The Packers new defensive coordinator is stepping into a tough situation. In the last seven seasons, the Packers have been ranked an average of 20th in total defense.
Training camp started July 27 and since then Thompson has added long snapper Brett Goode, linebacker Ahmad Brooks, linebacker Chris Odom and defensive tackle Quinton Dial. The reason that these additions are interesting is because it has gone against his modus operandi by bringing in veterans to take jobs from draft picks.
When the Green Bay Packers signed veteran defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois to a one-year deal on March 23, it appeared to be a solid but unflashy addition to bolster depth on the defensive line.
However, as the season inches closer, the possibility that Jean Francois will make considerable contributions in 2017 continues to grow.
The Packers boasted one of the league's top run defenses in the beginning of the 2016 NFL season, when they held their first four opponents to 50 or fewer yards gained on the ground. And now, as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott, the unit will need to once again return to dominant form if Green Bay is to have any hope of defeating the Cowboys to move onto the NFC Championship Game.
With the arrest and jailing of TE Andrew Quarless over the weekend in Miami there is a real chance that the Green Bay Packers could be minus three preferred starters for the opening of the 2015 campaign against the Bears.
The more intriguing aspect of Packers Training Camp 2015 might be the five possible roster spot battles described below. Each potential battle features at least one veteran player who could be facing the ax at the final roster cut-down.
Letroy Guion could face possible suspension from the NFL for his offseason legal trouble. The Green and Gold need a return to form from their former top ten pick.