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Let’s do this by position.
QB: We’re pretty well set here. They’ll have a couple more camp arms, one of which will become the developmental guy. But they’ll probably only carry two on the 53 man roster.
Aaron Rodgers: Could be the best in the league. Aaron has two major questions hanging over his head. Is he breaking down due to age? Is he becoming a diva? Aaron’s got another year or two in him before he starts to really decline physically. As for keeping his head together, he’s always had a thin skin. Aaron needs to prove he can put the team before his own agenda. If he can do that, we can go all the way this year.
Brett Hundley: Dude made significant progress as a rookie. He’s being groomed, and Mike loves him. He needs to maintain that trajectory. I think he’s gonna be very good.
RB: Questionable depth here. We assume Eddie’s going to come back and be good again, but there’s no guarantee. Starks is 30. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Ted take a guy on day 2.
Eddie Lacy: He’s in kind of a “prove it” type situation this coming year. Needs to prove he can stay and shape, and he needs to prove he loves the game. We all know he’s got the skills.
James Starks: Spot duty has kept him healthy, but he’s getting older now. We all know he can get it done, but when will his skills decline? Probably has another year or two in him. Needs to hang onto the ball.
John Crockett: Showed a burst in limited action as a rookie. If he can pick up pass pro, he could have a future.
FB: Can the Ripper pass protect? Kuhn could be expendable.
John Kuhn: Currently not actually on the roster, and may not even be back. But he’s a solid pass protector for Aaron, so he has value. Can he still get it done at his age? Probably, but he is in decline.
Aaron Ripkowski: The new FB drafted last year to replace Kuhn. Is he ready to protect Aaron on passing plays? That’s the only real question. He can run, catch and pancake people.
WR: None of these guys are really slower than Nelson, but there’s a huge stigma that no one else can get deep. Personally, I don’t believe it, but the Packers have been looking at speed guys at this position. Does that mean they’re not sold on Janis?
Jordy Nelson: The offensive malaise of last year is blamed on not having Jordy. He needs to prove he is the same despite the knee surgery and being over 30.
Randall Cobb: Cobb is a slash guy that can also run the ball out of the backfield. Dude is a little undersized, but he is a playmaker. Can change direction on a dime.
Davante Adams: Needs to prove he can catch the ball consistently. Also needs to prove he can get deep. I think he will be fine, everyone was dropping the ball last year.
Ty Montgomery: The offense really struggled when he went down last year. It’s normally blamed on Jordy, but none of these guys are really any slower than Jordy. Ty is explosive. Also a slash dude who can run out of the backfield.
Jared Abbrederis: We all know he can get it done, but he needs to stay healthy. Also should add some muscle to his frame, might keep him healthier.
Jeff Janis: Struggled early last year with over the shoulder catches, but stepped up in the playoffs and showed he had overcome that limitation. Still needs to learn the playbook, needs to run better routes. Tons of potential, though. Size speed developmental guy.
TE: We’ve finally got a guy in Cook who is a legit “deep middle” threat. Should make everyone better. I expect depth to emerge from this position.
Jared Cook: Has reputation for questionable hands, but has never worked with a good QB at the pro level. Has the speed to get deep. I think he’s gonna be as good as Finley. Dude can get it done.
Richard Rodgers: Needs to drop some weight. Proven he can play, but the question is, can he get deep? I think he’s fine. He got downfield ok against Detroit last year.
Andrew Quarless: Career journeyman, doesn’t look like he’ll be back. Had an off field incident last summer.
Kennard Backman: Athletic, can run. Needs to figure out the playbook. The Packers hired a brand new TE coach, just to develop this guy. Very raw. Needs to take a step.
Justin Perrillo: Slow, kind of an in-line blocking specialist. Special teamer.
Mitchell Henry: Showed flashes in training camp last year. Needs to take a step, but should get another shot.
OLINE: We need a swing tackle. Also, Bulaga needs to show he can get it done. His knees make him a big question mark. Sitton and Lang will be free agents after this year. Will Ted draft a G?
David Bakhtiari: Can get it done, but not great. Too many penalties. Could be replaced with a high draft pick, but could he be a swing tackle? Not sure if he could play on the right side.
Brian Bulaga: Solid tackle, but seems to have lost some lateral movement due to his significant history of knee surgeries. When Bakhtiari went down last year, they didn’t move him to the left side, even though he’s played well there in the past. In fact, they tried Barclay, Sitton and finally Tretter over there, but they never moved Bulaga. Does that mean they don’t think he can get it done on that side?
Josh Sitton: Pro Bowl level G. Has back issues, but always shows up and always gets it done.
TJ Lang: Another Pro Bowl level G. Has played T successfully.
Corey Linsley: Came in as a rookie and got it done at C. Wasn’t quite as good in his second year, will be challenged by Tretter.
