Interesting take on who will and won't produce!

[TW]

Pro Football weekly says that B.J. Raji is #2 at nose-tackle behind Justin Harrell. What does that mean for Ryan Pickett? Does he move outside, or are they saying adios to him?

They also talk about Jeremy Thompson, and Clay Matthews making a push. Matthews would be pushing Poppinga for his job and... gee! Where do you suppose that would leave Thompson fighting for a starting spot? That's right! With Aaron Kampman. Maybe that's why he's not talking to the media.

Also... Quinn Johnson could be the Packers starting fullback when the season starts. The guy had something like 70 pancake blocks his first year in college.

I have a hunch the guy is going to be another long-term FB like Henderson was. Maybe even better... but I'll hold judgment on that until after I see him play a while.

I still think Wells is on his way out as the starting center. I don't think he's strong enough to clog the middle, and move defenders like a solid center can. He's on borrowed time, and it might have run out. Spitz is the heir apparent.

[amoeba15]

"Quinn Johnson could be the Packers starting fullback when the season starts. The guy had something like 70 pancake blocks his first year in college."

Woooooo Hoooooo!!!

Even with an offensive line that SUCKS, Johnson can be counted on as a SIXTH offensive linemen.

Also, it will be interesting to see how well Johnson provides pass protection and performs during a two tight end offense. Although Donald Lee has improved his blocking, the other Packer TE's need to improve their blocking skills.

[croxeye]

pro football weekly is dumb....

Justin Harrel is a DE, NOT a NT.

[TW]

He might be a DE, or he might be a NT. I'd ask why they stated what they did instead of dismissing them.

[croxeye]

He's a DE in the 3-4, there is NO WAY he could be a NT in this scheme.

Or they could just hire new writers that actually KNOW what their talking about.

[TW]

When they break camp, and Harrell is playing DE, I'll believe it. He was brought in as a slow NT type, but is undersized at 305# which is his playing weight. He's presently at 320#, and as slow as he is, he's not going to be that much of a force outside.

I don't get where people think a guy that's timing in the 40 includes a calendar, can play DE in the 3-4. They have to be fairly quick.

But, if anyone wants to believe it, that's fine with me.

[packermania]

I was at OTAs today, and Raji was in the middle at NT flanked by Jolly and Harrell.

[TW]

I hope Harrell can make it as a DE. I just doubt his speed. He's really too small to be a NT in the 3-4. You've got to be at least 30# heavier.

[croxeye]

TW, hes a DE. you just said it yourself. Plus Capers really only looked at him as a 3-4 DE when he was in Tennesse.

NT are typically 6'0" to 6'2" 320+lb's to gain leverage

DE are typically 6'4+ and 300-305 lb's to contain Lengthy OT's.

[TW]

If I recall, the rub on him being a DE in the 3-4 was his speed. He's pretty slow.

I think he's a full half second slower in the 40 than the average 3-4 DE.

If that's not a problem in Capers' defense, great. But I still have suspicions. We'll see during preseason.