Position Evaluation: Secondary

Cornerback is the position former Head Honcho Ted Thompson (or is he, but more on that later) worked on the most in his final years and the position that was the least improved and the main reason, in addition to Dom Capers, the Packers defense sucked for the last several seasons.

Cornerback has been a major disaster after the loss of Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, despite being filled by three high draft choices. Thompson began to rebuild the unit by drafting Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins No. 1 and No 2 in 2015 and then Kevin King No. 2 (he was actually Thompson’s top draft pick when he traded out of the 1st round) last season. In addition, he drafted Demetri Goodson No. 6 in 2014.

Where Are They Now?

Currently there are 45 ex-Packers in the NFL on 22 teams. The Giants and the Raiders lead the list with four while the Chiefs, the Panthers, the Seahawks and Vikings are next with three.

 

As of the August 25 depth charts there are 16 starters, 15 on the second string, 7 on the third string, 4 on the fourth string, 1 on the fifth string and 2 on the sixth string, so to speak.

 

Out of the 16 starters four are on special teams. Three are long snappers J. J. Jansen with the Panthers, Thomas Gafford with the Bears and Clark Harris with the Bengals and one is Seahawks punter Jon Ryan. Place kicker Georgio Tavecchio is currently sitting behind Sebastian Janikowski for the Raiders after being signed as injury insurance.

 

In addition, second string wide receiver Jeremy Ross of the Lions is their punt and kickoff returner.

 

Of the remaining 12 starters there are six on offense and six on defense. On offense there are Greg Jennings as right wide receiver for the Dolphins and Charles Johnson at left wide receiver for the Vikings; Evan Dietrick-Smith (now just Evan Smith) at center for the Bucs; and Breno Giacomini at right tackle for the Jets.

 

There are two surprises with every Packers' fan's least favorite left tackle, until this year, Marshall Newhouse starting at right tackle for the Giants and former 2007 fourth round bust Allen Barbre starting at left guard for the Eagles after starting his career as a right tackle with the Packers.

 

Tramon Williams with the Cleveland Browns