Here are the reported, although unconfirmed, signings:
- Quarterback Jerry Babb of Louisiana-Lafayette
- Guard Pat Murray of Truman State
- Linebacker Rory Johnson of Mississippi
- Linebacker Juwan Simpson of Alabama
- Defensive end Larry Birdine of Oklahoma
- Defensive lineman Daniel Muir of Kent State
- Fullback Ryan Powdrell of Southern California
Pat Murray was one of the players mentioned in an article (referenced here in an earlier post) by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel prior to the draft. Clearly, the Packers wanted him and got him. They felt he might be one of those hidden gems hiding away at a smaller school. The Packers actually did have Truman in for a visit before the draft. It must have paid off, for both the Pack and Truman. Here's what the article said before the draft: "There isn't a huge market for players from Truman State, but the 6-3, 315-pound tackle/guard is a physical specimen who Tessler (Truman's agent, Brett Tessler) said benches 500 pounds and squats more than 700." You can read that entire article here.
You have to wonder about the purpose in signing FB Ryan Powdrell, other than as perhaps training camp fodder. Powdrell had a serious injury early in the 2006 season, dislocating and breaking his fibula during the game against Nebraska. According to this article at the time on AOL's NCAA Fanhouse, "many are calling (this) the most gruesome injury caught on tape since Joe Theismann."
And, for whatever reason, the Pack continues to load up on linebackers. Yaaaaaaawwwwwnnnnnn.
