My Take -> 2019 Training Camp Preview

Greetings, G-Force.

I’m back with excitement for the 2019 Green Bay Packers season. I write with a fresh, renewed perspective. I write with hope. I write with curiosity. I can’t recall a time when I felt so uncertain about the perspective of a team. If everything falls into place, this team might have the talent to contend for a Super Bowl.
But, if there are growing pains and internal rifts, we could be feeling the pain of a tough schedule and a 6-10 season. Yes, as I write in late July, I feel there’s that much variance. And, yes, it wouldn’t shock me if the Packers hoist the Super Bowl trophy this year. And, yes, it wouldn’t shock me if the Packers night finish in last place in the Division. As we settle into the 2019 training camp, it’s tougher to project an outlook than any time I can recall.

If you haven’t listened to the Phish 3-night run at Alpine Valley from July 12-14; I’d encourage you to do so. For the last two weeks, it’s been my musical inspiration. While listening, a taste of the Crooked Stave Motif will never steer you wrong. The Motif is a Belgian Style Dark Sour Ale that is aged in Sherry barrels. Perfectly sour, full bodied for a Wild Ale. Just delicious as the sun sets on a warm summer day.

Yes, we are all excited to see the new roster additions in Green Bay. But, as we prepare to launch into the preseason, here are 10 things that I’ll be paying extra attention to over the 5 weeks:

10.) The UDFA class has a lot of guys that I wasn’t familiar with this year. It’s always fun to have an UDFA darling to follow throughout camp. This year, for me, it’s Randy Ramsey. He’s a physical specimen who is nicknamed Rambo. I’d consider Z Smith, P Smith, Gary and Fackrell as locks to make the team. There’s one spot left at the EDGE position. Ramsey can line up on both sides of the EDFE. He can drop into space. He is Lightning quick off of the snap. He’s still developing as a football player. He’s added significant weight. I’m rooting for him. He’s my name to watch as an UDFA. I had a Round 6-7 grade on him. I won’t be shocked if he makes the team. And, I’d be disappointed if he’s not on the Practice is Squad in a worst case scenario.

9.) Let’s face it: Gutekunst did not address the backup QB position. So, as it stands, if Rodgers misses any time, it’s fair to think that the Packers might go winless. Unless Boyle or Kizer have grown. Almost oddly, I still hold out hope that Kizer could develop into a worthwhile NFL backup. I liked him coming out of college. I thought he was really good between the 20s as a rookie. He had good moments in the preseason last year as well. This might be a make or break year for him. I’m interested in seeing how he performs. Also, last year, Boyle showed that he can sling it. Can Boyle and Kizer play well enough to earn roster spots?

8.) How do the Packers line up at WR? Who plays the slot? So many options, but where do they play. MVS and ESB earned stripes last year in the slot, but it appear as though Allison will play that role this year. Or will he? Will Kumerow see time on the perimeter or on the outside? Which WR will be used in motion the most? Will Trevor Davis be the sole WR used on the jet sweep or do we see others in the role as well. I’m not as curious as to who is the #2 or #3 WR as I am not a fantasy football player — rather I’m interested in seeing how they’re being utilized pre snap.

7.) As it stands, you’d have to think that Trevor Davis is the kick returner. But, you’d also have to think that Adams, MVS, Allison, ESB, and Kumerow are Lock’s for this roster. So, if Jah’Mon Moore shows that he’s worth another year at the bottom of the roster, who do the Packers have to compete with Davis as a return man? Or is it simply Davis’ job this year?

6.) Over the last week, Gutekunst has brought in Corey Grant and Darrin Hall, which makes me wonder if Jamaal Williams is in a fight to keep his job. Grant brings kickoff return skills. Hall isn’t overly flashy, but he’s a one-cut runner who was highly productive at the college level. Aaron Jones and Dexter Williams are Lock’s for the roster. In fact, I’m super stoked to see Dexter Williams in this offense. He was exceptional in the screen game and on swing passes at the college level. He brought burst that allowed him to grab yards in chunks. He’s also a one cut, straight ahead runner. Look for Dexter Williams to be involved in this offense early in the 2019 campaign. So, with the new additions, is Jamaal Williams going to be a roster casualty this year?

