Packer Tight Ends

Big question - Jared Cook?

The passed few years, the Packers, when healthy, have had one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL!  All that said, the tight end has been an issue!  Here are the players currently on the roster:

Richard Rodgers  6'4" - 257 - California - 3 yrs
Justin Perillo  6'3" - 250 - Maine - 3 yrs
Kennard Backman  6'3" - 245 - Ala-Birmingham - 2 yrs
Mitchell Henry  6'4" - 252 - Western Kentucky - 1 yr
Casey Pierce  6'3" - 248 - Kent State - 1 yr
Jared Cook  6'5" - 254 - South Carolina - 8 yrs

The Packers need the following from their tight ends:
1 - a chain mover.  A player that is available to make plays over the middle of the football field, both short & long!  The missing ingredient has been LONG!
2 - a run blocker.  To pass successfully in the NFL, a running game is the best medicine(and Eddie Lacy that does not weigh 300 pounds!)
3 - chemistry.  Fit in with Nelson, Cobb, etc!

So, what do we know?  Last years group was not enough.  Richard Rodgers was adequate.  He made on heck of a play against Detroit.  The noticeable short comings?  He lacks speed and toughness!  Stretching the middle of the field and getting downfield and going after smaller defensive backs!

Justin Perillo & Kennard Backman, are average at BEST.  The newcomers, Mitchell Henry(last year practice squad) & Casey Pierce are long shots.  The answer, may be, Jared Cook!

First, because of the NFL salary cap, NOTHING is easy!  So, all you fans out there, pay close attention to the $$$$$$$!  Jared Cook, was a great gamble for one year!

Big at 6'5" & 254 pounds, a great target!  What he adds, is SPEED!  Last year, if you we a Packer fan, none of the tight ends could stretch the field!  In fact, without Jordy, NOBODY could stretch the field.  And, for what ever reason, Jeff Janis did not show until the end of the year!

So, early in the season, keep an eye on Jared Cook!  Will Aaron Rodgers, develop a chemistry?  If so, look out NFL!!!!

My 53 man Packer roster:
QB - Aaron Rodgers & Brett Hundley
FB - Aaron Ripkowski
TE - Jared Cook, Richard Rodgers, and Justin Perillo

How will Jared Cook look in Green & Gold?

Packer Fullbacks?

John Kuhn.  It seems, Kuuuuuuuuuuuhn is gone! (BUT, I still think he could get a phone call!)

What is left?

Aaron Ripkowski  6'1" - 246 lbs - 2 - Oklahoma
Alstevis Squirewell  6'0" - 265 lbs - R - Newberry

Two VERY young players!

Ripkowski, did not play much last year, special teams & very little fullback!  Nice size & will hit people!  BUT, as always, will Aaron TRUST him?  What must Aaron do?  1 - contribute on special teams, 2 - on offense, protect Aaron, get 1-2 yards, and catch a pass or two!

Squirewell, a project!  A BIG boy!  And a LONG shot!  At Newberry, division 3, a defensive tackle!  So, we either have a diamond in the rough or someone that is a long shot!

His college coach says:

“He’s not a bulky defensive lineman; he can move and he’s got great speed for his size, and the thing that people don’t realize is the kid’s got really good hands,” said Newberry coach Todd Knight, who calls his standout “Squirrel.” “He’s the kind of guy that can be that hard-nosed fullback for you, get those ugly yards, but also leak him out into the flats. I think it’s a perfect fit for him.”

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/high-school/prep-football/article75340192.html#storylink=cpy

So, for the 53 man roster, the Packers choose, Ripkowski!  UNLESS, like many other teams, the fullback position, like the dinosaurs, becomes extinct!

So far, my 53 man roster is:

QB - Aaron Rodgers & Brett Hundley
FB - Aaron Ripkowski

A Closer Look at Packer Quarterbacks!

We have Aaron Rodgers.

And a young, and promising back-up, Brett Hundley.

Now, as we learned the hard way, a few years ago, a third quarterback may be needed!

BUT, WE HOPE NOT!!!!

So, what do we have in the wings?  Joe Callahan & Marquise Williams.

Both are rookies, so, chances are, Practice Squad players.  Again, that is OK, it will free up a player on the 53 man roster!

Joe Callahan, Wesley College, 6'1" - 216 lbs. Age - 23

Packers Bio: Callahan, 22, started each game over the last three seasons. In 2015, he became the first NCAA Division III quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season, earning the Gagliardi Trophy, the highest award in Division III football. Callahan was also named Little All-American by The Associated Press, D3football.com All-American, D3football.com East Region Offensive Player of the Year and AFCA Division III Coaches’ All-American after his senior season.

