The Green Bay Packers bring a group of incredibly versatile Safeties into the 2017 season. Their ability to stop the passing game in the middle and deep parts of the field will be critical in improving a secondary that was scorched for much of the season.
Morgan Burnett enters his 8th NFL season as the leader of the secondary, and a player who is starting to receive recognition as a great Safety. Burnett was a key to stopping the run in 2016, and played a lot of hybrid linebacker. He is a versatile weapon against opposing Tight Ends and Running Backs, and his health will be a major key in Green Bay’s success this season.
HaHa Clinton-Dix is also receiving recognition as a rising star on the Packer’s defense. Safeties typically take longer to develop in the NFL, and with three seasons under his belt, HHCD could make the jump to one of the elite ball hawks in the game. With Burnett playing closer to the line of scrimmage, HaHa has the responsibility to control the deep middle of the field. He is at the point in his career where he can trust his instincts and make quick breaks on deep passes.
Kentrell Brice is a 2nd year player who has a chance to play a lot of snaps. I called him one of my breakout players for this season, and he’ll use his blazing speed and ferocious hits to partner with Clinton-Dix covering the deep parts of the field.
Rookie Josh Jones has all the skills to be the perfect partner for Morgan Burnett (and be his eventual replacement). Jones can play as a Dime Linebacker and has the versatility to take away slot Receivers, Tight Ends, and Running Backs.
Marwin Evans was a valuable Special Teams contributor last year. Jermaine Whitehead has limited experience in the NFL, and undrafted rookie Aaron Taylor (Ball State) will try to round out of the roster.
Predictions:
53 Man Roster: Morgan Burnett, HaHa Clinton-Dix, Kentrell Brice, Josh Jones, Marwin Evans
Other NFL Rosters: Jermaine Whitehead
Practice Squad: Aaron Taylor
Andrew Mertig is a a lifelong Packers fan and draft enthusiast. He has covered the NFL draft for radio and television stations in Green Bay. He is currently a host of the Pack-A-Day podcast and a writer for PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewmertig
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