Now that the dust has settled from the 2011 NFL Draft, we can begin to get a better feel for exactly what the latest members of the Green Bay Packers' rookie class might bring to the team. That's once the lockout is lifted, of course, and things get back to normal.
It should also be mentioned at the outset, however, that we'd also normally be talking about all the undrafted free agent signings at this point. That's not a part of the picture at the moment because of the lockout. Pundits suggest that, depending upon how long the lockout lasts, these are the players that stand to lose the most. And just think of the undrafted free agents that helped the Pack win a Super Bowl last season: CB Sam Shields and LB Frank Zombo among them. There are good players out there that for whatever reasons didn't hear their names called. We also know that GM Ted Thompson and his scouts are probably the best in the business at finding these hidden gems, and that head coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff are probably the best in the business at "coaching them up" to be valuable contributors -- perhaps even starters -- for the Green Bay Packers.
But, let's talk about what we do know about the 10 young men chosen to see what they can bring to make the already great Packers even greater. We'll start in this post with the Packers' selections through the first three rounds and then follow up later with the rest of the picks.
Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: Much this year like Bryan Bulaga was last year. Drafted to back up and learn behind LT Chad Clifton and be the heir apparent. Due to injuries last season, Bulaga filled in on occasion at left tackle but wound up solidifying the right side after veteran RT Mark Tauscher went down for the season. The good news is Sherrod doesn't have to start right away. But he will compete, and you can be sure that offensive line coach James Campen will have Sherrod ready to go if need be. Whether he or Bulaga ultimately fill the left or right tackle slot is a decision that will come down the road.
Randall Cobb, WR/Returner, Kentucky: As Thompson said in his comments about Cobb following his selection, Cobb basically was Kentucky's offense. In addition to being an excellent receiver, Cobb also spent time at Kentucky at quarterback, running back ala wildcat, returner and even as the holder for field goals. Think McCarthy and crew won't find a way to have this guy make plays? One area where he could make an immediate impact is on punt and kick returns where, as every fan knows, the Pack hasn't exactly been great since what seems like forever. As a receiver, word is that Cobb is perhaps better suited to the slot than as a wideout. This gives him the opportunity to learn behind one of the best at that position, Donald Driver. But we also know that McCarthy likes to have his receivers be able to play at any of the positions. You can be sure new receivers coach, Edgar Bennett, will maximize Cobb's potential. The selection of Cobb also gives the Packers a bit of flexibility and depth should WR James Jones depart in free agency, as some speculate.
Alexander Green, RB, Hawaii: This seemed to be a bit of a surprise pick. Not because we didn't expect Thompson to select a running back, but because this player's name didn't seem to be on anyone's pre-draft radar this high...except for Thompson's, of course. Given the uncertainty of Ryan Grant's return to form, and the half-season and playoff wonder that was James Starks, the Pack's running back situation is a bit uncertain. Brandon Jackson is expected to leave in free agency, which opens up a slot for a third-down back such a Green. He gained over 9 yards per carry in Hawaii's spread offense. He had about 1,500 all-purpose yards last season and 19 touchdowns. Green is 6'0" and 225 lbs. He's got a chance to make a real impact if he can pick up blocking sets, which is an area at which Jackson was generally very good. Green could be yet another dynamic weapon for Aaron Rodgers in what is, as commentator Ron Jaworski called it during draft coverage, an awesome offense.
That's the first three rounds. Rounds four through seven later. Keep checking back for updates.
Showing posts with label Edgar Bennett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edgar Bennett. Show all posts
Monday, May 02, 2011
Thursday, January 07, 2010
News flash: It's good to be warm and not hurt
As the Packers get ready to head to the Arizona desert for their playoff showdown with the Cardinals on Sunday, two articles today are of particular interest.
The first is that, as much as everyone loves The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field, truth be told is that players prefer playing in conditions that are just a bit warmer. And this time of year, that "just a bit" equates to something like 60 or 70 degrees warmer. OK, we can understand that. And that's also why, while the Pack won't have the home field advantage of 70,000 screaming and frozen fans, probably 15,000 or so will find their way to the Arizona sun.
For the players, the advantages are obvious, as the article points out: being able to play faster and more naturally, being able to run, throw, kick and hang on to the ball...all rather essential in the game of football. And as opposed to the Packers of the mid-1990s where you had a couple certified "mudders" in the backfield -- Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens -- the squad these days....not so much. You might say the team is built more for dome and warm weather play than the Ice Bowl.
