Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Green Bay Packers
By Ash Thompson
Cornerbacks
Kevin King is a big and physical athlete that the Packers hope will translate into a very good NFL corner quickly. Their secondary was atrocious last season, so they added King and Davon House. House began his career in Green Bay but spent the last two seasons in Jacksonville. where he lost his starting job in the second season. The team and player are hoping a reunion will revitalize House’s career.
After those two the Packers are saying 2015 first round pick Damarious Randall has had an “outstanding off-season.” He should fill the slot role for them, and they hope he can replace Micah Hyde as the hybrid defender filling both corner and safety roles as needed. Quinten Rollins will be his main competition for nickel work. He underwent groin surgery in the off-season and spent the playoffs inactive with a concussion. The Packers did not really miss his presence and he will likely be holding down the dime role this year.
Safety
Morgan Burnett filled a large number of roles for the Packers last season. In an effort to cobble something resembling a functional defense together, a state of affairs Lions fans can identify with, they used him as a strong safety, slot corner, and linebacker at times. He proved up to those tasks, and if others fail to step into them he will likely have to do so again.
Second round pick Josh Jones is his backup. He also has the size and athleticism for a versatile role. He will give the Packers options in the same way Miles Killebrew did for the Lions last year.
HaHa Clinton-Dix is turning a very good free safety. He’s entering his fourth season and was voted an associated press all pro in 2016. He was one of the few bright spots in the Packers secondary last season. With the rest of the Packers secondary in flux, Dix is the glue they will need to hold everything together.
Specialists
Justin Vogel is a rookie punter with excellent hang time numbers in college. He is a directional punter without elite leg strength. His net yardage will be decent, but he will not flip field position in the Packers’ favor. Mason Crosby has been the Packers kicker since 2007. He has been consistent for the Packers recently, with a field goal percentage over 80% for the last four years.
The Green Bay Packers best kick returners are starters on their offense. Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery are likely the optimal choice for the punt and kick return roles respectively. The Packers would surely prefer that Aaron Jones or one of their other rookies steps up.
Next: Early Look at the Pittsburgh Steelers
On paper, the Packers are never the best team in the league, but having Aaron Rodgers under center hides a lot of deficiencies. Their roster is paper thin at a lot of positions, but they’re starting at a higher level than they did last year. While a “run the table” style late season surge is unlikely, it may not be required. The Packers have reloaded on the fly for 2017.