I am making the bold prediction that by the
time all is said and done in training camp and by the end of the preseason
games, the Green Bay Packers will keep 6 cornerbacks and 4 safeties.
Cornerbacks: the Green Bay Packers will keep 6
players on the roster this year.
Obviously there are 3 Green Bay Packers corners
with NFL playing experience. They are Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, and Micah Hyde. Therefore, without a doubt these players are
effectively guaranteed roster spots.
#37 Sam Shields |
Sam Shields has proven beyond a shadow of a
doubt that he can get the job done on the corner. His production has been steady and he is a
reliable tackler. He defends the pass
very well on the boundary. He will earn
Pro-Bowl honors this year.
#29 Casey Hayward |
Casey Hayward is starting material and will
prove so during the preseason. He had 6
picks and a fumble recovery during his rookie season. Last year he was tied with Tramon Williams
with most INT’s on the team with 3, but played fewer snaps than Williams. He is the real deal when healthy.
#33 Micah Hyde |
Micah Hyde is Mr. Versatile. He is best suited in the slot, but can play
corner and safety too. In addition, he
has returned punts for the Packers. I’d
hate to see the Packers lose this guy due to injury. He’s been relatively healthy so far.
#23 Damarious Randall |
First and second round picks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins are also guaranteed roster spots. I’m predicting Damarious Randall will back up
Casey Hayward and Quinten Rollins will back up Micah Hyde in the slot to begin
the season. Both rookies will see their
playing time increase as the season wears on into December.
#24 Quinten Rollins |
Even though the Packers typically keep only five
cornerbacks, I believe the team will keep six CB’s this year. That lucky player will be #36 Ladarius Gunter. Gunter will prove his worth during the
preseason. He will show Packer Nation
that he can defend the pass and tackle the ball carrier coming around the
end. He will also demonstrate excellent special
team skills, which wins him the roster spot.
#36 Ladarius Gunter |
Safeties: The Green Bay Packers will keep 4
players on the roster this year.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett have
entrenched themselves as the starting safeties in Dom Capers' defense,
guaranteeing roster spots for each. Both
are excellent safeties and Pro-Bowl caliber players. I’m predicting that Ha-Ha has a big year and
earns Pro-Bowl honors. Morgan’s
production will not be far behind.
#42 Morgan Burnett and #21 Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix |
The Packers resigned Sean Richardson, meaning
he'll also make the cut. He is a good
special team player and has proven in the past that he can get the job done at
safety when called upon by Capers.
#28 Sean Richardson |
Even though Hyde or Damarious Randall could
play the position, the Packers will keep 4 true safeties in case of
injury. Chris Banjo's excellent play on
special teams should be enough to keep him in Green Bay.
#32 Chris Banjo |
That concludes the team breakdown. First training camp practice is July 30th. Players report to the facility on July
29. #GoPackGo