This weekend, starting on Friday, the Packers will hold their rookie minicamp. Mike McCarthy held a full minicamp, rookies and veterans, during his first season, but since 2007, he's had the rookies come in first. I'm sure it gives the coaches a better chance to see what the draft choices can do, and which of the players invited in for a tryout deserves a contract.
I pointed out a few players here and here who are coming in for a tryout. These players have the best chance of earning a contract this weekend:
Western Michigan TE Branden Ledbetter. He was a borderline draftee, but at just over 230 lbs. he's a bit light for a tight end. But McCarthy likes tall receivers and Ledbetter is 6'5". He might have a chance to win the 3rd tight end job because his competition is TE Tory Humphrey who initially wasn't offered a contract back in February before resigning in April.
Louisiana Tech P Chris Keagle. I'm dying for the Packers to find a good punter.
Maryland RT Dane Randolph. He's got the physical tools, but the consistency isn't there. And he only projects at right tackle. The good news for him is that the starting right tackle spot is wide open, and McCarthy has said that his lineman will only be asked to play one position, so his inability to play multiple positions won't hurt him.
Virginia Tech C Ryan Shuman. He's a three year starter in the ACC. Plus the coaches weren't thrilled with C Scott Wells last season and are going to let C Jason Spitz compete for the starting job. That competition might open up the backup job for Shuman because it's possible Wells could be released or traded if Spitz beats him out. Also, they just released the center who spent all of 2008 on the practice squad.
Which player invited on a tryout do you think has the best chance of earning a contract?