My One and Only 53-man Packers Roster Prediction

It's an annual ritual after the Packers final preseason game - predicting the 53 players Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy will bring into the first real football game of the season. While it's hardly rocket science, it would seemingly be a little easier this year with Datone Jones and Letroy Guion not counting against the 53 man roster. Having just written that, you can pretty much be sure this will be my worst prediction ever. In any case, on to the roster:

 

3 QB - Rodgers, Tolzein, Hundley 

5 RB - Lacy, Starks, Neal, Kuhn, Ripkowski

3 TE - Rodgers, Quarless, Backman

5 WR - Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis,  White (sorry Abby)

8 OL - Linsley, Sitton, Lang, Bakhtiari, Bulaga, Tretter, Taylor, Barclay

6 DL - Daniels, Raji, Pennel, Boyd, Gaston, Ringo

9 LB - Matthews, Peppers, Neal, Perry, Elliott, Barrington, Palmer, Ryan, Mulumba

11 DB - Shields, Hayward, Hyde, Burnett, Clintion-Dix, Randall, Rollins, Gunter, Goodson, Richardson, Banjo

3 SP - Crosby, Mathsay, Goode

 

PRACTICE SQUAD:

Bradford, Perillo, Vaughters,  Rotherham, Vujnovich, Walker, Harris, Pinkard, Abbrederis, Glover-Wright, 

Toughest decision for me was the 5th wide receiver spot. Miles White has had a good camp. Abbrederis has only the last preseason game to go on. If I know I can get Abbrederis on the PS, I keep White for 2015. If I think I'll lose him, I keep Abbrederis.. His upside, size, & special teams play place him above White as far as what you want on your team for the next few years. Plus Our QB loves him. I finally decided to go with White for one year, figuring Abby's lack of tape and potential concussion issues would keep other teams away. I started a twitter debate on this subject and a bunch of people weighed in with very good arguments for both players. Tough call...

Originally had Thornton on the practice squad, but after thinking about it, I really don't want to see him in a Packers uniform again. Had to also say goodbye to Carl Bradford, another bust from the same draft as Thornton. However, I decided to keep him on the PS as an emergency fill-in in case of a serious injury. He may still have some redeeming value. Thornton, I'm pretty sure does not.

Biggest concern on this roster is lack of a true backup offensive tackle. Barclay would be the primary backup with Tretter being used in dire circumstances. Only other option would have been to keep Vujnovich, but Tretter has to stay as the only backup at center and I don't see them cutting Barclay in favor of Vujnovich. I would not be surprised to see Ted scour the waiver wires for a veteran OT, at which point Barclay would then become expendable.

What happens when Datone Jones and Letroy Guion come off of suspension is the real question. Most likely, Ringo would be cut and hopefully signed to the Practice Squad. After that, they could try the same move with Gaston, but he's shown enough to likely be picked up by another team. Perhaps Chris Banjo's time with the Packers will finally come to an end when Guion returns.

So there it is. We'll be tracking the #Packers roster cuts as they happen, so be sure to keep checking CheeseheadTV for the latest in Packers news.

 

 

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__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

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Comments (81)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
aaronqb's picture

September 04, 2015 at 01:35 pm

The only difference I have is Walker (OL) makes it and Banjo gets cut.

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Djschuett's picture

September 04, 2015 at 01:39 pm

I think I pretty much agree with everything except I have them keeping Abby and Miles and cutting Goodson.

Barclay is offensive tackle not defensive. I would have to think about keeping Walker to fill in as backup OT but not sure who to cut, maybe Taylor?

I think Ringo and Goodson get cut if they're on the roster when Jones and Guion come back

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JerseyAl's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:23 pm

damn typo - I did mean offensive tackle...

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mbrand1969's picture

September 04, 2015 at 01:53 pm

abby will not clear waivers the panthers are looking right now for any wr of abby's caliber to sign

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sub_zero_pr's picture

September 04, 2015 at 01:58 pm

If you cut Abby, who do you have for Punt Returns? Ty has a hammy issue, Cobb has the shoulder but even if healthy is too risky to keep him there. Hyde also became someone important to put him returning punts. White might have a better camp but he will not see the field with Cobb, Adams, Ty and Janis as your 4 WR.

