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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mushroom" data-source="post: 293298" data-attributes="member: 2247">Just six of the 53 players that Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson inherited from Mike Sherman in January 2005 remain on the 53-man roster.                                  Additional information(Links will open in a new window) ♦ <a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/ic/textalerts.shtml" target="_blank">Sign up for Green Bay Packers text alerts.</a> Thompson has undertaken a major rebuilding project constructed largely through the draft. A total of 31 of his 58 selections over the past six drafts are on the current team, including six picks in each of the past four years.Thompson’s roster also consists of three unrestricted free agents, two acquired via trade, two plucked off the waiver wire and nine signed as street free agents. Here is a ranking of the Packers’ roster, from most important to least important:1. Aaron RodgersHe’s being mentioned as a potential NFL MVP candidate and is the catalyst of the Packers’ high-powered offense. After becoming the first player in league history to post 4,000-yard passing seasons in his first two years as a starter, the only thing lacking on his resume is a playoff victory.2. Charles WoodsonThe reigning NFL defensive player of the year makes everyone around him better. He is a turnover-producing machine who in four seasons in Green Bay has 28 interceptions and a franchise-record eight defensive touchdowns.3. Jermichael FinleyHe has the potential to become the best pass-catching tight end in the league and will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. He’s too big for defensive backs to cover and too fast for linebackers.4. Clay MatthewsHe produced a rookie-record 10 sacks and became the first Packers rookie Pro Bowler in 31 years. He is being counted on to spearhead a desperately needed pass rush from his outside linebacker post. 5. Chad CliftonThere can be no greater responsibility than protecting the franchise player’s blind side, which is why the team gave their veteran left tackle a new contract at age 34.6. Greg JenningsHe’s the best big-play receiver on the roster with an NFL-leading 21 catches of 40-plus yards over the past three seasons.7. Cullen JenkinsPerhaps the team’s most underrated player, he contributed to the Packers’ No. 1-ranked run defense and also rushed the passer. He was one of only eight NFL defensive linemen last year to post at least 50 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.8. Ryan GrantHe’s reliable if not flashy as the go-to running back, with back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons and 291 straight carries without a fumble.9. Nick CollinsThe first Packers safety to earn back-to-back Pro Bowl berths since LeRoy Butler, he leads all NFL safeties with 13 picks since 2008 and is No. 1 among all players in interception return yards (405).10. B.J. RajiHe has been moved to the all-important nose tackle position in the 3-4 defense and is expected to occupy multiple blockers and contribute mightily to the run defense.11. Tramon WilliamsReliable starting cornerbacks are a necessity in a pass-happy league, and he is sorely needed in light of Al Harris’ absence and the inexperienced players behind him on the depth chart. Taking on the punt return duties only increases his value.12. Nick BarnettHe overcame major knee surgery to lead the team in tackles (122) last season and showed the ability to rush the passer in the 3-4 defense with a career-high four sacks.13. Mark TauscherWithout him in the first half of last season, the offensive line was a mess. With him, things settled down and Rodgers could breathe easy as sack totals plummeted.14. Ryan PickettHe served a key role in the Packers’ top-ranked run defense as a nose tackle and now shifts to end where he fills the spot vacated by Johnny Jolly.15. Donald DriverHis six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons has been matched only by Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne among NFL receivers. He continues to produce at age 35.16. Scott WellsHe reclaimed his starting job at center early last season and never gave it back. The wily seventh-year veteran serves as an anchor in the middle of the offense.17. Brad JonesWhen healthy, he is a proven contributor with four sacks in seven regular-season starts at outside linebacker. The defense needs him to improve on those pass-rushing skills.18. Josh SittonThe best run-blocker on the line, he played all 1,093 snaps on offense last season and appears entrenched as the starting right guard for years to come.19. Morgan BurnettIt’s a lot of responsibility to thrust a rookie into the starting lineup, but he is learning on the job and made some plays during