Training Camp 2015 - Judgment Day (Pg 14)

[humanrefutation]

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/6/19/8813015/packers-training-camp-schedule-2015-practice-dates-times-announced

It took me a few months to get over that Seattle loss to the point I was at all looking forward to watching football again. I don't think I'll ever fully get over it. It still fills me with anger and frustration when I think about it.

But, I'm ready for some football. Go Pack!

[crkone]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers-wr-jarrett-boykin-has-risen-to-the-next-level-b99339992z1-272979201.html

On Tuesday, McCarthy left no doubt that he would think he was right.

"Clearly, Jarrett Boykin has taken the next step," McCarthy said. "I just love the way he plays. He's had an excellent camp.

"He's physical, his toughness, he's relentless. I think he's exceptional at the top of his route. You see his strength and balance to separate from a DB."

[humanrefutation]

I think Boykin is hearing the footsteps of Montgomery, Abby, and Janis and beginning to realize he's on the cut line.

[humanrefutation]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-nfl-100-rankings-2015-part-2/

Bill Barnwell did his rankings of the Top 100 players in the NFL.

Notable Packers include:
84. Randall Cobb
65. Clay Matthews
34. Jordy Nelson
32. Josh Sitton

AND

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

… the best player in football.

[crkone]

I think Boykin is hearing the footsteps of Montgomery, Abby, and Janis and beginning to realize he's on the cut line.

He's on the Panthers.

[Flap Jackson]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-nfl-100-rankings-2015-part-2/

Bill Barnwell did his rankings of the Top 100 players in the NFL.

Notable Packers include:
84. Randall Cobb
65. Clay Matthews
34. Jordy Nelson
32. Josh Sitton

AND

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

… the best player in football.

I loved the way you framed this post. I was just coming here to catch up and this single handedly got me juiced for the season.

[HKPackFan]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/the-nfl-100-rankings-2015-part-2/

Bill Barnwell did his rankings of the Top 100 players in the NFL.

Notable Packers include:
84. Randall Cobb
65. Clay Matthews
34. Jordy Nelson
32. Josh Sitton

AND

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

… the best player in football.

The Homer in me wants to include lacy and peppers somewhere on this list. At least lacy as I could see some people expecting peppers to be too old.

[IrishRainbow]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers-wr-jarrett-boykin-has-risen-to-the-next-level-b99339992z1-272979201.html

On Tuesday, McCarthy left no doubt that he would think he was right.

"Clearly, Jarrett Boykin has taken the next step," McCarthy said. "I just love the way he plays. He's had an excellent camp.

"He's physical, his toughness, he's relentless. I think he's exceptional at the top of his route. You see his strength and balance to separate from a DB."

I think Boykin is hearing the footsteps of Montgomery, Abby, and Janis and beginning to realize he's on the cut line.

Might want to check the date on this one.

[emunney]

I think Boykin is hearing the footsteps of Montgomery, Abby, and Janis and beginning to realize he's on the cut line.

I think he's safe.

[MickeyDavis]

I hope Abby is healthy, I'm curious how he'll look in camp and preseason.

[WiscoKing13]

A lot of competition this year, 4 starting jobs on the line to start camp.

-Second starting CB, to go along with how the nickel and dime will shake out. Hayward/Randall/Rollins/Goodson all have a shot for that starting spot and it should make for some great story lines through out camp and something to keep an eye on. While it's going to be a great competition. With basically 3 rookies going to be getting significant playing time, we're going to have some serious growing pains throughout the season.

4th LB-Clay/Peppers and more than likely Barrington will get the majority of the snaps, the question is how often is clay in the middle? Going to be interesting to see how quickly Ryan can pick up the D and what kind of growth we see out of Bradford. The OLB competition should be similar to what we've seen the last 3 years. Is Perry going to take the next step and is Neal anything more than a bull rusher? Really excited to see what Hubbard can do this year and hopefully he can be the first back up when clay moves to the middle.

TE competition is probably the most lackluster as far as talent. We know what we're going to get out of Quarless and now he's gong to be out to start the year. Hoping we see Rodgers progress, but his ceiling seems to be on the lower end with his lack of speed and blocking. Maybe Perrilo/Backman can be one of the gems in camps we see every year.

DE/DT competition, Daniels is the only guy to have a starting spot locked down. It will be interesting to see how the Raji/Guion battle for the starting spot and if they'll have down's where they'll kick one to DE. We could rally use some pass rush coming from one of the ends with Matthews going to ILB for solid portion snaps. It's a make it or break it camp for Jones and Thornton, would be nice if one of those guys filled that pass rushing slot at the DE.

