ITPV » As Matt LaFleur fills out his coaching staff

Oren Burks Jersey , he’s added a few former NFL players to the Packers’ coaching lineup. New outside linebackers coach Mike Smith played under Mike Pettine in Baltimore. New wide receivers coach Alvis Whitted played for both the Jaguars and Raiders (and made a catch against the Packers in 2003). LaFleur even interviewed Wes Welker for a job, though his potential role in Green Bay wasn’t clear.That got us thinking about former Packers players who may be in need of a job. Whether it’s with the Packers or elsewhere, here are our suggestions for former players we’d like to see get a shot.Evan “Tex” Western -- Al Harris and William HendersonI’m probably cheating a bit by picking a couple of players, and I’m definitely cheating with my first pick. That’s because former Packers cornerback Al Harris is already a position coach in the NFL -- he has been coaching the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive backs for the last six years, first as an assistant and then as the primary cornerbacks coach for the last three seasons. Harris was a technician as a Packer, and he provided one of the best individual plays in the team’s postseason history with his pick-six off Matt Hasselbeck in 2003. I’d love to see him back wearing Green and Gold on the sideline, especially since he’s got legitimate coaching experience.As for someone without any notable experience as a coach, I’m going with Henderson, who probably didn’t earn enough accolades for his excellent career as a fullback. Sure, his position is out of favor in today’s NFL, but the skills he brought to that position -- receiving, tough short-yardage running, and most importantly exceptional pass-blocking -- are still critical for modern-day tailbacks. Bringing Henderson in to work with Aaron Jones on protecting Aaron Rodgers, for example, sounds like a great idea, and his toughness would allow him to connect with a bruiser like Jamaal Williams.Jon Meerdink - James JonesIt was interesting to watch James Jones develop over the course of his career. Never an overwhelming athlete, Jones got by with positioning and understanding despite struggling with a very basic thing: catching the ball. In four of his first five seasons in the NFL, Jones caught less than 60% of the passes thrown his way. The problems even extended to the Super Bowl, where Jones dropped a tough but catchable ball that may have taken points off the board.Eventually, he turned it around. In all but his final NFL season Marquez Valdes-Scantling Jersey , Jones was far more reliable and developed into a steady older presence, so much so that he was the Packers’ first call when Jordy Nelson went down with a knee injury in 2015. What changed? Focus and a lot of positive self-talk. ”During the game, I’m out there talking to myself saying things like, ‘Stay focused. Stay hungry. The ball’s gonna come. Aaron’s gonna throw it to the open guy,’ “ Jones said in 2012. “A lot of the players think I’m crazy.”Crazy or not, it worked, and it may be the kind of advice (along with whatever else Jones in to shed his problems with drops) that could be of use to other players. If nothing else, it’d be cool to have his hoodie back on an NFL sideline.Bob Fitch - Nick CollinsGreen Bay’s secondary has been in shambles ever since Collins injured his neck in 2011. Every time Collins got the ball in his hands - which was quite often, with 21 career interceptions - he was looking to score. Quite often, he did! Do yourself a favor and watch his 9 minute tribute video and try not to cry at what could have been. Collins started every game in his career and was a special talent that was taken away from football too soon. The fit is perfect, too - in this 2014 article, he was quoted as saying he wants “to go into coaching. Just not right now.”. Well, Nick, I think the opportunity has arisen. He’s already doing some high school and youth coaching in Florida and as a Packer Hall of Famer is already beloved by Green Bay. Paul Noonan: Doug PedersonBrandon Jackson was on staff as a coaching intern, but I’m not sure if that is still the case. If he is, that’s great as he’s the best blocking back in team history and he has a lot to teach. That said, the obvious answer is former backup QB, Doug Pederson. The current leader of the defending champs is one of the most progressive, aggressive play-callers out there, and he’s been successful with widely varied levels of personnel Jimmy Graham Color Rush Jersey , different quarterbacks, and a host of other challenges. I’m glad he’s had such success, I just wish it was with the Packers organization. Wendi Hansen: Reggie WhiteFifteen seasons, 13 consecutive Pro Bowls, 10 All-Pro nominations, 198 career sacks, and 232 games. The numbers speak for themselves, but despite his impeccable talent and skill on the field, Reggie White was one of the finest human beings to ever grace the green and gold uniform. I may be a little biased as he’s one of my favorite athletes of all time, but that aside, White would’ve made one hell of a coach. His love of the game - and the Packers organization - spoke volumes. He was smart, precise, dedicated and knew how to inspire his fellow teammates. Only time will tell if Brian Gutekunst’s approach to building the Packers’ roster is better than his predecessors. But even though he’s been on the job for less than a year, it seems fair to conclude that his approach is different.He said the Packers would pursue every avenue for acquiring players, and Gutekunst has been true to his word. The Packers have been involved in trades, waiver claims, free agent bidding wars, and a host of other moves throughout 2018, both in the offseason and during the regular season.Have all of those moves worked out? No, but that’s true for every general manager. Not every trade or signing or contract extension is going to be a home run. But Gutekunst has been active and aggressive https://www.thepackersfanshop.com/Muhammad-Wilkerson-Jersey , and even if the results are still up in the air, it’s been fun to watch.Inside Brian Gutekunst’s new approach to shaping the Green Bay Packers’ roster | Packers NewsJim Owczarski dives deep on Brian Gutekunst’s in-season roster moves, sorting through the increasingly common roster churn the Packers have pursued this year.Justin McCray determined to do better against Bears’ Akiem Hicks | Packers NewsThe last time the Packers and Bears faced off, Justin McCray didn’t do so well. He gave up a bad early sack and was at least partly in the mix for blame on the hit that injured Aaron Rodgers’ knee. This time around, he’s vowing to do better. He’ll have his work cut out for him: Akiem Hicks has collected three of his six sacks this season in the Bears’ last four games.Turnover stats create crux of this Packers-Bears matchup | Packers.comKhalil Mack nearly won the last Packers-Bears game by himself by creating two turnovers, and with the Bears’ proficiency for creating turnovers seemingly growing by the week, it’s a fair bet taking care of the ball will be key.Aaron Rodgers on David Bakhtiari: ‘He has Hall of Fame potential’ | Packers WireHere is a list of tackles selected ahead of David Bakhtiari in the 2013 NFL Draft: Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel, Lane Johnson, D.J. Fluker, Justin Pugh, Menelik Watson, Terron Armstead, Dallas Thomas. Two of those players are now out of the league, and more than half of the rest have been converted to guard.NFL makes changes to Rooney Rule | Pro Football TalkSince the Packers are in the market for a new head coach, it’s worth paying attention to the league’s new requirements for interviewing a minority candidate.