Green Bay Packers 2013 Report Card Grades: Offense

Jordy Nelson, Eddie Lacy and Josh Sitton led the way, all receiving "A" grades in our 2013 season-ending report card for the Packers offense.

We begin our 2013 report card grades with the Packers offense.

Please be understanding that this is an inexact science at best with players who haven't received major chunks of playing time.

The grading scale is as follows: A=Pro Bowl/All-Pro caliber, B=Solid NFL starter, C=Average NFL player, D=Below-average NFL player, F=Fringe NFL player.

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers (B+): Rodgers' 2013 season will always be remembered for his broken collarbone that forced him to miss most of eight games. But even in the games he did play, Rodgers seemed to play at a rung below the A-caliber level of play everyone has grown accustomed to seeing. For all his brilliance in directing the team to a fourth quarter, comeback win over the Bears to clinch the NFC North division title and a spot in the playoffs, it overshadowed a performance that included two interceptions an a fumble that helped to put the Packers in a hole to begin the game. His record-setting 480-yard, four-touchdown outing against the Redskins in Week 2 was near flawless. But his 17-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio is underwhelming considering it was 45-to-6 just two seasons ago.

Matt Flynn (C+): For all his flaws, Flynn simply helped keep the ship afloat, directing comeback wins against the Redskins and Cowboys and a tie against the Vikings, without which, the Packers wouldn't have qualified for the postseason. Sure, Flynn doesn't have the strongest arm, but his knowledge of the Packers offense, command of the huddle and gritty toughness allowed the team to rally around him and give forth their best effort (perhaps with the exception of Thanksgiving). Flynn might never be a starting quarterback in the NFL again, but there are worse options as a backup.

Scott Tolzien (D): For as much promise as Tolzien might have shown, his one touchdown and five interceptions are ultimately how his 2013 season will be judged. In essence, his inexperience showed. Signed at the beginning of the season, and just a member of the practice squad at that, Tolzien didn't start to get practice repetitions with the first-string offense until after Rodgers was injured. It was a matter of playing catch-up from there. But with his NFL-caliber arm strength and poise, Tolzien proved he's worth developing as a potential backup.

Seneca Wallace (Incomplete): Wallace's reign lasted one game and a few snaps of one other before being injured and landing on injured reserve. He showed command of the Packers offense, but also displayed an inability to push the ball down the field. Any touchdowns the Packers scored was in spite of him, not because of him. Considering the position the Packers were in at the end of August, Wallace wasn't a bad signing, but the inability to develop a capable backup was an obvious sore spot.

Running Back

Eddie Lacy (A): Lacy resuscitated a Green Bay ground game that's been dormant since the days when Ryan Grant was in his prime, and even then, he out-performed Grant. Not since Ahman Green have the Packers had such a threat at running back. He might not a speedster, but Lacy is more than just a bulldozer. If he can get through the first line of defense, he's nimble enough to break off plenty of runs for 10-plus yards. Lacy has already mastered the art of the spin move, gaining yards where others wouldn't. And whereas many backs would be tackled for a loss or a short gain, Lacy is frequently able to make something out of nothing and get gains of two, three and four yards. Any worries about his health were put to rest as Lacy valiantly fought through an ankle injury the final month of the season and his surgically-repaired toe was never an issue. He finished the season with a franchise rookie record 1,178 (4.1 ypc) and 11 touchdowns. Even though he wasn't a threat as a receiver, Lacy reliably caught 35 passes and competed as a pass blocker.

James Starks (B): Only the presence of Lacy might have prevented Starks from making more of an impact. On just 89 carries, Starks rushed for 493 yards (5.5 ypc) and three touchdowns. He complemented Lacy well, seemingly capable of breaking off more long runs. Starks missed three games early in the season due to a knee injury, but when he returned, it was as if nothing happened. Because he stayed largely healthy and was effective, he should generate interest on the free-agent market. Still a work-in-progress in pass protection.