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Oppy's picture

September 04, 2015 at 07:46 pm

I think this attitude that a player is too valuable to play STs is an antiquated concept that comes from the idea that Special Teams play isn't valuable and it's there for 'the scrubs' to cut their teeth on.

If you have a player who has the talent to potentially swing the starting field position +10-20 yards per offensive series, much less take one to the house, I don't think it is risking something for nothing.

Any player can be injured on any play in the NFL. You play your players where they can make the most impact, IMO. Hyde is a decent to good DB, but he's an EXCELLENT punt return man.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 08:50 am

Hyde averaged 15.8 yrds/return. That is phenomenal. Hyde is too much of a weapon as a PR not to put him there when he is healthy. OTOH, Hyde is essentially a starter, plus he is the primary back up at FS and SS if Banjo doesn't make the 53, since IMO Richardson can't play either. Montgomery is going to be close to a starter at WR and he will do KRs and play some (?) out of the backfield. I think there is a place for Abby on this team. I'd put Abby at PR early until Hyde is healthy. As for Cobb he is the lynch pin on the receiving corps and Hyde is probably better than Cobb, so I wouldn't expose Cobb at PR at all. My verdict is that unless Abby has great results early, I'd put a weapon (Hyde) at PR.

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packerfan9507's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:00 pm

I'm personally most interested in outcome of the Harris / Crockett battle. Whoever wins, they're likely on the Practice Squad but both have shown some impressive ability.

While a lot of Packers fans seem enamored with the WR position, I'm more taken with the idea of working the RBs into the short pass game to help resolve short yardage and redzone issues and bring another element to this offense.

I would absolutely love the return of the Big Bone and some 2TE/2RB looks.

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tobinrote's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:30 pm

2 TE looks when none of our TEs are much more than just guys? Whoever thought you would desperately miss Jermichael?

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Gianich's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:07 pm

Datone Jones out and Gaston in??? Id be very surprised.

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lebowski's picture

September 04, 2015 at 03:57 pm

I'm sure he left off Jones and Guion due to suspensions.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:25 pm

correct

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:34 pm

Hey Al if Perry don't hold up bye game 3 when Guion comes back you think they cut perry ?

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JerseyAl's picture

September 05, 2015 at 07:16 am

That's a great question and one I hadn't considered. That's certainly a position where they have enough options to consider it.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 08:53 am

That was a great question. Perry is one possibility (I like Perry tho), but other possibilities come to mind. Neal and Boyd spring to mind.

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SpudRapids's picture

September 04, 2015 at 04:19 pm

Keep in mind both Jones and Guion are suspended and won't count against the roster until they come off suspension. I think when they come back Gaston is out.

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tobinrote's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:28 pm

walker will get picked up and we should keep him. i am no fan of datone jones who looks like bust to me; prefer gaston, in any event would not risk losing gaston. i have a soft spot for banjo; he plays his heart out, but .... White clearly played his way to number 5. Notice they obviously think he has more to offer than Boykin.

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EddieLee's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:40 pm

I think this might be the year Kuhn is a roster casualty. Ripkowski has earned that roster spot. Kuhn will be available during the season if needed. That allows Ted to keep Abbrederis and White.

I think Starks makes this team BUT I would not be surprised if he is the surprise release of the year. Neal is on the roster. Harris and Crockett all have a legit shot at knocking Starks off the roster. Younger, faster, cheaper.

I don't think Banjo sticks either. Ted knows what Banjo will never be. Ted will go with Clinton-Dix, Burnett, and Richardson with Hyde as an emergency S. Walker takes Banjo's roster spot as Ted just isn't comfortable with the health of his line right now. Banjo gets claimed by the Giants.

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4thand1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:44 pm

No way you put Richardson ahead of Hyde. MM loves hyde and wants him on the field as much as possible.

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aaronqb's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:48 pm

I think the Packers should cut Kuhn, but I don't think they will. I agree that roster spot could be better elsewhere (Abbrederis). Ripkowski can handle FB duties and is a good special teamer.

Ted seems to have a soft spot for Kuhn like he did for Driver at the end of his career.

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tobinrote's picture

September 04, 2015 at 02:56 pm

given how weak our first two tight ends are, not good blockers, i can see an argument for keeping both Kuhn and Ripkowski, adjusting formations so that they take a spot a TE might otherwise line up at. the only reason i might want to see Kuhn go is to prevent us from ever again running the Kuhn play into the middle of the line on 4th and 1.

