So we come to the part of the year where everyone predicts the 53 man roster.
Mike Vandermause has his predictions.
Quarterbacks:
Vandermause- (3) An injury to starter Aaron Rodgers could spell trouble. But Matt Flynn showed promise against Tennessee on Thursday night, and Brian Brohm can’t be dismissed based on one shaky exhibition season. Thus, I will ignore the naysayers obsessed with the idea an experienced backup must be signed.
Receivers:
Vandermause (5)- The Fab Five is solid with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin and Jordy Nelson. Jones’ recent knee injury might leave the unit a little thin for the season opener, but no other player on the roster earned a job.
Running backs:
Vandermause (5): Behind Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson, a hotly contested battle was waged for the No. 3 and No. 4 halfback jobs. Vernand Morency recovered nicely from last year’s knee injury and gets to stay. That leaves Noah Herron and Kregg Lumpkin fighting for the final position, with Herron getting the nod by a razor-thin margin. Korey Hall is the lone fullback.
Tight ends
Vandermause (3): Donald Lee remains the starter, Tory Humphrey is the backup if healthy, and rookie Jermichael Finley earns a spot based on potential but will spend most game days on the inactive list.
Offensive linemen
Vandermause (9): Barring more injuries, Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Jason Spitz and Mark Tauscher will line up as starters. A knee injury will keep rookie Josh Sitton on the bench for the foreseeable future. Allen Barbre, Tony Moll and rookie Breno Giacomini round out the backup crew.
Defensive linemen
Vandermause (10): It’s necessary to keep this position well stocked due to injuries. The ends are Aaron Kampman, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Jason Hunter and rookie Jeremy Thompson. The tackles are Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly, Colin Cole and Daniel Muir. Cullen Jenkins and Michael Montgomery can play inside and outside, offering invaluable versatility.
Linebackers
Vandermause (6): I’d like to keep seven but don’t have that luxury. Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga and Brandon Chillar are locks. Abdul Hodge and Desmond Bishop earned their keep with solid camps. I desperately want to keep Tracy White for special teams but can’t do it.
Defensive backs
Vandermause (9): Six cornerbacks make it, including Al Harris, Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, Jarrett Bush and rookie Pat Lee. Bush has struggled but sticks because he can shift to safety to help the trio of Nick Collins, Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse.
Specialists
Vandermause (3): Kicker Mason Crosby and punter Jon Ryan performed well in the face of no competition. Long snapper J.J. Jansen had the team made until sustaining a knee injury on Thursday night. I will scan the waiver wire for possible replacements, then will beg Rob Davis to come out of retirement.
