More On The Packer DEFENSIVE BACKS 2015

Here is the present list:

Cornerbacks
Sam Shields - 6
Casey Hayward - 4
Demetri Goodson - 2
Tay Glover-Wright - 1
Quinten Rollins - R
Damarious Randall - R
Benard Blake - R
Travis Manning - R

Safteies
Morgan Burnett - 6
Sean Richardson - 4
Micah Hyde - 3
Chris Banjo - 2
Ha Ha Clinto-Dix - 2
Jean Fanor - 1
Kyle Sebtic - 1
Ladarius Gunter - R

We already discussed Shields, Clinton-Dix, Burnett, & Rookies - Randall & Rollins.

Let's start with players that could break into starting line-up:

Casey Hayward - 5'11" - 194 lbs
Hayward already has played a lot of football!  He already has demonstrated ability to cover, by playing the slot receiver the past two years.  As a rookie, he was the leading rookie defensive back in interceptions.  His only issue is durability!  In fact, as I write this, Hayward is hurt and missing OTA's!  As of now, Hayward is the starter at corner replacing Williams.  Time will tell!

Micah Hyde - 6'0" - 197 lbs
Hyde, as Hayward, has experience.  Hyde has played both safety & corner.  Hyde has contributed on special teams. And as Packer leadership says, "Hyde is a football player!"  Hyde, like Hayward, is a ball hawk, he has great instincts!  And as of now, Hyde is penciled in a the slot receiver cover man.  Again, time will tell!!!

Now the rest:
Corners - Goodson & Taylor-Wright have had time in a Packer uniform.  Practice squad & some 53 man roster time.  Looks like they will have first shot at the 53 man roster.  Rookies - Blake & Manning are un-drafted free agents and a long shot!  BUT, starter Sam Shields was an un-drafted free agent!

Analyzing Packer 2015 Roster - Defensive Backs - 2014 Starters

OK, let us look at last years starters.  First, Williams & House are gone.  Williams started at the one corner and House played a lot!  So, we have:

Safety - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix  6'1" - 208 - Year 2
As a rookie a fine season!  You could tell early Clinton-Dix was a times lost.  At times thinking and not reacting.  But, you could also tell, he was talented & by the end of the season making plays!  Another year should do wonders!

Safety - Morgan Burnett  6'1" - 209 - Year 6
I think Burnett also made a HUGE step!  One big reason, at the end of the year, when voting for captains, he was selected! (And not Clay Matthews!)  Made some nice plays throughout the season and seemed to hold the secondary together for the most part.  This should be another year to take charge of the young talent the Pack has accumulated!

Cornerback - Sam Shields - 5'11"  - 184 - Year 6
Shields signed a nice contract last year & his play did not suffer!  He has the speed to cover any of the very fast receivers, but sometimes his size makes it difficult when hanging with the Calvin Johnson's of the world!(As many other corners will attest!)  But, overall, Shields has proved himself and should have another good season!

No question, we will miss Williams & House!  Big question, will Hayward & Hyde fill the void.  We will look at that next!!

Analyzing Packer 2015 Roster - Defensive Backs

Last year, probably the deepest position on the Packer defense was defensive backs.  When Williams & House left in free agency, an immediate need dictated the draft decisions!  And, the Packers went out and "tackled" the issue.  But, in a way that sent "shivers" down Packer Fans legs!!! (And it was not even December or January football!

First, we know - "Draft and Develop"!

Second, draft "Football Players"

So, first, let us look at the draft:

Pick #1 - Damarious Randall - 5'11" - 196 - Arizona State

Like what Mike Manock said:
"Randall is what today's free safety is all about. He is by far the best cover safety in this draft. Randall can play man-to-man; he has cornerback-level cover skills. You give up some physicality, but his coverage ability is where the NFL is going. Remember Jimmie Ward was a first-rounder last year (to the 49ers) with a similar skill set." -- Mike Mayock

Now, looks like the Packers will try him at cornerback.  Does not seem to be an issue with his athletic ability!  Also, like a few comments - "plus athlete with good speed".  And, "inspired effort as a tackler."  Also, another multiple sport athlete, tried baseball first out of high school!  I LOVE multiple sport athletes!!!  Weakness? Of course, to play corner in the NFL, NEEDS technique work!  He will get that!

