Packers Need Secondary Improvement

The Green Bay Packers added seven players in last week's NFL draft, addressing the defensive line, offensive line, linebacker and wide receiver.  General manager Ted Thompson often uses his picks to spread the wealth out and tries to add depth in as many areas as he can.  It seems that he adds a defensive back nearly every season but this year was an exception.  With more pressing needs up front and in the middle of the defense, the Packers chose to ensure that they infused as much new talent as they could in those areas. 

In the secondary, cornerback Casey Hayward left in free agency and we have to remember that Hayward was a starter on the outside at the beginning of the 2015 season.  Many felt that Hayward wasn't suited to play on the outside and the Packers appeared to be among them.  Safety Sean Richardson missed most of last season after suffering another neck injury and won't be back with the Packers.  Demetri Goodson has been suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season and Micah Hyde is set to hit free agency after this year.  So where does that leave the Packers with their current stable of defensive backs?

They were willing to let Hayward spread his wings elsewhere after drafting two defensive backs early in last year's draft, both of whom proved able to play at the NFL level.  Damarious Randall transitioned to cornerback and had the other outside spot locked down by season's end.  Quinten Rollins filled in and contributed on special teams and could be poised to make a big jump in year two.  Having watched receiver Davante Adams plummet in his second season after entering with so many expectations for improvement, we have to temper our hopes on both Randall and Rollins.  Still, they will be counted on to be bigger contributors on defense this season.  The Packers are clearly saying that they feel very good about Randall and Rollins and expect more and better this year.  

As far as Richardson, he was a loss on special teams, but we never got to see what he could do on defense so it's hard to assess his loss.  Goodson was strictly a special teamer and when counted on to play defense, was sub-par at best.  With his suspension, the Packers may opt to move on from him and may look long and hard at this year's undrafted free agent class hoping that they can find a gem.  If they don't, they'll be sticking with Goodson, LaDarius Gunter and Chris Banjo as the sole depth behind Sam Shields, Randall, Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Hyde and Rollins.  All of them were on last year's team.  

As good as the defense was last year, they need improvement in 2016 if the Packers want to achieve more.  With potentially no new faces in the secondary, that means the incumbents need to grow, mature and improve over last season.  The Packers had 16 interceptions last year, good for ninth-best in the league.  The Packers have historically had a nose for the football and have the type of corners and safeties to continue that trend.  Clinton-Dix seems to save his best performances for the post season, save for the end of the Seattle game in 2014 and some are expecting bigger things from him in 2016.  He showed solid improvement last year over his rookie season, in terms of his understanding of the defense and being a bigger factor in run support and getting after the quarterback.  Randall was drafted for his knack for being around the ball and didn't disappoint, tallying three interceptions during the regular season and adding one in the postseason.  With a year under his belt, it's reasonable that Randall improve on that takeaway total this season.  It's these two, Clinton-Dix and Randall, that offer the Packers the most opportunity for growth and increased production in 2016.  Both will be starters and assumedly on the field in most defensive packages so they'll get plenty of opportunities.

In terms of passes defended, the Packers were smack dab in the middle of the league at 16th with 70.  The Houston Texans had 90 but those stats don't exist in a vacuum.  There are reasons why the Texans had to break up 20 more balls than did the Packers.  Randall had 20% of those break up's with 14.  Not bad for a rookie learning one of the toughest positions for a young player to excel at in the NFL.  Shields had 13 in just 12 games and remains the team's best defensive back.  Any improvement by either moves the Packers into the top half of the league.  Hyde isn't much in coverage, but he provides valuable and versatile depth at both cornerback and safety.  He's smart and manages to get his takeaways as well by being in the right spot and diagnosing what is in front of him.  That should continue in 2016, which could prove to be his last in Green Bay.  With another year, Rollins should only be a tougher adversary to opposing receivers.  

We haven't talked about Morgan Burnett, who has clearly hit his ceiling as a safety.  He's effective enough and brings leadership to the position, but he's never going to be anything more than he currently is.  The best hope is that Burnett continues to be solid in run support and just effective enough in coverage.  If he can repeat what he's done the last two seasons, the Packers should be happy with that.  Banjo is another who has hit his ceiling and is merely depth on defense along with being a big special teams contributor.  Gunter may work his way into a bigger role on defense, but is a special teamer for now until proven otherwise.  

