Jermichael Finley could make an outstanding offense almost unstoppable. No team in its right mind would turn a deaf ear to that.

Yet, the Green Bay Packers clearly aren't going to be held hostage by Finley. That's one reason they selected three other tight ends in the last two drafts.

Many eyes will be following Finley in training camp and during the season. He has the potential to become the finest player at his position in the National Football League. He also has the potential to become a divisive force if his desire for the ball and a lucrative new contract clash with team goals.

Before the 4½-month old lockout even started, coach Mike McCarthy insisted Finley's heart was in the right place even though his outspokenness and immaturity rankled the coaching staff many times during his first three seasons.

"See, Jermichael publicly and when he's in the building is not the same," McCarthy said in late February. "I love that kid, man. I think his persona and some of the things he does with his messaging is not the guy that we work with. He's a team guy that wants the football and whatever it takes to win."

Early at Washington on Oct. 10, Finley suffered right knee cartilage damage that ended his ultra-promising season. Subsequently, the production from Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree and Donald Lee in the passing game was minimal, but Aaron Rodgers adjusted beautifully and featured the wide receivers more.

Finley, who through the first four games played 25 more snaps than any of the wideouts, trash talks his way through practice and never stops competing.

"He makes practice better and makes us a better football team," said McCarthy.

"Not just because of his ability and his uniqueness, but his competitive spirit. That guy loves to perform. Every day. In everything we do."

Finley slipped to the third round in 2008 because of background issues and the fact he played just two seasons at Texas.

After an unexciting rookie season, Finley came back from a sprained left knee in 2009 to resemble the second coming of Antonio Gates down the stretch. Last year, McCarthy installed Finley as the No. 3 (innermost) receiver on three-wideout sides and seemed to feature him.

Four games in, Finley was averaging 75.3 yards per game. After five games, Greg Jennings was averaging 36.6.

Jennings blew up after Finley's departure, averaging 92.3 yards in the last 15 games. Some of his biggest plays (see the Super Bowl) came from Finley's old No. 3 slot.

A year ago, Finley was hopeful that the Packers would offer a blockbuster extension. His second knee injury in two years ended that possibility.

Now Finley enters 2011 making the four-year veteran's minimum of $600,000 and playing for his family's future.

That's pressure, especially in an offense where all the top players already have gotten theirs at the negotiating table.

McCarthy said he wouldn't ever build his offense around one player. By using multiple formations and personnel groupings, he strives to create diverse opportunities for such players as Finley and Jennings.

If Finley or another receiver complains about not seeing the ball enough, McCarthy has his response already prepared.

"I'll tell you what," he said. "Hey, all we've got to do is point to the trophy out in the hallway if anybody ever brings up an issue of getting the football."

LeRoy Butler, the former Packers safety, doesn't think egos will become an issue because McCarthy's offense as operated by Rodgers is designed to find the open man.

An analyst for JSonline and a talk-show regular for WSSP Radio, Butler has covered his share of great tight ends but few with the overwhelming talent of Finley.

"If you split him out wide he's going to destroy any safety or any linebacker," said Butler. "For that matter any cornerback, because of his size. His separation skills are tremendous. He's just got to get stronger lower body because they're going to hit him in the thighs, hit him in the ankles."

Having cut Donald Lee in March, the Packers are younger and more dynamic behind Finley with Quarless, Crabtree and a pair of rookie draft choices, D.J. Williams and Ryan Taylor.

Quarless had to play 377 snaps in the regular season as a rookie and, much like Finley in '08, really wasn't ready. He has the athleticism and speed to run split-receiver routes, but he dropped way too many balls and struggled keeping weight on.

"He had an opportunity to take it to another level but he doesn't have the consistent hands," said Butler. "Questionable toughness. He has the potential to one day be a good, capable blocker."

Williams also can run the seam, has sensational hands and can be spectacular after the catch. But he stands barely 6 feet 2 inches and some scouts said he can't block at all.

Taylor is a younger and perhaps improved version of Spencer Havner. He finally got a chance to start at North Carolina late in his senior campaign and made some outstanding catches.