John Kuhn (B): Kuhn's value was evident on the game-winning play against the Bears when he came across the formation to pick off Julius Peppers, allowing Rodgers to toss the game-winning touchdown. As usual, Kuhn was a great pass protector, but he had his best season in years, because the team started to rely less upon him as a runner, and Lacy made him look good as a blocker. Kuhn had his fewest carries since 2009 with only 10 regular season carries, but partly because of being used so sparingly, he averaged a career-best 3.8 yards per carry as a Packer. He's not a devastating lead blocker, but he is a willing one. Kuhn also has reliable hands as a check-down receiving target.

Johnathan Franklin (D+): The only game in which Franklin got a fair chance to display his ability was at Cincinnati when he rushed for over 100 yards on just 13 carries, showing just how much of a home-run threat he can be with one dash for 51 yards. Unfortunately for Franklin, two fumbles and hesitancy as a kickoff returner landed him in the doghouse. His season ended with concussion mid-year. He has plenty to work on, both as a pass protector and a receiver.

Khalil Bell (Incomplete): Played in five games strictly on special teams. Returned two kickoffs for an average of 20.0 yards. It's nice to know he could maybe be signed in an emergency once again if injuries strike, but it's hard to see him back in a Packers uniform next season with DuJuan Harris coming back.

Wide Receivers

Jordy Nelson (A): Nelson finished the season with a team-leading 85 catches for 1,314 yards (15.5 ypr) and eight touchdowns. Proving his deep-threat status, he led the NFL with 19 catches of 25-plus yards. But Nelson is so much more than just a deep threat. He's an ultra-reliable receiver that makes those sideline tip-toe, back-shoulder catches look routine. Even with Rodgers knocked out by injury, Nelson was still able to perform at a high level, although his touchdown production went down. He was the go-to target for both Rodgers and Flynn.

James Jones (C+): Jones was never the same after suffering a knee injury early in the season that forced him to miss two games, although he was still able to catch 59 passes for 817 yards (13.8 ypr). It was disappointing that Jones' touchdown receptions tailed off from an NFL-leading 14 in 2012 to just three in 2013. He was to see Jones arguably drop three passes in the team's playoff wildcard loss to the 49ers. Always a leader on and off the field.

Randall Cobb (B+): At the time of his broken leg, Cobb was leading the team in receiving with 29 catches for just under 400 yards. But even though he missed nine games, Cobb was still able to grab 31 passes for 433 yards and four touchdowns. He alertly flashed by Chicago's safety to catch the game-winning and division-clinching bomb from Rodgers. When healthy, his versatility is nearly unparalleled as a slot receiver, return specialist, occasional running back and emergency quarterback.

Jarrett Boykin (B-): Boykin emerged as a reliable target for the Packers in 2013, catching 49 passes for 681 yards (13.9 ypr) and three touchdowns even after going the first four games of the season without a single reception. He twice had games with over 100 yards. Boykin's strengths are route-running and his strength after the catch. He's not a deep threat but has a knack for getting upfield, and a lot of it has to do with his strength and determination.

Myles White (D): White caught nine passes for 66 yards, most of them at mid-season when both Cobb and Jones were out injured. He didn't do anything special in his time with the Packers but showed enough promise to continue to develop. He ended the season injured reserve with a knee cartilage issue.

Chris Harper (Incomplete): In the four games he was active since being picked up on waivers, Harper's contributions were limited to special teams and all of two snaps on offense. It was disappointing that he couldn't carve out even a small role with so many injuries at the receiver position, but he was behind the eight-ball from the start coming into a new system. His raw talent is worth the time investment in developing him.

Tight Ends

Jermichael Finley (B+): Prior to his season (and potentially career) being ended by a spinal injury, Finley caught 25 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns, making much of the same impact he had most of the past couple seasons. He was a legitimate threat as a receiver, but never quite among the top tier of tight ends like Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez and continued to be subpar as a blocker. His future with the Packers is in doubt both because of injury and because he'll be a free agent.

Andrew Quarless (C-): Coming back from from a serious knee injury in which he damaged multiple ligaments was remarkable in itself, and Quarless appeared to get stronger and better as the season went on. In wins against Atlanta and Dallas, he had identical stat lines: six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. Although, it wasn't for a lack of trying, Quarless was never the same blocker he was before injury and now enters unrestricted free agency.