Through this entire look at the secondary, the one thing that keeps occurring is how key health is going to be.  If all of these regulars stay healthy, the Packers can achieve better production this year over last.  But they're one injury away from becoming thinner than they want to be and stuck using what they have.  Shields has a history of missing time and we have to remain hopeful that he is truly past that nasty concussion he suffered late last season against the Dallas Cowboys.  Without Hayward and if Shields has to miss time, the Packers will look to either Rollins or Hyde to fill in.  Neither are suited to man the outside and that is a risk the Packers took by not adding a true outside corner.

The expectation of overall improvement on the Packers defense is a realistic one, given their current roster and with the additions in free agency and the draft.  If healthy, they can elevate to a top-10 unit.  The front got quite a bit of reinforcement and needs plenty of improvement of its own but it will equally fall on the improvement of the back end to help the Packers accomplish more. 

 

 

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (73)

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 06, 2016 at 05:56 am

Improved pass rush = improved secondary.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

May 06, 2016 at 04:39 pm

That gets 7 points. A Td and the extra point.
Watch what it does to the "oh sooo vital" inside linebacker position too

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 04:48 pm

Find me a SB winning team with average ILBs.

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:24 pm

Or average OT's.
Or average DE's.
Or average CB's.
Or average OLB's.
Or average RB's.
Or an average QB.
Or average WR's.
Or average S's.
Or an average C.
Or average OG's.
Or average TE's.
Or average NT's.

In no particular order, of course.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:41 pm

Frank Zombo, Charlie Peprah, Daryn Colledge, Brandon Jackson

AJ Hawk (give or take)

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 07, 2016 at 09:43 am

So, are those players examples of average players on a SB winning team?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 07, 2016 at 10:00 am

No. Those are the standouts. I believe everyone else were average to above average.

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 07, 2016 at 11:44 am

You lost me!

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NickPerry's picture

May 06, 2016 at 06:18 am

I read a lot of "Things" about Randell after the loss to the Cardinals. Yes he screwed up and Larry Fitzgerald one of the best to play the position made them pay. The thing I noticed about Randell last year was he didn't make many mistakes twice and IMO the Packers aren't even in the position they were in without him.
Rollins just might turn out to be the best of the bunch. He hasn't played THAT much but seems to have one thing down that's always been a problem with the Packers, the kid tackles really well. He's athletic as hell and just might be better in the slot this year than Hayward was, obviously TT thinks so.
Gunter will be the next UDFA who plays with the Packers secondary for years to come. He had a year to learn last year and when called upon I thought he did well.
I remember going back and forth with Stroh about Hyde. Like Gunter he didn't run a great 40 time BUT he's obviously a "Football Player" who does a hell of a lot more good than bad.
Overall I like what the Packers have but I'd like then to sign a veteran who's cut by another team for depth. Ted's got by with adding UDFA for depth in previous years but in the last 2 offseasons he's also lost House, Williams, and Hayward. That's a lot.
This will be the best Packers Defense in the last few years overall IMO. I think they finally have the pieces to be a Top 10 Defense.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 06:38 am

I'm really looking forward to seeing how Randall and Rollins improve this year. Both are a bit raw but extremely talented.

The player who I think is going to take a bit time leap is Rollins. He went from not playing as much to probably being at the very least the nickel CB. He showed that he is a physical player that can also get his hands on the ball.

I am looking forward to seeing the UDFA DB's. Also lets not sleep on Robertson-Daniel. He was brought up to the 53 late last year.

I am looking forward to seeing our defense play this year.

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dobber's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:14 am

Simply put, Rollins HAS to make a leap for the Packers D to be as good as--or better than--they were a year ago. His snaps diminished as the season wore on a year ago as Randall took Hayward's snaps on the outside and pushed Hayward back into his regular role of slot corner. Rollins will have to pick up the majority of Hayward's snaps this year. If Rollins isn't up to the task, the defense will suffer.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:24 am

Rollins snaps diminished as he went through a couple of stretches of injuries.

I am not worried about Rollins at all. I think Rollins is going to be special.

Felt that way the first time I saw him at the Senior Bowl. Feel the same way today.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2016 at 08:29 am

Rollins didn't play much early, and had a stretch from weeks 8, 9, 10 of not playing. Thereafter, Rollins had the following snaps:
week
11: 21
12: 27
13: 39
14: 79 (shields out)
15: 73 (shields out)
16: 49 still 84% of snaps (Shields out; Randall: 57 snaps)
17: 32
18: 22
19: 12

I agree with you on Rollins.

