Positions of Concern for the Packers

Is T J Lang the answer at left left guard?

I'm not one to question Ted Thompson. I was ready for Brett Favre to go a season before the trade to the Jets. I've always been a fan of building through the draft. As they say "In Ted We Trust." But, I can't get away from my concerns at two positions, left guard and defensive end.

This offseason saw the departure of the last two players to start at LG for the Packers with Daryn Colledge signing with Arizona and Jason Spitz signing with Jacksonville. The preseason has seen third year G/T T. J. Lang and rookie first round pick Derek Sherrod alternate on first team reps. Most people think Lang has the lead in the race to start the season with the first team offense. I'm not sold on either Lang or Sherrod though. I'm sure Sherrod has a lot of talent, but coming into camp so late because of the lockout I think he's too far behind. He's looked slow and at times seems to come off the ball too high. This has led to a lot of pressure on the QB. I think he has a future with the team for sure, I just think both Sherrod and the team would benefit from him learning from the sidelines this season. I'm hopeful that we'll see Lang clean up his play if he gets more reps with he first team. If Lang doesn't improve Aaron Rodgers is in trouble.

B. J. Raji is one of the top 3-4 ends in the league. The problem is you need two DEs in a 3-4 defense. With the loss of Cullen Jenkins in free agency, Mike Neal has inherited the starting spot opposite Raji. Neal has all the talent in the world and he's played well when he's been healthy. He just hasn't been healthy much. He went down early last season with a shoulder injury and ended up on I.R. This year he hurt his knee in a non contact practice drill and is listed as day to day. Backup C. J. Wilson left the Cardinals game with a concussion but he should be ready for opening day. Jarius Wynn is serviceable in the rotation but isn't more than that. I think if all four can stay healthy the position will be ok, but the Packers are an injury away from needing T J Lang to play defense again.

What concerns do you have for the Packers' upcoming season?