Brandon Bostick (D+): After spending an entire season on the practice squad in 2012 and not catching a single pass the first eight games of the 2013 season, Bostick finally started to emerge late, catching seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown before landing on injured reserve with a foot injury. He's fluid as a receiver but overmatched as a blocker.

Ryan Taylor (D-): His primary contributions came on special teams, but Taylor did add six catches for 30 yards on offense. He's a willing blocker but doesn't overwhelm anyone. Taylor isn't above replacement value.

Jake Stoneburner (Incomplete): Stoneburner was promoted from the practice squad at mid-season after the injury to Finley but did little of note. He played only 10 snaps on offense all year, not grabbing so much as a catch, while his contributions on special teams consist of being flagged for three penalties and making just one tackle. His playing time was cut at the end of the season.

Offensive Line

David Bakhtiarai (C+): Compared to other rookies, Bakhtiari deserves an 'A,' but compared to tackles league-wide Bakhtiari was merely average. He allowed eight sacks and 27 quarterback hurries, according to ProFootballFocus.com. Although his pass blocking was better than his run blocking, there's plenty to be enthused about. Bakhtiari shows very good feet and was consistently able to position himself in front of defenders, while also displaying the competitive spirit to finish. Now he just has to get strong enough to anchor and get push in the run game.

Josh Sitton (A): After a season-opening performance in which Sitton was penalized three times, things only got better for the Packers veteran guard. Sitton went on to have a Pro Bowl-caliber season, even if he wasn't voted as such, which was all the more impressive considering he switched from right to left guard in the offseason. He was equally effective in both the pass and the run game and was undoubtedly the team's best offensive lineman. Allowed one sack and seven quarterback hurries, per ProFootballFocus.com.

Evan Dietrich-Smith (B): While he maybe wasn't as good as Scott Wells in his prime, Dietrich-Smith was an obvious upgrade over the Jeff Saturday experiment of 2012. He was above-average in nearly every facet of the game, and above all, the Packers offense operated without a hitch with Dietrich-Smith manning the pivot position. Among the more impressive developments was how effective he was pulling after barely doing so the first few seasons of his career. Allowed five sacks and eight quarterback hurries, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

T.J. Lang (B): Like Sitton, Lang made an impressive transition to a new position, switching from the left to the right side. He's not quite in the same category as Sitton, but he's not far behind. Early in his career, the Packers experimented with Lang at tackle but he appears to hit his stride inside. With a little more consistency, he could be among the top guards in the NFL. Allowed three sacks and 16 quarterback hurries, per ProFootballFocus.com.

Don Barclay (D): Barclay gets by because he's a battler, but depending on him as a game-in, game-out starter is a risky proposition. He struggles with speed rushers and defenders that have multiple pass-rush moves.  He allowed eight sacks and 22 quarterback hurries, according to ProFootballFocus.com, regularly keeping Rodgers and Flynn under fire. His run blocking was one more reason Lacy was able to have such a successful season, however. He might be a better guard than tackle.

Marshall Newhouse (F): In just over 200 snaps, Newhouse allowed two sacks, 12 hurries and was penalized two times, per ProFootballFocus.com. He wasn't a great run blocker by any means, but he did surprisingly well in that aspect of the game, considering he was never a good run blocker on the left side the previous two seasons. That was just about his lone saving grace, because Newhouse was beyond lost in pass protection.

Derek Sherrod (Incomplete): Sherrod got in the game for six snaps in the Thanksgiving loss to Detroit, but that was the only time he played on offense all season. Otherwise, he regularly played on the field goal and extra point protection units. Just coming back from his broken leg in 2011 was an accomplishment but it remains tot be seen whether he gets back to where he was prior to injury.

Lane Taylor (Incomplete): Taylor played 14 total offensive snaps in 2013 and several more on special teams. Based on his preseason play, Taylor appeared to be a lineman whose calling card was based on strength and girth, but his sample size was too small to draw any conclusions in the regular season.

