Packers rookie orientation camp wrap up

I'd like to offer a complete rundown of all the happenings at this past weekend's Green Bay Packers rookie orientation camp. But, alas (when was the last time you saw that word in a blog that wasn't dated from the Middle Ages?! Wait, did they have blogs then...?), I find that the best summary around is that offered by -- not surprisingly -- the Green Bay Press Gazette.

So, without further ado, check out all the latest news and camp wrap up here. We'll get around to talking about bits and pieces of it throughout the week. But for now, get yourself up to speed and check back here often to see if any new pithy (another great word!) insights are waiting for you.

Packers preseason game #1 review

So the first chance the Green Bay Packers have to smack guys in other jerseys around came up a tad short on the scoreboard. The Pack dropped their first preseason game 27-17 to the Cleveland Browns. Big whup.

As tens of thousands of NFL fans across the nation know, these games don't count. Hence the not-even-half-filled Cleveland stadium last evening. It was an entertaining game only if you're OK seeing starters for just a few series of plays, and watching veteran backups and rookies battle for roster spots. In the abbreviated evaluation period teams have this season, every play that these backups and rookies get may be their only chance to show the coaches and management "what they got."

So who stood out for the Packers last night? Rookie WR/KR Randall Cobb is a keeper. He not only did a good job on kick returns but flashed good hands and explosive speed on three receptions for 60 yards. The Packers have to have the most dangerous receiving corps in the league: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson. Now throw Cobb into the mix. And we haven't even mentioned the tight ends yet.

Jermichael Finley did not suit up last evening, although he says he will be ready for the next game. That gave second-year tight end Andrew Quarless the start and he acquited himself admirably, making a couple catches...which was a problem for him last year. He did leave with a groin injury, however. Quarless is in a battle for the spot behind Finley with Tom Crabtree and a few newcomers including rookie D.J. Williams and Ryan Taylor, both of whom made catches last night. In fact, lots of different players made catches last evening: 18 by final count.

Holy post route, Batman! Perhaps the Eagles aren't so crazy after all mortgaging the farm to transform their defensive backfield to try to hold the Packers in check. Still...good luck with that.

On the offensive line, both first-round draft pick Derek Sherrod and veteran T.J. Lang got lots of looks at left guard. And left tackle. The duo was being rotated just about with every series, including with each other flip-flopping the slots. Both looked just fine. As has been the case in Green Bay for a long time, the idea is to put the best five offensive linemen out there. The Pack's O-line will be OK.

As to running backs, it was nice to see Ryan Grant get a couple carries. Nothing major, but he did show some nice burst on a couple runs around the corner. James Starks also showed some speed and power, but he finished with an ankle injury of unknown severity...although don't think it was anything serious. Whew! Rookie Alex Green did not suit up last night so we'll have to wait another week to see what he brings to the party.

For the quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers found his rhythm in the second series, Matt Flynn engineered a 2-minute drill drive nearly the length of the field for a TD, and Graham Harrell got extended playing time...and needs more. He had three fumbles on the evening, one a blind side hit where a lineman or tight end failed to pick up the outside rusher; that was returned for a TD by the Browns.

The defense didn't do much of note either, really, particularly in the way of getting pressure on Browns QB Colt McCoy who, as a result, looked pretty sharp last evening. It was nice to see second-year safety Morgan Burnett stick his nose in on a few tackles; it was his first contact since the leg injury which ended his promising rookie season last year. And rookie D-backs Josh Gordy and M.D. Jennings both got interceptions to help them get noticed, if not by the Packers perhaps by some other teams.

Mention should also be made that punter Tim Masthay did an outstanding job last evening. He had five punts averaging 52.2 yards each, with a long of 60 yards. Granted, it's not punting outdoors in December, but you still like to see this kind of consistent performance out of your punter especially so early on. His hang times were also tremendous. Special teams tackling, however, left a bit to be desired. But, hey, it's early and lots of young players are playing special teams perhaps for the first time in a long time...or ever. They'll get the hang of it...or they'll be gone.

