04-21-2009, 08:01 PM
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#4
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Rookie
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Re: Fans of teams now in a 3-4 defense
For the Packers, while a true depth chart hasn't been released, they've talked about where a lot of players will fit into the 3-4 over the past few months.
As you said, Kampman is definitely a 3-4 now, I'm going to assume they'll put him on the strong side since that's where he's always played. (LOLB) Hawk and Barnett are looking like they'll be the two ILBs. I've heard Barnett will likely play the weak side, with Hawk on the strong. Chillar and Desmond Bishop would be the two backups there. The question is then the opposite OLB. Potentially, Poppinga could play there, but I'd put him more as a backup to Kampman. I think two guys who could definitely challenge to start are Jason Hunter and Jeremy Thompson. Both gained a fair amount of weight last year trying to play 4-3 DE, but they both have much slimmer frames than that and will likely slim back down to a more comfortable weight. Jeremy Thompson is a fantastic athlete, I really think he will benefit a LOT from going to a 3-4 OLB position. I think I remember even hearing Parcells liked him a lot coming out of college last year.
As for the defensive line, I think it's pretty set. Cullen Jenkins will likely win the RE spot. He's an absolute beast when healthy who could play 4-3 DE and DT very well. I think he'll definitely win the starting spot at RE. Ryan Pickett is almost assuredly the starting Nose Tackle. The LE spot is a big question mark. Could go to Johnny Jolly, Montgomery, Harrell or even Alfred Malone. I'd also say Harrell is most likely the guy right behind Pickett for the NT position, but I think he'll also be able to play 3-4 end. And it might better suit him with his back problems and all, he can stay around 300lbs, rather than need to put on even more weight.
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