While some may argue that safety is the most exciting positional battle during Packers training camp this offseason, I am not convinced. Micah Hyde will remain the safety/corner back hybrid that was discussed earlier in the offseason and HaHa Clinton-Dix will take over as the starter next to Morgan Burnett. It’s too soon to say that HaHa will be a Pro Bowl safety and will lead the Packers’ defense to an amazing season, but given his skill set and football knowledge, he will serve well alongside Burnett and Hyde will continue to be the solid defender that he has been.
Far more interesting in terms of positional battles are those taking place on offense. Specifically, the most interesting position that must be determined during this year’s training camp might be the wide receivers. There is some speculation that the Packers will opt for six wide receivers this season, and I think there is a good chance of this given the depth that they currently have at the position. It is pretty obvious that to start out there are at least two, probably three receivers whose positions are safe thus far.
Safe with Jobs: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin
Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are the two best receivers in Green Bay as it stands right now. Their jobs and positions at one and two are completely safe and that is not opinion, it’s a fact. Third is Jarrett Boykin, who is safe unless he shows up at training camp and tries to catch passes with his teeth. But I don’t see that happening, because he has demonstrated skill and noteworthy potential. There are seven other wide receivers on the roster as of now and the list consists of three 2014 draft picks, two whom spent some time last year on the injured reserve and two practice squad members from last year. That’s seven good receivers duking it out over two, possibly three spots. Given that the group has very solid depth, this could be an interesting training camp.
In the Hunt: Chris Harper, Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis and Myles White
These four players have a decent chance to bust into the starting lineup, but it will take a standout performance.
Chris Harper was drafted by the Seahawks last year only to be cut, picked up by San Francisco, cut again and picked up by Green Bay in October. He played some special teams but has not seen any significant field time on offense. He was a very solid receiver for Kansas State during his years there and demonstrated solid speed given his size. At 6’1 and almost 230lbs, he is a large, strong receiver who is built like a truck. His blocking is solid and his routes are crisp and quick. His downsides include a slight history for fumbles and dropped passes and what some critics consider subpar focus during games. At the same time, if the Packers can harness his strength and speed, he might be able to crack the starting roster.
Signed undrafted from Louisiana Tech, Myles White actually played a few games on the Packers’ active roster last year and caught 9 passes for 66 yards. In his seventh game he suffered a knee injury in December of last year. His speed is his greatest asset, running a 4.42. He is agile and can move with the ball but at 6’1 and 185lbs his size is somewhat of an issue. He can barely block, but his real ability is finding open field.
Davante Adams is the Packers’ 2014 2nd round pick from Fresno State. He’s not the fastest but his hands are good and he has good size. He’s also recognised as a good blocker who is intelligent, but his overall athleticism and what critics have called a lazy attitude make it hard to determine whether he will actually make a big impact on the Packers’ lineup.
The Packers’ fifth round draft pick from Wisconsin is a bit undersized but makes up for it with his great route running, quickness, toughness, and attitude. He was a walk-on in college and consistently improved, becoming popular with coaches and fellow players alike. He’s a natural athlete with great hands and decent speed, but tragically, his size is going to be an issue, because he has been known to get thrown off his routes by decent jams off the line in press coverage.
Long Shots: Jeff Janis, Kevin Dorsey, Alex Gillett
It’s unlikely that these three will end up on the final roster, but don’t count them out, a bad showing by any of the previously named seven paired up with a solid effort by one of these guys may end up with them starting a few games.
Jeff Janis was drafted from Saginaw Valley State in the 7th round and he is the only of my three “long shot” players that I could see getting a chance at the starting roster this year. He’s lightning fast and his hands are good but his major flaw is the fact that many people are discounting his skills and potential because he played in NCAA Division II. His routes need some improvement and he has yet to prove himself against really tough corners and safeties, but given his natural skills he is not to be counted out.
Drafted in the 7th round back in 2013 from Maryland, Kevin Dorsey has decent size and speed but spend all of 2013 on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury. His route running is in need of some work, but his natural skills are there, he is a longshot but is a solid receiver who could contribute, but I don’t see him making the active roster this year.
Alex Gillett played for Eastern Michigan in college as a quarterback and was signed undrafted last year as a wide receiver. Unfortunately his skills are subpar overall and he lacks the speed to be a starting wide receiver. It is very unlikely that he will end up on the active roster this year.
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