Early look at 53

[askdavescat]

Why would Havner be gone? He makes a lot less than Lee and was superior in his opportunities in spite of just converting positions. If he goes then all of the development we did with him would be pointless.

Colledge should have warn out his welcome a couple years ago.

I doubt we'll want to pay Harris to be a nickel corner AT BEST at his age and coming off a major injury.

If the draft reports are valid, they'll be looking at a different OLB to push Jones to depth. Hopefully Merriman now that he's more removed from knee problems.

Burnett I think will be a starter immediately. Only in sure run situations can I see Bigby being more of an asset. Burnett has better instincts and covers better. He's a better fit for the zone.

I don't think Green Bay is thrilled about Lee, but he is the only 'blocking' tight end they have right now (or at least the closest thing to it), so I think they'll keep him one more year. Also, one of the undrafted FA linebackers - OLB Frank Zombo - they're bringing in was also tried out at TE, so if they might think they can have the same 2-for-1 guy that Havner has been, with upgraded OLB potential.

I think Colledge sticks because of Spitz's back issues. They said Harrell's back was fixed last year; we'll see if they're blowing smoke up our rears regarding Spitz's surgeory or not. If Spitz's back hold up, and the newer guys (Lang, Bulaga, Newhouse) develop as expected, I think Colledge will be gone next year.

I think Harris is back in part because of his status within the team, I think it would sew bad seeds in the locker room if he was not given a chance to come back. More than that though, I think they don't yet know what they have with Lee, Underwood, and Blackmon, so they'll try to stick with what they know until it's proven that Harris can't do it. In nickel situations, they'll try try to get back to what they did last year, have Harris and Williams as they primary corners, and have Woodson play nickel, where he can freelance and be more of a playmaker.

I don't think TT would ever consider Merriman. Between the knee and getting off steroids, I'm not sure how much he's got anymore. Also, he's one of those guys thats always got issues. I just can't imagine TT bringing a guy like in to Green Bay. Besides, I think TT is higher on Jones than many of us are.

Just my readin' the clouds, i guess we'll see.

[Balls2TheWalls]

I don't think Green Bay is thrilled about Lee, but he is the only 'blocking' tight end they have right now (or at least the closest thing to it), so I think they'll keep him one more year. Also, one of the undrafted FA linebackers - OLB Frank Zombo - they're bringing in was also tried out at TE, so if they might think they can have the same 2-for-1 guy that Havner has been, with upgraded OLB potential.

Lee didn't do a great job blocking or receiving this year. He got his money and played like garbage. Even when he is playing well, his blocking is highly overrated.

I think Colledge sticks because of Spitz's back issues. They said Harrell's back was fixed last year; we'll see if they're blowing smoke up our rears regarding Spitz's surgeory or not. If Spitz's back hold up, and the newer guys (Lang, Bulaga, Newhouse) develop as expected, I think Colledge will be gone next year.

Colledge is probably done. Thompson has shown no interest in extending him. I think that Wells is a good enough stand in for Spitz until he is at full health. If he never is, Wells is decent even to start. Colledge, after getting burned regularly at LT, has shown that he has no long term value to the Packers.

I don't think TT would ever consider Merriman. Between the knee and getting off steroids, I'm not sure how much he's got anymore. Also, he's one of those guys thats always got issues. I just can't imagine TT bringing a guy like in to Green Bay. Besides, I think TT is higher on Jones than many of us are.

Merriman just doesn't seem like Ted's kind of guy. Dumervil looks like a better fit. We definitely need to find a guy to bring about some pass rush.

[eagle13]

TT signed Woodson who at the time was a "problem" - hence his availability. And Koren Robinson. Merriman could interest TT but not if Chargers want much.

[xTitan]

TT signed Woodson who at the time was a "problem" - hence his availability. And Koren Robinson. Merriman could interest TT but not if Chargers want much.

it is not what the Chargers want ...it is the fact Merriman wants a new, long term contract with whoever acquires him.