Greg Van Roten (Incomplete): Van Roten played strictly on special teams before his season was ended with a foot injury. He'll join the fray at center if Evan Dietrich-Smith leaves via free agency.

J.C. Tretter (Incomplete): Tretter was on the team's 53-man roster for the final four games after beginning the season on the PUP list following a broken ankle suffered during the offseason, but was never active for a single game. Like Van Roten, he's likely to be in the running for a job at center next year.

Defense coming tomorrow.

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Comments (44)

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Evan's picture

January 07, 2014 at 03:38 pm

"James Jones (C+)"

It came out today that he played the last couple of weeks with 2 broken ribs.

The grade is probably fair, but just wanted to make sure everyone knew that.

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TommyG's picture

January 07, 2014 at 03:39 pm

Not a bad rundown, not bad at all. The only comment I have add is: man, look at how many of those descriptions include "until he got injured"!!!

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RC Packer Fan's picture

January 07, 2014 at 03:56 pm

I agree with most of the grades. I would have probably went a little higher like a 1/2 grade higher on some, maybe a 1/2 less on others, but all right around what I was thinking.

Nice Job Brian.

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chicago hooligan's picture

January 07, 2014 at 05:26 pm

Shouldn't F be "Fire Ted Thompson" ?

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Stroh's picture

January 07, 2014 at 10:08 pm

Hell NO!

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fish and crane's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:58 pm

Classic Chicago hooliganism.
Hey...find some comfort in Jay Cutler for the next half decade.

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Hank Scorpio's picture

January 07, 2014 at 05:49 pm

I agree that Barclay needs to move inside or to the bench. Fortunately, Bulaga should come back. I think they'll try to get Bakhtiarai stronger and leave him at LT. Bulaga will be RT. Hopefully that will solidify the edge of the o-line, which has been shaky since Clifton and Tauscher went away.

Moving Barclay inside gives them an even better hedge vs EDS leaving in FA. They can put him at RG and move Lang to C.

As a group, the o-line sure picked things up in the run game. And got a touch better in pass protection. I think they have the guys available to build on that even more in 2014. If they can give Lacy more room and Rodgers more time, the sky is the limit for this offense.

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4thand1's picture

January 07, 2014 at 07:16 pm

The run game picked up because the drafted a very good running back. Like the passing game is really good because of Rodgers. Also Starks is healthy averaging 5.5 YPC.

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Stroh's picture

January 07, 2014 at 10:05 pm

Barclay needs to move inside to OG AND to the bench. Hope we don't have too see him at all next year! Hope Sherrod takes the LT job from Bahktiari and he goes to the bench too. Start Bulaga and Sherrod at OT. That would be ideal IMO.

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Hank Scorpio's picture

January 08, 2014 at 06:29 am

Yeah, I'd love to see Sherrod shake off the injury and be the guy the Packers hoped when they drafted him. That would certainly be ideal. But I'm skeptical until I see it.

Either way, with Tretter, Sherrod and Bulaga coming back full speed from injury (hopefully), they'll have 6 or 7 guys with starting experience (depending on EDS re-signing), a promising youngster and a former 1st rounder trying to shake a devastating injury fighting it out for the 5 starting spots. Competition like that can only help to improve the performance on the field.

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larry valdes's picture

January 07, 2014 at 08:34 pm

Backtiarai sitton smith lang bulaga.stares barclay sherrod taylor van roten and jc tretter that will be a good of line.

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MarkinMadison's picture

January 07, 2014 at 09:03 pm

The cupboard looks really bare at TE for next season. Otherwise, this offense looks like it has enough talent to pick from at the other positions. It will be interesting to see if JJ draws any interest in FA. I think the Packers will be fine without him.

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Stroh's picture

January 07, 2014 at 09:59 pm

I've been very pleased w/ Quarless. I doubt the Packers even make TE a draft priority. He seems ready to take over for Finley. Also like Bostick, even if he's not quite ready for full time duty, I do think he'll get more opportunities on Offense. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if they sit tight at TE this year and see how Quarless does w/ a full year as a starter.

Jones is good as gone IMO. Boykin showed he could be just as productive. Let Jones walk unless he signs a real low offer. Draft a WR in the 3rd or so to develop.