Pick #2 - Quinten Rollins - 5'11" - 195 - Miami(Ohio)
OK, for a second round pick, I think a stretch!  Played one year of football in college, after focusing on basketball!  Also, small school - Miami(Ohio)!  So, this will either be a genius pick or a "What the heck were they thinking!"

First, was super quick!  A point guard.  Had a school record 7 steals, twice in his career!  Had hip fluidity(I used to have that doing the twist!)  Weakness?  This is easy - ONE year of college football! This kid is definitely a PROJECT.  And in my humble opinion, could have got him in rounds 4 or 5?

Next blog entry, more on Packer defensive backs!

Analyzing The Packer Roster In May 2015 - Linebackers

Yesterday I looked at the defensive line.  The view here is it could be better this year, but is better good enough? Time to look at the linebackers!

Again, as with all the Packer defense, Dom Capers plays people everywhere!  His plan of attack is dependent on down & distance & creativity(or craziness, depends on how you view it!)

Here are the linebackers on the present Packer roster:

Inside Linebacker
Sam Barrington-3
Carl Bradford-2
Nate Palmer-3
Josh Francis-1
Jake Ryan-R
Joe Thomas-1
Tavarus Danzler-R
Jermauria Rasco-R

Outside Linebacker
Clay Matthews-7
Julius Peppers-14
Jayronne Elliot-2C
Mike Neal-6
Nick Perry-4
Adrian Hubbard-1
Andy Mulumba-3
James Vaughters-R

16 Players - 16 Players fighting for 4 starting spots!  16 Players fighting for special teams spots.

Let's begin our analysis by removing two players - Julius Pepper & Clay Matthews.  Peppers with 14 years experience & Matthews with 7 years!  Remember the trend the past few years:
1 - We are counting plays, and limiting to a count, this I do think has helped with injury reduction
2 - Peppers must be limited because of age.
3 - Capers and his changing defenses.

So, without Peppers & Matthews - WE are YOUNG, and WE are INEXPERIENCED!

Let's start with our biggest question mark for the 2015 Packer Defense - INSIDE LINEBACKER!!!
2 players needed - one starter back with limited experience!  Sam Barrington!

Barrington will be in year 3.  Last year, Barrington moved ahead of Hawk & Jones quickly!  I liked what I saw - physical play & the run defense improved!

The other inside linebacker position is WIDE open!!  First, Matthews is still available!  And, I like what I saw last year!  I think playing Matthews inside should continue - why?
1 - Creates headaches for the team defensive coordinator!
2 - Allows Matthews to freelance & create match-up issues!!

Others players for the inside:
1 - Carl Bradford 6'1" - 252  - has been around a couple years, knows the system, has good size
and should get a shot!  Bradford was taken in the fourth round last year.
2 - Nate Palmer 6'2 - 248 - again has good size and experience.  Along with Bradford should be a leader (scary!) Palmer was drafted in the 6th round in 2013.
3 - Josh Francis 6'0" - 238 & Joe Thomas 6'1 - 227  both un-drafted free agents that have a little experience, but I would consider a long shot!!!
4 - Jake Ryan 6'2" - 240 & Tavarus Danzler 6'2" - 240  & Jermauria Rasco 6'3" - 252  This bunch excites me for several reasons!!  Ryan just looks like a Packer linebacker and has some great college
experience!  Danzler, from Bethune-Cookman, has a lot to prove!!  And, Rasco, a BIG boy players ball at LSU, a place were athletes must be athletes!!

So, let the competition begin at inside!!

