GREEN BAY, Wis. -- After a brief hiatus, our weekly mailbag has returned. You can submit your questions about the Green Bay Packers via Twitter using the hashtag #PackersMail. As the Packers take Sunday off following the first three days of training camp, we'll discuss these topics:
- Bigger impact early on: Ty Montgomery or Jake Ryan?
- Is LaDarius Gunter for real?
- The battle for the No. 3 halfback, if there is one.
- Rookie Matt Rotheram's chances.
- Snack/music time during practice.
@RobDemovsky what is more likely to happen by week 4? Ty to become 3rd WR or Jake M to take over for clay at Middle LB #PackersMail
— Austin™ (@NamedAustin) August 1, 2015
Demovsky: Coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers seem as committed as ever to using Clay Matthews at inside linebacker, especially on early downs. Now, I did see a few snaps in which Ryan, the Packers' fourth-round pick, was inside and Matthews moved outside, but that may not mean much. Here's the thing about Montgomery: he's made an eye-catching play or two every step along the way from minicamp to non-padded practices to the first full-pads practice Saturday. That's not to say Davante Adams hasn't, but remember this about Adams: As optimistic as everyone is about him, he only really had two big games (against the New England Patriots in the regular season and the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs). Last year at this time, everyone thought Jarrett Boykin would be the No. 3 receiver, and look how that turned out. So in this scenario, the money is on Montgomery.
@RobDemovsky Hearing very good things about Gunter so far... Is it legit or Janis admiration hype?? #PackersMail
— Jacob in Tosa (@Burnsj63) August 1, 2015
Demovsky: Are you saying Jeff Janis has been overhyped? I mean, he did have two catches for 16 yards last season. But you make a good point. How many August all-stars have come and gone? Here's why LaDarius Gunter may be different. From the minute the Packers signed their undrafted rookie class, Gunter's name was mentioned as a possible impact player. Also, the Packers are good at finding undrafted corners. Tramon Williams was one. So was Sam Shields. Gunter has a real shot.
@RobDemovsky How are Crockett and Neal looking? Any guess on who wins the 3rd string spot? #PackersMail
— Mike (@UtahJazzTime) August 1, 2015
Demovsky: John Crockett hasn't gotten off the sideline yet. The ankle sprain he sustained in the June minicamp remains a problem. Rajion Neal has already fumbled once. Neal definitely has speed, but you could make just as strong a case that undrafted rookie Alonzo Harris has been the third-best back in camp. It may not matter if the Packers keep only two halfbacks. In my first 53-man roster projection, which can be found here, that's the way I had it. I reserve the right to change it, but I'm not sure that part will be altered.
@RobDemovsky how does Rotheram look? What are his odds of supplanting Taylor at guard #PackersMail
— Kevin Hodgkins (@Hodgkins_Kevin) August 1, 2015
Demovsky: It's going to be tough for any of the newcomers to bump out the returning offensive linemen, but Matt Rotheram looked like he might have a shot. The problem now is that he's out with an ankle injury. Also, Lane Taylor doesn't appear to have lost any ground. With Josh Sitton's snaps limited, Taylor has gotten the most work at left guard with the No. 1 offense.
@RobDemovsky are they doing music & snack breaks again this year? #packersmail
— Tim Wilmes (@bigsilly67) July 31, 2015
Demovsky: Yes, they are. They call them regeneration periods and you'll see the training staff passing things out to the players. Also, our friend Jason Wilde from ESPNWisconsin.com has been compiling the playlist. He has the details here.