Which bodes well as the Pack takes on the Cards for the second week in a row. The players like it there. And, if they get the win Sunday -- and is there really any Packer fan here who doesn't think that??? -- they will go on to play in another dome and climate-controlled atmosphere, either at New Orleans or the Humpty Dump against the ViQueens.
You can read the article here.
The second article of interest also reminds us that the team which rested its players for most of the game this last week (that would the Cardinals for those unaware) seems to also be the one that is also still hurting the most going into this game. The Cardinals have some key owies while the Packers are entering the game relatively healthy. Even NT Ryan Pickett was finally able to practice yesterday for the first time in about a month.
The Packers have all their weapons available on offense and defense. The Cardinals are banged up and may not have all their weapons. The Packers also, as we have seen over the last half of the season, have become a very physical team especially on defense. They finished #2 overall. And if they play that way again, despite going against a seasoned QB such as Kurt Warner, the Pack will come out with a victory.
You can read the full article here.
Judging by Packers player comments, they are confident, not cocky. They know the level that they have been playing at and they know if they keep it up they can beat anybody...anybody!
Comparisons have been made in some quarters between the 2007 NY Giants and this season's Packers. The Giants struggled early in their season, then got on a roll. They were a wildcard team and had to play every game on the road and win. And win they did, even, as we regrettably recall, in the NFC Championship Game in overtime against the Packers. And they won the Super Bowl, too. The Packers will have to follow suit if they want to yet again bring the Lombardi Trophy back home to Green Bay where it belongs. There is no reason to suspect that they can't right now.
But it all starts in Arizona on Sunday. One game at a time. And while there is no place like home, for the next few weeks it will be more like Home Sweet Dome.
The first is that, as much as everyone loves The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field, truth be told is that players prefer playing in conditions that are just a bit warmer. And this time of year, that "just a bit" equates to something like 60 or 70 degrees warmer. OK, we can understand that. And that's also why, while the Pack won't have the home field advantage of 70,000 screaming and frozen fans, probably 15,000 or so will find their way to the Arizona sun.
For the players, the advantages are obvious, as the article points out: being able to play faster and more naturally, being able to run, throw, kick and hang on to the ball...all rather essential in the game of football. And as opposed to the Packers of the mid-1990s where you had a couple certified "mudders" in the backfield -- Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens -- the squad these days....not so much. You might say the team is built more for dome and warm weather play than the Ice Bowl.
Which bodes well as the Pack takes on the Cards for the second week in a row. The players like it there. And, if they get the win Sunday -- and is there really any Packer fan here who doesn't think that??? -- they will go on to play in another dome and climate-controlled atmosphere, either at New Orleans or the Humpty Dump against the ViQueens.
You can read the article here.
The second article of interest also reminds us that the team which rested its players for most of the game this last week (that would the Cardinals for those unaware) seems to also be the one that is also still hurting the most going into this game. The Cardinals have some key owies while the Packers are entering the game relatively healthy. Even NT Ryan Pickett was finally able to practice yesterday for the first time in about a month.
The Packers have all their weapons available on offense and defense. The Cardinals are banged up and may not have all their weapons. The Packers also, as we have seen over the last half of the season, have become a very physical team especially on defense. They finished #2 overall. And if they play that way again, despite going against a seasoned QB such as Kurt Warner, the Pack will come out with a victory.
You can read the full article here.
Judging by Packers player comments, they are confident, not cocky. They know the level that they have been playing at and they know if they keep it up they can beat anybody...anybody!
Comparisons have been made in some quarters between the 2007 NY Giants and this season's Packers. The Giants struggled early in their season, then got on a roll. They were a wildcard team and had to play every game on the road and win. And win they did, even, as we regrettably recall, in the NFC Championship Game in overtime against the Packers. And they won the Super Bowl, too. The Packers will have to follow suit if they want to yet again bring the Lombardi Trophy back home to Green Bay where it belongs. There is no reason to suspect that they can't right now.
But it all starts in Arizona on Sunday. One game at a time. And while there is no place like home, for the next few weeks it will be more like Home Sweet Dome.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pack picks up a fullback
With their first pick in the fifth round, #145 overall, the Packers selected LSU fullback Quinn Johnson. At 6'1" and 245 lbs., this former linebacker helped clear the way this last season for a 1,000-yard rusher at LSU. From his profile description, "Despite playing on a team that featured standout offensive linemen like Herman Johnson and Ciron Black, he ranked second on the team with eleven touchdown-resulting blocks in 2008."
It was known going into the draft that the Packers wanted to add some competitiveness to their fullback position to try to help improve the zone running scheme. Johnson's stats indicate that he didn't rush or catch passes much. He was primarily geared to clearing running lanes. In that respect, he could be a good player to add to the training camp roster to generate some competition with current Packer fullbacks Korey Hall and John Kuhn.