JC Tretter: Got it done in limited action at LT last year. Proved he has a place. Should challege Linsley for starting C this year.
Lane Taylor: Journeyman G. If Sitton or Lang leave in FA, he could get a shot.
Josh Walker: Journeyman G. Played some RT last year due to injuries. Struggled a bit, but got it done. Needs to make the team as depth. Versatility will help his case.
Don Barclay: Was exposed badly at LT last year. He was out of position and coming off a major knee injury. Still, needs to prove he has value. He’s not the swing tackle.
DEFENSE
DLINE: Raji’s retirement leaves a big hole right in the middle. Moving Datone to OLB creates a hole at end. Fortunately the draft is deep at these positions. Look for Ted to take at least 2 Dlinemen.
Letroy Guion: Can get it done as a starter, but that’s not the ideal. Savvy veteran who knows how to play the game.
Mike Pennel: Still raw, needs to be consistent with technique, but he does have the skills necessary to get it done.
Mike Daniels: Undersized, but uses his quickness and tenacity to produce at a borderline Pro Bowl level. Has emerged as a defensive leader.
Josh Boyd: Journeyman. Adequate depth guy but nothing special.
OLB: This team has always needed a bookend to Clay. They’ve got a lot of guys who are pretty good, but none other than Clay that are “great.” Clay is borderline great. Ted needs to shit or get off the pot at this position. Get a bookend or go back to a 4-3. Or a 2-4, if that’s what he wants as his base. They moved Datone over from the Dline, will probably be a pass rushing specialist.
Clay Matthews: Pro Bowler. Has demonstrated willingness to move inside to help the team. I personally feel that Clay needs to prove he can still get it done outside.
Julius Peppers: Veteran leader, picks his spots. They need to spot him to keep him fresh, but he’s still got the skills.
Mike Neal: Leads the league “almost” sacks. More of a run stuffing guy. Tweener who doesn’t really fit our D. Probably won’t be back.
Nick Perry: Showed in the playoffs that he can get it done at a high level. The question mark as always is his health. Also more of a run stuffer/4-3 DE tweener.
Jayrone Elliot: Ted Thompson “gem” who has produced in flashes. Didn’t get much opportunity this past year, but did make some big plays. This staff doesn’t always know when they’ve got a good player on their hands, so it will be interesting to see how he emerges. He’s got the tools.
Datone Jones: They’re finally letting him specialize in doing what he does: getting to the QB. PROBLEM: They’re moving him to OLB in order to let him do it. Probably not gonna be great in coverage, but it could be a positive move.
ILB: This has been a glaring weakness for years. Part of it is Dom’s “scheme” that leaves the middle of the field wide open. We need someone who can cover.
Sam Barrington: Looked to be a Dez Bishop type guy with possible coverage skills before he went down with the injury. Needs to prove himself again.
Jake Ryan: Mid round rookie who got the start when Nate Palmer flamed out. Did ok, needs to build his body in the offseason. Needs to take the “second year jump.”
Joe Thomas: Seems to be kind of a journeyman, possibly with coverage skills. This team needs LBs who can cover.
CB: We’ve got some savvy young ball hawks. But losing Hayward will hurt worse than people realize. A little more depth here would be nice.
Sam Shields: Dude has the speed and skills, he’s still getting better imo.
Damarius Randall: Stepped up as a rookie. Needs to take the “step” into year two, but we’re all optimistic.
Quentin Rollins: Also stepped up as a rookie. His future looks bright, assuming he continues on his present trajectory.
Micah Hyde: Specializes in the slot, because he’s a half step slow. Backup S, very good depth guy.
LaDarius Gunter: He reminds me of Al Harris. Big, strong lanky guy with the savvy to get it done, but doesn’t have that top end speed. Needs to continue to prove himself, but he made the team last year out of nowhere. Held up last year in limited action.
Demetri Goodson: Converted basketball player who was very raw as a rookie. Bounced back last year and got it done in limited opportunities. Failed a urine test, so he’s suspended for 4 games. Might have been an “Alonzo Harris” moment for him. Impressed as a gunner on ST.
S: Solid guys here, including Micah Hyde, who I listed as a CB.
Morgan Burnett: He’s got the skills, and he gets it done, but hasn’t really become elite.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix: Still ascending, good be special.
Chris Banjo: Undersized, but can play. Special teams ace.
ST: The big question here is the punter. The small question here is the battle between the long snappers.
Mason Crosby: Still solid, not to jinx him. Strong leg, not really money with the game on the line, but he gets it done in all sorts of weather.
Tim Masthay: Seems to be slumping. Should be challenged in TC.
Rick Lovato: Signed off the street when our regular LS went down, filled in well.
Brett Goode: Will be playing musical chairs with Lovato. Lost his job due to injury to a younger guy. There’s only room for one of them.