One player who probably didn't take advantage of his opportunities was undrafted rookie kick returner and wide receiver, Shaky Smithson. He did have three returns for an average of about 24 yards each, with a long of 25. His lone punt return went for three yards. Not bad, but not enough to win the wows that are needed to land a spot on the roster or practice squad. The youngster has a great personal story and he's a young man you have to root for. So this writer will. I hope he takes one all the way back Friday night at Lambeau Field versus the Cardinals.

There might be a few more observations which could be made, and perhaps will be. But in the meantime...enjoy your day.

And remember: it's great to be a Packer fan!

Ding dong the deal is done!

At long last, the NFL lockout is over, although the players still have to ratify the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and recertify their union. Bottom line: those are formalities and it's a done deal.

So, let's say it loud and say it proud: Go Pack Go!!!

Yes, we fans of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers can now start chomping at the bit again. Because while free agent, drafted and undrafted rookie signings will now be compressed into the negotiating equivalent of a thimble, the Pack's existing roster is already loaded. Remember all the players coming back off IR from last season?

Questions, at least among fans, concern what the Pack will do with some of their own free agents, such as Cullen Jenkins, Daryn Colledge and James Jones among others. The consensus of the chit chat over the past few months seems to be about evenly split: some fans hope the Packers keep each of these players, some say let 'em walk. I have to admit to having a split mind on these guys myself. But there won't be a lot of guessing; we'll likely know by the end of the week who the Packers will re-sign and who they won't.

Keep in mind also that under the new CBA, the training camp rosters have been expanded by 10 players, from 80 to 90. That means Ted Thompson will have even more of a field day signing undrafted rookies for camp. The downside is that he and the coaching staff will have only about a month to evaluate them and set their final rosters. Given the depth of the Packers' roster it will be tough for a rookie, especially an undrafted one, to crack the regular season roster particularly given the accelerated learning curve. But Thompson is known for finding hidden gems, with last season being a prime example. So anything is possible.

It's going to be a busy time for all the players, coaches and management. Players can begin using team facilities tomorrow and, in the case of the Packers, report for camp Friday, with the likely first practice being on Saturday as previously scheduled. The first preseason game is still set for Aug. 13. There's a lot to be done before then. But if any team is in position to handle it all, it is the Packers.

No doubt, Packers shareholders will be hearing all about that -- and more -- at the upcoming shareholders meeting this Thursday at Lambeau Field.

For the first time for the upcoming 2011 season, say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!

Memorial Weekend...time to reflect

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is a time in the U.S. where most folks pause -- even if but for a moment -- to remember the sacrifices of prior and current generations to keep our country free. Usually, this focuses on military sacrifices. Certainly, this nation arose out of a revolution, was nearly torn apart by a civil war, and established itself as a world leader willing to fight for the cause of liberty anywhere in the world. I know, that fighting for peace thing often seems like an oxymoron. But even in certain religious/theological circles there is the notion of a "just war."

Anyway...this post isn't meant to digress into a treatise on national history or military actions. Rather, it's just intended to take a moment...to pause...to reflect...to consider, particularly for those of us here in the U.S., the sacrifices of all who came before us to help make us the country we are today. We also need to remember and express our gratitude to our current service men and women for the sacrifices they and their families are making today, in a very different but equally threatening world. And we can also take a moment to give a nod to our ancestors for, most likely, taking the risk to come to this country at some point in time and make it their home. They survived and thrived one way or another. You and I are here because of their courage and hard work.

Peace will prevail. Let it begin with each of us.

NFL and Packers stuff
We'll get back to all-things Packers once there is actually something of note to talk about. The lockout still continues. The scuttlebutt seems to be that nothing much is going to happen until mid or late July. That's when panic will start to set in on owners and players alike. Waiting to the last minute to get something done is characteristically human. So, when faced with loss of real money through missed games, etc., that's when things will get done.

