The boys of summer.

[Packerlifer]

After losing key players Jordy Nelson, B.J. Raji and Bryan Bulaga for the season as the result of preseason injuries in recent years the Packers and most teams in the NFL will be sparing in how much risk exposure they allow for their regulars in preseason games. And with the Packers drawing an extra preseason game this year that will be particularly so.

So that means that the guys we'll be seeing on the field most of the time in July and August will be a different group than the one that takes the field in Jacksonville in September. Most have little to no chance of making the final cut but several will be intriquing and a couple will make it and one or two might even become exceptional NFL players in time to come.

Otherwise they'll serve as fodder to fill out the 60 minutes of games that don't count in the standings for the championship. But we should get to know them.

Aaron Rodgers will barely work up a sweat in preseason games and Brett Hundley will get an extensive work load to prep as the Packers' "just in case" back up this year and showcase to quarterback hungry teams for a nice trade deal, perhaps next year. So that will mean we'll see a lot of rookies Joe Callahan and Marquise Williams as they compete for the third string developmental prospect:

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http://www.patriots.com/video/2016/02/16/2016-draft-prospects-marquise-williams-qb-north-carolina


Eddie Lacy, James Starks and Aaron Ripkowski are givens in the backfield while John Kuhn waits for his phone to ring. So who among these four will emerge to gain a spot and maybe have some impact for the team this season:

John Crockett: 6-0,217

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Don Jackson: 5-10,208

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Brandon Burks: 5-9,208

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Alstevis Squirewell: 6-0,265 http://packersnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/banner-1.php_-5.jpeg
http://packersnotes.com/2016/05/notes-packers-add-fullback/


While the discussion continues whether the Packers will or should carry 7 wide receivers on the roster this season here are 4 who will try to complicate the issue:

Jamel Johnson: 6-3,220

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Herb Waters: 6-0,188

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Ed Williams: 6-0,196 http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1614463/highlights/196022378

Geronimo Allison: 6-3,185

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Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers might hear some footsteps for the tight end spots:

Justin Perillo: 6-4,250 http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000580072/Packers-Aaron-Rodgers-to-Justin-Perillo-for-24-yards
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000580211/Packers-Aaron-Rodgers-finds-Justin-Perillo-for-11-yard-TD

Kennard Backman: 6-3,245 http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000518162/Kennard-Backman-4-yard-TD-catch
http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/28957/the-unknown-tight-end-what-can-kennard-backman-give-the-packers

Mitchell Henry: 6-4,252 http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/10/16/9553949/packers-sign-mitchell-henry-to-practice-squad
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2015/09/08/could-mitchell-henry-one-who-got-away/71901976/

Casey Pierce: 6-3,248 http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/casey-pierce?id=2552560
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/medi...y-Pierce/7069943b-f929-4924-b7bc-b15ceef21270


The Packers' starting offensive line, barring injuries, is already known and draft choices Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy project as back-ups and future starters. The competition in the Green Bay camp this summer will be to round out the depth chart and newcomers in that competition could surprise.

Center Jacob Flores: 6-3,300 http://www.packers.com/team/roster/Jacob-Flores/754f6b53-8138-4203-a2a7-cfa6c41b3373
http://www.vnews.com/getattachment/...460e584/20150101-vn-dartmouthfootball-ctw-002

Guard Matt Rotherham: 6-5,325 http://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/green-bay-packers-could-have-steal-in-undrafted-ol-matt-rotheram-051515
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/s...41e4780207242_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

Guard Lucas Patrick: 6-3,313 http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205152934
http://www.packers.com/assets/image...le_images/2016/06-june/160601-patrick-950.jpg

Tackle Josh James: 6-6,315 http://www.ktvh.com/2016/05/carrolls-josh-james-eager-to-make-most-of-green-bay-packers-opportunity/
https://www.google.com/search?site=....img..0.0.0.V4EvnBBz_5w#imgrc=WtupF3kDM6-4YM:

 

[Deleted member 6794]

So that means that the guys we'll be seeing on the field most of the time in July and August will be a different group than the one that takes the field in Jacksonville in September. Most have little to no chance of making the final cut but several will be intriquing and a couple will make it and one or two might even become exceptional NFL players in time to come.