[Wade-A-Holic]

I don't trust Merriman with a big deal at all. The combination of the performance enhancers followed by the injuries is enough to keep me away.

[Kerb Hohl]

I'll take a stab, pretty close to Luke's but after reading about Shields I already want him as a special teams kid. He seems like he could be a great gunner without being a bonehead like Bush. You could maybe teach him to return and he had 40 tackles at CB last year. Ball skills probably lacking but at #5 or #6 corner you can take a risk.

QB (2): Rodgers, Flynn
RB (3): Grant, Jackson, Starks
FB (2): Hall, Johnson
WR (5): Jennings, Driver, Jones, Nelson, Swain
TE (3): Finley, Havner, Quarless
OT (5): Clifton, Tauscher, Bulaga (also G), Lang (also G), Barbre
OG: (3): Sitton, Newhouse, Spitz (also C)
C (1): Wells

DE (6:): Jenkins, Jolly, Raji (also backup NT), Wynn, Neal, Wilson
NT (1): Pickett
OLB (5): Matthews, Jones, Obiozor, Poppinga, OLB not currently on roster (Zombo/Knicky?)
ILB (4): Barnett, Hawk, Bishop, Chillar
S (4): Collins, Bigby, Burnett, Martin
DB (6): Woodson, Williams, Harris, Blackmon, Shields, (Lee OR Underwood)

P (1): Bryan
K (1): Crosby
LS (1): Goode

[Newz]

I think Shields is going to end up beating out Bush because of Special Teams (apparently he is dominate on ST) and upside.

I hope Knicky ends up making it as an OLB as well.

I like GrendonJennings set-up a lot... I agree with that 53 if we were just to have the guys we have right now.

[emunney]

After reading the article in today's JS, I hope Khalil Jones comes far enough to knock Martin off the roster. 6-1 220 with sub 4.4 speed and has ecstatic visions of playing safety? I'm intrigued.

[ReasonablySober]

After reading the article in today's JS, I hope Khalil Jones comes far enough to knock Martin off the roster. 6-1 220 with sub 4.4 speed and has ecstatic visions of playing safety? I'm intrigued.

I think we would be in serious trouble if a rash of injuries hit our defensive backfield. At least Martin can play anywhere back there. He wouldn't be ideal but I'd feel a lot more comfortable with him than someone just learning the position. I think my hope is they're able to stash Jones on the PS again.

[emunney]

I think we'd be in serious trouble if we have to play Martin a lot, too. At least with Jones there might be something there we haven't seen yet. I mean, I have no idea -- nobody's seen the guy play yet. I'm not really advocating keeping one guy or the other. I would just assume that if Jones shows enough to beat Martin out, he's got enough upside for me to feel OK about him getting a shot in an emergency.

I would agree that PS seems like the most likely route.

[Wade-A-Holic]

We'd probably be in serious trouble if Khalil Jones had to play a lot, too, and Martin was a beast on special teams. Hopefully we always at least have two guys healthy out of Collins, Burnett, and Bigby.

[WeeksNMeeks]

There is a fine line between sticking with a team that had success in 2009 and improving a few roster spots. Aside from offensive line, no starting spots are in jeopardy. Take a look, then I'll explain my rationale.

QB (2): Rodgers, Flynn
RB (3): Grant, Jackson, Starks
FB (2): Hall, Johnson
WR (4): Jennings, Driver, Jones, Nelson
TE (4): Finley, Havner, Quarless, Lee
OT (5): Clifton, Tauscher, Bulaga (also G), Lang (also G), Barbre
OG: (3): Sitton, Newhouse, Spitz (also C)
C (1): Wells

DE (7:): Jenkins, Jolly, Raji (also backup NT), Wynn, Neal, Wilson, Harrell
NT (1): Pickett
OLB (4): Matthews, Jones, Obiozor , OLB not currently on roster (Zombo/Knicky?)
ILB (4): Barnett, Hawk, Bishop, Chillar (also OLB)
S (4): Collins, Bigby, Burnett, Martin
DB (6): Woodson, Williams, Harris, Blackmon, Shields, (Lee OR Underwood)