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Barutan Seijin's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:33 am

Quarless' contract is up. They have to decide to pay him or let him go.

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Stroh's picture

January 09, 2014 at 06:53 pm

Not like it'll cost anything to sign him. Minimal experience on the field and not big play machine. 2M more than enough to sign him.

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chicago hooligan's picture

January 07, 2014 at 10:52 pm

How about a 1 year deal for Dallas Clark? Not an exciting move, but Clark may want to leave Baltimore if Pitta signs a big contract.

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ArodMoney's picture

January 07, 2014 at 11:33 pm

Have you watched him play lately? Not much left in the tank even though he made a few plays against the Packers.

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Seth's picture

January 09, 2014 at 04:30 pm

Dallas Clark is old, terrible and creates zero separation now. Please no.

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Mojo's picture

January 07, 2014 at 11:53 pm

Good job grading. If I had to pick the player with the best season it would be Jordy. Good size, long strider, who made some of the most unbelievable catches look routine. The preseason surgery allowed him to go the full season and show everyone what he's about.

I'm glad Evan pointed out JJ had two broken ribs the last few games but still gutted it out. Could explain the drops against SF. Plus a bad knee. Never whined about it either. In fact, I can't remember him ever whining since he's been here. A real pro who I'll miss if he's not resigned.

Glad Starks showed what he could do when healthy. Surprised he didn't get more touches, but maybe he made too many mistakes in alignments for the coaches to trust him. Would love to see a Lacy, Harris, Franklin and Starks quartet next year, but seems very unlikely. You're going to get injuries at the RB position and those four would give them a great balance of power, speed and cutting ability even if a couple of them go down during the season.

I think the Pack are looking at Tretter as EDS's replacement. They don't seem that anxious to resign EDS. Think they like Tretter's potential athleticism inside. He's too small to play tackle, but nice size for a center.

Definitely need to do something at TE. I don't see Finley resigned by GB. They're just too risk adverse to his type of injury. Especially if JMike is asking for big dollars. They need to find someone to strike fear into opponents as a receiver, and I don't think that person is on the roster right now.

If JJ leaves they might look at picking up a receiver. But given even adequate health and a little tweaking here and there, I see no reason why this can't be a top five offense next year. It's the D and ST's that need the most talent upgrades.

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THEMichaelRose's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:02 am

Agree that they'll do something at TE. They are risk-averse, like a lot of teams. I think it'll be a draft pick, a relatively early one actually.

But disagree about the C spot. There's no way the team is planning for Tretter to take a starting spot after putting nothing on film this year. I think EDS gets re-signed at a decent price.

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The TKstinator's picture

January 08, 2014 at 06:40 am

Very curious to see what kind of $ JJ is offered as a FA. All it takes is one team...
Also, I have a very hard time believing Finley will ever play again, at least for GB. Can't expect a rookie TE to make much of an impact his first year. Too much to learn.
I'd rather see the early choices go for defense, AKA "the land of opportunity".

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RC Packer Fan's picture

January 08, 2014 at 07:08 am

There is 1 team I really don't want to see Jones go to if he leaves. Detroit.
They honestly could use a guy like Jones next to Johnson. I hope they don't go after him.

IMO, Finley's career is done. From what I have heard his injury is similar to Nick Collins. I don't expect to see him playing anymore.

Rookie TE's can make an impact. I wouldn't shy away from the position if the right guy is there. If Ebron is there, I would really consider him especially if he is the best player available.

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Idiot Fan's picture

January 08, 2014 at 10:11 am

Of course it all depends on the asking price, but I would like to see JJ back. Our top 3 next year would be Jordy, Cobb, and Boykin I would think, but you could do a lot worse as a 4th receiver than a healthy JJ. Also, veteran presence would be good. I'm sure they will draft at least one receiver too.

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Evan's picture

January 08, 2014 at 10:24 am

I just said this somewhere below, but, yeah, I'd like to see JJ back...but with Jordy and Cobb entering their final years, it would have to be on very reasonable terms. Jordy and Cobb are much higher priorities.

