Packers With Something to Prove: Players to Watch in Training Camp

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jason Spitz, C/G

Drafted in the third round in 2006, the former Louisville Cardinal enters his fourth season in Green Bay looking to turn this young, and often disheveled, offensive line around.

Spitz is now arguably the most versatile lineman the Packers have, amassing 25 starts at three different positions (RG, C, LG). Spitz will battle it out with Scott Wells in training camp for the starting center position, but carries with him the experience from playing the guard positions that Coach McCarthy holds in high regard.

“I think any time you have the opportunity to play guard first and then move to center it really helps you,” McCarthy said. “I have always referred to the center and two guards as the core of our offense…”

“So Jason having the opportunity to learn guard then move to center really helps him….He does look natural there”

Whether it is Wells or Spitz starting at center when the season opens, it is likely Spitz will be starting at any three of the “core” spots in the offense. A strong core is vital to an entire body’s success, so consider Jason Spitz a very important part of the Packers 2009 season.

Anthony Smith, S

With Nick Collins deciding not to show up to OTA’s, one of the Packers only free agent acquisitions in 2009, Anthony Smith, took almost all of the reps with the first team defense.

Smith was an effective starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, playing in all 16 games and totaling 68 tackles and two interceptions. However, in 2008, he was a healthy inactive for the majority of their Super Bowl run.

Perhaps Smith’s biggest contributions for the Packers will come in the classroom, as he is one of the only Packers accustomed to running the 3-4. At safety, he has taken on the responsibility of making the checks for the secondary and has a pretty firm grasp on things due to past experience.

McCarthy noted his exceptional work in OTA’s, calling him, “The furthest ahead of everybody,” and saying, “He looks very natural out there.”

With this mental leg-up on the other safeties, and with Nick Collins wasting valuable reps in the offseason due to his contract situation, Smith may have a chance to rejuvenate his career as a solid backup or better in Green Bay.

Jermichael Finley, TE

Jermichael Finley is a very interesting case. Coming into the league after playing only two seasons at the University of Texas, Finley was an extremely raw talent.

He possesses a great build at 6'5", 245 lbs., and has outstanding athletic ability. Catching passes was not a problem during college, but making the adjustment to the professional game is an entirely different story.

“Last year it was all just overwhelming with everything I was getting thrown it and thrown at,” Finley admits. It’s only natural for a 21-year-old tight end, asked to take on increased responsibility in both run and pass block situations to be overwhelmed.

However, entering his second year, Finley is likely to see the field more and hopes to emerge as a legitimate pass catching target and a productive backup to Donald Lee.

A true pass-catching tight end is something the Packers have lacked in recent years, and having one would open up this offense in a big way. If Finley reaches his potential, he can bring that dimension to Green Bay.

Should he combine his physical tool set with hard work in the classroom and turn it into production, he can develop into a menacing player for any linebacker to have to cover in the future.

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