P (1): Bryan
K (1): Crosby

So here's my rationale: 1) Finley and Havner line up as WRs all the time, and Lee is a good blocker, so why not keep all 4? 2) We gave Harrell the year off. You gotta think that he can piece together 1 productive season. Given that we had no pressure from our DLine last year, he's in. 3) McCarthy alluded to Chillar playing OLB on 3rd downs in pass-rush situations. This makes total sense to me. This gives Bishop a bit more PT as well. 4) There is no way we aren't keeping Shields. He is at least as good as Bush, with potential, faster, and cheaper. 5) The only unknown here is long-snapper, which admittedly is a big oversight. But are you telling me that none of the other 51 guys can snap?

[xTitan]

There is a fine line between sticking with a team that had success in 2009 and improving a few roster spots. Aside from offensive line, no starting spots are in jeopardy. Take a look, then I'll explain my rationale.

QB (2): Rodgers, Flynn
RB (3): Grant, Jackson, Starks
FB (2): Hall, Johnson
WR (4): Jennings, Driver, Jones, Nelson
TE (4): Finley, Havner, Quarless, Lee
OT (5): Clifton, Tauscher, Bulaga (also G), Lang (also G), Barbre
OG: (3): Sitton, Newhouse, Spitz (also C)
C (1): Wells

DE (7:): Jenkins, Jolly, Raji (also backup NT), Wynn, Neal, Wilson, Harrell
NT (1): Pickett
OLB (4): Matthews, Jones, Obiozor , OLB not currently on roster (Zombo/Knicky?)
ILB (4): Barnett, Hawk, Bishop, Chillar (also OLB)
S (4): Collins, Bigby, Burnett, Martin
DB (6): Woodson, Williams, Harris, Blackmon, Shields, (Lee OR Underwood)

P (1): Bryan
K (1): Crosby

So here's my rationale: 1) Finley and Havner line up as WRs all the time, and Lee is a good blocker, so why not keep all 4? 2) We gave Harrell the year off. You gotta think that he can piece together 1 productive season. Given that we had no pressure from our DLine last year, he's in. 3) McCarthy alluded to Chillar playing OLB on 3rd downs in pass-rush situations. This makes total sense to me. This gives Bishop a bit more PT as well. 4) There is no way we aren't keeping Shields. He is at least as good as Bush, with potential, faster, and cheaper. 5) The only unknown here is long-snapper, which admittedly is a big oversight. But are you telling me that none of the other 51 guys can snap?

if Chillar could have rushed the passer he would have done so last year, Bishop won't play anymore and shouldn't...he is slower than guys who can't cover already and dumb as hell, Bishop is a special teamer......the only way skinny legs Shields makes the team is as a return man only....will NOT be playing any DB.

[xTitan]

Kahlil Jones is a MAJOR long shot....practice squad at best.

[Wade-A-Holic]

if Chillar could have rushed the passer he would have done so last year, Bishop won't play anymore and shouldn't...he is slower than guys who can't cover already and dumb as hell, Bishop is a special teamer......the only way skinny legs Shields makes the team is as a return man only....will NOT be playing any DB.

Shields was an all around force on special teams at Miami, not just a returner. I think we can all agree that if he's getting a lot of snaps at corner, we're in trouble, but if he's a stud on special teams, he won't have to show an awful lot as a corner to take a roster spot from Bush or Blackmon.

[WeeksNMeeks]

Chillar was used as an OLB last year when we played the Bears the first game of the season. He played well. Not sure why he focused on MLB.

[Wade-A-Holic]

Chillar was used as an OLB last year when we played the Bears the first game of the season. He played well. Not sure why he focused on MLB.

Good point. I forgot about that but you're right. They put him at ILB because they needed somebody who can cover there because Hawk can't and Barnett is inconsistent at it.