On the outside we have some experience Peppers & Matthews.  Will not spend much time, because we know they are players!  Depth?
1 - Mike Neal 6'3" - 285 & Nick Perry 6'3" - 265  Two players with ability, but a lot to prove! Neal a 2nd round pick in 2010 & Perry a 1st Rounder in 2012.  They must, and I repeat THEY MUST have BIG years!  It is time!!!!
2 - Jayronne Elliot 6'3" - 255 & Andy Mulumba 6'3" - 260 & Adrian Hubbard 6'6" - 257  This bunch excites me, especially Hubbard, his size is impressive, but can he make plays?  I would have him move in with Peppers & follow him around all day!!!  We need one of these guys to step up!!
3 - Rookie - James Vaughters - 6'2" - 254   From Stanford - anxious to see him on the field.  Was un-drafted this year, another interesting project.

So, at the inside scary and on the outside some interesting possibilities!

It Is May 2015, And The Competition For Packer Roster Spots Begin - Defensive Line

OK, it is still early, but the competition begins now!  Of the 88 players, 4 are special team players, 44 offense, and 42 defense.  We will begin with defense.  Here is what I have so far, some positions are blurred, like DE & OLB and S & CB, but the names and talent is what counts!

42 Defensive Players
8 - Safety
8 - Cornerback
8 - Outside Linebacker
8 - Inside Linebacker
10 - Defensive Ends & Tackles

Let us begin our evaluations with the defensive line.

1 - Mike Daniels - 6'0" - 305  DT
2 - Datone Jones - 6'4" - 285   DE
3 - BJ Raji - 6'2" - 337  DT
4 - Letroy Guion - 6'4" - 315
5 - Josh Boyd - 6'3" - 310  DT
6 - Mike Pennel - 6'4" - 332  DT
7 - Bruce Gaston - 6'2" - 310  DT
8 - Khyri Thorton - 6'3" - 304  DT
9 - Christian Ringo - 6'1" - 298  DT
10 - Lavon Hooks - 6'3" - 312  DT

First, did you notice the labels for positions from the Packer website - ONE Defensive End!  Remember the Dom Capers defensive scheme, we have a Base 3-4.  We have nickel backs, we have dime backs, we have Matthews playing inside & outside.  We have rotation of players.

To make it simple, the Pack plays according to down & distance.  This list contains the BIG boys!  Usually, at most, two play at a time except for short yardage.  And the Outside Linebacker position is filled with defensive ends, Peppers, Neal, Perry, etc.  So, what we look for is football players!

First BJ Raji!  What will we get, the BJ Raji of the first 3 years or, the last 3 years?  Injuries, playing out of position, Raji has had a difficult few years.  He must stay healthy!  And, Capers MUST play
him inside.  As I have mentioned the past few years, Raji has played some defensive end and that was a disaster!  Last pre-season, Raji showed signs of the Raji of old!  I hope this year we have that!!

Letroy Guion had a great first year with the Packers.  He just needs to grow up and not drive around the country with cash, guns & marijuana!  WOW!  OK, let's say Letroy is smarter.  Now, let's say Letroy feels even more comfortable in the Packer defense.  And, let's say BJ Raji looks like he did 3 years ago.  I like it!  Raj & Guion in the middle does 3 things!
1 - Run Defense improves  2 - Pass rush PUSH from the middle 3 - A more PHYSICAL defense!

The leader of the defensive line - Mike Daniels!  He not only became the spokesman, but backed it up with sound play!  Not a real big guy at 6'0", but plays hard and has a little mean streak (WE NEED THAT ON DEFENSE!)  Had a career high 37 tackles & 6.5 sacks!  Need Daniels to continue to improve and most of all, LEAD that defensive line!!!

Datone Jones - Jones enters year 3 with more to prove!  The #1 pick in 2013, Jones is a physical specimen!  He looks like a football player!  This year we need top get more out of Jones, last year
21 tackles 1.5 sacks!  We need more pressure on the QB!  Remember, he was a #1 draft choice!!!

Josh Boyd - 21 tackles & 0 sacks.  Boyd was not a starter, but played a lot of minutes.  This will be year 3 in his career and time to push it!  Why, the new players will be pushing for a roster spot and
Boyd will be on the hot seat!  With the new players coming in & Raji back, Boyd will have trouble
making this years team.

