Someone is Watching the 2014 Packer Defense!

The NFL website had an interesting look at the 2014 Packer Defense - have a read at:

Making the Leap: Packers' Datone Jones, Mike Daniels

First, and article talking about the Packer Defense - NOT the Packer Offense!  Wow!

Second, Mike Daniels name mentioned again!

And Third, Datone Jone, last years #1 pick!

Let's start with Datone Jones.  High expectations, BUT, those nagging Packer injuries.  Injured his foot early, but showed signs during the season of a difference maker.

In the article, Mike McCarthy, usually tight lipped, said Jones was nearly "un-blockable" in OTA's.  McCarthy is not always one to talk up his players.

Julius Peppers influence?  I like it!  First, hopefully Peppers has a lot of gas left in the tank and can lead by example.  Second, hopefully Datone will stay right next to Peppers all day and keep his eyes on him will he is on the field!

And, second year players will at times make huge jumps!  Stay healthy, learn from an old pro, and play like a #1 draft pick!

And again Mike Daniels, his name has come up again!  Mike Daniels has sounded like me from the stands!  The passed few years, as the Packer Buddies watch from the stands, the Packer defense has lacked an enforcer!  An intimidator!
Matthews has the energy & flash!  Hawk seems to keep the defense on it's toes.  But, big hits!  A nasty attitude has been lacking!  Maybe Daniels can not only talk tough, but be tough!  AT LEAST HE IS TRYING!  Change the image!  Bring an attitude!  Show some CRAZINESS!

Remember?

Packer Wide Receivers - The Good, The Bad, and the Plenty!

Plenty of Wide Receivers!  How about 10 wide receivers and the Pack will keep 5 or 6.

The ten wide receivers are:
Randall Cobb
Jordy Nelson
Jarrett Boykin
Chris Harper
Kevin Dorsey
Myles White
Alex Gillette
Davante Adams
Jared Abbrederis
Jeff Janis

Let's begin with the draft picks first:
Round-Name-College-Hgt-Wgt
2 - Davante Adams   Fresno St.   6'1" - 212 lbs
5b - Jared Abbrederis   Wisconsin   6'1" - 195 lbs
7 - Jeff Janis   Saginaw Valley St.   6'3" - 219 lbs

Davante Adams, a second round pick - what are the scouts saying?

STRENGTHS

 Has a rangy build with good body length and secure hands to palm the ball and make difficult one-handed grabs. Tracks and adjusts to the ball very well downfield. Extends outside his frame and plucks the ball out of the air. Natural hands-catcher. Terrific athlete with good leaping ability and anticipation to properly time jumps and highpoint the ball. Wins jumpballs in the red zone and shows very good hand-eye coordination to take the ball away from defenders. Exceptional production. Has a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump.

Now, will that result in a successful NFL career?  "Natural hands", and "good leaping ability", and "tracks ball".  All great wide receiver traits!  Time will tell!  Other second round picks from the past - Jordy Nelson!

Jared Abbrederis, a fifth round pick AND Wisconsin player!
Again, let's go with the NFL scouts:

STRENGTHS

 Uses his hands well to swat away press. Stems his routes. Sells his patterns. Nice hands. Good field and boundary awareness. Gives effort to engage and shield cornerbacks as a blocker. Outstanding football intelligence -- like a quarterback on the outside. Productive three-year starter. Mature and humble. Hardworking and coachable. Carved up Ohio State CB Bradley Roby to the tune of 10-207-1

This demonstrates sound qualities, "Nice hands", and "mature & humble", and "hard working", and blocker - "engage & shield"  Nice traits, but not much about catching & running with the football.

Jeff Janis, a seventh round pick.

STRENGTHS

 Exceptional measurables and leaping ability -- will test through the roof. Accelerates into routes quickly and can separate vertically and uncover underneath working short-to-intermediate zones. Terrific production -- carves up lesser competition and creates chunk plays. Good red-zone target. Exceptional work ethic. Outstanding football character. Very passionate about the game. Has a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump, posted a 3.98-second 20-yard shuttle (fourth-best among receivers) and a 6.64-second 3-cone time.

