[tps_title]2. Cornerback[/tps_title]
Free agents: Sam Shields
Entering final contract year: Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, Davon House
As The Dude would say, there’s a lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-you’s with the Green Bay Packers cornerbacks. However things end up working out, we still see this group as a strength.
At the moment, the wild card is Sam Shields. If the Packers are able to re-sign Shields, they can pair him with Tramon Williams on the outside. Shields was a borderline shutdown corner in 2013 and after a slow start, Williams came on as the Packers best defender down the stretch.
In that scenario, the Packers have a legitimate problem in the slot. Do they play Casey Hayward, who missed most of 2013 with a hamstring injury, but led the Packers with six picks in 2012? Or do they play Micah Hyde, who more than earned his playing time as a rookie? Then there’s Davon House, who was a regular in the nickel and dime in 2013.
With those last four guys we mentioned, the Packers have four legit corners with or without Shields. We know the Packers want to re-sign Shields and it makes sense for them to do so with three guys entering their contract year.
If they’re able to, the Packers could move Hyde to safety and go with a top four of Shields, Williams, Hayward and House at cornerback.
We haven’t even mentioned Jarrett Bush. He doesn’t have the tools the other guys have, but he’s gone from a liability early in his career to a solid contributor. You could certainly do a lot worse than Bush as your dime cornerback.
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