the preseason.20. Daryn ColledgeOnce again, he rose to the challenge when his starting left guard job was on the line and beat back rookie first-round draft pick Bryan Bulaga.21. A.J. HawkHe’s steady if not spectacular from his inside linebacker post, has been No. 1 or No. 2 on the team in tackles in each of his four seasons, and was praised for having his best training camp.22. Brandon ChillarHis versatility is valued, which explains the new contract he signed last December. He serves as the primary cover linebacker in the nickel package and can play outside in a pinch.23. Mike NealThe second-round draft pick is big and strong, provides much-needed depth on the defensive line and looks to be an immediate contributor.24. Jordy NelsonHe will serve as the primary kickoff return man now that Will Blackmon has been put on the shelf. He also elevated his receiving skills in training camp.25. Brandon JacksonHe’s the only halfback on the roster besides Grant and serves a vital role as a third-down back and pass-blocker. 26. Sam ShieldsThe undrafted rookie likely will assume the all-important nickel cornerback job, which involves taking more than 50 percent of the snaps. He’s developing his raw skills and didn’t play the position until his senior season in college.27. John KuhnHe can catch, block and play special teams, but elevated his value even more with his role as the No. 3 halfback.28. Mason CrosbyThere’s no substitute for a reliable kicker, especially the way the Packers move the ball. He came on strong after a slow start in camp.29. Brady PoppingaOne of three survivors from Thompson’s original draft class in 2005, he will serve as the No. 3 outside linebacker and make major contributions on special teams.30. Donald LeeHe has been overshadowed by Finley but brings valuable experience at tight end.31. James JonesHe came on strong late in camp and could make his biggest impact since his rookie season as the No. 3 wideout.32. Korey HallHe has been a consistent special teams performer and is interchangeable with Kuhn at fullback.33. Matt FlynnHe passed for more than 300 yards in the preseason finale against Kansas City and is starting to receive attention as one of the better backup quarterbacks.34. Bryan BulagaHe potentially could fill in at left tackle or left guard and the offense wouldn’t miss a beat. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes a starter.35. Brandon UnderwoodHe is largely unproven but could be called on as the nickel back if Shields can’t hack it.36. Jarrett BushThe much-maligned defensive back proved he can make an occasional play in the preseason and is valued on special teams.37. Derrick MartinHe’s not a starting-caliber safety but will fill the role as a stopgap backup and special teams demon.38. Tim MasthayHis nerves should be battle-tested after winning a duel with Chris Bryan, and perhaps the Packers’ two-year punting nightmare finally will end.39. Jason SpitzThe one-time starter provides valuable insurance backing up at center or either guard position.40. Frank ZomboMaybe it’s a pipe dream to think an undrafted rookie free agent can make an impact, but his sack and forced fumble against Peyton Manning in the preseason was an eye-opener.41. Brett GoodeHe’s largely unnoticed and forgotten and only appreciated when his replacement starts snapping footballs all over the yard.42. Desmond BishopHe’s not starting material as an inside linebacker and will make most of his contributions on special teams.43. Justin HarrellAfter managing to stay healthy for an average of just four games per season, he has much to prove.44. Charlie PeprahHe is likely holding a roster spot only until Atari Bigby returns from the physically unable to perform list.45. Pat LeeHe has fallen down the cornerback depth chart and might be released when Al Harris comes back from the PUP list.46. T.J. LangHe ranks No. 8 on the offensive line depth chart and won’t see much action.47. Brett SwainUnless he emerges as a viable return man, he is destined to spend a lot of Sundays on the inactive list.48. C.J. WilsonThe rookie showed enough potential to bump Jarius Wynn off the roster and could potentially surpass Harrell on the defensive line depth chart before long.49. Tom CrabtreeHe came out of nowhere to earn a job as a tight end but will make his mark mostly on special teams.50. Quinn JohnsonHe’s only the third-best fullback and still developing as a special-teamer.51. Marshall NewhouseAs the No. 9 offensive lineman, he will have plenty of time to groom his skills in practice and watching from the sideline.52. Andrew QuarlessDespite what Thompson claims, his No. 4 tight end made the team based on potential.53. Nick McDonaldAs the 10th-best offensive lineman, he would be the first to go in case of a waiver wire pick-up.</blockquote>

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