Mike Pennel - another big boy!  Pennel got some playing time last year, 13 games.  Was used to relieve Guion at time & short yardage.  With Raji back & healthy, this might push Pennel to a new level or make it more difficult to make the roster.

From last years team, Khyri Thorton & Bruce Gaston will be on the edge.  Thirteen missed all last year with an injury, & Gaston, signed off the Cardinals practice squad, spent most of the year on the Packer Practice Squad.  Both these players will be a long shot to make the team!

Rookies Christian Ringo and Lavon Hooks are trying to make the roster, Ringo as a 6th round draft choice and Hooks as a un-drafted rookie!

Overall, I think the Packer defensive line will be stronger.  Why?  Raji has something to prove & Guion looked good in his first year under Capers.  Jones, Pennel, & Boyd still have something to prove!  And there is enough young competition to make the veterans focus!

In the world of salary cap, the Packers are limited and choose be be "cheap" on the defensive line!

As a reminder, here are the top 10 Packer salaries for 2015:

1 - Aaron Rogers - $18,250,000
2 - Clay Matthews - $12,700,000
3 - Julius Peppers - $12,000,000
4 - Sam Shields - $9,062,500
5 - Josh Sitton - $7,000,000
6 - TJ Lang - $5,800,00
7 - Randall Cobb - $5,350,000
8 - Morgan Burnett - $5,131,250
9 - Jordy Nelson - $4,600,000
10 - Mike Neal - $4,250,000

No defensive line!  Although, Peppers & Neal are kinda like defensive ends!!!

So, 10 players trying to make the team!  Who will be there game one????

The Packer Roster Now Up To 88 Players!

Since my last blog entry the Pack has been busy!  A few players let go, but many un-drafted players signed!  The Roster now stands at 88, and could go to 90, which is the limit!  The next project will be to analyze the competition for the 53 man roster!  And remember, 10 players are allowed on the practice squad.

This summer the players being to digest the playbook.  Coaches start to get to know the new players & compare them to the vets.  below is my present roster:

Light Green (draftees not signed)

Light Blue (Free Agent not signed)

So, what do the numbers say?

Offense 43 players

Defense - 41 players

Special Teams - 4 players

Two draftees not signed - Ty Montgomery & Damarious Randall

And Two Unsigned Free Agents - Matt Flynn & Jarrett Bush

So, where do we start?  Let's begin with the easy one - 4 special team players.

Long Snapper - Brett Goode

Place Kicker - Mason Crosby

Punter - Tim Masthay

Punter - Cody Mandell

Long Snapper - Brett Goode

No competition here!  This is year 8 for Goode and has been very dependable.  I still think it is crazy

to have a roster spot wasted on a player that snaps the football!  Since all teams do it, I guess we will

stick with Brett!  Snap On!

Place Kicker - Mason Crosby

This will be year 9 for Crosby.  Looks like the Pack will not bring in any completion for Crosby this

year.  Mason did have a respectable year last year - 

Field Goals - 27 of 33 kicks - that ranked 23rd among kickers (top was Vinatieri 96.8%)

Field Goals over 50 yards - 4 of 7

Extra Points 53 of 55 (THAT ranks last!)

Kickoffs 56 kickoffs - 41 touchbacks

So, not bad, not great.

Punters

Tim Masthay

Cody Mandell

Mastery needs to step it up!

Ranked 28th in Net  - 38.6 yards (best was Saints punter 44.7 yards)

Inside the 20 - LAST - 14 (best was Arizona 35)

What is deceiving is the Packers had the fewest punts - 49!!!! (Oakland had 109)

So, Aaron moves the ball and we do not punt a lot!!  THAT IS GOOD!

Coach McCarthy is focusing on special teams, let's see what happens!!!

Packers, Three Players In Round 6!

The Packers made the most of the sixth round!  Three Players, three positions, and three chances to improve our 2015 Packers!

