{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
Once again, Dublin has as much talent as any team in the league: will this be the year they finally put it all together?
Key Additions: Merlin Olsen from LOM; Dat Nguyen from LON; Tom Landry from NYG.
Key Departures: Bryan Bulaga {8}; Kendrick Lewis {8, to RIO}; Ryan Pickett {8, to RIO}
Rookies To Watch: Nick Martin
QB
Aaron Rodgers {20} returns, and is solidly entrenched as the starting QB. He’ll be backed up by WFL vet Rich Gannon and rookie Brett Favre.
RB / WR / TE
Dublin’s fortunes in the WFL turned the moment Jim Taylor {14} arrived, and he remains the first choice in their backfield, with Alfred Blue {2} a capable reserve. They do lack depth here, as neither Mack Herron nor Eddie Kotal have much experience.
WR remains an area of superb depth for the Damhas, led by DeAndre Hopkins {14}, Andre Johnson {3}, and Don Hutson {0}. All 3 have yet to be healthy for an entire season, but with Year II breakout star Jordy Nelson {8}, Anquan Boldin {1}, and Randall Cobb {10} as reserves, Dublin should do well even if injuries strike again.
Pete Retzlaff {11} has been almost as important to Dublin as Taylor, and he returns at TE.
OL
Dublin continues to search for a long-term solution at C, but this year’s candidate, rookie Nick Martin, has quality help on both sides, with Forrest Gregg {20} and Cal Hubbard {9} at T and Mike Michalske {12} and Josh Sitton {11} at G.
DL
The arrival of Merlin Olsen {5} strengthens an already impressive front 4, and allows J.J. Watt {20} to slide outside. Those two are paired with Mike McCoy {0} and Mike Daniels {11} for a group that should be equally stout against the pass and the run.
LB
The combination of Clay Matthews, Jr. {9}, Ray Nitschke {7}, and Dave Robinson {7} has been as good as it gets. Dat Nguyen {3} comes over from London in an attempt to solve the 4th LB issue.
DB
3 returning starters–Casey Hayward {14} and Johnathan Joseph {9} at CB and LeRoy Butler {6} at S–are joined by newcomer Willie Wood {0}. Tom Landry {1} joins from New York as the nickle back.
ST
Mason Crosby {1} returns as the K, with Justin Vogel coming in as the P. Josh Scobey and Herron will split the return duties.