Now, how about, "can separate vertically" Like That!  And, has tested well - "37 1/2 vertical", and 3.98 20 yd shuttle, and 6.64 3 cone time!  Could be the sleeper in the draft!  Remember any other Packers drafted in the lower rounds?  Donald Driver - Round seven!

Last years players:
Jordy Nelson, talented, speed, great hands, great leader, and great person!  A VERY reliable target for Rogers!  15th Rank on the NFL website.

Randall Cobb.  Stay healthy!  Rookie season - great!  NFL Rank - 19th.  Versatile!  Wide Receiver, speed & moves, returning kicks a game breaker, plays out of the back field, Cobb is a triple threat! One of the BEST in the league!

Jarrett Boykin.  Boykin had a nice year starting at the receiver position!  Good hands, made some acrobatic catches!  Complements Cobb & Nelson.  Has nice size at 6'2" & 218 lbs.  49 receptions, 681 yards, and 3 TD's!  Has earned his place on the roster, but will be pushed!!

Chris Harper - Year 2 - 6'1" - 228 lbs. - Kansas State
During spring OTA's there was a lot of good comments about Harper!  Apparently someone is ready to make a move to make this team.  His size and athletic ability may turn some heads.  Needs to be impressive, may be his last year to make the team!

Kevin Dorsey - Year 2 - 6'1" - 207 lbs. - Maryland
Last year was a wash out, injured for the year.  A long shot to make the team!  Does have the speed to keep him in the conversation!

Myles White - Year 2 - 6' - 182 lbs. - Louisiana Tech
One of the over achievers of the wide receivers.  4.42 in the 40 yard dash keeps him in the discussion!
As an ex-track coach, loved this story:

At the 2007 AAU Junior Olympics, White raced next to the kid ranked first in the nation, Robert Griffin III.

"That didn't go so well," White said. "I'm thinking, 'I have to get out on him.' I remember getting over the first hurdle. I get to the second hurdle, and I see him just whiz past me."

OK, so White isn't RGIII-fast. But he is a burner. And even though they waited until pick No. 216 to address the position, the Green Bay Packers clearly sought speed at wide receiver. White, Grand Valley State's Charles Johnson (4.40) and Maryland's Kevin Dorsey (4.47) also could be potential deep threats. All three have a legitimate shot at making the roster.

Alex Gillette
Another versitile receiver.  Found another interesting story:
Some digging on Gillett shows that he played quarterback for the Eagles, but that he was a versatile threat with multiple offensive talents. He was not the primary starter throughout the 2012 season, and in fact switched to wideout midway through the year when he lost the starting job. His stat line for the season is as follows, according to the Eastern Michigan website:
A long shot to make 53 roster!

My early predictions for the 53 man roster
Randall Cobb
Jordy Nelson
Jarrett Boykin
Davante Adams
Jared Abbrederis
Practice Squad - Jeff Janis

Cuts
Chris Harper
Kevin Dorsey
Myles White
Alex Gillette

Packer Defense - Cornerbacks, a Packer Strength!

What does every good defense have? Quality cornerbacks!  Do we have quality cornerbacks?  I think we do!  Evidence?

First, here is the list of cornerbacks on the present 89 man roster:

Tramon Williams
Sam Shields
Casey Hayward
Jarrett Bush
Devon House
Jumal Rolle
Antonio Dennard
Demetri Goodson
Ryan White

That is 9 cornerbacks!

Tramon Williams - Year 8 - 5'11" - 191 lbs - Louisiana Tech
Williams is the leader of the corners.  He has the most experience and has been a reliable corner in his career with the Packers.  (NFL Ranking of Corners)  Tramon is still ranked 20th among all corners in the NFL!  Not bad after 8 seasons and a defense that has not supported his efforts.  In 7 years Tramon has played in EVERY game except one (Tramon Williams Stats)  WOW!  Career 25 interceptions.  I think Williams is still one of the leagues top corners!

Sam Shields - Year 5 - 5'11" - 184 lbs -  Miami(FL)
The signing of Sam Shields was one on the big Packers moves in the off season!  Why?  First, Shields is ranked 35th in the NFL, not great, but not bad.  More important, Shields can cover the speed receiver on any team.  His speed is something you cannot coach.  With Williams and Shields the Packers have two above average corners.

