Training camp will be opening soon for the Packers. For me as a Packer fan it’s the greatest time of the year. It’s about one word hope. We watch our beloved Packers begin again with no injuries, second guessing, or Monday morning quarterbacking. We’re born again. The slate is clean. All right enough clichés. Let’s talk football!

Let’s focus on training camp. I’m going to focus on five things that will get the Packers off to a good start. That’s all we need to start on our path to winning another championship.

The first is Aaron Rodgers. We all know without Rodgers our season is over. I’m happy for Rodgers he’s has a hot girlfriend, he seems more at ease with the media and the fans, and most importantly he’s becoming the leader that he needs to be. This is his team. Sure, McCarthy is the coach but let’s be honest he’s just another average coach without Rodgers. Without Rodgers McCarthy looked lost last year. One exception and that was the Dallas game, but it’s Dallas.
Last year Rodgers ,before the injury was in McCarthy’s words, “salty.” I want more of that from Rodgers he needs to get in McCarthy’s face. I want Rodgers and McCarthy to have conflict. Without conflict we don’t grow as individuals or as a team. I don’t mean screaming and throwing clipboards that kind of thing. I mean let’s challenge each other to get better.

The second is Clay Matthews. He is the engine that runs the defense. Matthews has to remain healthy which has been an issue in his career. Matthews with Peppers will be interesting. I am not expecting Peppers to be Reggie White. I hope he can be a factor on pass rushing plays. But, who knows if his last years with the Bears were any indication it might not work out as planned. That’s why Matthews is so important to this defense.

The third is Eddie Lacy. Lacy did make a difference in the offense, winning rookie of the year. It can’t be easy for Lacy this year. Defenses will be ready to meet him head on. Starks will have to repeat his back up performance last year. Lacy cannot take the pounding and continue to ne effective. Lacy has to know his limits this season. The Packers will need him in the playoffs when other teams are beaten up. Lacy will be the sledgehammer to pound the defenses into the ground.

The fourth is Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton Dix they have to be playing in total sync or it will be a long season. The Packers will give Micah Hyde a chance at safety. A natural position for Hyde. This secondary did show improvement. Tramon Williams had a rebirth later in the season. If Burnett cannot show improvement the Packers will have to find an answer quickly.

The fifth is Dom Capers. For some reason Capers has become predictable. He was missing Matthews and didn’t have a pass rush. Daniels did a nice job and is on the rise. But, with Capers years of experience he should had find a way to make this defense work. Kevin Greene is gone and with it a strong work ethic and motivation. Capers is aware that this defense has been average or below average the past three years. Yet, this year he went finally put players in a position to make plays. It better work for his sake.

I believe there is hope for the Packers this season to win a championship. The season relies on the players and coaches to find a way get past San Francisco and Seattle. If not it will be back to training camp and hope for another year.

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It’s mock draft time where everyone can be Ted Thompson. I waited a little longer this year to post this blog. I wanted to see what the other mock drafts believed the Packers pick might be. To no Packer fans surprise, no “draft expert” has a clear idea on who the Packers might pick. The Packers are picking twenty first. By then all the game changers will be gone. Or will they? Aaron Rodgers at twenty four comes to mind. What are the Packers needs? Offensive line needs a legit center, the Packers still haven’t replaced Collins at safety, a receiver to replace Jennings and Jones, and an inside line backer would be nice addition.

Let’s look at the offense. First and foremost Rodgers needs to be upright and healthy. There’s no way we’re winning a super bowl with Matt Flynn. Taking a look at the offensive line, the first question is Sherrod and Bulaga going to be healthy? Is the center position really stable? Imagine if Tretter gets hurt, TJ Lang at center? Thompson could bring in a veteran center, not another Jeff Saturday he hopes. Also, another tackle would be a good idea, without knowing at this time if Bulaga, Sherrod, and Barclay can fill the role. I’m sick of hearing next man up.

Rodgers finally has a running game. Thank the football gods. Know we need a tight end to stretch the field just like Finley did. Sorry, Finley is not coming back.  Austin Seferian Jenkins from Washington is interesting but the word is he never lived up to potential. There are other draft needs on offense like receivers. Bruce Ellington from South Carolina he’s undersized but extremely athletic, could be used as kick returner that would take pressure off Cobb. This is an extremely deep position in the draft.

Let’s move onto defense. The past years on defense have been wildly inconsistent. The defensive line is getting old and it is doubtful Jolly will be back, Pickett if he is back is only good for limited plays. Raji, well we all know what he’s good for. That means we have Boyd, Worthy, Jones, and Daniels. Daniels is the only one making plays. There are players here but Donald Jeremiah from Pitt is the true game changer.He’ll be off the board. Look for the Packer to pick a guy you never heard of in round four or five.

Next up, are the line backers. I know it sounds crazy but Thompson signed a free agent Julius Peppers. I know a lot of people think he has nothing left but teams still have account for him. With Perry, Neal, Hawk, Matthews, Jones, Mulumba all back. CJ Mosley is the only choice here. He can stop the run and cover the tight end out of the backfield. He should be available at twenty one.

Last, but not least, the secondary. It needs Shields and Williams to step up. Hopefully Casey Hayward can make it back. Thompson has never replaced Collins and it does hurt. Collins was on his way to a hall of fame career. If Calvin Pryor is there at twenty one it is a no brainer. He’s a physical safety that could bring back the safety position to the Pack. I leave it up to my fellow Packer nation; who will you take with the first pick in the NFL draft?

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