5.) Robert Tonyan. Tonyan has the tools to be a perfect fit in LaFleur’s offense. He is a willing blocker. He was a sharp route runner. He brings quickness and power with the ball in his hands. Graham is undoubtably the number 1 option, but could Tonyan make a massive leap from year 1 to year 2? Also, if Jace Sternberger shows he’s deserving of playing time this year, is Marcedes Lewis possibly going to get cut? Or does Lewis’ blocking skills warrant a roster spot?

4.) The toughest decision that Gutekunst faces over the next 12 months is what to do with Blake Martinez. If Martinez demands top notch, open market money; Gutekunst can’t afford him. If Martinez will be team friendly, Gutekunst has an easier decision. In today’s NFL , Gutekunst has to prepare for a life without Martinez. Gutekunst traded up to draft Oren Burks. Prior to his injury last year, Burks looked like he’d step in and play in a similar fashion that Darius Leonard played for Indianapolis last year. Will Burks show durability and prove that he’s worthy of a shot at the all-important role as the QB of the defense? He definitely has the smarts, the mentality and the athleticism for it. Also, can Ty Summers or James Crawford show that they’re able to be depended on in a base defense. Or are they solely destined to be on special teams units? Crawford spent a portion of the offense with Sir Charles Woodson training in the sand. Gutekunst spent a 7th round pick on Summers, who was a tackling machine in college.

3.) In recent years, depth on the OL has been a major issue. In 2019, there’s room for optimism. Billy Turner was given a hefty contract to start at RG and be a backup at RT. Cole Madison is back from a year long absence. Prior to last year, I anticipated that Madison might compete for the starting RG position along with providing a reliable option as a backup at RT. Elgton Jenkins was drafted in the 2nd Round and should be able to immediately step in as a back-up at all of the interior positions on the line. Justin McCray is back. He’s proven that he’s a capable, gritty fighter. Is it possible that the Packers have 8 quality OL this year?

2.) On paper, the Packers depth looks as good as it has since the day Nintendo Nick got hurt in 2011. With Jaire, Kevin Ing, TMon, Smash Amos and Savage; the Packers have a talented starting unit. With Tony Brown, Ka’dar Hollman, Natrell Jamerson, Raven Greene, and Josh Jackson; the Packers have extraordinary athletes with high ceilings. Additionally, all players seem to bring great versatility. Brown and Jackson both played in the slot and on the perimeter. Hollman did the same in college. Greene can play safety and might potentially be able to play LB in dime packages. Jamerson will get a shot in the slot as well as at Safety. Of these 5 players, the Packers need three of them to become legitimate NFL players. Who will boost their play and elevate their game to the next level?

1.) Mike Daniels is gone. Dean Lowry is locked up. Kenny Clark will soon be locked up. After Clark and Lowry, there is a lot of youthful, potentially high reward depth. Tyler Lancaster showed promise at the end of last year. Fadol Brown has shining moments last year as well. When healthy, Montravius Adams has had moments of positivity as well. James Looney was drafted in the 7th round last year. Kingsley Keke has the frame and quickness to excel in Pettine’s defense. As we know Pettine doesn’t play 3-down lineman frequently, but it’s important for two more players to rise up in training camp and show that they bring the merit required to play vital snaps in the DL rotation.

A couple of quick vibes that have been on my mind:

*Coming out of college, I was convinced that Robert Nkemdiche was going to be a star in the league. It didn’t work out for him in AZ. I hopes Gutekunst takes a look.

*Last year, in Tennessee, LaFleur had a ton of fun with Dion Lewis as a receiver out of the backfield. Lewis caught 59 balls. Now, Theo Riddick is available. He’d satisfy the Lewis role in excellent fashion.

*Gutekunst will undoubtedly want to enter into next years Draft with 10 selections to help him maneuver around the board. Today, he has 8. It was perplexing that he didn’t net anything in return for Daniels. Had Gutekunst let Daniels walk after the year, he’d have fallen within the compensatory pick equation. Instead, Daniels walked across Lake Michigan for a similar financial deal that he had in GB and the Packers have nothing to show for it. So, where can Gutekunst potentially acquire two more picks? Possibly one for Josh Jones? Possibly one for Jamaal Williams? Possibly one for a WR? Could Gutekunst get a late round pick for Jason Spriggs if he shows well in the preseason?

This team looks different. It looks differently on paper. It looks differently in pictures. The team appears more muscular, more robust, and more defined. The team appears both quicker and faster than years past. I’m excited to see the new toys with G’s on their helmets.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com