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dobber's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:50 am

I stand corrected. Thanks, TGR and DesertPackFan below.

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GBPack's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:21 am

I'm also excited to see what Rob Daniel has to offer. Good size/speed combo. Let's not forget about Gunter either. If somebody goes down he's probably next man up in dime package. Looked great in the preseason, hopefully we see more good things from him.

Also excited to see what Kentrell Brice has to offer as an UDFA. Hope some of those crazy workout numbers translate to pushing Banjo for a roster spot.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:25 am

Yeah, I really like Gunter. I still don't get why he didn't get more playing time last year when there was injuries to the DB's.

I am looking forward to seeing Brice and Dorleant. Both those guys really intrigue me. I think Dorleant could replace Goodson.

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GBPack's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:36 am

I'm almost counting on Goodson to get the boot this year. Already on the back end of the roster, he didn't do himself any favors getting suspended for 4 games. Probably leads to less snaps in the preseason for him, creating more opportunities for guys to leap over him. Whether it's another corner, or a guy like Brice to add another body to a thin safety group.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:54 am

Yeah, i really can see him going.

The one guy I really am watching is Dorleant. He does a lot of the same things that Goodson does on special teams. But also adds the ability as a return man.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

May 06, 2016 at 12:08 pm

Hearing good things like this about him, I am sure there are several that can take Goodsons place.

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lucky953's picture

May 07, 2016 at 08:56 am

Yes, and Kentrell Brice at safety.

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Rossonero's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:48 am

I remember Goodson getting burned deep a few times vs. Carolina too. He is free to go.

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Evan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:13 am

He got beat a few times?! Cut his ass!

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 12:41 pm

Yep. That's how we do things here at CHTV!

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Evan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 01:41 pm

For the record, I'm by no means saying Goodson should make the team. I would have cut him for Rolle two years ago.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 02:00 pm

I know what you meant. I was going along with the joke.

Goodson better watch out for at least 2 of those UDFAs. If those speedsters can contribute on ST. I'm also interested in seeing how Brice is playing CB

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Evan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 02:11 pm

Oh, I know you did. Just didn't want someone else to come by and freak out. haha.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 05:39 pm

People freak out in here?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2016 at 06:36 pm

Goodson better watch out for anyone with a pulse. That said, I like quite a bit about Goodson, including his athleticism, but it needs to translate onto the field. Soon.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:07 pm

Lol @ RC & Reynoldo

I can't remember if Goodson's problem is finding the ball in the air or if it's his technique. I can only remember him covering in Carolina and him giving up a TD.

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Razer's picture

May 06, 2016 at 06:54 am

The Packers must like what they have on the field and on the shelf to not commit one draft pick to the secondary. Granted, the secondary was not a strength in the 2016 draft.

We do need at least one guy to step up from the PS for some depth. I am hoping that Gunter takes the next step this season. If he is smart enough and not too slow, he could be that man at corner or safety. Also hoping for a UDFA to impress enough to get a special teams foot-in-the-door.

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Horse's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:19 am

There are several DBs among the UDFAs. It wouldn't be that surprising if at least one of them stands out.

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dobber's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:26 am

The Packers do have that track record for finding guys as UDFAs and for them to make the roster. In many cases, they're raw (like Shields) or don't have the measurables (Gunter) that get them drafted. I'm still surprised that with his raw size nobody drafted Gunter: he's a CB-->S conversion project waiting to happen.

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dobber's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:22 am

I've been saying things like this for awhile now: Hayward's loss means the defense loses a significant number of snaps...900+ from a year ago. Granted, early on many of those snaps came from the outside, and Randall has that covered. Still, there's a lot of unproven depth in this secondary and when Shields (who has yet to play a full season in his career) misses time, they better feel awfully good about Gunter and Daniel and their ability to step in and log a significant number of meaningful snaps.

People point to Hyde and say he's the swiss army knife of the defense, and I agree, he can give some meaningful snaps covering out of the slot or underneath, but he'll be exposed if he has to play a large number of snaps in that kind of role.