Casey Hayward - Year 3 - 5'11" - 192 lbs - Vanderbilt
A great rookie season & a lost year last year!  Injured for almost all of 2013, Heyward should make the Packers better this season because of his ability to go for the football.  Hayward did a great job covering the slot receiver.  If you counting, that is 3 quality corners.

Jarrett Bush - Year 9 - 6' - 200 lbs - Utah State
Bush has been a dependable backup and special teams player.  Going into year nine, he could be pushed by some of the younger players!  Bush's dependability, ability to stay healthy, and special teams play cannot be overlooked!

Devon House - Year 4 - 6' - 195 lbs - New Mexico State
House was the first corner off the bench last year and ranked in the top 100 among corners.  Because of his youth, game experience, and special teams play House may be able to hold his place on the 53 man roster.

Jumal Rolle - Year 1 - 6' - 188 lbs - Catawba
A division two player in college, tried out for Buffalo, practice squad with the Saints & then signed by the Pack.  Still a long shot to make team!

Antonio Dennard - Year 1 - 5'11" - 189 lbs - Langston
Like Rolle, was an un-drafted free agent, with Jaguars, Giants, and Pack last year.  I would consider him another long shot to make team.

Demetri Goodson - Rookie - 5'11" - 197 lbs - Baylor
As a rookie, Goodson needs to demonstrate the desire to play when needed and beat out 2 or 3 other corners to make the squad.  The Packer D-back coach said. "he has good instincts"  We NEED good instincts!  Another long shot!

Ryan White - Rookie - 5'10" - 197 lbs - Auburn
Another long shot that was not a starter at Auburn.  Good luck Ryan!

If you looked closely at the heights of the above corners, 6' is the tallest.  That is one weakness, especially covering BIG receivers like "Megatron" and the Bears receivers!  Concerns me!  Micah Hyde is currently experimenting with the safeties, but has shown the ability to play corner!  NEED INTERCEPTIONS and FORCED FUMBLES!

Running Backs for Packers - Once a Weakness, Now a Strength!

Just a couple years ago, the Packers were signing guys off the street!  Now the Packers have developed some depth and talent!  First, a word on Jonathan Franklin.

From all I have read, the young man was a class act!  From Packers players to coach McCarthy, Franklin made a positive impact in just one year with the Packers!  My Packer Buddies and I were at the Bengal game, where Franklin ran for over 100 yards against a tough defense!  One of his final statements:

Class act!  It is a shame to see this found athlete not get a shot in the NFL, but in the game of life he is already a winner!

The remaining Packer running backs on the roster:
Eddie Lacy
James Starks
DuJuan Harris
Michael Hill
Rajion Neal
LaDarius Perkins

Eddie Lacy -Year 2  - 5'11" - 230 lbs. - Alabama
What a great rookie season!  1,178 yards! I will say that again 1,178 yards!  Again, a few years back we were begging for someone to run for 1000 yards! 4.1 yards a carry and 11 TD's!  If you were at any back games, Eddies ran TOUGH!  The defense does not like to tackle Eddie Lacy!  He is a downhill runner, but has a spurt to run to daylight!  And gives an awesome interview!  I see more great things to come for Eddie Lacy!

James Starks - Year 5 - 6'2" - 218 lbs. - Buffalo
Another running back that had a great season in 2013!  Coming off the bench giving Lacy a rest James had 493 yards & 3 TD's!  And a better average than Eddie - Starks averaged 5.5 yards per carry.  A taller runner at 6'2" & 218 pounds Starks also punishes people!  And he a his own unique running style that defenders must deal with each game!  Great 1-2 running back punch!

DuJuan Harris - Year 2 - 5'8" - 203 lbs. - Troy
At the start on 2013 the Packers starting running back!  BUT, that darn injury bug!  In the 2012 season Harris had a few great games!  The best thing about Harris' style of running is he runs ANGRY!  I LIKE THAT!  If he stays healthy, my humble prediction . . . . . . . . . . . . .  The Packers have the BEST 1-2-3 punch at running back in the league!!!

