Wrapping up Packers minicamp
June 23, 2009 8:00 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The NFC North Winnebago is pulling out of the Bay late Tuesday evening after two fun-filled days at the Packers' minicamp. I'll continue sharing thoughts and observations throughout the next few weeks, but here is what's at the top of my mind now:
1. You won't have too many days here that are hotter than it was Tuesday. By the time coach Mike McCarthy ended the afternoon session -- about 30 minutes early, by the way -- the heat index was 105. At least one player, rookie offensive lineman Jamon Meredith, needed some help leaving the field.
2. Who says Aaron Kampman is having a hard time adjusting to linebacker? I watched him run stride-for-stride with receiver Greg Jennings on a crossing pattern. Kampman was close enough to Jennings that quarterback Aaron Rodgers had to adjust his throw and safety Jarrett Bush broke up the play. (I particularly liked the way Kampman subtly grabbed Jennings' jersey as the ball arrived.) "It was perfect coverage," outside linebacker coach Kevin Greene said. "I couldn't have done it better myself. He was right where he needed to be. ... That's the best you can hype for from the most talented outside linebacker playing the position."
3. One player who is getting plenty of buzz is second-year tight end Jermichael Finley. Granted, minicamp is the perfect environment to be wowed by an athletic player who runs well. Things often change when the pads come on. But if Finley continues his progress, it's hard to imagine him not unseating veteran starter Donald Lee.
4. Allen Barbre took all of the first-team snaps at right tackle while I was watching, but it wouldn't be out of the question for rookie T.J. Lang to eventually win that position -- possibly in time for opening day. Lang fits the profile of the type of offensive lineman the Packers are looking for -- big and mean -- and might just need some experience before he's ready to take over. I could see this eventual starting line for the Packers:
Left tackle: Chad Clifton
Left guard: Daryn Colledge
Center: Jason Spitz
Right guard: Josh Sitton
Right tackle: Lang
Yes, you have to wonder whether veteran Scott Wells, who is sitting out minicamp for health reasons, will be able to beat out Spitz at center.
That's it for now. We'll bring you more as the week progresses.