http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090908/PKR07/90908162/1058/PKR01/Offense--defense-start-with-Rodgers--Woodson&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL Mike Vandermause column: Offense, defense start with top-rated Rodgers, Woodson
September 8, 2009
General Manager Ted Thompson said he gnashed his teeth in cutting the Green Bay Packers roster to |53 players. Now its my turn to grind my molars and rank the 2009 Packers, from most to least important.
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1. Aaron Rodgers
As the starting quarterback goes, so go the Packers. The better Rodgers performs, the higher this team will ascend. Based on his first regular season as a starter and the recently completed preseason, Rodgers should be very good.
2. Charles Woodson
Lets call him the quarterback of the defense. Hes excited about the new scheme and the Pro Bowl cornerback will make plays all over the field.
3. Aaron Kampman
Successful defenses must put pressure on the passer, and that will be his primary responsibility in a new outside linebacker role.
4. Greg Jennings
He received a fat new contract that comes with great expectations to serve as the most potent weapon in a high-powered arsenal.
5. Chad Clifton
His healthy return at left tackle, at the ripe old age of 33, is imperative to keep the quarterback secure and the offense humming at optimal efficiency.
6. Ryan Grant
A strong running game is imperative, and a return to his healthy 2007 form, in which explosive runs were a regular occurrence, will go a long way in bolstering the offense.
7. Cullen Jenkins
The defense missed him more than anyone will ever know when he went down for the season in Week 4. Ends in the 3-4 sometimes get overlooked, but he could be an unsung star.
8. B.J. Raji
This is a high ranking for someone who hasnt cracked the starting lineup. But his potential, like his body frame, is huge. His development on the defensive line will be key in stopping the run this season.
9. Nick Collins
If he can claim this defense as his own and repeat as a Pro Bowl safety performer, Dom Capers will sleep much better at night.
10. Jermichael Finley
He is loaded with potential, adds a new dimension to the offense as a dangerous tight end and will make opposing defensive coordinators squirm.
11. Al Harris
He is bound and determined to prove he can flourish in the zone-oriented defensive scheme at age 34. His success will help keep pass-happy opponents at bay.
12. Donald Driver
Hes been so good for so long that its easy to take him for granted. He will make defenses regret double-teaming Jennings.
13. Nick Barnett
His healthy return from knee surgery will solidify the middle of the 3-4, and dont underestimate his infectious enthusiasm and zest for contact.
14. Daryn Colledge
He has become entrenched at left guard for the foreseeable future, but his ability to shift to left tackle in case something happens to Clifton makes him even more valuable.
15. Jason Spitz
He has taken over as the starting center, but his ability to shift to guard is a plus if injuries strike.
16. Ryan Pickett
Theres not much glory in eating up blocks, but his role as the starting nose tackle is vital.
17. Atari Bigby
If the safety returns to the big-hitting, playmaking form of 2007, it will be a boon to the defense. That might not happen based on the preseason, and his ranking could plummet.
18. Allen Barbre
He has big shoes to fill in replacing longtime veteran Mark Tauscher at right tackle but has flashed promise.
19. Tramon Williams
Adequately filling the nickel back role is crucial, especially since he likely will be on the field almost as much as a starter.
20. Josh Sitton
He brings 322 pounds of beef to the right guard spot, the kind of physical presence the team craves.
21. Clay Matthews
This ranking is based on potential, since he has yet to earn a starting job. But if the outside linebacker lives up to his pass-rushing expectations, the defense will become dangerous.
22. Johnny Jolly
His starting status is tenuous with Raji on the rise, but he overcame an ankle injury and performed well late in the preseason. He will serve as an important cog in the D-line rotation.
23. A.J. Hawk
He hasnt missed a start in three years, but hes interchangeable with some solid backups and will see his role reduced in passing situations.
24. Brandon Chillar
His ability in pass coverage will earn him playing time and his versatility as a linebacker is welcome and needed in the 3-4.
25. Mason Crosby
The difference between winning and losing is sometimes razor-thin and comes down to field goals. The Packers need a solid season out of their place-kicker, who must prove he can perform in the clutch and from long distance.
26. Brady Poppinga
He was an afterthought when training camp opened but showed up ready to play every day. Even if his starting linebacker job is because of injuries, theres something to be said for being available.
27. Will Blackmon
He needs to emerge as a solid No. 4 cornerback, but more important, he must provide a spark in the return game.
28-29. Korey Hall, John Kuhn
Take your pick at starting fullback, where these twins performed well in training camp and add value on special teams.
30. Brandon Jackson
He was injured during the preseason and hasnt lived up to his second-round-pick billing, but hes decent as a third-down blocker and backup to Grant.
31. James Jones
Finley will steal some of his catches, but Jones will play no small role in the offense as the No. 3 receiver.
32. Donald Lee
He had a solid camp and wont be forgotten because the Packers love to run two-tight end formations.
33. Scott Wells
He gives the team a sense of security as the offensive lines sixth man with starting-caliber ability coming off the bench.
34. Matt Flynn
If Rodgers goes down, its uncertain whether the backup quarterback can win a game in a pinch. But he has improved from his rookie season, and he also fills the all-important role of holder.
35. Jeremy Kapinos
He overcame a slow start and looked solid late in the preseason, which could be a big relief after last seasons punting follies with Derrick Frost.
36. Jordy Nelson
His long touchdown catch against Arizona in the preseason is an indication of how a No. 4 receiver can sneak up on defenses and make them pay.
37. Desmond Bishop
He made a lot of plays in the preseason from his backup linebacker post, but it remains to be seen how much the team will use him with a glut of talent at the position.
38. Aaron Rouse
He needs to overcome injury and inconsistency and prove hes worthy in the No. 3 safety role.
39. Jarrett Bush
Hes a special teams demon who is versatile enough to play cornerback and safety.
40. Michael Montgomery
Hes an unheralded defensive lineman who has developed veteran savvy in four NFL seasons but will battle to stay in the rotation.
41. DeShawn Wynn
Hes a natural runner who could unseat Jackson as the No. 2 halfback if he stays healthy and focused.
42. Brett Goode
What other position in professional sports other than long snapper requires a player to be perfect for the entire season?
43. Derrick Martin
The newly acquired defensive back could emerge as the No. 3 safety if Rouse doesnt heal but also has experience at cornerback.
44. Jarius Wynn
He may open the season on the game-day inactive list as the No. 6 defensive lineman, but he came on strong late in training camp and could push Montgomery for playing time.
45. Jeremy Thompson
He lined up as the starting right outside linebacker when camp opened, but has fallen off the map due to injuries and ineffectiveness.
46. T.J. Lang
Hes only a rookie but possesses versatility on the offensive line and untapped potential.
47. Breno Giacomini
He looked shaky in the preseason but will be called on at right tackle if something happens to Barbre.
48. Brett Swain
He surprised some by beating out Ruvell Martin as the fifth receiver, but his biggest asset is special teams talent.
49. Spencer Havner
If this were a track team, he would be a decathlete. He made the team for his ability to perform multiple tasks (tight end, linebacker and special teams).
50. Brad Jones
He was a lowly seventh-round linebacker but shows promise down the road.
51. Quinn Johnson
He will one day be a starter, but for now, there isnt much value in a third-string fullback.
52. Brandon Underwood
He could be called on if an injury bug strikes at cornerback, but the rookie needs more seasoning.
53. Evan Dietrich-Smith
Hes a rookie project but made the team because he can play multiple positions on the offensive line.