Green Bay Packers Who Need To Have a Big 2009

James Jones

Green Bay arguably has the best No. 1-4 receivers in the NFL, but it was Jones who suffered through a rough 2008. In his sophomore season, Jones seemingly couldn't get over a lingering knee problem, and his numbers plumeted—20 receptions for 274 yards from 47 for 676 yards in 2007. 

Jones has a full offseason to get his knee right, so there should be no excuses next season. In the brief flashes we did see Jones last season, he was an explosive threat: four catches for 132 yards vs. Jacksonville, and four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown vs. Detroit. I didn't even mention the force he was in the preseason, and no one will forget his ridiculous touchdown he had vs. Cincinnati.

A lot of Packers fans still don't trust his hands (the fumbles vs. Chicago in 2007), but I think he has some of the strongest hands on the Green Bay roster. His physical presence is something the Packers didn't possess last season, but, assuming his health, he'll add that this year.

I'll get a lot of flack for this, but I also think this is the year Jones pushes Donald Driver for the Packers No. 2 receiver. He won't do it this season, but by 2010, he'll be our second receiver.

JerMichael Finley

A lot was made of Finley's "lack of maturity" after several mincing postgame comments  last season, but we also saw the raw talent that Finley possesses. He has a perfect tight end body (6'5", 250 lbs), and has rare athleticism (4.42 speed, and that's not a typo) to go along with the frame.

Starting tight end Donald Lee had a down year after a stellar 2007, so it's a prime time for Finley to make his move. With more consistency, and a bit of maturity, it's only a matter of time before Finley is our starting tight end.

Let's hope we get that next season. Lee is clearly the more polished blocker of the two, but Finley gives Rodgers another weapon from the tight end position, as he can stretch the field. With his large frame, he'll be almost impossible to cover.

Danny Lansanah

Lansanah may be relatively unknown to most Packers fans, but he has impressed the Packers' brass. In fact, Miami Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells tried to claim Lansanah off the practice squad a year ago. Green Bay had to release special teams ace Tracy White to make room for Lansanah on the active roster.

However, with high expectations must come results. Packers fans didn't get to see much of him last season, but I'd think that might change next season. Thompson is obviously confident in the 23-year-old, so I'm sure he wants to see him on the field.

Lansanah may be able to play inside, and with his size (6'1", 255 lbs), he'd be a good fit there. Besides, the Packers could have question marks there if Nick Barnett doesn't fully come back from his knee injury last season.

He may not make an immediate impact next season, but don't be surprised if you see No. 58 making plays for the Packers in 2009.

Pat Lee

The Packers' second round pick last season was invisible for most of the season, only appearing in five games and registering two tackles. His role was mostly on special teams, and that will most likely continue next season.

However, with the pending departure of special teamer Jarrett Bush, it will be expected of Lee to fill that role. In addition, Packers fans will want to see what Lee can do from a coverage standpoint as well.

Charles Woodson and Al Harris are both elders in terms of cornerbacks, so the progression of Lee is an absolute necessity. If either one of those two go down, Lee would likely assume the third cornerback spot—then and only then can we get a true gauge on his progression so far.

From what I've read from Packers camp, they love Lee and his potential. Hopefully in 2009 we see some of that potential first hand.

And last but not least...

Justin Harrell

Here's a player who could play the injury card til he's blue in the face. Yet, when you're a first round pick, fans could care less about it. In the eyes of nearly every Packers fan, he's a bust. Until he shows us something, anything, he's a bust in my book, too.

However, could this be the year he puts it all together? The kicker in the end is the injuries. If he can be healthy for a full season, what is he capable of? Can he be a force in the 3-4? He can play multiple positions in the 3-4, so he has value. But can he stay healthy?

So many questions, and until 2009, we won't have an answer. But my final plea: give him a chance. One last one. He has this year to win me over, and if he doesn't, I don't care if he's in a Packer uniform come 2010.

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