In all, the defense is about where it was a year ago. There are questions regarding how the DL depth will play out over the first 4 games (Pennel's suspension), who will take Neal's snaps, and how effectively they can cover Hayward's loss. To move beyond where they ended 2015, they'll have to get significant steps up from rookies and from guys who are well-established on the team.

The thing that will most surely make this defense better in 2016 will be a return to form on the part of the offense.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:54 am

Problem with Hyde is I can't think of any position that he plays well. Not good at covering TEs and RBs, but can tackle, so not a total loss. Can't play outside. Doesn't seem to be improving: in fact, his career seems headed in the reverse direction. Otherwise, agree with your other points.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 11:31 am

Look at you two! How dare you say anything negative about the Packers! You two must like the Vikings, Bears or Lions!

Lol

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holmesmd's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:23 am

UDFA's Dorleant & Brice are supposed to look rather promising for the secondary as well. It should be one of the stronger units on the entire team in 2016!! Can't wait!!

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:28 am

I just posted above that those are the 2 I'm really looking forward to seeing.

Dorleant is also a really good special teams player. Ran a 4.39 40. Can return kicks/punts, and can be a special teams demon. I could easily see him replacing Goodson.

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dobber's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:33 am

I wouldn't be surprised if Goodson is let go after the first round of OTAs.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:53 am

I'm kind of thinking they will probably keep him around until after his suspension. And then let him go at that point if one of the young players shows they can play.
I think they probably really like him for what they see in practice.

But I would not be surprised if he was let go.

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marpag1's picture

May 06, 2016 at 11:14 am

I'm not really arguing with other posters, but neither am I sure where all the "Gunter-love" is coming from. He played on defense for 7 or 8 snaps last year, less than 1% of the total, and none that I can remember offhand. He played only 46 ST snaps (10.2%).

Goodson is certainly no world-beater, either, but at least we can say that the Packers occasionally put him on the field. He played 72 defensive snaps (7%) and 199 ST snaps (44%).

Athletically, Goodson tested significantly better at the combine, but certainly not off the charts. Gunter ran a pretty mortifying 4.69 forty. Height / weight isn't much different between the two. Gunter is a little taller, Goodson has slightly longer arms. Neither one has collected more than a tackle here or there.

I haven't really seen anything to make me care about either one. Just out of curiosity, what is everybody else basing the excitement on?

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:33 am

last preseason is where the Gunter love comes from. He clearly out performed Goodson last preseason.

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marpag1's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:55 am

Fair enough, I guess, but I think I'll wait to see a little more.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 11:45 am

That's fair.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 06, 2016 at 02:51 pm

Goodson can't cover NFL receivers. It isn't even close, and it's not going to change.

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HankScorpio's picture

May 06, 2016 at 08:58 pm

Goodson is 5'11", Gunter is 6'2". That may not seem like a big difference but in terms of NFL CB height. Goodson is average, Gunter is tall.

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marpag1's picture

May 07, 2016 at 01:53 am

Yes, I know. I also am 6'1" and weigh about 200lbs, so me Goodson and Gunter are all pretty much alike.

But right now we're talking about playing CB in the NFL, and neither me nor Goodson nor Gunter has ever demonstrated any special ability to cover receivers during a real NFL game. Heck, I'm NINE snaps away from taking more defensive reps than Gunter.

Maybe Gunter pans out. I'm just saying I'll wait to get excited until he actually shows us something.

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dobber's picture

May 07, 2016 at 05:45 am

^^^THIS^^^

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croatpackfan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:27 am

I do not get it. Now, crying for Casey. Once, he was promising young player. Even more promising than Davon House. What happened, I do not know, but after that season long hamstring injury, Hayward was no good, or, to be fair, he shown some flashes of very good performances we expected from him. He was bust as outside corner, he is guilty for at least 10 TDs opponent scores against Packers alone...
I have more confidence in Randall, Rollings, Gunter group than in Casey any more...

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:28 am

Rollins only played one year of CB in college. He needed more technique work than other rookies, which he will get from Whitt. Scouts say Rollins is ambitious. He played better late in 2015. I expect a big jump from Rollins, and hope for the 2nd year jump from Randall. Barring injury, outside CB looks better, slot is a questionable, probably not as good. Depth is thin. Banking on Whitt as much as anything here.

Will rookie Clark be as good as 2015 Raji? Probably not, especially as Raji was great in the playoffs. Rookie DL often need a year, but I expect Clark to be decent. If not, I like Pennel, who with Guion should be good enough.