Michael Hill - Year 2 - 5'10" - 210 lbs - Missouri Western
Played a few games for Tampa & the Packers last year & contributed on special teams.  Check out his interview last year when he dressed for his first game!  If the three running backs above stay healthy I see Hill slated for the practice squad at best.

Rajion Neal - Rookie - 5'11" - 220 lbs - Tennessee
At Tennessee Neal rushed for over 1000 yards, 12 TD's and 5.2 yards per carry.  See him in a battle for the Packer practice squad.  By the way, he looks good in glasses!  Check out his Tennessee Bio!

LaDarius Perkins - Rookie - 5'7" - 195 lbs - Mississippi State
Another running back trying to stick.  Looks like more of break away threat & muti-purpose runner, runny, pass catching & returns!

Final roster - Lacy, Starks, & Harris!  But, pre-season game injuries, others may stick!

Back to Packer Defense - The Battle Safety!

The attitude that the defense brings to a game is critical.  Looks like Mike Daniels is making an effort to  change that as mentioned in my blog two days ago.  The next issue to tackle is the poor play at safety.  Ever since the departure of Nick Collins and more recently Woodson, the Pack has suffered at this key position.

1 - Lack of interceptions
2 - Poor tackling
3 - A leader

Here is what we have going into the 2014 season:

Morgan Burnett
Micah Hyde
Sean Richardson
Chris Banjo
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Tanner Miller
Charles Clay

Morgan Burnett - Year 5 - 6'1" - 209 lbs. - Georgia Tech
Burnett has played a lot of football for the Packers over the last 3-4 years, but has he developed into a quality defensive back?  How about some numbers?
Morgan has started 3 years - Interceptions - 2011 - 3 int, 2012 - 2 int, & 2013 - 0 int.  I see a trend here and it is not good.  Forced Fumbles - 2011 - 2, 2012 - 2, & 2013 - 0.  Another trend, not good.  TD's - 2011 - 0 TD, 2012 - 0 TD, & 2013 - 0 TD.  No defensive TD's!  I really do not remember any big hits. And during games, great plays?  Can't remember any.  Maybe a player next to him will make him better?  To my eye, Morgan's job is not secure.

Micah Hyde - Year 2 - 6'0" - 197 lbs. - Iowa
Hyde had a nice rookie season.  Played mostly cornerback and is a good special teams player.  Also, has the ability to return punts & kicks.  This versatility had prompted the move to safety.  Looks like Hyde will be given a chance to start.  His all around play, corner, safety, special teams, returner make him an asset and probably assures a roster spot.  Is he a difference make?  Time will tell!

Sean Richardson - Year 3 - 6'2" - 216 lbs. - Vanderbilt
Another recovering neck injury - check out the article - Packers Safety Optimistic After Surgery
Had played well in special teams.  As I see it, a good back up or special teams player at best.  Not a threat to start.

Chris Banjo - Year 2 - 5'10 - 207 lbs. - SMU
Another special teams and back up at best.  He will be fighting for a roster spot.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - Rookie - 6'1" - 208 lbs. - Alabama
He we go!  The Pack #1 draft pick this year.  That means, Clinton-Dix should be a difference maker!  First, he will be fighting with Hyde for playing time at safety!  Here is my prediction, in the end it may be Hyde & Clinton-Dix at safety, with Burnett the odd man out!  Ha Ha (still have issues with the name!  See - How did Clinton-Dix become Ha Ha) will hopefully have a great career in Green Bay!

Tanner Miller - Rookie - 6'1" - 211 lbs. - Iowa
Miller should be given a chance to back up at safety & special teams.  Will find out the first 2-3 weeks of camp if he will stick.  I have a weakness for track & field athletes and Tanner was a state champ in the 400 hurdles!  Tanners Bio.  Will he be a surprise?

Charles Clay - Rookie - 5'10" - 204 lbs. - Hawaii
Another chance for a young player to make an impression.  Sounds like he has some athletic ability! Will he stick?  Read about Clay here.

My early predictions:
Making the 53 Man roster - Burnett, Hyde, Clinton-Dix & Miller.
Practice squad - Charles Clay

Packer Offense - Tight Ends

The loss of Jermichael Finley is big, but not devastating.  Finley the last few years has been a tease.  His size, athletic ability, and flashes of brilliance has been obvious.  But, his inconsistency and injuries have been frustrating!  So, looks like it is time to move on!

