Rookie quarterback B.J. Coleman is talented enough to play in the NFL
The Green Bay Packers haven’t opened a regular season with three quarterbacks on the roster since 2008, but that could change come September. If seventh-round draft pick B.J. Coleman continues to develop, there’s a chance he could join starter Aaron Rodgers and backup Graham Harrell on the final 53.
That’s because, unlike Harrell the past two years, Coleman might not clear waivers and make it to the practice squad. The former Tennessee at Chattanooga star has good size, a strong arm and just the right amount of swagger. Being taught the position by some of the best quarterback coaches in the business is another thing that makes him intriguing. And in a league where there is a real paucity of talent under center, the chance to get someone like Coleman might be very tempting to a few general managers.
Keeping a third quarterback on the roster isn’t something the Packers want to do because it would mean having to go lighter at another position. But would general manager Ted Thompson be willing to risk losing Coleman – especially when Harrell hasn’t been all that impressive this summer? That’s the big question.
I know there will be talk about keeping Coleman and cutting Harrell, but that’s highly unlikely. While Thompson was willing to keep two rookies behind Rodgers in 2008, both Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn came into the NFL from major college programs and were considered more ready to play. If I had to guess, I think Thompson will once again keep two quarterbacks. But the decision will be harder than usual.
if Coleman is developing/progressing, I’d keep him and let GH go. Nobody else will sign GH, he will always be available if AR goes down and BJ fails. Heck, I’d still like to see GB trade for Colt McCoy as their back-up. What would it cost? Maybe a 7th rounder.
I just read yesterday that Adam Schefter was speculating that McCoy could end up in Green Bay for a late pick. A move like that would make me happy as well.
My gut tells me they’re going to keep all 3 this season. After a full season and McCarthy’s QB school, Coleman should be ready for an open QB competition for that QB2 spot and his physical tools suggest he should win it.
I agree. I think Teddie values raw talent at that position given how good GB is at developing talent at QB.
This will be an unusual September in Green Bay and Thompson will have some very interesting options at cutdown time
. In addition to the 3 suspended players, they may also have Quarless on PUP and might have another exemption if Bishop is eligible for IR-lite as being discussed by the League right now. That means there will be roster shuffling throughout the first months of the season. GB could keep 3 QBs until Quarless returns and then try to slide one through waivers. By mid-October teams will have multiple injuries to overcome and adding a developmental QB might not be as enticing as it would be in early September.
Keeping Coleman on the active roster just doesn’t make sense. The Pack has a DL that will be short of players, and an OLine that needs to protect some prospects. Coleman will be on the PS. Probably 50/50 chance another team tries to grab him but only time will tell.
It’ll be interesting. I tend to agree with you, but Coleman isn’t Harrell. He has the physical skills to start in the NFL. I’m not saying he will, but he has the talent.