Packers Morning Buzz: Aaron Rodgers still top tier

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers and the NFL from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee (or brew some tea, if that’s your thing) and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with Tom Silverstein’s look at the secondary, as we near the end of our positional preview series.

From Tom:

Relying on rookies to fill key positions on any NFL roster is always a risk.

It is with that caveat that the Packers enter the 2018 season with hope first-round pick Jaire Alexander and second-round pick Josh Jackson, as well as the return of 2017 second-round pick Kevin King, can transform their cornerback position into a strength.

Just to make sure he was covered, rookie general manager Brian Gutekunst signed free agent Tramon Williams and re-signed veteran Davon House. The pair has started a combined 175 games and at least gives defensive coordinator Mike Pettine two guys who won’t blow coverages in the heat of regular-season games.

At safety, Pettine must figure out how he wants to use second-year utility man Josh Jones. Former defensive coordinator Dom Capers used the 6-2, 220-pound safety like a linebacker, but Pettine likes his safeties interchangeable and may play them in traditional spots.

Whatever the case, the Packers ranked 23rd in passing and 28th in third-down defense last season and are going nowhere unless that changes.

Visitors to training camp can explore the Packers Experience. Rich Ryman has the goods:

I chatted with readers via Facebook Live on Monday:

Elsewhere, Mike Sando’s annual quarterback tier post for ESPN once again has league personnel execs singing Aaron Rodgers' praises:

From Sando:

"Look at the injuries that cost Rodgers those 16 games -- every one was outside the pocket," a voter said. "Rodgers knows that. He is smart. If he starts limiting that, he could be like Brady -- in shape, fit, into his nutrition and able to be an elite performer into his late 30s. Because remember, if you're in the pocket, they can't hit you high, they can't hit you low and they can't hit you from more than a step-and-a-half away."

Fair enough, but if Rodgers cuts down on those off-schedule plays, how much less effective will he become? This voter had an answer for that question as well.

"Because Rodgers is so dangerous outside the pocket," the voter said, "people think he is especially reliant on that part of his game. What they don't realize is that Rodgers does most of his damage on schedule from inside the pocket, where only Brady and Brees are as good. This guy has the quickest release and livest ball in the league across every throw type imaginable."

The Packers highlighted their quarterback's Shark Week appearance:

Cynthia Frelund breaks down the numbers on the Packers' season:

Pro Football Focus talks storylines for Packers camp:

Zach Kruse suggests a potential veteran cut the Packers could have interest in:

Pete Prisco, like Tony Romo, has the Packers meeting the Jaguars in the Super Bowl:

Jimmy Graham is taking in EAA:

Peter King talked with Dan Patrick about Aaron Rodgers' contract:

Kevin King has to be good:

Roto Underworld likes Ty Montgomery’s upside:

Lombardi Ave has 15 to watch during camp:

Jason Wilde fires up the Way Back Machine:

Wayne Larrivee talks about the 2018 season: