That task is nearly impossible when it comes to undrafted rookies, those who weren't deemed among the 252 best players during the annual selection process. Talk about your Mr. Irrelevants!
But at least a couple of these guys beat the odds with many NFL teams every year, and Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson is one talent evaluator who's become adept at finding these gems that nobody wanted.
Examples on the Packers roster include cornerback/kick returner Tramon Williams, linebacker/special teams stalwart Jason Hunter and backup wide receiver Ruvell Martin.
Green Bay's increased depth and talent pool will make it that much more difficult for this year's crop of new free agents to survive, but several of them are on my radar:
- Running back Kregg Lumpkin produced at Georgia when healthy and plays a position that wasn't addressed in the seven-round draft.
- Notre Dame long snapper J.J. Jansen has been nearly flawless in about 300 snaps since 2005, including 114 times last year that featured 76 punts.
- Portland State center Brennan Carvalho participated in the Hula Bowl and was a two-time All-American and has played guard.
- Connecticut linebacker Danny Lansanah was an all-Big East pick in 2007 and recorded 10 career interceptions.
My crystal ball tells me that at least six of Green Bay's nine choices will make the final roster: wide receiver Jordy Nelson, quarterback Brian Brohm, cornerback Patrick Lee, tight end Jermichael Finley, defensive end Jeremy Thompson and offensive lineman Josh Sitton, while offensive tackle Breno Giacomini and quarterback Matt Flynn have outside shots depending on how the positional numbers break down and how many injuries pop up.
If they don't make the 53-man roster, several of the undrafted newcomers should stick on the practice squad. But Thompson usually trades conditional future draft picks (to get such guys as Ryan Grant) or grabs released players from other teams to round out the last few spots, so only time will tell.
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