Training camp has come and gone for the Green Bay Packers, who will begin their preseason schedule tomorrow night in Cleveland against the Browns. Some players have shown up in a big way, others have floundered and others have suffered injuries that will hurt their chances of making the team.
On the eve of the the 2011 Packers season officially getting under way, here is one person's take on who will make the 53-man roster when the team takes the field against the Saints on Sept. 8 in Lambeau Field. Starters are listed first.
QB (2): Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn
Why: Graham Harrell has performed well in training camp but there is no reason to keep three quarterbacks on the Packers roster.
RB (3): Ryan Grant, James Starks, Alex Green
Why: Dimitri Nance is ahead of Green on the unofficial depth chart right now, but Green should move to the No. 3 spot by the end of training camp. Green is expected to field kick returns, as well.
FB (2): John Kuhn, Quinn Johnson
Why: Quinn Johnson isn't flashy but is an important aspect to the Packers' offense as the only true "bruiser" in the backfield. The tight end situation could change things, however (see below).
WR (5): Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb
Why: Tori Gurley, Brett Swain and Chastin West certainly are good enough to make the roster, but with so much talent at both wide receiver AND tight end mean the Packers are most likely to keep just five wide receivers.
TE (5): Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, Tom Crabtree, Ryan Taylor
Why: Much has been made of the depth at tight end, and I believe it is good enough to keep all but Spencer Havner. Each tight end brings something different to the table, with Taylor contributing on special teams.
OL (8): Chad Clifton, Derek Sherrod, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, T.J. Lang, Nick McDonald, Marshall Newhouse
Why: No real surprises here. These eight have been the best thus far in training camp and the versatility of the three reserves allows the Packers to keep just eight linemen. A ninth could certainly be added, but for now these are the locks.
DL (6): Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Mike Neal, C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn, Howard Green
Why: Lawrence Guy's concussion will hurt his chances of making the roster and the other six are virtual locks to make the roster. Raji can rotate between defensive end and nose tackle with Howard Green backing him up at the latter.
OLB (5): Clay Matthews, Erik Walden, Frank Zombo, Brad Jones, Ricky Elmore
Why: I like Elmore's potential on special teams and there is a chance he would not make it through waivers to go on the practice squad, so the Packers stash him here. Walden is the starter but Zombo and Jones will both make a serious impact opposite Clay Matthews.
ILB (4): Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, Robert Francois, D.J. Smith
Why: Entering the first week of preseason, this is the position of concern in Green Bay. Hawk and Bishop are both Pro Bowl-caliber inside linebackers, but the depth behind them is below average. K.C. Asiodu is a special teams option, but that won't solve the depth issue.
CB (6): Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Davon House, Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee
Why: Josh Gordy and Brandian Ross will give Lee a run for his money, but in the end experience wins out and Lee grabs the final roster spot. Everyone else in this group is a lock.
FS (2): Nick Collins, Anthony Levine
Why: Levine finally gets his shot after the Packers did not bring back Anthony Smith.
SS (2): Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah
Why: No surprises here. Burnett will start if healthy and Peprah is more than serviceable as a backup.
K (1): Mason Crosby
Why: Crosby has dealt with an ankle injury during training camp but his $14.75 million deal means he is the guy in Green Bay.
P (1): Tim Masthay
Why: Masthay is quickly becoming one of the better punters in the NFC.
LS (1): Brett Goode
Why: Same ol', same ol'.
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