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Derek in CO's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:55 pm

There are a lot of really good receivers in this draft. A smaller speedy deep threat guy who can return would be nice. No more Cobb on returns, please

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RC Packer Fan's picture

January 09, 2014 at 08:49 pm

Yeah, honestly, I would love to see a WR/return specialist. Honestly I would like to see the Packers get a couple of WR's in this draft. A smaller faster/quicker guy for returns. And maybe a bigger more physical type of WR.

Remember that both Cobb and Nelson are scheduled to be free agents after this coming season. I would expect both to cost a lot and they might not be able to keep both.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 08, 2014 at 07:53 am

Generally agree with the grades. Bakhtiari's grade is too high: should be a C- or D+. His grade is probably tainted by his potential rather than what he actually did on the field. He certainly wasn't much run blocking even with an All-Pro next to him and his stats on pass blocking are worse than Barclay's. I think Bakh is a better pass blocker than Barclay as he rarely whiffed and had some really quality opponents.

Kuhn is too high as well. Can catch but no yards after catch and is not even good on the FB dive. Not a good lead blocker. Positive are receiving and his outstanding is blitz pick-up, which is important for GB. Franklin is too low as a back-up RB.

Rest I agree with if grading is based on the depth chart. James Jones is a C+ if as a #3 receiver; Flynn is a C+ if as a back-up QB. Starks is a B+ if graded as a back up but close if as a starter.

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Brian Carriveau's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:07 am

When comparing Bakhtiari to Barclay, note that Bakh played about 150 more snaps than Barclay, about the equivalent of two more games.

And as for Kuhn, assessing his play with the ball in his hands is such a small part of his game. And he is a good lead blocker, just not a devastating one. He gets his man.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 09, 2014 at 04:36 am

Mea culpa - you are right, sir: I shouldn't have compared Bakhtiari's stats to Barclay. 150 more snaps is roughly two full games. I think of Barclay as a back-up guard who was forced to be the back-up tackle and then forced to start at ROT.

But I respectfully disagree on Bakhtiari's rating. A C+ is between an average NFL player (C) and a solid NFL STARTER (B). There is no way Bakhtiari's actual play was anything other than that of a considerably below average LOT starter. I would put him as the 23rd to 26th best LOT out of 32. I think PFF has him ranked lower, but PFF has its own metrics. That's very commendable for a rookie LOT. He battled and has good feet. If he gains strength he has a good chance to be a solid starter in the future. Brian, I didn't mean to argue with you, just to write my mea culpa, so let me just end this by stating that Bakhtiari is a bright spot for GB who might well become a real gem.

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chris k's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:31 am

Wow, Bakhtiar gave up 8 sacks. I feel like that Rookie was thrown into the fray and performed more than Admirably. Does anyone know what the other rookie tackles gave up sack wise? thek guy in Philadelphia and then the guy in Kansas City and Buffalo...

I definitely feel that after Lacey Bakhtiari was our rookie mvp. Not to mention Micah Hyde is going to continue to learn how to mask any deficiencies(speed) he has as an corner. I saw a little bit of Casey Hayward instincts in him, going to be a good one.

I think we need to hang on to Andrew Quarless cause I feel he's really blossoming right now

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chris k's picture

January 08, 2014 at 08:36 am

oh, one more thing I forgot... I definitely do not want a second year player, technically a rookie at center in this offense..

I also feel that if Barclay has a year or two at guard where he can settle down like TJ Lang had a chance to do, I think Barclay can be a very good player. his speed will not be an issue inside at either guard position.. I think this team has three extremely good guards and one that may be an up-and-comer in lane Taylor.

Paco is a completely different question we have David bakhtyari and we have Bryan Bulaga but who knows how to Derek Sherrod returns from injury. if he comes back healthy and half the player that we thought he could be we will be more than set at Tackle!

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MarkinMadison's picture

January 08, 2014 at 10:03 am

I think Bakh is the left tackle of the future. Like Brian said, give him an off-season in the weight room. The fact that he performed through a full season as well as he did is amazing to me. If a rookie getting pushed around by Smith & Smith is a crime, then just chuck all of them in the trash bin.