While I don´t expect the starters to get significant snaps a lot of key backups and guys fighting for a roster will play a ton during preseason games. I agree that some players are merely camp bodies but not the majority of the ones currently on the bottom of the depth chart.

 

[El Guapo]

So that means that the guys we'll be seeing on the field most of the time in July and August will be a different group than the one that takes the field in Jacksonville in September.

I'm with Captain. We've got 22 starters plus the 3 ST specialists on a 53 man roster, so there are 28 guys that will be key situational players, part of a rotation (such as DL), or at some point will be a starter due to injury to the #1 guy on the depth chart. I love watching preseason games to see how these guys will be later in the season when called upon.

For sure there are camp bodies, and those are all of the try-out guys and most of the undrafted free agents. We'll all keep an ear on the ground for the diamonds in the rough.

 

[PackerDNA]

Pre season isn't as boring to me as it is for a lot of fans. I enjoy watching and reading about the young guys. Who's stepping up? Who's gonna be the surprise guy to make the roster?

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Since I have begun getting into the draft I really enjoy the preseason games more. I want to see how the draft picks do and the undrafted guys.

I don't know anything about Callahan and Williams so I want to see how they acclimate themselves to the game.

I hope Cook gets some extended playing time to see how he is picking up the route combinations. If he can get in any kind of rhythm with Aaron even if AR only plays a few snaps, then that is a positive.

Even if we see alot of the potential players, the more we see the more we can learn if they can translate to the NFL.

I usually write down the players that I am interested in watching and try to focus on them while they are playing.

Looking forward to it.

 

[El Guapo]

Great points. The casual fan pays attention to big plays and the overall game. One needs to take the opposite approach for preseason games because it's so much more about the individual players and battles than the game. When the season starts, I'm all about the game - especially since I gave up fantasy football almost 15 years ago.

 

[Packerlifer]

http://www.packersnews.com/story/sp...takeaways-packers-offseason-program/86041632/

 

[Packerlifer]

"Defense wins championships," as the old saying goes. Will the Packers find some foundations for higher defensive success among this year's undrafted rookies?

This is a good year to be a young defensive line prospect in Green Bay. With B.J. Raji retired and Mike Pennell due to start the season on suspension a good young player could well make the cut.

Reggie Gilbert: 6-4,262 http://thecomeback.com/thisgivensunday/2016-articles/green-bay-packers-exclusive-interview-with-rookie-reggie-gilbert.html

Brian Price: 6-3,305

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B.J. McBryde: 6-5,304

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Tyler Kuder: 6-3,311

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Demetris Anderson: 6-1,312 http://www.orlandosportsdaily.com/2016/05/23/former-ucf-defensive-tackle-demetris-anderson-is-making-the-most-of-his-nfl-opportunity/


With the talent and experience the Packers have at linebacker it will be an uphill climb for these undrafted prospects:

Beniquez Brown: 6-1,238

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http://www.hngn.com/articles/170982/20160119/green-bay-packers-thompson-miss-st-s-beniquez-brown-inside-linebackers-report.htm

Manoa Pikula: 6-1,235 #22 in the highlights video.

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http://www.scout.com/nfl/packers/story/1668721-pikula-s-path-to-packers-started-at-dinner


Tramon Williams, Sam Shields. Chris Banjo and Ladarius Gunter have leaped up from the ranks of undrafted free agents in the past. This area will again offer intriquing prospects to see if there is another in that trend.

Makinton Dorleant: 5-11,177

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http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/cornerback-makinton-dorleant-brings-speed-background-b99714751z1-377711171.html

Robertson Daniel: 6-1,205

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http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/robertson-daniel-hopes-next-career-leap-is-at-lambeau-b99665953z1-368065581.html

Josh Hawkins: 5-10,185

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http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2016/5/5/11595588/packers-undrafted-free-agents-best-positioned-nfl-draft-2016

Randall Jette: 5-11,193 http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-rookie-randall-jette-hopes-to-make-marthas-vineyard-proud-b99724583z1-379597691.html

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Marwin Evans: 5-11,211 http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/378705821.html

Kentrell Brice: 5-11,200 http://packersguru.com/2016/05/13/packers-why-udfa-kentrell-brice-can-make-the-53-man-roster/

Jermaine Whitehead: 5-11, 195 http://www.patriots.com/video/2015/01/01/2015-draft-prospects-jermaine-whitehead-s-auburn
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2015/02/23/jermaine-whitehead-among-top-five-safeties-several-nfl-combine-tests/23910217/
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/05/jermaine_whitehead_makes_quick.html

 

[Deleted member 6794]

"Defense wins championships," as the old saying goes.