Football seems almost like a dim memory, doesn't it? Is it just me or did the Packers' Super Bowl win seem like it happened years ago instead of months ago? And will they be the most affected, least affected or won't this lockout really matter at all to the team as they gear up for a repeat as Super Bowl Champions? Time will tell. Certainly the rookies will likely be affected most negatively. Offenses will be out of synch for a while, with the upper hand going to the defenses initially.

In the meantime, the Packers will be receiving their Super Bowl rings at a private ceremony at Lambeau Field on June 16. The team had to receive special permission from the NFL to hold the ceremony as one of the conditions of the lockout is no contact between management and players except for charity events (such as the Packers' recently-completed trophy-tailgate tour throughout the state). The team still has yet to schedule the requisite visit to the White House for this same lockout condition.

So...enjoy your holiday weekend, Packers fans. We'll catch you again sometime soon.

Pack sign 3 tryout players

The Packers officially announced today that they signed three players who were in for tryouts this last weekend: CB Condrew Allen from Portland State, CB Kyle Ward out of Louisiana-Lafayette, and OT Ryan Considine, Louisiana Tech. It's possible they may also sign Arkansas DT Fred Bledsoe after he's recovered from his arthroscopic ankle surgery, according to his agent.

As noted in our post of yesterday regarding RB Justin Beaver, the Packers are caught in a numbers game at present given the 80-man roster limit and the need to still sign draft picks as well as Ryan Grant.

Packers: no contract for Beaver

To the disappointment of many pulling for the small town, small college, small in stature RB, Justin Beaver, the Packers have not offered him a contract following what was -- even by head coach Mike McCarthy's own words -- an "impressive" tryout weekend.

It came down to a numbers game, at least at this point. There is a possibility things might change in a couple weeks when the NFL owners consider increasing the roster limit from 80 to 86 players. At present, the Packers have 78 players under contract, not including nine draft picks and unsigned RB Ryan Grant.

Whether the move to 86 players would be enough to get Beaver a spot or not remains to be seen. But, again, from all indications McCarthy would really like to give Beaver an opportunity in some capacity. Where might that roster spot come from? Well, the Packers currently have two long snappers in the fold; that won't happen long-term, obviously. There will be a lot of trimming to do as the months unfold before the start of the regular season. Perhaps at some point -- hopefully sooner rather than later or not at all -- the Pack will give Beaver a call.

You can read a bit more about this situation here.

Rookie camp ends - thoughts from McCarthy

From Coach Mike McCarthy's words, it sounds as if he was very pleased with the rookies he worked with over the past three days, both the draft picks and those in for tryouts. A few he mentioned by name: TE Jermichael Finley, P Ken DeBauche and RB tryout player Justin Beaver. According to McCarthy, out of the 13 or so players in for a tryout, "we're looking to bring back approximately four of them."

When asked specifically about Beaver -- who is a sentimental favorite here, as you may have guessed -- he said, "I'll tell you what, he's been very impressive. He's done a very nice job. He plays with a lot of energy, very quick, explosive. As far as, does he have a shot, that's something actually we'll discuss when we get back upstairs. But I would love for him to have an opportunity, because he's been impressive." Sounds as if, from Friday through today, McCarthy has been impressed with Beaver. I'm guessing he'll be one of those asked back.

You can read the entire transcript of McCarthy's press conference held at the conclusion of today's camp session here.

Packers tryout list and rookie camp comments

In addition to UW-Whitewater RB Justin Beaver, who has been mentioned here several times, the Packers also have the following players in this weekend for tryouts:

Kyle Ward, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette
Condrew Allen, CB, Portland State
Matthew Harper, S, Oregon
Lance Ball, RB, Maryland
Michael Medina, CB, Wyoming
Brandent Englemon, S, Michigan
Louie Runnels, FB, Stephen F. Austin
Tierre Green, CB, Nebraska
Durell Mapp, LB, North Carolina
Marlon Fair, S, Hampton
Josh Ferguson, LB, Purdue
Adam Hill, C, Louisiana-Monroe
Tui Alailefaleula, DT, Washington
Ryan Considine, OT, Louisiana Tech
Fred Bledsoe, DT, Arkansas
Ola Dagunduro, DT, Nebraska
Chris Walker, DT, Western Kentucky
Marque Fountain, DE, Oklahoma State.

