)

We have in Mason Crosby one of the BEST!  Just look at his playoff record!
Extra Points - 59 of 59!   Field Goals 26 of 29!  Under stress, in his biggest games, this guy comes through!  A class act, and a future Packer Hall of Fame Member!  Packer fans, enjoy him while we have him!!!  Thanks You - Mason Crosby!

Punter
JK Scott - 6'6" - 208 lbs - Alabama - Rookie

We drafted a punter!
How many punters are actually drafted?  Remember Ray Guy!  Tall and lean & punt the ball a mile!  Could we have one!  How about a punter for 10-12 years?  He is unique, word is he does not leave the ground when he punts.  And, the kid can kick some missiles??  Playing at Alabama he has kicked under stress!  So, that should not be a problem!  This pre-season - watch this guy!


Long Snapper
Hunter Bradley - 6'3" - 241 lbs - Rookie - Mississippi St

We drafted a long snapper!!  Just like Favre & Rodgers, we had a run of long snappers - last one Brett Goode (2008-2017), before him, Rob Davis (1997-2007).  That was TWO incredible long snappers!!!  If you have a moment, read the story on Hunter Bradley!  We may have the next 10 year long snapper!  But, just to keep him honest, we have - Zach Triner - 6'2" - 247 lbs - Year 1 - Assumption College!  Just that college name means this may be interesting!

So, here are the special team situations:

1 - Kick Off
2 - Kick Off Return

Can we run a couple back this year & keep the other team pinned deep???  And, can we replace our departed Jeff Janis as the gunner???

3 - Punt
4 - Punt Return

Same as above, how a bout a couple run back of TD's!  NO muffs!  And stop the other guys & pin them deep!!!  My gut says our return guy last year, Trevor Davis is in trouble!

5 - Extra Point
6 - Extra Point Defense
7 - Field Goal
8 - Field Goal Defense

Long snapper!! And of course Mason Crosby!!!

This may be a strength this year!! WHY NOT!!!

Packers Linebackers - Do We Have Any Hidden Gems for 2018?

Every good defense needs a linebacker that is a difference make?  It has been years since we had one!  Do we have on ready to surprise the NFL?  Make big hits!  Make a key QB sack?  Intercept one and run it back for a TD?  Clay Matthews is probably past his prime! (Sure was in the Packer softball game!)

Here is the list.  Will they play outside or inside?  Time will tell for some of the new faces!

Clay Matthews - Year 10 - 6'3" - 255 lbs - USC
Nick Perry - Year 7 - 6'3" - 262 lbs - USC
Jake Ryan - Year 4 - 6'2" - 240 lbs - Michigan
Blake Martinez - Year 3 - 6'2" - 237 lbs - Stanford
Kyler Fackrell - Year 3 - 6'5" - 245 lbs - Utah State
Chris Odom - Year 2 - 6'4" - 262 lbs - Arkansa St
Vince Biegel - Year 2 - 6'3" - 246 lbs - Wisconsin
Reggie Gilbert - Year 1 - 6'3" - 246 lbs - Arizona
Ahmad Thomas - Year 1 - 6'0" - 220 lbs - Oklahoma
Oren Burks - Rookie - 6'3" - 233 lbs - Vanderbilt
Marcus Porter - Rookie - 6'0" - 229 lbs - Fairmont St
Kendall Donnerson - Rookie - 6'3" - 249 lbs - Southest Missouri
CJ Johnson - Rookie - 6'2"  - 226 lbs - Est Texs Baptist
Nashon Hughes - Rookie - 6'3" - 259 lbs - Texas
Parris Bennett - Rookie - 6'0" - 223 lbs - Syracuse
Greer Martini - Rookie - 6'3" - 232 lbs - Notre Dame

Last year starters  -  OLB's - Matthews & Perry  AND ILB's - Martinez & Ryan  As you may see above, we are very young & unproven!  For some reason, the Packer's hate drafting stud linebackers! Why?  Beats me!  Matthews, if he stays healthy, can be a difference maker!  But, he is like a race horse, lately, VERY injury prone!  If you go to a game just watch him - he is always moving!  He has not had double digit sacks in a long time!
Clay Matthews games played & sack totals:
2009 - 16 - 10
2010 - 15 - 13.5
2011 - 15 - 6
2012 - 12 - 13
2013 - 11 - 7.5
2014 - 16 - 11
2015 - 16 - 6.5
2016 - 12 - 5
2017 - 14 - 7.5

So, in 9 years time, Clay has had double digit sacks 4 times.  Last time was 2014.  Last two years, has not played entire season.  He has been moved to inside linebacker because of other injury issues!  Nick Perry stats - games played & sacks:
2012 - 6 - 2
2013 - 11 - 4
2014 - 15 - 3
2015 - 14 - 3.5
2016 - 14 - 11
2017 - 12 - 7
As one can see, Perry has NEVER played in all 16 games.  He had one double digit sack season in 2016, with 11 sacks.  So, what we have in Perry is an average linebacker, with average stats.  And, along with Matthews, injury prone!  So, what is behind the starters?  Good question!

2016 draft pick Fackrell, has not shown us very much!  2017 draft pick, Biegel was injured almost all last year.  IN FACT, Thompson drafted him hurt!

The "diamond in the rough" could be Reggie Gilbert.  Word from the coaches, they like his progress. He did get on the field last year and the end of a bad season & played OK.  My feelings, this kid MUST play & play well!!!  Another project, Chris Odom, at 6'4" - 262 lbs may be more of a defensive end type?  Ahmad Thomas at 6'0" - 220 lbs is by today's standards may be a little on the small side?