Several members on this forum, me included, have proven that to be a myth though.

This is a good year to be a young defensive line prospect in Green Bay. With B.J. Raji retired and Mike Pennell due to start the season on suspension a good young player could well make the cut.

With the Packers having invested a first and a fourth round pick on the defensive line and the team expecting Christian Ringo to take the next step it will still be tough for undrafted rookies to make the final roster.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

Don't go ahead and think Murphy and Spriggs can't start. Bakhtiari was awful last year, I know the paper has mentioned it was because of injury but at this point Bakhtiari needs to show me that! If he falters Spriggs could be the starter as a rookie. Also I see issues in the interior line, and lots of pressure coming in Rodgers' face the last 2-3 years, so something between Lang, Sitton and Linsley ain't workin'. Also with the injuries Bulaga is starting to look like Chad Clifton the last 3-4 years when Clifton was playing hurt all the time with stuff that would've hospitalized most people, difference being Bulaga misses games.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

I also would love to see Geronimo Allison become our third down/across the middle receiver. We lost our "KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHN" chant...can you imagine 70,00 fans screaming "GERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOONIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

 

[El Guapo]

Two many syllables for drunken fans...

That's why they only do it with one syllable names such as Kuhn or someone like Cecil Cooper

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Don't go ahead and think Murphy and Spriggs can't start. Bakhtiari was awful last year, I know the paper has mentioned it was because of injury but at this point Bakhtiari needs to show me that! If he falters Spriggs could be the starter as a rookie. Also I see issues in the interior line, and lots of pressure coming in Rodgers' face the last 2-3 years, so something between Lang, Sitton and Linsley ain't workin'. Also with the injuries Bulaga is starting to look like Chad Clifton the last 3-4 years when Clifton was playing hurt all the time with stuff that would've hospitalized most people, difference being Bulaga misses games.

Bakhtiari excelled in pass protection last season but has to improve blocking for the run. I don't expect Spriggs or Murphy to challenge him for the starting position at left tackle.

The offensive line struggled mightily once Bakhtiari wasn't able to play.

 

[tynimiller]

Bakhtiari excelled in pass protection last season but has to improve blocking for the run. I don't expect Spriggs or Murphy to challenge him for the starting position at left tackle.

The offensive line struggled mightily once Bakhtiari wasn't able to play.

in 2016....in 2017 I think he may not be here to challenge

 

[Packerlifer]

http://www.packersnews.com/story/sp...t-play-role-backfield-special-teams/86438736/

 

[PikeBadger]

Don't go ahead and think Murphy and Spriggs can't start. Bakhtiari was awful last year, I know the paper has mentioned it was because of injury but at this point Bakhtiari needs to show me that! If he falters Spriggs could be the starter as a rookie. Also I see issues in the interior line, and lots of pressure coming in Rodgers' face the last 2-3 years, so something between Lang, Sitton and Linsley ain't workin'. Also with the injuries Bulaga is starting to look like Chad Clifton the last 3-4 years when Clifton was playing hurt all the time with stuff that would've hospitalized most people, difference being Bulaga misses games.

Don't go ahead and think Murphy and Spriggs can't start. Bakhtiari was awful last year, I know the paper has mentioned it was because of injury but at this point Bakhtiari needs to show me that! If he falters Spriggs could be the starter as a rookie. Also I see issues in the interior line, and lots of pressure coming in Rodgers' face the last 2-3 years, so something between Lang, Sitton and Linsley ain't workin'. Also with the injuries Bulaga is starting to look like Chad Clifton the last 3-4 years when Clifton was playing hurt all the time with stuff that would've hospitalized most people, difference being Bulaga misses games.

I don't see Rodgers getting any more pressure than other NFL QB's. Imo, Rodgers hangs onto the ball longer than almost all other QB's every year. I think that over the last 2-3 years the O-line's pass protection has probably been in the top 5 or 10 in the league.