McCarthy's comments on first day of rookie orientation

Head Coach Mike McCarthy was very pleased with what he saw Friday. "There's a lot of good looking players both in the free agent and the tryout category." He thought Justin Beaver was "quick as a hiccup." As for first pick WR Jordy Nelson, McCarthy "Really liked the way he moves...He's an accomplished route-runner, just the little I've seen. I'm glad he's on our team." As for QBs Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn, "You could see they both have a lot of experience, just the way they step into the huddle. Their huddle command was very good." So, some good first impressions for the head coach.

You can read his entire comments about his impressions of the first day with the rookies here.

Overview of Packers Receivers

Just want to direct you to a great overview article in today's Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel about the players competing for Packers roster spots at wide receiver. Could be as many as 13 when it's all said and done. Obviously, they all aren't going to make it. Still, there is some quality there beyond Donald Driver to go with the quantity. And some youth. And some speed. Paraphrasing the motto of Faber College ("Knowledge is Good"), competition is not all bad. The Pack should go into the season with perhaps its strongest receiving corps in years. You can read the article in its entirety here.

Tryout Signees

In addition to signing fullback Corey White from UAB, as noted in a post here yesterday, the Packers announced they also have agreed to contracts with two other undrafted rookies coming out of this last weekend's tryout camp: DeVon Hicks, a defensive end from Northwest Mississippi Community College, and Pete Bier, an offensive lineman from Army.

Post-Draft Signings

According to reports, the Packers have so far signed seven undrafted free agents. As PackersNews.com indicates, "The team has not announced the signings, but they have been confirmed through agents, schools and NFL sources."

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.

Rookies Rewarded

With all the rookies playing for the Packers this past season -- with all the rookies starting (a possible club record with five primary rookie starters) -- the odds would seem to favor a presence of some kind on the NFL's all-rookie team. And so it is. Wide receiver Greg Jennings, guard Daryn Colledge and linebacker A.J. Hawk were named to the all-rookie team. Selections are made by writers and editors from Pro Football Weekly and members of the Pro Football Writers of America. So there's some credibility and respect behind these selections.

As the season went on, it became more and more apparent that the Pack had made some good picks last April. Jennings surprised early on, but was unfortunately more limited as the season progressed as a result of an ankle injury. Still, he was good enough to be named to the all-rookie team. Hawk started all 16 games and led the Packers in tackles with 155. Colledge started 15 games and became a solid and reliable performer with a great upside. The experience that all the rookies received this year bodes well for the future.

The Packers are slotted to get the 16th pick in the first round of this year's draft. The final total number of picks, especially with GM Ted Thompson's penchant for wheeling and dealing, is an unknown. Unless there is someone he really wants and values at that 16th pick -- or earlier -- it wouldn't be surprising to see Thompson trade down for additional picks. One player that has been mentioned as possibly being of interest to the Packers and who might be available at that slot is Ohio State's Ted Ginn, Jr. Ginn is a junior who is coming out early. He is a wide receiver and punt and kick return specialist. Ginn's injury early on in this year's Fiesta Bowl took away the Buckeyes key offensive and special teams playmaker and was a prime factor in their loss of the national championship to the Gators. The Pack could certainly use a returner who is a legitimate threat. And another playmaking receiver -- regardless of who may be throwing the ball -- is always a plus.

Hey, it's January. It's cold. The only things we have to sustain us right now are thoughts of the draft...and the Saints beating Da Bearz this weekend.