Inside backers last year - Blake Martinez & Jake Ryan.  Looks like Martinez is a player.  Last year Martinez was tied for first in total tackles 144!  DID YOU HEAR THAT - TIED FOR FIRST!!!  Now some of those were 10 yards down field, BUT is was a tackle!!!!  And, Martinez seems to have the speed to stay on the field for almost all downs!  Jake Ryan was 67th with 81 tackles.  With a lack of speed, Jake has trouble staying on the field, but is good against the run.  So, we need a play maker - did we draft one in the third round?  Oren Burks?

He is an interesting pick - first a team Captain from Vanderbilt.  Smart kid!  Versatile, started career as a safety & got bigger physically!  He is fast - should be able to cover backs out of the backfield!  Needs time, but listening to his interviews, looks like an over achiever!

Other rookies, need to really impress to make the 53!
Kendall Donnerson - Rookie - was drafted in round 7, has the advantage of being drafted
Others, need to take full advantage of pre-season!!!
Marcus Porter - Rookie - this is good - carries himself like a leader, who plays with a chip on his shoulder
CJ Johnson - Rookie - ankle & knee surgeries - uh oh!
Nashon Hughes - Rookie - a practice squad stash?
Parris Bennett - Rookie - have not had a Syracuse player in a long time!
Greer Martini - Rookie - I'd pick him on last name alone!

So, final analysis for defense?
Defensive Backs - young - could become VERY good!
Defensive Line - Is the Packer strength!
Linebackers - Uh - Oh!

NEED YOU DEFENSE!!!!!

Packers 2018 Defensive Backs - Boom or Bust

Let the experiment continue!  Having watched the Packers the past fews years after the Super Bowl season, our coverage in the secondary has been........... a word..........to describe it.............
NOT VERY GOOD!  WHY?  - Pass Rush - Linebackers that cannot cover - back defensive back play?  Probably all of the above!

Why?  Cover corners?  Players that can take any wide receiver one on one, without help!  Safeties that will deliver the BIG hit!  Any good teams, with a great wide receiver, goes off!  Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons.  Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers.  Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals.

What do we have on the 90 man roster in 2018?

Safety (6)
Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx - Year 5 - 6'1" - 208 lbs - Alabama
Josh Jones - Year 2 - 6'2" - 220 lbs - NC State
Marwin Evans - Year 3 - 5'11" - 211 lbs - Utah St
Kentrell Brice - Year 3 - 5'11" - 200 lbs - Louisiana Tech
Jermaine Whitehead - Year 2 - 5'11" - 195 lbs - Auburn
Raven Greene - Rookie - 5'11" - 197 lbs - James Madison

Cornerback (11)
Tramon Williams - Year 12 - 5'11" - 195 lbs - Louisiana Tech
Devon House - Year 8 - 6'0" - 195 lbs - New Mexico St
Quinten Rollins - Year 4 - 5'11" - 195 lbs - Miami (Ohio)
Demetri Goodson -Year 4 - 5'11" - 197 lbs - Baylor
Josh Hawkins - Year 3 - 5'10" - 189 lbs - East Carolina
Lanzy Pipkins - Year 2 - 6'0" - 196 lbs - Oklahoma St
Kevin King - Year 2 - 6'3" - 200 lbs - Washington
Herb Waters - Year 2 - 6'0" - 188 lbs - Miami, FL
Donatello Brown - Year 2 - 6'0" - 190 lbs - Valdosta St
Josh Jackson - Rookie - 6'0" - 196 lbs - Iowa
Jaire Alexander - Rookie - 5'10" - 196 lbs - Louisville

First, is there a player here that is one of the top players at his position?  I would say No.  I thought Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx was getting close, but watching him quit at the end of the last year, he is not in my book!  He has shown signs, he has shown leadership, and now with Morgan Burnett gone he MUST show leadership.  Let's give Ha Ha the benefit of the doubt, he will be better!

Staying with safety, Josh Jones needs to step up big time!  As we said Morgan Burnett is gone, the veteran who lead by example.  At 6'2" & 220 lbs, with speed, Jones should be the man.  Last year, he disappeared at times and was beat some times.  Will will blame Dom Capers on that one!  So, Josh Jones is still a mystery!

Kentrell Brice with all the injuries got time & had flashes.  As injury prone as the Packers have been, he needs to be ready to go!  He may be the first man up!  Jermaine Whitehead & Marwin Evans also played some minutes last year.  They will battle with Brice for the back up roll.

Rookie Raven Greene, from James Madison will be the new man on the block!  He will have an opportunity since the other backups were not difference makers!

Cornerback has been our disaster area the past few years!  Injuries, poor draft picks, and poor play have made the pass defense VERY difficult to watch on Sundays, or any day!  Again, NO PASS RUSH helps!!!!  So, what do we have in these 11 players????

Experience - Tramon Williams & Devon House both left the Packers are are now back!  What is left in the tank???  Year 12 & 8, gives us 20 years of experience, we need at least one to have a good season!

Draft choices this year and last year - we have from 2017 - Kevin King, and 2018 - Jaire Alexander & Josh Jackson. We need one to be a future all-pro!  WE ARE DUE!!!!!  Our draft selections, when it comes to corner has be shaky!  Although, we gave up Micah Hyde & Casey Hayward, and they have made the all-pro team - opps!  So, let say Kevin King steps up?  At 6'3" that would help cover the BIG receivers that seem to tear us up!!!  We hope all three are good ones!

In the wings, we have plenty!!!  And, many have received playing time the past few years!  Rollins, Goodson, Hawkins, Pipkins, Waters & Brown have played a lot of football.  So, could we get at least 2 very good back-ups from this group?  Pipkins has gotten good reviews!  Waters was a converted corner.  Time will tell!!!

So, 17 players.  Do we have 4-5 players????  WE NEED 4-5 players!!!!!!!!!

And, don't forget the pass rush!!!!!  THAT HELPS!!!!!