I don't think JMike will be back, and I don't know that Quarless will be back. Take those two out of the picture and you got no proven commodities. Given that the Packers were ready to hand JMike big $, if they do not think Quarless is the guy then maybe they should go shopping. Yes, I know about TT, but TEs and Ss don't usually get block-buster deals.

I don't see any point in paying JJ big $. He is not likely to get it on the open market, and I think he knows it. #12 sold out for him three years ago, but this is a position of depth and it may be worth just drafting a guy in order to make the $ work. TT likes to draft WR in the 2nd every few years. If there is enough depth at WR then maybe he can even slide the issue to the 3rd round.

Given the way things turned out after Wells left, I'd be surprised if they let EDS walk away. He may not have the physical tools to be an All-Pro, but since when have centers ever been the best physical talents?

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Idiot Fan's picture

January 08, 2014 at 10:18 am

Agreed pretty much across the board. I think the tackle competition will be one of the most interesting competitions we've ever had in training camp. I'm very curious to see who ends up the odd tackles out.

And you're right, that TE cupboard is very bare. It will be interesting to see if TT goes to the FA well to help fill it. I can't imagine he would draft more than one given some of the defensive needs we have.

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Evan's picture

January 08, 2014 at 10:22 am

I'd like to see JJ back, but with Jordy and Cobb both entering their final years, that money is needed to re-sign them.

As for TE, I can see Quarless coming back for a reasonable deal. And I still believe that IF Finley plays, it'll be in Green Bay on a cheap, 1-year deal.

I also think EDS will be back - he's not going to command a blockbuster deal. As was said on Railbird Central this morning, PFF rated EDS as the 8th best center this season and was trending upward as the season wore on. With him and Lang/Sitton that's a very solid interior OL.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 09, 2014 at 03:52 am

If EDS is the 8th best Center and was trending upwards, why won't he command a large contract?

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Evan's picture

January 09, 2014 at 07:23 am

Lack of experience/track record.

I don't see a huge deal based off one good year.

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The TKstinator's picture

January 08, 2014 at 07:51 pm

Imagine you are Bakh. Why WOULDN't you go hog wild in the weight room this offseason? If the missing ingredient in his game is strength, he can build that. If an OT has "bad feet", well, good luck "acquiring" those! I would LOVE to hear next summer "Man, that Bakhtiari has really packed on the muscle." Also, consider his motivation: LT's are the highest paid linemen, and he's already got his foot in the door. When his rookie deal,is up, he could really cash in.

On the other hand, I want 12 and 27 to have the best possible blocking and I really don't care who provides it. If Bulaga and or Sherrod dominate at OT, that's fine with me. Kind of exciting that there is even compettition going on, rather than just throwing the five "least injured" guys out there and calling it an O-line!

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Idiot Fan's picture

January 08, 2014 at 10:20 am

Does anybody remember any kind of timeline regarding Finley's injury and when we might have a medical clearance/non-clearance?

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4thand1's picture

January 08, 2014 at 02:41 pm

The rumors are his career is more than likely over. If he can't get insured, he's done.

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Derek in CO's picture

January 08, 2014 at 09:00 pm

Our docs won't clear Finley. They'll cut him, just like they did Nick Collins

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The TKstinator's picture

January 08, 2014 at 09:42 pm

That would be my expectation too.

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Idiot Fan's picture

January 09, 2014 at 09:40 am

I think you're right, I'm just wondering at what point we'll hear whether it's yes or no.

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Evan's picture

January 09, 2014 at 09:45 am

That's a good question. He seems to be training hard and appears to have full range of motion/balance/etc...

I assume he still has to be medically cleared by someone?

I still say that IF he plays, it'll be in Green Bay.

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Lucky953's picture

January 09, 2014 at 09:09 am

If Finley and Jones are gone, I am concerned about WR depth. Cobb is one of the best in the slot, Nelson is top quality, and maybe Boykin will develop into a reliable target, I.e. getting open,YAC. TE is a big part of this offense, giving defenses huge matchup problems. I see a real need for a large target, especially important in their red zone efficiency.

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