Round 6, first pick - Aaron Ripkowski, Fullback, Oklahoma.
Aaron Ripkowski  6'1  257 lbs

Strengths:
1 - Outstanding blocking technique
2 - After block, looks for more work
3 - 40 yard time 4.67

Weaknesses:
1 - At times ducks head when blocking
2 - Used sparingly as pass catcher

Like this critique:
A former walk-on with good athleticism, great size and great play strength, Aaron Ripkowski is a throwback. He’s an old-school fullback with power and violent blocking skills. Ripkowskihas the speed and agility to get outside the tackle box and block on outside runs or upfield to take on linebackers at the second level. He’s athletic with flexibility, explosive legs and good base power. The Oklahoma offense asked him to play some tight end, and he showed good punch there despite having a shorter (6’1”) frame for in-line play. As a true lead blocker, Ripkowski has the tools to be elite - Bleacher Report - Aaron Ripkowski

Since I'm an "old" guy, I like the throwback comment!!!

Round 6, second pick - Christian Ringo, Defensive Tackle, Louisianna-Layfayette.
Christian Ringo   6'1"  277 lbs.

Strengths:
1 - Very productive
2 - Good quickness

Weaknesses:
1 - Lacks height
2 -

According to Bleacher Report on Christian Ringo:
Ringo should have at least one season on the bench as a rotational player before the Packers even have to entertain the idea of giving him significant snaps. Overall, he's an interesting prospect, but not one who is NFL-ready on day one. This looks to be more of a play on the future contracts of the players already in his role on the roster.

In round 6 you expect questions!  Another big body with quickness is not a bad thing!


Round 6, third pick - Kennard Backman, Tight End, UAB.   
Kennard Backman  6'3" - 248 lbs

Strengths:
1 - Well built, plays bigger than listed
2 - Makes catches in traffic
3 - Good yardage after the catch

Weaknesses:
1 - Trouble getting separation
2 - Poor run blocker
3 - Needs help in pass protection

According to NFL Spin Zone, Kennard Backman, Ted Thompson says, "We like his speed.  He's an athletic type, linear built, basketball-looking type guy."  Looks like another move to strengthen special teams.  As with almost all the draft picks this year, McCarthy is determined to change how the Packers play special teams!  And, the Packers need a third tight end to make this team better!

So, Round 6 produces 3 different position players, 3 possible special team players, and 3 possible surprises!  Let the competition begin!!!

Day 3 NFL Draft - Packers Continue to Surprise!

What happened day three?

4 - Jake Ryan - ILB - Michigan
5 - Brett Hundley - QB - UCLA
6a - Aaron Ripkowski - FB - Oklahoma
6b - Chris Ringo - DE - Lou-Lay
6c - Kennard Backman - TE - UAB

A quick look:
1 - Finally an inside linebacker
2 - A battle at back-up quarterback?
3 - Will Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn be replaced by Ripppppppppppppppppppppp
4 - A Big guy
5 - A Tight End

First, Jake Ryan, Michigan - Inside Linebacker

A first look, Jake passes the eye ball test - 6'2" - 240 lbs.
At second look, he is "Matthews" like!

Jake Ryan (check out the hair!)

Strengths:

1 - Good straight line speed

2 - Second-effort worker

3 - Team Captain

4 - Film Watcher

Weaknesses:

1 - Can have issues getting off blocks

2 - A little difficulty changing directions

Overall, I see a big upside to this young linebacker!  Not a great athlete, but hard worker & tough!

Round 5 Pick - Brett Hundley, UCLA - Quarterback

Packers traded up to get a quarterback!  Why you ask?  As Packer fans, we have been spoiled!  Brett Favre & Aaron Rogers!  Great QB's, mostly very durable!  But, (I'm whispering now) Aaron will not be around forever, and the passed few years, has had a few injury issues, so, this is why you draft a QB.  In camp, as of today, we will have 4 QB's:

Aaron Rogers
Scott Tolzien
Matt Blanchard
Brett Hundley

Competition is good for every position!  And, heaven forbid, if Aaron goes down, the Pack MUST be able to compete!  So welcome to our new project Brett Hundley!

