Early Training Camp Injuries Will Provide Insight Into Brian Gutekunst’s Team-Building Philosophy

How Brian Gutekunst responds to the two big defensive injuries the Packers suffered will help continue to form a picture of who he'll be as GM.

Injuries are an unfortunate reality for every team in the NFL during training camp. Some teams have worse luck than others with regard to which players get injured, but you can rest assured that almost every team will have an important contributor (be it a starter or key depth player) go down with an injury that causes them to at least miss some time into the regular season.

The Packers were hit with injuries on the defensive side of the ball on Monday to Kentrell Brice, who was expected to play a major role in the Packers’ secondary this year, and Jake Ryan, who the team fears to have suffered a season-ending knee injury and was slated to start alongside Blake Martinez at inside linebacker. Josh Jones and rookie Oren Burks will now take the places of Brice and Ryan, respectively, in the lineup.

Obviously, you never like to see any injuries, especially this early in training camp. The good news is that neither of these injuries will devastate the Packers’ defense. They do, however, rob the Packers of a couple valuable contributors on defense and also decrease the amount of depth the Packers have at those positions.

What will be particularly interesting about this situation is how general manager Brian Gutekunst responds.

Jones was already expected to be a significant contributor in 2018 after he showed some positive flashes in his rookie campaign. The dropoff from Brice to Jones isn’t significant, and many expected Jones to have a breakout season anyway. This simply puts more pressure on Jones to prove his proponents correct.

Burks is more of an unknown, being a rookie. But when you’re drafted in the third round, you’re expected to be a contributor already. Whether Burks is ready to start on the inside remains to be seen.

If this were a Ted Thompson team, one would expect the Packers to not sign any veteran players, instead rolling the dice with the guys they brought into camp and already had on the team. This philosophy has its merits, especially if you have depth players who have been with the team for a year or two already and who understand the scheme being used.

But this team has a new GM in Gutekunst who has already shown he’s willing to be at least a little bolder than Thompson in some of his personnel decisions (not that that’s saying much). It’s also a brand new defensive scheme, led by a new coach who is still working to tailor that scheme to the strengths of his players, who he really is still getting to know.

Considering those factors, plus how early it still is in training camp, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Packers made a move to pick up a veteran at either position to add some depth to the roster.

Cheesehead TV’s Cory Jennerjohn wrote a column earlier advocating for Kenny Vaccaro, a former first-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints. Vaccaro, who is only 27, has had some moments of strong play in his career, but has been wildly inconsistent. He’s coming off season-ending wrist and groin injuries, and the Saints chose not to re-sign him to a second contract. On the plus side, he’s a hybrid kind of player capable at playing different levels of the defense—similar to Jones.

It’s been an unusually quiet year at the safety position in NFL free agency—it took some time for Morgan Burnett to sign with the Steelers, and one would probably have expected Vaccaro to have a landing spot by now. Vaccaro coming to the Packers would seem to be a natural fit, depending on his price tag—which one would expect to have deflated by now, considering he’s still without a team on July 31.

Eric Reid, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, is another option that pundits and fans alike have thrown around as making sense for the Packers. Reid is another former first round pick (from the same draft class as Vaccaro, coincidentally) and is only 26 years old.

Reid is a former Pro Bowler who has maintained a more consistent level of play than Vaccaro. Had he not been among the first players to take a knee during the national anthem, there’s no way he wouldn’t be on a team right now. He would be a steal for any team that would sign him at the moment, including the Packers, who would instantly improve their secondary by throwing him into the fold. It is simply astonishing that he is not currently employed.

The field of inside linebackers in free agency doesn’t have nearly the same caliber of players as the field of safeties does. Another former 49er, Navorro Bowman, is still available. Bowman was one of the better linebackers in the league during his time in San Francisco, but injuries took their toll. He played with the Raiders last year, and at least showed he’s worthy of holding down a roster spot. The Packers could do worse on a one-year rental, but he’s certainly not the intriguing prospect that Reid or Vaccaro is.

Whatever Gutekunst decides to do with this situation, it will tell us more about what we can expect from him in his tenure as the General Manager of the Green Bay Packers. This is the first set of significant injuries that have happened during his very brief tenure as GM. The way he responds in this circumstance and others like it moving forward will help us understand what his team-building philosophy will be in the long run.

 

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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

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Comments (25)

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Hematite's picture

July 31, 2018 at 05:48 pm

I hope he continues to step outside the Ted Thompson mold to try to bring another Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay before the Rodgers window slams shut!

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KenEllis's picture

July 31, 2018 at 07:41 pm

You mean the "MOLD" that led the Packers to (year after year) not adding players from outside the organization after they had scooped up undrafted free agent rookies right after the draft?

I agree, let's make sure that "MOLDY" approach to building the roster was buried deep in the ground.