Starting competition, but not as clear cut.

FB-KUHN! We'll see if the Pack really give Ripkowski a shot to take kuhn down. Kuhn knows the offense and is trusted protector of Rodgers. It would be nice to have an upgrade over Kuhn in run blocking.

P-Masthay really going to hit the Road? Same with the FB competition, I have a hard time seeing Mandell over throwing Masthay, but Mandell in camp so theirs a shot.

Non Starting competition

4th/5th WR-We know the big names Abby/Janis/Montgomery. Us the fans have been clamoring to see Janis and at this point it's almost folklore and I personally can't wait to see him play. Personally i'll be all but shocked if Abby can make it a fully pre season with getting injured, but his speed would be nice complement in the slot. Montgomery should have his spot all but locked up after getting taken 3rd. I think he'll come along slowly since it's really hard to see a rookie WR break through and theirs only so much time with Rodgers with all the depth at WR.

3rd Running back-With Harris gone theirs a spot open. I really liked what I saw out of Neal last year, but it seems we got some really good UDFA in Crockett and Harris.

KR/PR-I think we're pretty happy to see Harris released and the open competition for the return spots will have a lot of players in the running. Montgomery/Abby/Janis/Hyde and I still think they'll use Cobb in critical situation when we need to improve field field position. If Abby or Janis can grab this spot by the horns I think they can lock up a spot without doing to much as a WR. I also think i read either Rollins or Randall will be in the competition.

Obviously can't cover them all but we'll also see competition for the possibly 8th OL. How many CB's/S can we keep on the roster and how will that shake out.

Bubble Players-There's probably about 30 to 35 players on the roster that have their spot locked up, but I want to look at the bigger stories I haven't touched on in the review above.

Going to group Perry/Jones together. Both former first round picks who have disappointed. Perry at least has had a few games where you think he's turned the corner and all of sudden he gets hurt. Can the Pack risk a roster spot on a guy they can't count on and they'll need more this year with Clay moving out of the OLB for snaps? Jones really hasn't shown much, he'll probably benfit initially from Guion being suspended and getting the extra roster spot.

Hundley make the roster? He's a 5th round pick and above that TT traded up for him. Still with keeping possibly 6 WR's on offense and already having tough decisions to do on the back end is your 3rd QB who won't be able to contribute this year worth it?

Thornton/Bradford-We had a great draft class last year no thanks to these two. Right away Bradford at least has a chance at a starting spot at ILB, but he needs to show great progress from last year. I wouldn't say Thornton was "lucky" to get hurt last year, I think it was more someone in the packer organization going, your hammy hurts doesn't it? Oh yea coach it's killing me. Same as with Bradford will need to make great strides to make this roster, but theirs a need for what Thornton did in college on the DL.

Kuhn-spoke about the competition before, but probably the biggest "name" to be on the bubble this year. If he gets cut the casual fan will never shut up in Ripkowski doesn't play well.

Also always fun to keep an eye on the UDFA that will steal our hearts and play a big role the Pack. The one thing I do find interesting is the OLB the last 3 or 4 pre seasons. Mosses/Elliot/Mulamba and few others with big sack pre season game or games who have done nothing in the season, don't be fooled.

Then theirs going to be the guy that we're counting that will go down for the year or significant portion of time, possibly multiple. Last year we had the best health we've had the last 4 years and hopefully we'll only have 1 go down but there's always a chance they'll be more.

A unique thing that will happen this year is the final cut down to 53, is having 3 players that or likely will be suspended to start the season Jones/Quarless/Guion. Last year we had to make a tough choice in letting Rolle go, this year we'll get some extra time with 3 players to evaluate.

Lastly all eyes will be how the packers are operating. Pretty general statement, but I can't think of a better way of saying it. With MM moving from the OC to having more a pulse on all aspects of the team theirs going to be more accountability on him than ever before on the Defense and ST.

Well Is started this by thinking i'd just post a quick reply and this grew, so I hope you enjoy the read.

[jakecronus8]

Good write up Wisco.

I think Hundley could throw 10 picks in the preseason and still make the roster, given the way Ted values a guy he picked over a street free agent. I think we carry 3.

3rd RB is a toss up because I know next to nothing about these guys. Based on hype, I hope it's Crockett, who also is a good story.

