The Packer Pundit

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by texaspackerbacker
Packer Pundit Guest Blogger

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There has been some talk about which Packer vets are in jeopardy of being cut going into the '06 season. In general, I don't see these guys as very likely to be gone--like some do.

Najeh Davenport has played damn good football when healthy. And while he has been injured a lot, it's not like a chronic situation--just little freaky or nagging things. I see him as a solid player--unless bad luck of injuries befalls him again.

Adrian Klemm might be considered a bubble player, but not "as good as gone". He is supposed to be the kind of O Lineman who thrives in the zone blocking scheme. If he doesn't win a starting spot, though, he could lose out to a young prospect. A current minor knee injury isn't helping his cause.

Robert Ferguson is just one injury ruined season away from the time when was seen as likely a solid starter. Also, he has always been a good special teams performer. He figures to be the fourth or fifth wideout. I don't see him as likely to be cut at all.

Kevin Barry figures to be the third best offensive tackle, and he just signed a new contract. Those two facts don't make it likely that he will be cut.

David Martin has that great potential and has never fulfilled it. He would seem to be very ripe to be gone. On the other hand, we very likely will keep three Tight Ends, and I see no other third one than him.

Kenny Peterson showed a little bit of improvement last season. Here again, we are likely to keep four Defensive Ends, and I see no other fourth except for the seventh round pick, Tollefson.

Mark Roman was awful last season, and there are several new hot prospects at Safety. He's at best a bubble player, more likely, just gone.

Jason Horton and Patrick Dendy were mediocre at best last year, and with Woodson and Blackmon on board, it's unlikely they will stay.

Washington begins out of the rotation at Defensive Tackle. If would take a drastic improvement in his play to beat out somebody who has been a lot better up to now. If not, he's gone.

Sander is probably presumed to be the second best punter going in after the Canadian, Ryan. Unless he clearly upgrades his punting and wins the spot or Ryan and everybody else bombs out, Sander is likely gone.

That's about it for vets who are generally regarded be in jeopardy. However, Ahman Green is another question mark. If he comes back from the injury as good as before--which probably isn't likely, it's frosting on the cake. What there is stronger hope for, though, is that he comes back enough to be a significant upgrade from Tony Fisher as the third down back.

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Copyright 2006 © texaspackerbacker and published by permission on The Packer Pundit