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PAPackerbacker's picture

July 31, 2018 at 06:16 pm

The Packers seem to always have more than their share of injuries every year. Having the depth at each position will improve the chances of success. Reid is a distraction. That's why he's still unemployed. Give the youngsters a chance. Kenny Vaccaro would be a better fit. But see how the young players progress before bringing in a veteran.

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Bearmeat's picture

July 31, 2018 at 06:20 pm

This will certainly be a test for Gute. I'd sign a vet as soon as possible. Reid would be my personal preference, National Anthem BS aside (and that's what the issue is - just a lot of hot air being blown in both directions for OVER TWO YEARS by now).

Reid is a good player. I'd stick him at SS and move Josh Jones to ILB. It's quite a stretch to see Burks excelling as a rookie.

Sidenote: I've heard good things about King and Alexander, but not so good about Jackson.... defense will be improved this year. :)

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RCPackerFan's picture

July 31, 2018 at 09:17 pm

"Sidenote: I've heard good things about King and Alexander, but not so good about Jackson.... defense will be improved this year. :)"

I have also heard similar things. That being said lets remember with Jackson and other rookies that all develop at different times. And we shouldn't really worry about what happens in the first few days of practice. Lets let these guys develop. By the end of camp he may look like a completely different player. It takes guys some time to figure things out.

That being said with a guy like Jackson if he takes longer to develop I'm fine with that. Because Gutekunst did a great job in bringing in 2 veterans to allow them time to develop. Jackson may not be ready to contribute right away. Maybe not at all this year, but maybe next year he will be. The veterans being there though allows him to develop more at his own pace.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 31, 2018 at 11:13 pm

Great comment. I'd note that Alexander broke on a crosser to Adams from AR and got an INT. What makes it more noteworthy to me is that they were in pads. The beat writer noted the burst shown by Alexander. Always happy to see guys play well in shorts, but even happier when it is in pads, and by extension, games.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 01, 2018 at 06:42 am

Thanks TGR.

I have been following along practice on twitter and I saw that he made that play. It sounds like his burst is really, really good. I saw another person on twitter say that there is no questioning his recovery speed. I can't wait to see what he looks like in games.

I agree with you on its much better to see how they do in pads. WR's and DB's its a good thing if they perform well without pads. But even better when they perform with them.

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dobber's picture

August 01, 2018 at 08:18 am

I've only heard one or two snippets on Jackson, neither has been particularly good. That doesn't mean he hasn't been solid in-between.

I'll thump for Reid, too. He's a really good player. Gives this defense incredible flexibility. He'll make this defense better right now, and would likely be my choice to keep long-term over HHCD.

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Bert's picture

July 31, 2018 at 06:57 pm

Injuries happen across the NFL. The Panthers have already lost 2 starters. No need to push the panic button and sign anybody just yet. I'll trust that Gute & Co. will know whether or not a veteran safety is needed. I don't see the loss of Ryan as huge as we needed to upgrade over Ryan anyhow.

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Lare's picture

July 31, 2018 at 07:00 pm

I think the loss of two starters in the middle of the field justifies Gutekunst signing someone to fill one of the holes in the roster.

Reid would seem to be the better option, but if he's adamant about making political statements during games I'd just pass on him. We have enough issues to deal with without fans booing players every game.

It's Gutekunst's job to get the best players available at every position on the team for game days. Let's see how he does in doing that.

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stockholder's picture

July 31, 2018 at 09:08 pm

Injuries a side. The Sherman years? Are we not going back? Gute can't give up on the kids. One year rentals are not wild cards. We have options. I say play them. Pettine's defense really is about playing the hand your dealt.

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Cartwright's picture

July 31, 2018 at 11:52 pm

Reid is only 26? I was thinking he was that other Reid from the Ravens, what a dummy, if he's that young and that good it would seem like a no brainer that we scoop him up at this unfortunate time and on the cheap. The season waits for no one and you have to assemble the best team you have before training camp and take your chances. I'm sure Pettine could find a lot of ways to use this guy, then they can slide Jones inside and more near the line where he seems to be more effective.

We have the money and Pettine is a forceful coach who will keep him focused and in check. When injuries strike you need to turn to plan B. They're thinking this one over good and hard but in the end may think he's not worth the hassle, and the media circus that will surround him going in which would be a distraction to the team. If they pull the trigger on Reid they should do it now to get this out of the way and resolved early before the season starts. Does Gute's have the stones to make this happen because when you size up the set back that just occurred it seems logical enough.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 01, 2018 at 02:09 am

Sounds like Gute has decided not to pursue FAs at the safety and ILB positions, per his presser. "GM Brian Gutekunst said this morning they were going to be patient with young guys and not go after vets at those spots."

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Oppy's picture

August 01, 2018 at 02:18 am

Get ready for a deluge of comments suggesting TT is still running the show, or Mark Murphy is, or... whatever. :/

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croatpackfan's picture

August 01, 2018 at 02:32 am

"Vaccaro, who is only 27, has had some moments of strong play in his career..."

