Part 1 in a position-by-position analysis of where the Packers stand going into the draft.
Starter
Aaron Rodgers is a stud, the best quarterback on the planet. He does things no other player has ever proven to be capable of. I’m not even going to link to any highlights – we’re so spoiled in getting to watch him lead our team as it is. There is not a throw he can’t make. I don’t care if other QBs have more rings, this is the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. The best way to describe it (as so many other sites like TheBigLead, CBSSports, and BleacherReport already have ) is Matrix mode, where Rodgers can bend the will of reality and physics to make any throw he wants. With a healthy Rodgers, we make the playoffs again, for a record-tying ninth consecutive time.
Backups
Brett Hundley isn’t quite as distinguished as Aaron Rodgers, but he showed a lot in his rookie preseason to give hope that he could be a good backup (here) and potential starter (somewhere else). This will be a huge preseason for him (and the Packers). If he lights it up, the Packers will almost certainly need to trade him before next year or let him walk after that for a compensatory pick. If he looks as good as he did in his rookie year while starting some preseason games, his stock could jump again.
Joe Callahan. Big Tom Callahan’s other son? Joe C was a big hit in the preseason last year, filling in for an injured Brett Hundley and uncorking some impressive shots. Still, the Gagliardi Trophy winner went to Wesley and his pro resume is whomping up on second and third stringers in games that don’t count. He certainly good develop into something, but probably has a ceiling around Matt Flynn (not that there’s anything wrong with that) as a solid career backup. He gets the fans riled up and starry-eyed with his preseason highlights, but there’s a reason he went from the Packers to the Saints to the Browns and back to the Packers in less than three months: he doesn’t have the pedigree to suggest a higher ceiling.
Talent on Roster
Best in the business. The best player in the league, a promising backup, and a developmental project that has shown some sizzle. All three are outperforming their salary.
Draft Need
Not really a lot of need here, but the Packers have a history of taking late round projects for the practice squad, if nothing else. It’s a great staff for developing quarterbacks, so why not? They could be looking for a groomable future third stringer if Hundley leaves before 2018 and Callahan assumes the backup role. Still, anything over a 6th rounder would be a surprise.
Other parts in the series
Part 2: Defensive Line
Part 3: Wide Receivers
Part 4: Cornerbacks
Part 5: Tight Ends
Part 6: Running Backs
Part 7: Linebackers
Part 8: Offensive Line
Part 9: Safeties
Part 10: Specialists