I think Kuhn survives another year and Rip is a practice squad guy.

TE terrifies me. Very disappointing we didn't sign Gresham, and as you said there is not much upside at the position. I kinda hope we only carry two and keep 6 receivers.

Nice to have a top 5 offensive line with good depth and no question marks in the starters.

If Raji is healthy I am not too concerned about DL given how often we go nickel. His career is on the line and generally you see nice results. Same for Datone.

CB scares me.

[humanrefutation]

I think Boykin is hearing the footsteps of Montgomery, Abby, and Janis and beginning to realize he's on the cut line.

He's on the Panthers.

LOL, I forgot about that. Why'd you share that article, then?

[crkone]

I think Boykin is hearing the footsteps of Montgomery, Abby, and Janis and beginning to realize he's on the cut line.

He's on the Panthers.

LOL, I forgot about that. Why'd you share that article, then?

To temper enthusiasm when articles come out about how players have had great camps/offseason or look great, ala Janis or Adams.

[MickeyDavis]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-wide-receivers-among-nfls-elite-b99543965z1-318548731.html

Good McGinn article on our WR's.

[HKPackFan]

Good write up Wisco.

I think Hundley could throw 10 picks in the preseason and still make the roster, given the way Ted values a guy he picked over a street free agent. I think we carry 3.

3rd RB is a toss up because I know next to nothing about these guys. Based on hype, I hope it's Crockett, who also is a good story.

I think Kuhn survives another year and Rip is a practice squad guy.

TE terrifies me. Very disappointing we didn't sign Gresham, and as you said there is not much upside at the position. I kinda hope we only carry two and keep 6 receivers.

Nice to have a top 5 offensive line with good depth and no question marks in the starters.

If Raji is healthy I am not too concerned about DL given how often we go nickel. His career is on the line and generally you see nice results. Same for Datone.

CB scares me.

I pretty much agree with most of this. Hundley is a lock no matter what. 3rd RB I'm rooting for Crockett just based on the draft stories. Kuhn is an interesting one. Rip really needs to put down LBs in a vicious way to the point coaches are willing to sacrifice the experience for some awesome hitting. I wouldn't be surprised either way. If Rip is the starter Kuhn is gone, but if Kuhn is the starter do they value RIP enough to save a roster spot for him?

My TE fears are mitigated with our abundance of WRs, but we kinda suck at TE. If we have 3 QBs, and 2 FBs then TEs/WRs are going to have to sacrifice some depth. Or RIP gets sent to the PS and we hope to keep 6 WRs. It's going to be interesting to see how that plays out. I think we go 3 deep in TEs.

As WK13 mentioned we might not know the real roster until before week 2 of the regular season. We might go 56 deep for those bubble spots.

As usual the Defense is the bigger question mark with Tramon's spot, the ILB spots and old man Peppers hopefully pushing back against father time for another year.

Regarding Thorton, I think he's a lost cause. He might be this years Jerel Worthy. I hope I'm wrong.

[HKPackFan]

Biggest question marks going into camp:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530392-biggest-question-mark-facing-each-super-bowl-contender-at-nfl-training-camps/page/5




Question mark: Is the defense moving forward or backward?

The lasting memory of Green Bay's collapse in the NFC title game remains the trampling that the defense endured over the final few minutes and into overtime. Still, the unit otherwise dominated the first 58 minutes in a hostile environment, so there's reason for some level of optimism heading into 2015.

That said, the Packers are attempting to replace veteran cornerback Tramon Williams with a college safety (Damarious Randall) and a former college point guard (Quinten Rollins), and fourth-round pick Jake Ryan was the only addition at inside linebacker.

Julius Peppers is now 35. Throw in early-season suspensions for defensive linemen Datone Jones and Letroy Guion, and the Packers defense is still the overriding question mark for the club entering camp.



(They neglected to point out we do have Casey Hayward a part time player last few years at Tramon's spot, so it's not completely accurate to say we are trying to replace tramon with a college safety and a college point guard.)

[MickeyDavis]

McGinn on the OL

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/front-five-poised-to-make-its-bid-for-immortality-b99544746z1-318601411.html

[Turk Nowitzki]

Still not sure I have recovered emotionally from last season to do this all over again.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

McGinn on the OL

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/front-five-poised-to-make-its-bid-for-immortality-b99544746z1-318601411.html

I know the OL is solid, but I shy away from comparing them to 2 sets of lineman that would literally let the opponent know where there were running and just demolish them.