"He would be a steal for any team that would sign him at the moment.."

"He played with the Raiders last year, and at least showed he’s worthy of holding down a roster spot..."

I put this citations just to show you why they are still FA. So, you are advocating Packers to spent some "Cap" money and hope that: A. Vaccaro will have some moments of strong play; or B. Reid will be more concentrate on games, not on politics, and will have some moments of strong play; or C. Bowman will be worthy of holding down a roster spot.

SO, basically you say, spent additional money on free agent, take of the roster spot that would occupied by young guy who would certainly have some moments of strong play, will be concentrate on the game and will be worthy of holding his roster spot.

I believe this is brilliant suggestion!

EDIT: I forgot to add how rest of the 31 teams have stupid Personnel Department. They did not saw the value of players proposed in this article and left them unsigned... Thank God we know better than them and see the value they are missing to recognize...

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 01, 2018 at 02:41 am

Yes.

I think my credentials on being stingy with Cap Dollars has been established. Except for Bowman: I don't know enough about him to have an opinion.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 01, 2018 at 06:32 am

TGR, I always enjoy your posts. Because when I'm not agreed with you, there is reason why I respect your opinion (view, conclusion). Your opinion are never ever insulting or disrespectful for any person you are talking about. At least I did not read that kind of post from you (and I read your posts on several Packers sites...)...

And, I confirm that you definitely proved that you are very well informed about Cap issues. That is why, when you write about Cap we can only read and accept what you wrote. No matter how that sounds to our ears or what consequence that have on our opinion...

Keep doing that good job. I always enjoy reading your posts.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 02, 2018 at 03:14 am

Well, here's a theory for which I have no evidence. I wonder about the depressed market for safeties and whether it is coincidence (that is, teams have downgraded the value of safeties). Matthieu and Burnett were fairly big names who could be signed by teams without raising much analysis. Boston, Reid and Vacarro are on the same tier. True, Boston got signed, but only after he accepted peanuts, and perhaps because he is a coverage-only safety and is a different player from Reid. Also, he signed with a new team but one that had his old coach.

Vacarro and Reid both are in the same tier, both have played SS, hybrid ILB, and started off at FS. I think it would look bad for the NFL if every safety except Reid got signed. We will see what transpires. My guess is that if some team signs Reid, Vacarro will have interest from more than one team, and likely will get a better contract than Reid, despite being, imo, the inferior player. Sportrac estimated Reid's value at $8.6M. He will be lucky to get $2M, if he signs at all.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 02, 2018 at 05:12 am

I agree on your estimation of values and connection Reid - Vacarro towards their value.

Still, there must be reason why both are still unsigned. That is mysterious part of the equation and we don't know that part.

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packrulz's picture

August 01, 2018 at 05:04 am

Brice didn't break his ankle, so let's put the checkbook away. As for Ryan's spot, Clay Matthews can fill in on running downs.

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dobber's picture

August 01, 2018 at 08:21 am

...and, frankly, Gilbert can set the edge pretty well, so a move inside for #52 and Gilbert playing on run-downs doesn't sound too awful bad, eh?

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Handsback's picture

August 01, 2018 at 07:44 am

One last ugly thought about the injury to Ryan, many over the past few months wondered if he even had a place on this team. His loss was in the base defense and probably special teams. Since the Packer's don't stay in the base very often (or didn't while Capers was running the show) it seems that Ryan can be worked around by inserting several different players as the circumstances dictates. With that in mind....don't see a grab for any ILB on the open market. Safety position could be a different story.

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Guam's picture

August 01, 2018 at 08:14 am

Handsback: Excellent point about Ryan being limited to the base defense. I am also not excited about Bowman as his best days are behind him. I suspect there may be better options at ILB on cut down day if Burks doesn't develop quickly and the Packers decide they need another ILB.

I know the Packers have Brice penciled in as a starter/key backup at safety, but he had coverage issues last year before his injury. Not sure if it was Brice or the scheme that caused the coverage problems, but that will have to improve or he will be a liability in the pass happy NFL. It might be worth kicking the tires on Reid.

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dobber's picture

August 01, 2018 at 08:41 am

I think BG saying in the media, "Man, we're beat up, and I'll be working the FA wire really hard to find extra help," does nothing but drive up player prices and make it harder to find help at the best cost. Don't think both Reid's and Vaccaro's representation weren't paying keen attention when Brice's injury came up.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 02, 2018 at 03:22 am

Yes, good comment. As someone who has done a lot of negotiating, I don't think it would move the needle very much should GB call Reid's agent. He will know why we're calling. But every bit helps, and publicly promising to bring in a FA can't help control costs.

I gather doctors can't get good MRI and other imaging results until the swelling goes down. That could be a week or so. Reid/Vacarro/Bowman will need some reps in TC, so Gute shouldn't mull his options too long.

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