The present Tight Ends on the roster are:

Andrew Quarless - 5th year
Ryan Taylor - 4th year
Brandon Bostick - 2nd year
Jake Stoneburner - 2nd year
Richard Rogers - Rookie
Justin Perillo - Rookie
Colt Lyerla - Rookie

We need a presence at Tight End!  With our running game, Nelson & Cobb, and the other young receivers, this offense could be amazing!  So, who will step up?

Andrew Quarless - 5th year - 6'4" - 252 lbs. - Penn State
Quarless, out of Penn State, has filled in adequately.  Last year when Finley went down he came in and help stabilized the position.  But, he is not a game changer.  And, the year before, Quarless missed the entire season, so the injury bug has struck during his career!  As far as I see it. Quarless is a good back up at tight end.

Ryan Taylor - 4th year - 6'3" - 254 lbs - North Carolina
From my seat the last 3 years, Ryan Taylor looks like a good special teams player.  He has filled in at tight end, but not in spectacular fashion.  A good team player.  I predict this will be his last as a Packer, mainly because of the younger tight ends on the team.

Brandon Bostick - 2nd year - 6'3" - 250 lbs. - Newberry College
I'm sorry to say it again, but just as Bostick was beginning to get time and show some ability, injury!
The Packer Buddies saw him catch his first TD pass, and looked like a good blocking tight end.  I think there is some talent here, but will there be room for him on the 53 man roster?  Gut feeling….. maybe if he stays healthy.

Jake Stoneburner - 2nd year - 6'3" - 249 lbs. - Ohio State
Very similar to Bostick, this second year player seems to show signs he could fit in.  A special team player and fill in when Finley & Bostick went down, Stoneburner held is own.  But, not a game changer.  I think Jake will have trouble making the roster this season.

Richard Rogers - Rookie - 6'4" - 257 lbs. -California
This could be the diamond in the rough!  Two reasons, first, he is the son of a coach!  I love players that are coaches sons!!  Second, let season a new coach at California asked Rogers to lose weight and play wide receiver, he did!  And at OTA's, Rogers made some plays and turn Packer coaches heads.  I give Rogers a good shot at making the team.  Must work on his blocking!

Justin Perillo - Rookie - 6'3" - 250 lbs. - Maine
First thing I noticed on the Packer web site, when I clicked on Justin's, bio, no picture!  Not a good sign!  I would think he is a long shot!  I see him not making the first cut!

Colt Lyerla - Rookie - 6'4" - 247 lbs. - Oregon
Here is the Wild Card!  Everyone has been aware of his issues at Oregon, leaving the team & drugs.  This is a gamble that the Packers believe may pay BIG dividends.  Very athletic, Colt tested very high at the pre-draft combine!  If he keeps his nose clean(literally), could be the steal in the rookie class!

My prediction for the 53 man roster,
Andrew Quarless
Richard Rogers
Brandon Bostick
Practice Squad - Colt Lyerla

Packer Defense - Leadership is Emerging - Mike Daniels

Watching the Packers defense the last few years has been frustrating!  My frustrations are:

1 - Giving up TOO many points!

2 - Giving up BIG plays

3 - 4th Quarter breakdowns!

4 - NO FEAR!!!!!

I have a great feeling this year!  One reason - Mike Daniels!  Listen to his latest interview:

Mike Daniels latest interview about the Packers Defense

This may take care of my item #4!  In the NFL, a great defense has hitters!  Great defenses have "nasty" players!  Matthews could be that guy if he stays healthy, but he is more of a heat seeking missile!   Woodson was that guy a few years back, now he is gone.  Mike Daniels could be that guy on the line of scrimmage!  A little nasty, in your face, and someone offenses fear?  Time will tell!

I like what I hear, not let's see it in action!  Bring on Seattle!

Back to The Packer Blog

OK!  One month off & I'm ready to BLOG!  So, with OTA's in session and Pre-Season around the corner, it is TIME!  My goals for the next few weeks:

1 - Analyze the 90 Man Roster

2 - Look at the Packer Schedule

3 - And last, fill the internet with Packer Fever!!!

Here we go…………………………………