 

[Mondio]

Other than a half season or so in 2014, I don't think our Oline has been anything but average at the very best. There are times Rodgers holds the ball for that big play. But far more often he's holding the ball longer because he never even got to get to his set point and look. Before he can set, he had to run and move to create space and time to find a receiver. That takes time. If a ball is supposed to come out in 2.5 or 3 and rodgers is having to avoid a rusher at 2, it takes time to create space, find a receiver and then deliver the ball. Stats don't tell the whole story. For as many times as Rodgers holds it too long looking for a big play, there are 10 where he's forced to hold it longer just trying to avoid a rush that's on him in less than 2 seconds. and I'm a person that thinks our offense would run much more efficiently if he'd hit the open underneath guy for 5-7 more often than have to convert so many 3rd and longs like we have.

A lesser QB would be throwing a ton more picks, getting sacked a lot more times and looking much worse behind what our line has been doing for a while now. Our oline rankings have been more a factor of Rodgers helping them, than the other way around, outside of a half season in 2o14 of course.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

I don't see Rodgers getting any more pressure than other NFL QB's. Imo, Rodgers hangs onto the ball longer than almost all other QB's every year. I think that over the last 2-3 years the O-line's pass protection has probably been in the top 5 or 10 in the league.

You're very right about Rodgers hanging onto the ball too long, but I've also seen him get the ball take two steps and a defensive tackle is checking him for cavities.

 

[Packerlifer]

http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/GB

 

[Curly Calhoun]

After losing key players Jordy Nelson, B.J. Raji and Bryan Bulaga for the season as the result of preseason injuries in recent years the Packers and most teams in the NFL will be sparing in how much risk exposure they allow for their regulars in preseason games. And with the Packers drawing an extra preseason game this year that will be particularly so.

So that means that the guys we'll be seeing on the field most of the time in July and August will be a different group than the one that takes the field in Jacksonville in September. Most have little to no chance of making the final cut but several will be intriquing and a couple will make it and one or two might even become exceptional NFL players in time to come.

Otherwise they'll serve as fodder to fill out the 60 minutes of games that don't count in the standings for the championship. But we should get to know them.

Aaron Rodgers will barely work up a sweat in preseason games and Brett Hundley will get an extensive work load to prep as the Packers' "just in case" back up this year and showcase to quarterback hungry teams for a nice trade deal, perhaps next year. So that will mean we'll see a lot of rookies Joe Callahan and Marquise Williams as they compete for the third string developmental prospect:

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http://www.patriots.com/video/2016/02/16/2016-draft-prospects-marquise-williams-qb-north-carolina


Eddie Lacy, James Starks and Aaron Ripkowski are givens in the backfield while John Kuhn waits for his phone to ring. So who among these four will emerge to gain a spot and maybe have some impact for the team this season:

John Crockett: 6-0,217

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Don Jackson: 5-10,208

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Brandon Burks: 5-9,208

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Alstevis Squirewell: 6-0,265 http://packersnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/banner-1.php_-5.jpeg
http://packersnotes.com/2016/05/notes-packers-add-fullback/


While the discussion continues whether the Packers will or should carry 7 wide receivers on the roster this season here are 4 who will try to complicate the issue:

Jamel Johnson: 6-3,220

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Herb Waters: 6-0,188

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Ed Williams: 6-0,196 http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1614463/highlights/196022378

Geronimo Allison: 6-3,185

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Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers might hear some footsteps for the tight end spots:

Justin Perillo: 6-4,250 http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000580072/Packers-Aaron-Rodgers-to-Justin-Perillo-for-24-yards
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000580211/Packers-Aaron-Rodgers-finds-Justin-Perillo-for-11-yard-TD

Kennard Backman: 6-3,245 http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000518162/Kennard-Backman-4-yard-TD-catch
http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/28957/the-unknown-tight-end-what-can-kennard-backman-give-the-packers

Mitchell Henry: 6-4,252 http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/10/16/9553949/packers-sign-mitchell-henry-to-practice-squad
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2015/09/08/could-mitchell-henry-one-who-got-away/71901976/

Casey Pierce: 6-3,248 http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/casey-pierce?id=2552560
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/medi...y-Pierce/7069943b-f929-4924-b7bc-b15ceef21270


The Packers' starting offensive line, barring injuries, is already known and draft choices Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy project as back-ups and future starters. The competition in the Green Bay camp this summer will be to round out the depth chart and newcomers in that competition could surprise.

