"A season ago, the Green Bay Packers took an unusual configuration of running backs, fullbacks and tight ends into their season opener at Philadelphia.

General Manger Ted Thompson gave coach Mike McCarthy only two halfbacks — Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson — to start the season and for the second straight year overloaded on fullbacks, keeping three — John Kuhn, Korey Hall and Quinn Johnson. He also kept four tight ends — Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee, Tom Crabtree and Andrew Quarless.

When — or if — the season opens this year, the configuration could look quite a bit different.

Thompson surprisingly went heavy on tight ends in the draft, taking the talented D.J. Williams of Arkansas in the fifth round and Ryan Taylor of North Carolina in the seventh. He also took a running back, Alex Green of Hawaii, in the third round.

Injury or preseason performance could change things, but at this point in an offseason marred by a lockout that has prevented any workouts, organized team activities or minicamps, it appears likely Thompson and McCarthy will have an opportunity to keep more running backs and perhaps even more tight ends going into 2011, likely at the expense of the fullback position.

"Mike likes tight ends," Thompson said shortly after the draft.

With that in mind, here's a position-by-position breakdown of the Packers' roster:

All signs indicate veteran starter Grant, who sustained season-ending ankle and leg injuries in that opener against the Eagles, is healthy and will return for the final year of his contract, even though he's scheduled to make at least $5.25 million in salary and bonus money.

James Starks, who last season as a rookie came off the physically unable to perform list in November and became the top halfback during the playoffs, is a promising prospect if he can stay healthy. He's a decisive runner who can get tough yards. He and Grant likely will split carries."