Marquise Williams, North Carolina, 6'2" - 220 lbs. Age - 23

Packers Bio: Williams, 23, played in 48 games with 33 career starts at the University of North Carolina. He established more than 20 school records, including career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (35), career rushing yards by a quarterback (2,458) and career total offense (10,423). Williams finished No. 3 in school history with 61 passing touchdowns. He will wear No. 9 for the Packers.

So, Callahan, a division 3 quarterback.  BIG JUMP!  Was a 3 year starter, and hard great numbers!  The first, ever D3 quarterback, to throw for over 5,000 yards.  Academic All American.  And, a little tidbit:
Though his birth certificate reads Francis Joseph Callahan IV, he goes by Joe as did all the Francises before him. And aside from sharing a name, Callahan and his grandfather also shared a love of football.

Now, Williams.  Started 33 career games for North Carolina, a division 1 program.  From the North Carolina website:
Played in 48 games at UNC and made 33 career starts • Established more than 20 UNC records, including career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (35), career rushing yards by a quarterback (2,458) and career total offense (10,423) • Was responsible for more touchdowns (99) than any other player in school history and only two players in ACC history had more • Ranks third in school history with 61 touchdown passes and is third in school history with 35 rushing touchdowns • Compiled the top three and four of the top five single-game total offense performances in Carolina history – set the UNC mark with 524 total yards of offense against Duke in 2015 and accomplished that in less than three quarters • The 524 yards are the sixth-most in ACC single-game history • Eclipsed his own previous UNC record of 469, which he set against Old Dominion in 2013 • Five-Time ACC Offensive Back of the Week (Duke, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh - 2014; Duke - 2015).

So, some good numbers and some great games.  And, some interesting facts?
PersonalSon of Bernard Whiteside and Lisa Williams • Born Oct. 5, 1992 • Communication studies major • Nickname is “Quise” • Would most like to play professionally for the Miami Dolphins • Says his favorite possession is his English bulldog named Bella • People say he looks like actor Morris Chestnut • Favorite TV show is “Walking Dead” • Wears No. 12 because of his cousin.

There you have it!  An interesting battle for the third quarterback position!  Looks like they will get a lot of playing time during the pre season games!

Packers Summer Decisions - The Quarterback Position!

OK, we will start with the quarterback position.  Like I do every year, I will say to Packer Fans.....

WE

ARE

VERY

LUCKY!!!!!

Why, we had Favre, now we have Rodgers!!!!  If you are counting, that is going back to 1992!!!!

That is 24 years in a row of quality quarterbacking!  How many teams would like that??  How many fans would like that!

Aaron Rodgers, 32 years, is in his prime!  The time is NOW to win another Super Bowl!  He has the "IT" factor!  Have has been the NFL MVP twice, 2011 & 2015.  He has one Super Bowl.  He makes plays!  Last year, the Hail Mary happened TWICE!!!!  Detroit & Arizona!  He can scramble!  He has that swagger!  He can make all the throws.  He KNOWS the offense!

He looks good on the field!

And off the field!

And a pretty good looking girl friend!

So, stay healthy & we are set!!

Back up?  Brett Hundley.  Our second year player looked good as a rookie, and by all accounts. he is ready to go.  Good size, strong arm, athletic, intelligent, and looks comfortable on the field!  

My guess, is we keep two QB's on the roster - Aaron & Brett.  The third, maybe on the practice squad - Joe Callahan & Marquise Williams.  More on these two players next!

Starting To Break Down The Packer 2016 Roster

OK, as of June 28, 88 players - remember we are allowed 90 to start!  And we need 53, and 10 on the practice squad!

We Have:

Offense-43
Quarterbacks - 4
Fullbacks - 2
Running Backs - 5
Wide Receivers - 11
Tight Ends - 6
Offensive Linemen - 15

Defense-41
Defensive Line - 11
Outside Linebackers - 6
Inside Linebackers - 8
Cornerbacks - 8
Safeties - 8

Special Teams-4
Punters - 2
Kickers - 1
Long Snappers - 1

We need to take a close look at each position.  How many to keep at each position?  Who would be the practice squad 10?  Who will help on special teams?  And I HATE to say it, injuries???????

Packers Summer Schedule 2016

First, the next few weeks?  Packer Players......................

BEHAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What does the summer schedule look like?

TRAINING CAMP

(All open practices at Ray Nitschke Field)

Thursday, July 21: Shareholders meeting, 11 a.m.

Friday, July 22: Packers 1K Kids Run, 6 p.m.

Saturday, July 23: Packers 5K Run/Walk, 8 a.m.

Monday, July 25: Players report.

Tuesday, July 26: 8:15 a.m.

Wednesday, July 27: 8:15 a.m.

Thursday, July 28: 8:15 a.m.

Friday, July 29: No practice

Saturday, July 30: 8:15 a.m.

