Packers: Undrafted LaDarius Gunter will make the team
By Dan Kasper
It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers place a lot of time and emphasis on scouting and bringing in undrafted free agent rookies every year. Also, every year, there seems to be that one player that stands out during training camp and the preseason which results in him making the team.
LaDarius Gunter will be the new player of a long line of undrafted free agents to make the Packers this season. He will join the ranks of Sam Shields, Jayrone Elliott and others to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster and make the squad.
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It may have been easier to predict a player like James Vaughters or John Crockett to make this team, especially considering the depth the Packers now have in the secondary. However, Gunter is an intriguing option for the Packers.
First, he is the tallest corner the Packers have on their roster right now. We’re jumping the gun by saying Gunter would get any playing time right away if he were to make the team. Playing in a division that has a couple of bigger wide receivers like Calvin Johnson and Alshon Jeffery, the Packers could use some size with their corner backs and Gunter certainly fits the bill.
Second, Gunter has played both in press and zone coverage schemes. He has the ability to play on the outside and from looking at some of his film, he is a solid tackler. He is also willing to help defend the running game. Gunter also has playing experience on special teams, which we all know, is a must for any borderline player to make the Packers squad.
Third, Gunter has the experience of being versatile in the secondary. He has played both corner and safety and some scouts before the draft even thought that Gunter may fit better as a safety prospect. If Gunter has the ability to be able to play corner and safety at times, this will only add value to his stock.
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However, in order for Gunter to make this team, he is going to have to beat out a lot of tough competition. At best, Gunter is probably the sixth best cornerback on the depth chart behind Shields, Casey Hayward, Demetri Goodson, Damarious Randall, and Quinten Rollins. And that list doesn’t include Micah Hyde.
With the Packers potentially carrying five safeties, it may be hard for Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy to keep 11 guys in the secondary with Gunter.
Gunter does bring some intriguing qualities to the Packers squad. Many people won’t give him much of a chance, if any, to make this team considering the caliber of the guys ahead of him on the depth chart. Gunter is going to have to play lights out and make plays during training camp and the preseason to even get mentioned and have the possibility to make the team.
The Packers have proven time and time again that if a player performs well in training camp and the preseason then they will figure out a way to keep them. The qualities that Gunter could bring to the team could be hard for Thompson and McCarthy to pass up on. I believe that’s how Gunter will make the team and force the Packers to release Chris Banjo.
If you look at the Packers roster, you can make the argument that nine players are a lock to make this team in the secondary. That would only mean that the Packers would prefer to carry only one more defensive back. Banjo has been a solid special teams player and with the absence of Jarrett Bush, it would be hard to get rid of two of your best special teams players.
What helps Gunter is that he does have experience in playing special teams. That is where he is going to need to stand out throughout this summer and fall. Add in his versatility on defense, the Packers could be looking at another guy in the secondary who can do many different things.
So when you’re watching preseason Packer games, keep an eye out for number 36. I think you’re going to see a guy that can be utilized in different ways on the defense and will be making plays in special teams. If he can follow the path of another Miami alum, Sam Shields, the Packers would have nailed another solid undrafted free agent.
I believe LaDarius Gunter will be one of the undrafted free agents to make this Packers team and result in the Packers secondary being full of playmakers.
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