Center Jacob Flores: 6-3,300 http://www.packers.com/team/roster/Jacob-Flores/754f6b53-8138-4203-a2a7-cfa6c41b3373
http://www.vnews.com/getattachment/...460e584/20150101-vn-dartmouthfootball-ctw-002

Guard Matt Rotherham: 6-5,325 http://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/green-bay-packers-could-have-steal-in-undrafted-ol-matt-rotheram-051515
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/s...41e4780207242_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

Guard Lucas Patrick: 6-3,313 http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205152934
http://www.packers.com/assets/image...le_images/2016/06-june/160601-patrick-950.jpg

Tackle Josh James: 6-6,315 http://www.ktvh.com/2016/05/carrolls-josh-james-eager-to-make-most-of-green-bay-packers-opportunity/
https://www.google.com/search?site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=835&q=Josh+James,+Packers&oq=Josh+James,+Packers&gs_l=img.12...0.0.1.40230.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1ac..64.img..0.0.0.V4EvnBBz_5w#imgrc=WtupF3kDM6-4YM:

Great topic and an excellent post. I love the pre-season and look forward to discovery of hidden gems, as well as the first look at the new draft picks. The less we see of the star players, the better, IMHO. No need to expose them to injury, and every snap they take is one less that some rookie free-agent gets to show what he can do.

It will be tougher for UDFA who play offense this year to crack the Packer's 53, although Brandon Burks is intriguing.....

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Other than a half season or so in 2014, I don't think our Oline has been anything but average at the very best. There are times Rodgers holds the ball for that big play. But far more often he's holding the ball longer because he never even got to get to his set point and look. Before he can set, he had to run and move to create space and time to find a receiver. That takes time. If a ball is supposed to come out in 2.5 or 3 and rodgers is having to avoid a rusher at 2, it takes time to create space, find a receiver and then deliver the ball. Stats don't tell the whole story. For as many times as Rodgers holds it too long looking for a big play, there are 10 where he's forced to hold it longer just trying to avoid a rush that's on him in less than 2 seconds. and I'm a person that thinks our offense would run much more efficiently if he'd hit the open underneath guy for 5-7 more often than have to convert so many 3rd and longs like we have.

Our oline rankings have been more a factor of Rodgers helping them, than the other way around, outside of a half season in 2o14 of course.

I think that Rodgers holding on to the ball longer than a lot of quarterbacks is by design with him often looking for big plays rather than throwing short passes. Of course there are occasions the offensive line allows pressure way too fast but overall the starters have been doing a great job in pass protection over the last two seasons.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

It will be tougher for UDFA who play offense this year to crack the Packer's 53, although Brandon Burks is intriguing.....

I agree that on offense it's most likely an undrafted running back makes the 53.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

I agree that on offense it's most likely an undrafted running back makes the 53.

Yes, there does seem to be one spot up for grabs, although last year's UDFA John Crockett likely has the inside track. It will probably come down to special teams contributions.

On defense, there may be a few more opportunities. Both Pennel and Goodson got themselves suspended for the first two games, and Green Bay may be a little thin along the defensive line anyway. Carl Bradford is hardly a lock to make this roster, we could use another safety, etc.

I can't wait for the end of July to get here......

 

[PikeBadger]

You're very right about Rodgers hanging onto the ball too long, but I've also seen him get the ball take two steps and a defensive tackle is checking him for cavities.

Just to be clear, I'm not really sure that he hangs on to the ball TOO long, although I think that may be the case once in a while. Rodgers is best able to determine when the time is right. The numbers bear out that he is more patient than most though. That doesn't happen with a bad offensive line. Other QB's are getting there fair share of pressure too. I think Rodgers has a lot of trust in his o-line.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

On defense, there may be a few more opportunities. Both Pennel and Goodson got themselves suspended for the first two games, and Green Bay may be a little thin along the defensive line anyway. Carl Bradford is hardly a lock to make this roster, we could use another safety, etc.

Unfortunately Pennel and Goodson are suspended for the first four games. I agree there are more opportunities for undrafted rookies on defense to make the team.