NFL Summer and Camp Battles: Quarterback

The summer is looming. As OTAs commence, and rookies receive their opportunities, however small, to crack the 53 man roster. The Green Bay Packers are one of two top teams in the NFC North, and look to make it back to the playoffs after the high flying, adrenaline pumping game 51-45 loss against the Cardinals. To go further, the Pack must make the right moves in the summer. It all starts with the roster. Today, we shall view one spot of the roster: Quarterbacks.

Aaron Rodgers is stepping into his third year as the full time starter, replacing future hall of famer Brett Favre admirably, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2009 after a nice 11-5 season. Rodgers is now the unquestioned starter of Green Bay, and looks to be so for a long while. Rodgers' status is not in doubt; he is a LOCK to make the roster, and is at the helm of the Green Bay offense.

Rodgers's back-ups are questioned consistently. Thompson has signed no veterans. He attempted at two back-ups by drafting Brian Brohm (second round), and Matt Flynn (seventh round). Brohm lost the back-up battle to Flynn in 2008, and ended up gone last year, signing with Buffalo. Flynn is currently entrenched as the number two guy behind Rodgers should he go down.

Flynn faces competition in Chris Pizzotti, signed on the practice squad last year, and Noah Shepard, an undrafted rookie free agent signed after the draft. Flynn has shown flashes and developed well, yet at the same time the Packers bring in competition to push Flynn and possibly as a third quarterback option, since Green bay only dressed out Rodgers and Flynn all year last year.

Overall, this is not a position of concern with Rodgers entrenched as the full time starter. Flynn has proven capable up to this point, but coaches continue to want more production out of him as a back-up, and have brought in competition to push Flynn and develop as a capable number three.

The quarterback has little to worry about, thanks to Rodgers.

Likely to Keep On 53 Man Roster: Two or Three (Rodgers, Flynn)

On the Bubble: Pizzotti or Shepard