Running backs coach Edgar Bennett told reporters that the Packers really like Johnson's aggressiveness and attitude. The Packers have been looking for a replacement in the run blocking game for the great William Henderson since Henderson's release in 2007. How well Johnson fits that bill remains to be seen. Bennett said Johnson shows up with power and strength and has the ability to make read adjustments. Johnson has the toughness required for fullback, according to Bennett. He can also play special teams.
Note to readers: the next draft update posted here at PackerFansUnited.com will come after the draft has been completed. We'll recap the Pack's final picks, as well as take a look at the overall draft and attempt to assess its impact going forward. Please check back this evening for that update.
Go Pack Go!!!
It was known going into the draft that the Packers wanted to add some competitiveness to their fullback position to try to help improve the zone running scheme. Johnson's stats indicate that he didn't rush or catch passes much. He was primarily geared to clearing running lanes. In that respect, he could be a good player to add to the training camp roster to generate some competition with current Packer fullbacks Korey Hall and John Kuhn.
Running backs coach Edgar Bennett told reporters that the Packers really like Johnson's aggressiveness and attitude. The Packers have been looking for a replacement in the run blocking game for the great William Henderson since Henderson's release in 2007. How well Johnson fits that bill remains to be seen. Bennett said Johnson shows up with power and strength and has the ability to make read adjustments. Johnson has the toughness required for fullback, according to Bennett. He can also play special teams.
Note to readers: the next draft update posted here at PackerFansUnited.com will come after the draft has been completed. We'll recap the Pack's final picks, as well as take a look at the overall draft and attempt to assess its impact going forward. Please check back this evening for that update.
Go Pack Go!!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
A 1992 flashback
No...not that kind of flashback. This one came courtesy tonight of The NFL Network: the Sept. 20, 1992 game between the Pack and Bengals in which Wisconsin's own Tim Krumrie crunched then-starting QB Don Majkowski's left ankle allowing a 2nd-year player by the name of Brett Favre to enter the game. (I know, that was a long sentence...take a breath and start reading again when ready...)
This game marked Brett's first win and first game-winning comeback all rolled into one. It was also Mike Holmgren's first victory as Packers' head coach.
One of the interesting comments made by the NBC announcers (Jim Lampley and Ahmad Rashad) was that "You live and die with somebody like Brett Favre" after he fumbled inside the Pack's own 30, down 10-3 late in the third quarter. That statement applied as well in that first game as it did in the last. But we wouldn't have had it any other way.
Another interesting aspect of this game were some of the names involved: Edgar Bennett, Jackie Harris, Bryce Paup, Terrell Buckley (who, characteristically, dropped a sure interception...but, to be fair, he also had a punt return for a TD...but then also, characteristically, fumbled a punt at a critical time in the game), Ken Ruettgers, Robert Brooks, Johnny Holland, Vince Workman, Brian Noble, LeRoy Butler, Sterling Sharpe (who caught Brett's first NFL TD pass), John Jurkovic, Harry Sydney, Tony Bennett, Ed West, Chris Jacke, Tootie Robbins, and Sanjay Beach (who goes down in football history as being the receiver who caught Brett's first pass...other than the deflected one which Brett caught himself, of course.)
It was also fascinating to see just how bad Brett looked for much of that game...lots of fumbles, lots of sacks, lots of missed throws, lots of "What the heck is going on out there?!" (to quote the late, great Vince Lombardi). But you also saw those flashes of what would make Brett the greatest QB the game ever saw: a rocket arm, a never-give-up attitude, and a guy that could take a pounding and still keep coming back.
It was an interesting glimpse back in Packers history...and at the start of a legendary career.
Oh yeah...if you recall, the Pack won 24-23 with 13 seconds to go on a bomb down the right sideline from Brett to Kitrick Taylor, and a PAT by Jacke. The throw was a classic. And so was Brett's response: just as he did in his Super Bowl win, Brett took his helmet off and ran around like a little kid. Wow. It was the first of many "Wows" we had as Packer fans with Brett at the helm.
You can read more about this legendary game here.
This game marked Brett's first win and first game-winning comeback all rolled into one. It was also Mike Holmgren's first victory as Packers' head coach.
One of the interesting comments made by the NBC announcers (Jim Lampley and Ahmad Rashad) was that "You live and die with somebody like Brett Favre" after he fumbled inside the Pack's own 30, down 10-3 late in the third quarter. That statement applied as well in that first game as it did in the last. But we wouldn't have had it any other way.