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:38 pm

No way Abbrederis should get a roster spot instead of Kuhn or Rip. Kuhn kniws the Offense too much and is too versatile to release and Rip is too valuable on ST and doesn't know the O well enough to replace Kuhn.

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Icebowler's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:28 pm

There is a reason Kuhn was selected ALL-PRO last year. He is the best blitz pick-up back in the league. It's Rodgers, not Ted, who has a "soft spot" for Kuhn. Maybe in a year he will trust Rip but he's not trusting "any" rookie to protect him on third and long.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 04, 2015 at 03:06 pm

That's a nice roster. I'd cut Boyd when Guion comes back, maybe when Datone comes back. Surprised you put Goodson on the 53. I barely can get him on the PS. Walker to PS depends for me on one's evaluation of Barclay at RT. I keep Banjo because Richardson can't play FS or SS and I don't want to have to move Hyde there. I am guessing that you assume that another team puts Blanchard on their 53. I could add more, but it would be repetitive.

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 04, 2015 at 09:19 pm

" I'd cut Boyd when Guion comes back."

I've been saying that since OTA's. I think the Packers will go w/ 5 DL on the roster into wk 1. Want to see more of Ringo before I'm willing to put him on the roster, He hasn't done anything I noticed to get a roster spot. Good guy for the PS to develop for a year. Gaston on the other hand should get and keep a roster spot.

Boyd is nothing but a run stuffer who offers nothing in pass rush. Keep 5 on the roster, Datone after wk 1 makes 6, and when Guion is off suspension, release Boyd.

Should be: Raji, Daniels, Pennel, Gaston, Boyd wk 1, add Datone in wk 2, and after wk 3 release Boyd. Raji, Daniels, Guion start, w/ Pennel, Datone and Gaston going forward.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:07 am

Interesting. Mind, Boyd has 3 weeks to show improvement. I haven't seen it, but I like that he is under contract for this and next season, with Raji, Guion and Daniels in contract years. Still, maybe Gaston and/or Ringo develops, along with Pennel. Not sure Pennel is a DE. I view Guion as made for 3 and 5 technique.

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sonomaca's picture

September 04, 2015 at 03:09 pm

Someone probably placed on IR designated to return. Goodson. Abby.

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aj's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:01 pm

There's absolutely no way the Packers waste that designation on one of those players.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 04, 2015 at 07:25 pm

Agree

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Icebowler's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:42 pm

You do realize that they can save that designation for any point in the season, don't you?

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

September 04, 2015 at 03:19 pm

I don't think Goodson is a good player. Plus, he's like a 35 yr old 2nd year player. Why every mock 53 has the Pack keeping this clown is beyond me.
I feel the same way about Miles White. When the pressure gets cranked up, he's the last player I want to see on the field.

With those negative comments out of the way, this roster is something special. Should be a heck of a year.

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 04, 2015 at 04:22 pm

I agree! He should get a life at that age

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Icebowler's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:46 pm

You, Imma, should get a life at your age.

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 04, 2015 at 04:23 pm

I agree! He should get a life at that age

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Icebowler's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:50 pm

I rest my case, Fubtard.

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Tundraboy's picture

September 04, 2015 at 03:32 pm

Works for me except Kuhn and Banjo. This year will be impossible to hide the players we risk losing on practice squad.

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EdsLaces's picture

September 04, 2015 at 03:41 pm

Random question...how much do players make on the PS?

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 04, 2015 at 04:21 pm

Min wage 15 an hour! Lol

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aj's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:04 pm

If they stay on it the whole year, I think it's something like $108,000 or so. Not a bad gig imo.

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EdsLaces's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:55 pm

Haha that's so crazy they make that much money just to get their butt kicked in practice. ...we talkin bout practice?

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marpag1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 06:50 pm

There is no limit to how much you can pay a practice squad guy (other than the team's overall salary cap, of course). But there is a MINIMUM salary established by the CBA. It's $6,300 per week. So AJ's "whole year" number above is correct.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:10 am

Well said. They can even get signing bonuses and guarantees in a new change to the rules. If my understanding is correct, the PS guys earn that money - they practice, run scout teams, hit and get hit.