Let’s do this by position.
QB: We’re pretty well set here. They’ll have a couple more camp arms, one of which will become the developmental guy. But they’ll probably only carry two on the 53 man roster.
Aaron Rodgers: Could be the best in the league. Aaron has two major questions hanging over his head. Is he breaking down due to age? Is he becoming a diva? Aaron’s got another year or two in him before he starts to really decline physically. As for keeping his head together, he’s always had a thin skin. Aaron needs to prove he can put the team before his own agenda. If he can do that, we can go all the way this year.
Brett Hundley: Dude made significant progress as a rookie. He’s being groomed, and Mike loves him. He needs to maintain that trajectory. I think he’s gonna be very good.
RB: Questionable depth here. We assume Eddie’s going to come back and be good again, but there’s no guarantee. Starks is 30. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Ted take a guy on day 2.
Eddie Lacy: He’s in kind of a “prove it” type situation this coming year. Needs to prove he can stay and shape, and he needs to prove he loves the game. We all know he’s got the skills.
James Starks: Spot duty has kept him healthy, but he’s getting older now. We all know he can get it done, but when will his skills decline? Probably has another year or two in him. Needs to hang onto the ball.
John Crockett: Showed a burst in limited action as a rookie. If he can pick up pass pro, he could have a future.
FB: Can the Ripper pass protect? Kuhn could be expendable.
John Kuhn: Currently not actually on the roster, and may not even be back. But he’s a solid pass protector for Aaron, so he has value. Can he still get it done at his age? Probably, but he is in decline.
Aaron Ripkowski: The new FB drafted last year to replace Kuhn. Is he ready to protect Aaron on passing plays? That’s the only real question. He can run, catch and pancake people.
WR: None of these guys are really slower than Nelson, but there’s a huge stigma that no one else can get deep. Personally, I don’t believe it, but the Packers have been looking at speed guys at this position. Does that mean they’re not sold on Janis?
Jordy Nelson: The offensive malaise of last year is blamed on not having Jordy. He needs to prove he is the same despite the knee surgery and being over 30.
Randall Cobb: Cobb is a slash guy that can also run the ball out of the backfield. Dude is a little undersized, but he is a playmaker. Can change direction on a dime.
Davante Adams: Needs to prove he can catch the ball consistently. Also needs to prove he can get deep. I think he will be fine, everyone was dropping the ball last year.
Ty Montgomery: The offense really struggled when he went down last year. It’s normally blamed on Jordy, but none of these guys are really any slower than Jordy. Ty is explosive. Also a slash dude who can run out of the backfield.
Jared Abbrederis: We all know he can get it done, but he needs to stay healthy. Also should add some muscle to his frame, might keep him healthier.
Jeff Janis: Struggled early last year with over the shoulder catches, but stepped up in the playoffs and showed he had overcome that limitation. Still needs to learn the playbook, needs to run better routes. Tons of potential, though. Size speed developmental guy.
TE: We’ve finally got a guy in Cook who is a legit “deep middle” threat. Should make everyone better. I expect depth to emerge from this position.
Jared Cook: Has reputation for questionable hands, but has never worked with a good QB at the pro level. Has the speed to get deep. I think he’s gonna be as good as Finley. Dude can get it done.
Richard Rodgers: Needs to drop some weight. Proven he can play, but the question is, can he get deep? I think he’s fine. He got downfield ok against Detroit last year.
Andrew Quarless: Career journeyman, doesn’t look like he’ll be back. Had an off field incident last summer.
Kennard Backman: Athletic, can run. Needs to figure out the playbook. The Packers hired a brand new TE coach, just to develop this guy. Very raw. Needs to take a step.
Justin Perrillo: Slow, kind of an in-line blocking specialist. Special teamer.
Mitchell Henry: Showed flashes in training camp last year. Needs to take a step, but should get another shot.
OLINE: We need a swing tackle. Also, Bulaga needs to show he can get it done. His knees make him a big question mark. Sitton and Lang will be free agents after this year. Will Ted draft a G?
David Bakhtiari: Can get it done, but not great. Too many penalties. Could be replaced with a high draft pick, but could he be a swing tackle? Not sure if he could play on the right side.
Brian Bulaga: Solid tackle, but seems to have lost some lateral movement due to his significant history of knee surgeries. When Bakhtiari went down last year, they didn’t move him to the left side, even though he’s played well there in the past. In fact, they tried Barclay, Sitton and finally Tretter over there, but they never moved Bulaga. Does that mean they don’t think he can get it done on that side?
Josh Sitton: Pro Bowl level G. Has back issues, but always shows up and always gets it done.
TJ Lang: Another Pro Bowl level G. Has played T successfully.
Corey Linsley: Came in as a rookie and got it done at C. Wasn’t quite as good in his second year, will be challenged by Tretter.