Martinez, Fackrell are rookies. Can they have a cascade effect: Martinez at ILB and Barrington's return allows CM3 to play more OLB and Fackrell is good enough to play some snaps at OLB to offset the loss of Neal, or better, make us better at OLB? Will Barrington, Ryan, Martinez improve ILB? I look for a jump from Ryan.

Lowry is a pure addition IMO though some will say he replaces Datone. Since Lowry can play the run, he can play earlier in the season. Still have Boyd if desperate. Maybe Ringo shows something.

I don't see any reason to dump Goodson. He doesn't count against the 53 and isn't paid while suspended. Wait until week 5 to decide. I don't see a downside to this. Cutting him is an emotional response.

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Rossonero's picture

May 07, 2016 at 11:10 am

Remember Josh Boyd will be back too.

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Ferrari Driver's picture

May 06, 2016 at 09:56 am

"Packers Need Secondary Improvement"

Disagree. The secondary is adequate and is not the area on defense that needs improvement. I think Thompson did a good job of giving the defense additional players on defense and if they pan out, I do expect to see the Packers defense rank around the middle of the NFL teams or perhaps a little better.

We need an adequate defense and a top offense to do well in the post season.

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Rossonero's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:02 am

The article takes a little bit of a pessimistic view on Morgan Burnett. Even if he has reached his ceiling, it's high. I can't remember which week in the season it was, but Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 1 safety vs. the run.

Once Ted finally got a good safety like Clinton-Dix back there with him, it gave Dom Capers the flexibility he wanted because they're both good deep, good communicators and strong against the run.

I don't miss Casey Heyward, but will be rooting for him so we get a 4th round compensatory pick next season.

Goodson can go. If he doesn't make some plays once his suspension is up, he'll be on thin ice. Did they ever announce what his suspension was for? What type of drugs?

I ask because the NFL released a memo telling players to not eat meat in certain countries (one of them being Mexico) because growth hormones are more prevalent in the meat and can trigger a positive drug test for PEDS. A player from the Texans ran into this issue and had to fight a 10 game suspension because he ate meat. The NFL has a game in Mexico this season too, can't remember who is playing in it though.

Overall, I feel good about the secondary. Joe Whitt is arguably one of the best DB coaches around.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:18 am

Hard to believe an article when facts are wrong in the first sentence. Packers drafted 7 players this year. Started with 9 picks and traded two. I think the secondary is stocked with Randall, Rollins, Shields, Hyde, Gunter. Goodson will be back soon and I'm sure there is an undrafted guy looking to get some special teams time. Secondary is my second least concern behind QB....

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jasonperone's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:59 am

That's a nice catch and thanks, sunshine!

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EdsLaces's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:45 am

Read the title of this article and said to myself ...ummm what?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 11:19 am

I disagree with the title of this article. However, I do agree with a couple of points made in the article.

EDIT: On second thought -- you're right. The secondary does need improvement. Catching should-be INTs, making should-be sacks and Burnett offering more to the pass game would be an improvement from last season.

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Since'61's picture

May 06, 2016 at 11:24 am

I agree with those who question the premise of this article. I believe that since we settled the safety position with Dix our secondary has been the strength of our defense. We have been better in the secondary than our DL or ILB without CM3 and with CM3 inside our OLB has suffered. Yes, we have lost Hayward but we should be OK with Rollins and Hyde. Goodson, Gunther and Banjo provide depth and will we find better players at their price in those roles? Maybe at best. We need better players on the DL and ILB levels first and TT tried to meet those needs during the draft. As the author mentioned if the secondary stays healthy we should be fine back there. In the meantime we'll see if TT has come up with any gems from the UDFAs he's signed during camp. As of now I like our secondary. Thanks, Since ' 61

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tm_inter's picture

May 06, 2016 at 01:37 pm

Ted Thompson did not draft any defensive back this year probably because the Packers already have adequate players in Burnett, Clinton_Dix, Hyde, Shields, Randall, and Rollins.

In addition to Banjo, Gunter, Goodson and Daniel, the Packers have signed at least 3 promising UDFAs:
1. Makinton Dorleant who ran the 40 in 4.39, vertical jump of 39
2. Josh Hawkins, 4.39 40, vertical jump of 40 1/2
3. Kentrell Brice, 4.43 40, vertical jump of 42 would have surpassed every DB at the combine; broad jump of 11-1 would have ranked second to Jalen Ramsay's 10-3; 21 reps on the bench would have ranked second to Miles Killebrew's 22.

