Packers Rookies: Previewing Green Bay's First Five Draft Picks

The Packers rookies are in for a challenge. The Packers have been a team that has recently built through the draft. Many of the players were drafted and sculpted to fit into the system. But being drafted by last year's Super Bowl champions also has its pros and cons.

The players get a chance to join an established franchise that has just reached the ultimate goal. But for a team to win the Super Bowl, they must have a deep roster. Here lies the challenge for the rookies. They are forced onto an already deep roster and have to find their way toward a spot. 

As the first preseason game approaches, many Packers fans want to know where the rookies are going to fit in with this years team. Who is going to make the team? Who is in danger of getting cut? This list of five players may feature a starter, regular contributors, and a player who does not make the team.  

This list is an update on where the first five draft picks of the Packers stand at this point in training camp, and what impact the rookies will have this season. 

Derek Sherrod, LG

Round 1, Pick 32.

Mississippi State 

The Packers were so confident in the abilities of Derek Sherrod that they threw him in with the starters during the Packers first practice of training camp. With the departure of former LG Daryn Colledge, the Packers are looking for a new starter at the position. Sherrod finds himself in the midst of a position battle with T.J. Lang.

Sherrod has had many ups and downs like most rookies in the first week and a half of training camp. He will have to show consistent improvement throughout practices and preseason games in order to win the position battle over Lang. A 3.5 GPA student at Mississippi State, Sherrod has the ability to grasp the playbook quickly. 

Randall Cobb, WR

Round 2, Pick 64

Kentucky

Randall Cobb has solidified his position as the fifth wide receiver in head coach Mike McCarthy's offense. In training camp, Cobb has gotten great reviews in individual receiving drills and during the team periods.

With the return of James Jones, Cobb most likely will not see the field frequently as a wide receiver. However, Cobb will make his presence felt as the team's punt returner.  He is taking reps as the number one punt returner and doing quite well. As the season creeps closer, he will be expected to handle these duties throughout preseason and into the regular season. 

Alex Green, RB

Round 3, Pick 96

Hawaii

The running back out of Hawaii is set to join the powerful backfield of Ryan Grant and James Starks. Green is poised to be the third back within the system. Green excels catching the ball out of the backfield. Because of this, Green may be able to get on the field on third downs, taking over Brandon Jackson's old role. With the Packers struggles last season rushing the ball, it won't hurt to have another talented back. Green has also been presented with the opportunity to be the team's kick returner. In camp, Green needs to work securing the ball on kick returns and pass blocking in order to see the field this season. 

Davon House, CB

Round 4, Pick 131 

New Mexico State

If you were to see this player across the field from behind, you would swear it was Al Harris. The newest Packers player to wear 31, House has the same type of physical build as Harris.

Behind Tramon Williams, Charles Woodson, and Sam Shields, there are spots open in the defensive backfield. House is competing mainly with Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, Josh Gordy, and Brandian Ross for a position. Depending on his play throughout camp and the preseason, House could find himself anywhere between the fourth cornerback on the team and not having a roster spot. The reviews so far have been good for House. With a solid camp, Packers fan should expect House to make the team as the fifth corner behind Jarrett Bush to start the season.

D.J. Williams, TE

Round 5, Pick 141

Arkansas 

In an NFL training camp, it's all about taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented. D.J. Williams has done that so far in Packers camp. At the start of camp, Williams was getting reps with the Packers number one offense.The team is bringing starter Jermichael Finley along slowly after last year's season-ending knee injury, and back-up Andrew Quarless started camp with a hip injury that prevented him from practicing.

Williams has impressed many with his receiving skills and how well he picked up the offense in the first couple practices. He has the chance to beat out Quarless as the teams second tight end. If so, Williams will see the field frequently opposite Finley.