The Packers' new batch of players, including their eight draft picks this year and more than a dozen undrafted guys that the team signed, will be under the microscope May 1-3 in the rookie orientation camp at Green Bay.
Head coach Mike McCarthy made the change last offseason to hold practices strictly for the rookies and first-year players on the heels of the NFL Draft to get them acclimated before they join the veterans on the field later in May during organized team activities.
Nose tackle B.J. Raji and linebacker Clay Matthews will draw the most attention as the team's first-round draft choices.
MEDICAL WATCH: Among the players who continue to rehab from late-season and offseason surgeries are linebacker Nick Barnett (knee), safety Atari Bigby (ankle), center Scott Wells (shoulder) and left tackle Chad Clifton (knee).
All are expected to be ready by the start of training camp Aug. 1, but their availability for the organized team activities that start May 26 and the mandatory minicamp June 22-24 is uncertain.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--OT Mark Tauscher has been a mainstay in the Green Bay lineup at right tackle since his rookie season in 2000, but his starting days could be over. Tauscher will need the entire offseason and perhaps training camp to recover from a late-season torn ACL and subsequent surgery, leaving him to possibly accept a one-year deal to return as a backup.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)
--WR Shaun Bodiford (not tendered as RFA) missed the entire 2008 season because of a back injury and is a long shot to be back with the team loaded at receiver.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--CB Tramon Williams gained seasoning in 2008 with nine starts and produced with five interceptions to rank third on the team. Depending on the status of Al Harris, who isn't a shoo-in to be kept by the team in the new scheme, Williams could be promoted from the nickel-back role he primarily had.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--S Atari Bigby: RFA; $1.545M/1 yr.
--CB Jarrett Bush: RFA; tendered at $1.01M (matched Titans offer); $4.5M/3 yrs, $1M SB.
--FB John Kuhn: RFA; $1.01M/1 yr.
--TE Tory Humphrey: Not tendered as RFA; $460,000/1 yr.
--DE Jason Hunter: RFA; $1.01M/1 yr.
--WR Ruvell Martin: RFA; $1.01M/1 yr.
--DE Michael Montgomery: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--C Duke Preston: UFA Bills; $2M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--S Anthony Smith: Not tendered as RFA by Steelers; $1.485M/2 yrs, $100,000 RB.
PLAYERS LOST
--DT Colin Cole: UFA Seahawks; $21.4M/5 yrs, $6M guaranteed.
--LS J.J. Jansen (traded Panthers).
--DE Kenneth Pettway (released/failed physical).