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Imma Fubared's picture

September 04, 2015 at 04:19 pm

My cuts! Abby, did zip to earn a spot! Perry, time to accept he sucks and is useless! Barclay can't play period. Mastay can't punt, get rid of him before he cost you some games. Janis isbrain dead! He went divii for a reason. On I'm sure there is a lot more TT deadwood hanging around butno one will be dropping over these guys!

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4thand1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 04:50 pm

you suck

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:29 pm

Thanks for saying what we all feel. AGAIN.

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jh9's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:24 pm

I wouldn't keep Bradford over Thomas. The only time Bradford didn't look lost is when he was told to rush the passer. He has shown no instinct of where the ball is going. That is a quality a NFL ILB must have, and it can't be taught.

I also wouldn't keep Harris over Crockett. Yes, Harris can run, but he hasn't shown the ability to be a reliable pass catcher. If a running back can't catch, they can't play in this offense.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 04, 2015 at 05:12 pm

Weatherford released by the giants... pretty good punter. Why not?

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4thand1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:58 pm

Can he hold for Crosby? Kickers are to high strung to handle changes. They'd rather give up yards on punts than fuck with Crosby's head,IMO.

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NickPerry's picture

September 05, 2015 at 05:54 am

Yes he's a holder. The Packers won't pick him up, they'd be on the hook for his $2.2 million salary.

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Grandfathered's picture

September 04, 2015 at 07:24 pm

I got Kuhn, Abbredaris, Goodson, & Banjo all being cut.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 04, 2015 at 07:31 pm

I find it funny how you mention Abby's size in a good light when comparing him to Myles' White. Now, if we all consider Abby "small and weak" and Myles' White is smaller than Abby -- why isn't that talked about?

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:35 pm

White is shoter but same weight w/in couple lbs. He also was stronger than Abbrederis,unless he made significant increase in strength. From what I saw last night Abbrederis was still awfully frail looking, at least to me.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:47 pm

Yea,he still does look frail compared to other WRs. What's the height difference?

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4thand1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:59 pm

WTF, he's 195. Must have some muscle.

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 04, 2015 at 09:14 pm

2 in, I think. White 5'11 and Abbrederis 6'1. Something like that. Packers list 6' and 6'1 but it looks like more than 1 in.

Combine had White at 182 but he's put on at least 10 lbs since and he did 11 reps at 182 compared to 4 reps at 195 for Abbrederis.

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4thand1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:57 pm

You don't lift with your head. I think Abby is smart and has football instincts. They find a way to keep him.

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NickPerry's picture

September 05, 2015 at 05:59 am

I agree about the smarts and football instincts but Abby really lacks overall strength. Like Dan mentioned he did 4 Reps of 225 at the combine, that's really pretty bad 4th. I'm with you, I hope they find a way to keep him.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:18 am

Dan assumes that Myles put on 10 pounds, but doesn't assume that Abby hit the weights during the off-season. If Abby can't demonstrate to the coaches that he can bench more than 4 reps now, that would be a huge red flag for me. If White isn't at least 10 pounds heavier than he was as a rookie, that too would be a red flag for me.

To be clear, I don't know whether White added 10 lbs of muscle and I don't know whether Abby hit the weights during the off season.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:30 am

I'm interested in hearing/reading why people overlook Myles' size but is so quick to point out Abby's.

Myles White supporters, please step forward.

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EdsLaces's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:36 am

White FTW

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Grandfathered's picture

September 04, 2015 at 07:44 pm

Replacing them with Thomas & Walker & Harris.

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:53 pm

11 DB no way 10 and 6 WR Abby makes it ST and WR/KR.....

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 04, 2015 at 08:55 pm

Banjo gets cut .

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Icebowler's picture

September 04, 2015 at 09:06 pm

Those two passes dropped in the Eagles game killed Harris's chances big time.

On another note, I think we should start Elliott against the Bears. If he doesn't produce, we can always go back to Neal and Perry against the Seahawks. Also, have Mulumba spell Peppers against the Bears. Let's send a message to Perry and Neal.

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porupack's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:13 pm

Excellent.