Sunday, July 31: Family Night, 6:25 p.m., Lambeau Field

Monday, Aug. 1: 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 2: No practice

Wednesday, Aug. 3: 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 4: 6:15 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 5: No practice

Saturday, Aug. 6: No public practice

Sunday, Aug. 7: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 7 p.m., Canton, Ohio (Hall of Fame Game)

Monday, Aug. 8: No practice

Tuesday, Aug. 9: 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 10: 11:45 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 11: No public practice

Friday, Aug. 12: vs. Cleveland Browns, 7 p.m., Lambeau Field

Saturday, Aug. 13: No practice

Sunday, Aug. 14: 12:15 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 15: 11:45 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 16: No practice

Wednesday, Aug. 17: No public practice

Thursday, Aug. 18: vs. Oakland Raiders, 7 p.m., Lambeau Field

Friday, Aug. 19: No practice

Saturday, Aug. 20: No public practice

Sunday, Aug. 21: No practice

Monday, Aug. 22: 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 23: 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 24: No practice

Thursday, Aug. 25: No public practice

Friday, Aug. 26: at San Francisco 49ers, 9 p.m., Levi's Stadium

Saturday, Aug. 27: No practice

Sunday, Aug. 28: No practice

Monday, Aug. 29: 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 30: 11:45 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 31: No public practice

Thursday, Sept. 1: at Kansas City Chiefs, 7 p.m., Arrowhead Stadium

2016 PRESEASON

Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts at Canton, Ohio, Aug. 7, 7 p.m., ESPN

Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. (Gold, Midwest Shrine Game)

Week 3: vs. Oakland Raiders, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. (Bishop Charities Game)

Week 4: at San Francisco 49ers, Aug. 26, 9 p.m.

Week 5: at Kansas City Chiefs, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.

2016 REGULAR SEASON

Week 1: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sept. 11, noon, FOX

Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m., NBC

Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions, Sept. 25, noon, FOX

Week 4: BYE

Week 5: vs. New York Giants, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., NBC (Gold)

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Oct. 16, 3:25 p.m., FOX

Week 7: vs. Chicago Bears, Oct. 20, 7:25 p.m., CBS/NFL Network/Twitter

Week 8: at Atlanta Falcons, Oct. 30, noon, FOX

Week 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Nov. 6, 3:25 p.m., CBS (Gold)

Week 10: at Tennessee Titans, Nov. 13, noon, FOX

Week 11: at Washington, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., NBC

Week 12: at Philadelphia Eagles, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Week 13: vs. Houston Texans, Dec. 4, noon, FOX

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Dec. 11, 3:25 p.m., FOX

Week 15: at Chicago Bears, Dec. 18, noon, FOX

Week 16: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 24, noon, FOX

Week 17: at Detroit Lions, Jan. 1, noon, FOX

Now, we analyze, we fret, we read, we watch videos, we read player interviews. we watch coaches interviews, we toss & turn trying to sleep, we dream of super bowls, we.............

Break Is Over - Time For This Packer Blog To Go!!!

I had my little break!  Followed OTA's. watched the rookie class signing(all signed now), crunched the salary cap members, watched all Packer videos possible AND(as a Packer owner), voted for the Board of Directors!  So, what is the state of the Packers 2016?

First, the present roster - 88 players:

What do I see? First, No Kuuuuuuuhn.  I guess we are moving on!  So, in the present NFL, the fullback position is the dinosaur.  Many items DO NOT EVEN HAVE FULLBACKS!  Wide Receivers, WOW!  Jordy, will he be Jordy & the other battles!  Offensive line, two good draft choices, and a great starting group back!  Tight Ends?  Will Jared Cook be a difference maker?  Running backs - Lacy, new a trim?  On the defensive side, Matthews back outside, and a young group inside!!!  Defensive tackles & defensive ends, NEED to build depth!  Secondary?  A LOT OF TALENT!! Special Teams, a punter battle?  The next few weeks, I will break down each position group!

Packer interviews & videos.  Have you watched any?  I have!  I like what I see!  Rookies?  Well spoken, and focused!  Veterans, ready to lead!  Coaches, preparing for the BIG push!  So, watch & learn!

Salary Cap?  About 9 million left this year.  That is about the middle of the NFL pack.  WARNING!  Next year is going to be ugly!!  Free Agents in 2017 - Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, David Bakhtiari, & JC Tretter!  That is a lot of offensive lineman!  Linebackers - Julius Peppers Nick Perry,  & Sam Barrington.  Tight End, Jared Cook.  Safety, Micah Hyde, defensive line, Datone Jones, running back, Eddie Lacy, and kicker Masthay.  That is a lot of decisions and NOT a lot of money! But, that is next year!

So, 53 players, 10 practice squad players, and 5 pre-season games!  LET THE ANALYSIS BEGIN!