Don Pierson

Brett Favre played with three rookies on the Packers' offense last year and could play with three more this year. Packers' general manager Ted Thompson loves the draft and coach Mike McCarthy isn't afraid to stick young players into the fire. Often, he has no choice.

Unless the team makes a last-minute move, only one of 10 running backs on the roster will have previously been to a Packers' training camp. That's backup Noah Herron. The starters at both running back and fullback are still mysteries after the exit of veterans Ahman Green and William Henderson.

Favre needs only six touchdown passes to tie all-time leader Dan Marino. But Favre might require teammates to wear nametags in the huddle.

He liked rookie receiver Greg Jennings last year, although Jennings was limited by an ankle injury. Healthy, he can be an excellent complement to underrated Donald Driver. Favre wanted Thompson to make a run at Randy Moss, so more rookies will have to come through this year to satisfy Favre's concern. Third-rounder James Jones and fifth-rounder David Clowney both showed promise in early camps.

Favre also needs better play at tight end than he got last year from veteran Bubba Franks, who didn't catch a touchdown pass for the first time in his seven-year career and is now fighting for a roster spot. After losing David Martin to Miami, only Donald Lee remains among veterans, so seventh-round rookie Clark Harris will get a chance along with second-year prospect Zac Alcorn and Tory Humphrey, returning from injured reserve.

Who plays running back will be the story of camp. Vernand Morency arrived from Houston last year and is the favorite, although second-round rookie Brandon Jackson could beat him out, with Herron, P.J. Pope and seventh-round rookie DeShawn Wynn also in the picture. At fullback, Brandon Miree is the favorite, but sixth-round rookie linebacker Korey Hall is trying to make a switch to blocking back and free agent rookies Ryan Powdrell and Corey White will get looks.

Another offensive rookie who could have an impact on Favre is coordinator Joe Philbin. He was the offensive line coach last year under departed coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski, so there will be no major changes in the system, but a change in coaches always requires some adjustment.

Two more rookies have a chance to start on defense. Top pick Justin Harrell was a surprise because he doesn't play running back. The defensive tackle will be brought along slowly because he is recovering from a biceps tear that robbed him of most of his senior season. But if he comes back strong as expected, he is likely to start next to Ryan Pickett and justify Thompson's decision. Corey Williams started 11 games there last year and contributed seven sacks, so the Packers have excellent depth on a defensive line that has a chance to be the best in the division, including Chicago.

Third-round safety Aaron Rouse has a chance to unseat Marquand Manuel at strong safety next to Nick Collins, although the Packers hope third-year pro Marviel Underwood can come off a knee injury and compete.

Hotseat
Thompson. Favre put his general manager on the hot seat by noticing there wasn't a whole lot of action in the offseason. Signing Giants' backup defensive back Frank Walker to compete for a nickel spot was just about the extent of Green Bay's foray into the marketplace. Thompson loves the draft and trusts his picks. So the Packers will again enter this season as one of the youngest if not the youngest team in the league. At least five of the offensive linemen will be in their first or second years, all young kids when Favre started his remarkable playing streak, now at 237 starts. Sixth-round draft pick Mason Crosby is another rookie who could beat out place-kicker Dave Rayner.

Overheard
The first order of business for McCarthy's team is to regain the Lambeau Field magic. Last year, the 8-8 Packers were 5-3 on the road, only 3-5 at home. Since going 8-0 at home in 2002, the Packers are 15-17 in Green Bay. In Favre's first 11 years, the Packers were 75-13 at home. Now, they are just trying to win more than they lose. Their first three home games are against Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago, so home field can't be taken for granted.

Outlook
This has the makings of a very good defense, provided cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris hold up. They should, because the front seven is as strong as it's been in years. The Packers put more pressure on quarterbacks than any other team in the division. While the Bears remain the division favorite, the Packers are poised to step up if the Bears slip.

Prediction
Second.

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