Packers Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks need preseason snaps

First in a multi-part series looking at the Green Bay Packers’ 90-man roster prior to training camp, we examine the quarterback position before revealing our pre-camp predictions for the team’s 2017 53-man roster.

There’s no drama at the quarterback position in Green Bay. The Packers have arguably the best player currently playing in the NFL under center, as Aaron Rodgers is hungry for another Super Bowl ring. Behind him, the backup situation appears relatively settled, with the main competition taking place for the third-string spot.

However, we saw last season that one injury can change the face of an entire preseason. The Packers, who traditionally hold just two quarterbacks on the active roster, felt it necessary to keep a third a season ago thanks to a performance throughout training camp and the preseason by an undrafted rookie. Will he prove himself worthy of a roster spot again, or will this year’s undrafted first-year quarterback supplant him?

Here’s a look at the quarterbacks who will be coming to camp.

Returning Players

Aaron Rodgers

Year: 13th
Age: 33 (34 in December)
How acquired: 1st-round draft pick (#24 overall), 2005

The two-time MVP is back for his 10th season as the Packers’ starting quarterback and he’s set to do something that no other player has ever done before in the NFL. He is just three touchdowns shy of 300, a number he should hit in the first one or two games; however, when he does he will be the first to do so without having first thrown at least 100 interceptions. Rodgers has thrown just 72 for his career, and it’s actually feasible that he could reach 400 touchdowns before he hits triple digits in picks.

The two-time MVP made a case late in the season for the award last year, helping lead the Packers to a 6-0 record down the stretch and a pair of playoff wins. He also earned a sixth-place ranking on the NFL Top 100 list.

Brett Hundley

Year: 3rd
Age: 24
How acquired: 5th-round draft pick (#147 overall), 2015

The talented backup to Rodgers has been matching some of his mentor’s athletic performances in head coach Mike McCarthy’s QB school, an impressive feat. However, after a stellar rookie preseason campaign, Hundley was injured for most of last year’s training camp. This year he will be given every opportunity to show his value to both the Packers and the rest of the NFL, as the team is expected to try to trade him for draft picks after the season concludes.

Joe Callahan

Year: 2nd
Age:
How acquired: signed to practice squad December 2, 2016

Mike McCarthy’s favorite project, Callahan came from Division II football but impressed the head coach and a sect of Packers fans with his improvisational ability last year in the preseason. However, Callahan still lacks the ideal physical tools to make it as an NFL quarterback and will be in another tough fight for a roster spot, given the team’s needs at other positions.

New Additions

Taysom Hill

Year: Rookie
Age: 26 (turns 27 in August)
How acquired: undrafted rookie free agent

Brought in this offseason to compete with Callahan, Hill served on a LDS mission to Australia before enrolling at BYU. Hill is a terrific athlete, with testing measurements more akin to a wide receiver than a typical quarterback. However, he will need to demonstrate that his throwing ability is up to par if he is able to stick around. One benefit to keeping Hill on the practice squad would be his ability to simulate athletic quarterbacks on the scout team.