JC Tretter: Got it done in limited action at LT last year. Proved he has a place. Should challege Linsley for starting C this year.
Lane Taylor: Journeyman G. If Sitton or Lang leave in FA, he could get a shot.
Josh Walker: Journeyman G. Played some RT last year due to injuries. Struggled a bit, but got it done. Needs to make the team as depth. Versatility will help his case.
Don Barclay: Was exposed badly at LT last year. He was out of position and coming off a major knee injury. Still, needs to prove he has value. He’s not the swing tackle.
DEFENSE
DLINE: Raji’s retirement leaves a big hole right in the middle. Moving Datone to OLB creates a hole at end. Fortunately the draft is deep at these positions. Look for Ted to take at least 2 Dlinemen.
Letroy Guion: Can get it done as a starter, but that’s not the ideal. Savvy veteran who knows how to play the game.
Mike Pennel: Still raw, needs to be consistent with technique, but he does have the skills necessary to get it done.
Mike Daniels: Undersized, but uses his quickness and tenacity to produce at a borderline Pro Bowl level. Has emerged as a defensive leader.
Josh Boyd: Journeyman. Adequate depth guy but nothing special.
OLB: This team has always needed a bookend to Clay. They’ve got a lot of guys who are pretty good, but none other than Clay that are “great.” Clay is borderline great. Ted needs to shit or get off the pot at this position. Get a bookend or go back to a 4-3. Or a 2-4, if that’s what he wants as his base. They moved Datone over from the Dline, will probably be a pass rushing specialist.
Clay Matthews: Pro Bowler. Has demonstrated willingness to move inside to help the team. I personally feel that Clay needs to prove he can still get it done outside.
Julius Peppers: Veteran leader, picks his spots. They need to spot him to keep him fresh, but he’s still got the skills.
Mike Neal: Leads the league “almost” sacks. More of a run stuffing guy. Tweener who doesn’t really fit our D. Probably won’t be back.
Nick Perry: Showed in the playoffs that he can get it done at a high level. The question mark as always is his health. Also more of a run stuffer/4-3 DE tweener.
Jayrone Elliot: Ted Thompson “gem” who has produced in flashes. Didn’t get much opportunity this past year, but did make some big plays. This staff doesn’t always know when they’ve got a good player on their hands, so it will be interesting to see how he emerges. He’s got the tools.
Datone Jones: They’re finally letting him specialize in doing what he does: getting to the QB. PROBLEM: They’re moving him to OLB in order to let him do it. Probably not gonna be great in coverage, but it could be a positive move.
ILB: This has been a glaring weakness for years. Part of it is Dom’s “scheme” that leaves the middle of the field wide open. We need someone who can cover.
Sam Barrington: Looked to be a Dez Bishop type guy with possible coverage skills before he went down with the injury. Needs to prove himself again.
Jake Ryan: Mid round rookie who got the start when Nate Palmer flamed out. Did ok, needs to build his body in the offseason. Needs to take the “second year jump.”
Joe Thomas: Seems to be kind of a journeyman, possibly with coverage skills. This team needs LBs who can cover.
CB: We’ve got some savvy young ball hawks. But losing Hayward will hurt worse than people realize. A little more depth here would be nice.
Sam Shields: Dude has the speed and skills, he’s still getting better imo.
Damarius Randall: Stepped up as a rookie. Needs to take the “step” into year two, but we’re all optimistic.
Quentin Rollins: Also stepped up as a rookie. His future looks bright, assuming he continues on his present trajectory.
Micah Hyde: Specializes in the slot, because he’s a half step slow. Backup S, very good depth guy.
LaDarius Gunter: He reminds me of Al Harris. Big, strong lanky guy with the savvy to get it done, but doesn’t have that top end speed. Needs to continue to prove himself, but he made the team last year out of nowhere. Held up last year in limited action.
Demetri Goodson: Converted basketball player who was very raw as a rookie. Bounced back last year and got it done in limited opportunities. Failed a urine test, so he’s suspended for 4 games. Might have been an “Alonzo Harris” moment for him. Impressed as a gunner on ST.
S: Solid guys here, including Micah Hyde, who I listed as a CB.
Morgan Burnett: He’s got the skills, and he gets it done, but hasn’t really become elite.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix: Still ascending, good be special.
Chris Banjo: Undersized, but can play. Special teams ace.
ST: The big question here is the punter. The small question here is the battle between the long snappers.
Mason Crosby: Still solid, not to jinx him. Strong leg, not really money with the game on the line, but he gets it done in all sorts of weather.
Tim Masthay: Seems to be slumping. Should be challenged in TC.
Rick Lovato: Signed off the street when our regular LS went down, filled in well.
Brett Goode: Will be playing musical chairs with Lovato. Lost his job due to injury to a younger guy. There’s only room for one of them.