I wouldn't be surprised if these three make the 53 roster spots or at least the practice squad.

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Spock's picture

May 06, 2016 at 03:07 pm

Jason,
Totally disagree that Rollins can only be used in the slot. I think down the road after Shields is gone our two outside guys will be Randall and Rollins.

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jasonperone's picture

May 06, 2016 at 04:23 pm

Some good discussion on this one. Anyone who thinks any area of any organization doesn't need to be improved and is A-OK as is. . hopefully is not running that organization. The Packers could use some improvement everywhere. . .including quarterback! (Maybe I'll tackle that one next and watch Rome burn) Unless they're winning SB's every year, there's room for improvement everywhere.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 06, 2016 at 05:42 pm

There is always room for improvement.

I just don't think there is a need to go out get a bunch of DBs. I like what we have and especially like our secret weapon... Joe Whitt... Look at the amazing job he does with our CBs.

Need improvement sure. Need to find replacements or add more to the position, at the moment no.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 05:52 pm

"Need to find replacements or add more to the position, at the moment no."

I'm guessing that's how a few folks took this one. At least, that's how I took it initially and then I made an edit. But in a literal sense - of course we need improvements. We should all agree on that.

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jasonperone's picture

May 07, 2016 at 06:28 am

This wasn't at all about their needing more bodies or different guys at DB. It was a look at the current crop and how important their growth and improvement will be to the Packers this season. I would have thrown names of other players or draftees the Packers should have looked at if I was taking it in that direction.

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Oppy's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:05 pm

That's mostly true, but if you address it as such, you might as well only write one article and title it, "Packers need to improve this year. Again."

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:09 pm

I agree with that, but the comment section would be dull. Lol

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HankScorpio's picture

May 06, 2016 at 08:54 pm

I agree there is always room for improvement. They'll keep at least 8 and more likely 9 DBs (maybe even 10).

There are 7 DBs that I am comfortable with, Shields, Randall, Rollins, Gunter, Burnett, Clinton-Dix and Hyde. 3 are year 2 and 1 is year 3 so I think it is reasonable to expect improvement from within this group. And, as others have noted, better QB pressure from a stronger front 7 will yield more opportunities for these 7 to make plays.

That leaves 1-3 spots for guys that can play STs and occasionally on defense. I'm ok with the group fighting for those spots, especially given the success the Packers (and Joe Whitt in particular) have had developing UDFAs (Tramon Williams, Shields, Gunter)

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dobber's picture

May 07, 2016 at 05:57 am

My point has always been that right now the Packers are exactly 3 CB deep and one significant injury away from rolling the dice with Micah Hyde or Gunter as their nickel CB...which represents a tremendous number of snaps. Point to Gunter or Daniel or Dorleant or any of these UDFAs and all you have is wild-cards. A year ago, when TT added two high-round draft picks? There's a vetting that goes with those: you've drafted guys who have tools/talent and that you believe have some ability to play right away (or you wouldn't have given the high pick). If you don't at least have your fingers crossed as you promote Gunter or others with confidence as that next guy up, I think you're more than a little trusting. I'm not there, yet.

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HankScorpio's picture

May 07, 2016 at 01:47 pm

There is not a team in the league that isn't rolling the dice when they go to their 4th CB.

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dobber's picture

May 07, 2016 at 09:07 pm

It's a luxury the Packers have had in recent history...

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lucky953's picture

May 07, 2016 at 09:02 am

Idea for next piece: need for improved play from the QB position.

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4thand1's picture

May 07, 2016 at 09:42 pm

Done, don't lose any sleep. MVP #3 this year.

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Oppy's picture

May 06, 2016 at 07:03 pm

People love to point at Micah Hyde and say he needs replaced, but all he does is find ways to make plays that impact games (usually in a positive manner) :)

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4thand1's picture

May 06, 2016 at 10:23 pm

Holy crap. The Packers took DB's with the 1st 2 picks last year and a lot of people freaked. If TT would have took another one the lid would have blown off. More pressure up front will help the secondary. IMO this team will be a lot better. If the ol injury bug doesn't hamstring them again.

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