Strengths:
1 - Nice size, 6'3" & 226 pounds and sturdy!
2 - Willing to sit in pocket and take a hit
3 - Good sense of pocket pressure
4 - Moves in pocket very well & is quick enough to break the pocket
5 - In a pro style offense

Weakness:
1 - Does not read defenses well
2 - Trouble with technique (at times, bad feet!)
3 - Not accurate when scrambling

The scouts question if he has the right stuff to be a starter.  Biggest concern is reading defenses.  Looks like a 2-3 year project, at BEST third team - practice squad,  Tolzien looks safe!

Brett Hundley, UCLA - NOW a Packer!

Will tackle round 6 tomorrow!  

Packers Picks Rounds 2 & 3

The NFL Draft continues, and the Packers make their Round 2 & 3 picks!  More surprises!

Round 2 - Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)
Looks like another Packer project!  Round one was baseball & football, this second round pick
is basketball & football!  What are people saying - NFL website & Quinten Rollins.

Key points!
1 - point guard quickness
2 - disruptive press corner
3 - attacks ball at the high point
4 - physical & strong desire to tackle
5 - recovery quickness & anticipatory traits

Weaknesses?
1 - experience
2 - needs technique work
3 - gambler tendencies (THIS COULD BE GOOD)
4 - does he love football enough to work at it?

Looks to me like another McCarthy special teams project!  So far, looks like the Packers are
serious about two things 1 - the love projects & 2 - special teams are a serious concern!

Round 3 - Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford
Another wide receiver?  What does the NFL website say?

Key points!
Another special teams player?
1 - a wide receiver built like a running back
2 - great run blocker
3 - creates seperation
4 - scouts say could be All Pro returner

Weaknesses?
1 - not a natural at wide receiver
2 - hands suspect?
3 - scouts question if he is too muscled, for a receiver?

Another special teams player!  Hope the Packers do not forget they also have a defense!

Guess what Packer fans!  Two more projects for draft & develop!!!

Quinten Rollins

Ty Montgomery

Damarious Randall - Packers First Round Pick!

The NFL Draft is Very Predictable

The NFL Draft is Difficult To Predict

The NFL Draft is  (FILL IN THE BLANK)

What is the NFL Draft?  It is all the above!  32 NFL Teams.  32 Head Coaches.  The General Managers.  32 teams trying to win a Super Bowl!

The Packers Plan?  We know!  Draft & Develop!   Draft & Develop!   Draft & Develop!

Start the Develop part with out first pick!  We left Tramon Williams & Devon House go!  We turned a STRONG cornerback group into a weak cornerback group.  so, draft a cornerback, and we did!

Who is Damarious Randall - Check the NFL profile of Damarious Randall

Good
Good athlete football & baseball player
Great tackler
Takes good angles in run support
Good anticipation in passing game
Explosive returner
Could play safety or corner

Weaknesses
On the smaller size
Needs technique work
Must learn line-of-scrimmage skills

Some quotes:

"Damarious has not even scratched the potential of how good he is, and he's been pretty good," Graham said. "I think he's one of the best safeties in the Pac-12.

"The two things I like most about Randall when examining his skill set are both very valuable tools.  1) I love the fact that he seems capable of defending players in a man to man setting for the most part.  I saw him run hip to hip on those occasions where he is asked to man-cover a slot receiver or grab a tight end.  He can do that very well.  2) His ball skills are impressive.  If there is a ball in the air and he is in the area, he is a strong candidate to go get the ball.  He looks very comfortable with his ability to play the ball and that should not be undersold.  He is also an exceptional blitzer who has a knack for timing his runs well and also is a standout on special teams as a guy who made a few impactful plays covering kicks and punts.  There are a lot of positive attributes." Bob Sturm

What do I think?  First round, a stretch.  To me it shows some desperation.  Letting Williams & House walk to me was a mistake.  I know it was dictated by salary cap.  But, it looks like he could prove very valuable on a 53 man roster, special teams, returner, tackler, safety, cornerback.  And I understand he plays a great centerfield (Good for the Packer softball game!)

Welcome to Green Bay

Damarious Randall