[tps_title]3. Offensive Line[/tps_title]
Free agents: center Evan Dietrich-Smith, tackle Marshall Newhouse
Entering final contract year: tackle Bryan Bulaga, tackle Derek Sherrod, tackle Don Barclay
Three of the Green Bay Packers starting offensive lineman are under contract through at least 2015, including their best one — left guard Josh Sitton — and their most important one — left tackle David Bakhtiari. Right guard T.J. Lang rounds out the group.
The Packers will have a decision to make after the 2014 season on which guy to keep around at right tackle. Two would-be free agents have started there — Don Barclay and Bryan Bulaga — and Derek Sherrod is a former first-round pick.
For the coming season, however, the offensive line should be a strength for the Packers. That’s even if starting center Evan Dietrich-Smith leaves via free agency. The Packers prepared their contingency plan last year, when they drafted J.C. Tretter in the fourth round as their center of the future. If Dietrich-Smith comes back, great. If not, Tretter should be able to fill the role adequately. Bakhtiari will only improve in his second year, Sitton played at a Pro Bowl level in 2013 and the Packers will be adding two former first-round picks coming off injury to the mix (Bulaga and Sherrod), so there will be competition for spots.
It’s been a while since anyone called the Packers offensive line a strength, but that looks like a strong possibility in 2014.
Goddamn I fucking love Eddie Lacy
Amen, brother.
I’ve never really had a “favorite player”…but in 1 season, Fast Eddie has become that guy
He’s probably my favorite player on this current team as well; he or Jordy, Rodgers, of course, is up there, as is Hayward. I can’t help but watch his highlight’s at least once a week, replaying his hit on Rhodes at least thrice every time. Dude’s just an awesome human being and footballer; here’s hoping he has a long and successful career in the Green and Gold.
I hear that brother, Lacy is the fucking man. Favorite by far.
I agree with this article, though who would believe that the day would come when Monty calls the offensive line a strength and says you could do worse than Bush as your dime corner.
However, I think the Packers’ two greatest positions of strength are not included here- QB and WR.
It would be a travesty of justice to not sign Matt Flynn, but Tolzien is under contract. So, even if the Packers don’t, they are in a better position at QB than they were last season.
And even if James Jones goes elsewhere, you still have Cobb, Nelson and Boykin at WR and Kevin Dorsey coming off of IR. Sure, you draft another guy there just for depth, but the WR position is pretty much set.
Hold up. Cornerback? Really?
Tramon – Solid, rounding back into 2010 form
Shields – Rosenhaus as agent? Gone
Hayward – Let’s slow down before we go all Finley on him and annoint him an all-pro because of his rookie season. Year 2 saw him unavailable. Jury is still out.
Hyde – Nothing but upside, but his value as an every down CB is untested.
House – Puhleaze! This guy has to be the slowest, least athletic CB I have ever watched play.
Bush – Great special teams guy.
That’s two solid players, Williams and Hyde. And that doesn’t make for a position of strength.
I agree.
TWill will be 31 — not a red flag, but a caution?
Shields just seems like he will take the big money, wherever that is.
Hayward has had multiple hamstring injuries and wasn’t fast previously.
Hyde may not have the speed to play corner (but will likely be ok close to the line).
House plays full-contact — before/after 5yds; before/after ball in air.
But I’m not worried… during camp last year, Whitt said that he had eight guys that could play in the NFL !!!
…oLine
I’m concerned about Center. Tretter hasn’t done much to be annointed the heir-apparent. Hope McCarthy doesn’t fiddle-dick too much with position swapping. IMO, Bulaga should go back to RT, coming off injury.
…QB
I’m not sure McCarthy is going to tailor an offense to Flynn, so his weak arm is a problem IMO. Or were those ducks just “back shoulder” throws?
…WR
A positive. Since TEs don’t have to block in GB, I’ll consider Bostick a WR, as well — should be OK.
Yes…Bulaga-RT…Bahktihari-LT…Sherrod-1st backup