Another interesting aspect of this game were some of the names involved: Edgar Bennett, Jackie Harris, Bryce Paup, Terrell Buckley (who, characteristically, dropped a sure interception...but, to be fair, he also had a punt return for a TD...but then also, characteristically, fumbled a punt at a critical time in the game), Ken Ruettgers, Robert Brooks, Johnny Holland, Vince Workman, Brian Noble, LeRoy Butler, Sterling Sharpe (who caught Brett's first NFL TD pass), John Jurkovic, Harry Sydney, Tony Bennett, Ed West, Chris Jacke, Tootie Robbins, and Sanjay Beach (who goes down in football history as being the receiver who caught Brett's first pass...other than the deflected one which Brett caught himself, of course.)
It was also fascinating to see just how bad Brett looked for much of that game...lots of fumbles, lots of sacks, lots of missed throws, lots of "What the heck is going on out there?!" (to quote the late, great Vince Lombardi). But you also saw those flashes of what would make Brett the greatest QB the game ever saw: a rocket arm, a never-give-up attitude, and a guy that could take a pounding and still keep coming back.
It was an interesting glimpse back in Packers history...and at the start of a legendary career.
Oh yeah...if you recall, the Pack won 24-23 with 13 seconds to go on a bomb down the right sideline from Brett to Kitrick Taylor, and a PAT by Jacke. The throw was a classic. And so was Brett's response: just as he did in his Super Bowl win, Brett took his helmet off and ran around like a little kid. Wow. It was the first of many "Wows" we had as Packer fans with Brett at the helm.
You can read more about this legendary game here.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Back's Back Checks Out OK
Ted Thompson rarely has possible draft picks in for a visit. But he did have Cal RB and long-rumored Packer draft pick Marshawn Lynch in for a visit this last week. In addition to meeting with Thompson, Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and running backs coach Edgar Bennett, Lynch also met with Packers medical staff. That's because he reportedly has a congenital back problem that raised some concerns with folks. The Packers doctors cleared him which then also clears the way for the Packers to take Lynch -- the number 2 rated running back in the draft -- with the number 16 pick. That's assuming, as most do, that Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson doesn't fall into the Packers lap.
The Packers don't have as many gaps to fill as they did a year ago. But the glaring hole is at starting running back following Ahman Green's departure for Houston. The Pack could also use another wide receiver and tight end on offense. But they can make do with what they have if need be. They can't make do with the current backs on the roster. Thompson will either decide that (a) he needs to trade up to get Peterson, (b) he stays at #16 and takes Lynch, (c) passes on Lynch and takes WR Robert Meachem figuring they can get Auburn RB Kenny Irons in the second round, or (d) trades down for additional picks with the intent of taking Irons at RB in round 2, or perhaps picking up another needed player by dropping a few spots. So many possibilities. Will be fun to watch it unfold.
Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, I will be somewhat incommunicado next weekend. I am still in the process of trying to determine what, if any, internet connection might be available. Last year, I did a pick-by-pick update of the Packers' draft moves. This year...not. Worse case scenario, PackerFansUnited readers, you'll have to do with an end-of-day wrap up or maybe even a post-draft re-cap. The news won't be as timely as I'd like it to be, and you will likely already know who the Packers picked. But, hopefully, we can offer up some insight -- or at least comment -- that you might not have run across before. It's an exciting week. As will be the week after the draft as we begin to contemplate how the new players may impact the team.
The Packers don't have as many gaps to fill as they did a year ago. But the glaring hole is at starting running back following Ahman Green's departure for Houston. The Pack could also use another wide receiver and tight end on offense. But they can make do with what they have if need be. They can't make do with the current backs on the roster. Thompson will either decide that (a) he needs to trade up to get Peterson, (b) he stays at #16 and takes Lynch, (c) passes on Lynch and takes WR Robert Meachem figuring they can get Auburn RB Kenny Irons in the second round, or (d) trades down for additional picks with the intent of taking Irons at RB in round 2, or perhaps picking up another needed player by dropping a few spots. So many possibilities. Will be fun to watch it unfold.
Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, I will be somewhat incommunicado next weekend. I am still in the process of trying to determine what, if any, internet connection might be available. Last year, I did a pick-by-pick update of the Packers' draft moves. This year...not. Worse case scenario, PackerFansUnited readers, you'll have to do with an end-of-day wrap up or maybe even a post-draft re-cap. The news won't be as timely as I'd like it to be, and you will likely already know who the Packers picked. But, hopefully, we can offer up some insight -- or at least comment -- that you might not have run across before. It's an exciting week. As will be the week after the draft as we begin to contemplate how the new players may impact the team.
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