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am6517's picture

September 04, 2015 at 09:22 pm

If they keep Goodson and Banjo I'm going to throw a chair threw my front window. If they have to keep either, go with Banjo and use the extra slot on vaughters or Bradford

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 04, 2015 at 09:52 pm

Both Goodson and Banjo are excellent ST players. Vaughters hasn't shown much to me to earn a job (he has a couple tackles all in preseason nothing in sacks), Bradford has still done next to nothing (a sack and couple more tackles than Vaughters). The jobs at the bottom of the roster are usually ST or high potential players. Neither Vaughters or Bradford qualify as high potential, so it comes down to ST, which is a strong suit for both Goodson and Banjo.

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sonomaca's picture

September 04, 2015 at 10:33 pm

The receiver situation: I think there's a good possibility that the Packers will keep 6. Could be as high as 7. Cobb isn't going to be 100%. Montgomery is dinged-up. Don't know what Janis and White will actually give you in the regular season. With the TE situation on the thin side, best to err on the side of caution with the WR's.

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porupack's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:21 pm

Totally agree sonomaca.

Due to Jordy/Cobb situation, and uncertain production after DAdams, they have to err on side of 6 WR. Even more so, with only 3 TEs. There isn't justification for 11 DBs given this scenario at receivers.

Strangely, it is a blessing in disguise to have 2 DL start the season on Suspension. It allow Ted to keep Abberdaris for 1-2 games and put him in game action. If he finally proves some production and durability, then you keep him. If he breaks down, then move to Practice squad.

Furthermore, by placing him on practice squad after 2 games, it decreases the likelihood that another team will swoop him up, b/c the other team has pressure to set their team consistency. So, does anyone else see the beauty of this misfortunate suspensions? I mean, McCarthy could trot out all 2nd stringers for the first game anyway; Or even play the second half with Hundley and Abby and see if they can light it up. Heh,, heh.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:28 am

7 WRs is unlikely to happen. Even Davante Adams' production is uncertain imo. Maybe all the writers and colleagues should stop telling Adams how great he is and focus on his underwhelming actual play. Jones' suspension might be a blessing, but not Guion's, as we could use his services against Seattle. As it is, GB can play Pennel out of position at DE, use the stolid if uninspiring Boyd there, or try a late round or UDFA rookie out there. Datone can rotate in on passing down, but still don't see him handling the run game.

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:13 pm

What happen when Guion and jones come back hoo gets cut ?

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sonomaca's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:32 pm

Could be that injuries will take care of these decisions.

BTW, TT is as bad at drafting DL as he is good at drafting QB's and receivers. Yes, he found Daniels, but Thornton, Boyd, Jones...

OTOH, he seems to make up for his DL mistakes by finding UDFA's and castoffs such as Pennel, Gaston, and Guion.

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4thand1's picture

September 04, 2015 at 11:33 pm

Depends on how the D plays in game one. Frankly I see Guion getting waived. If Forte has a monster game, then the starters better worry.

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NickPerry's picture

September 05, 2015 at 06:08 am

Guion getting waived? Why would they waive Guion? He was easily the Packers 2nd best D-Linemen last year. On a team with very few options on the D-Line why in the world would waive Guion? Guions contract was worded in a way where he's not getting paid for games he doesn't play in. Guions not going anywhere.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:32 am

Guion is not going anywhere, imo. GB stuck its neck out for him over the off season, and signed him. No guaranteed money, so he can be cut very easily. GB would only cut him if they hit on a stud DL. I like Pennel but I don't think that would enough.

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 05, 2015 at 12:07 am

Al please change one thing on your 53 Abby the kid has sand if you no what i mean ??

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Allan Murphy's picture

September 05, 2015 at 12:12 am

Rodgers need to spread the ball around more this year to keep other teams guessing this is how we get by this year with the loss of Jordy Nelson .........................

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

September 05, 2015 at 09:40 am

Excellent comment. I don't understand how it got a dislike. Actually, we'd have been better if Rodgers had spread the ball around more last year, too.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 05, 2015 at 06:34 am

Al, nice prediction. Only one thought from my side is that I think this year, because loss of Jordy, they'll keep 6 WR... But, I do not know on whose expenses... And I do not see more than 10 DBs (CB+S)...

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Dan Stodola's picture

September 05, 2015 at 11:02 am

I don't think 6 WR deserve a roster spot.

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JerseyAl's picture

September 05, 2015 at 06:18 pm

Looks like I got 51 out of 53. Harris instead of Neal and Walker instead of Ringo.

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