Graham Harrell » Packer Update

Notes On A Preseason Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 10:02 am 6 Responses »

Aug 312012

Backup quarterback Graham Harrell played very well versus Kansas City

The title of this post pays homage to Notes On a Scandal - one of the most underrated movies in recent years. Anyway, here are 6 thoughts from the Packers’ 24-3 win over the Chiefs on Thursday night:

1) While cornerback Sam Shields has been playing better as of late, it’s important to realize that most of his success in coverage last night came against a backup QB and backup receivers. He won’t be facing Brady Quinn and Jamar Newsome in the regular season. That said, the third-year player from Miami is definitely playing with more confidence and more physicality - a pair of very encouraging signs.

2) I don’t know if Sean Richardson has the cover skills to be a starter in the National Football League, but I do know he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. Unlike M.D. Jennings and Anthony Levine, the former Vanderbilt star has an upside that’s worth developing. Richardson reminds me of Taylor Mays, another oversized safety with some coverage limitations who’s on the verge of winning a starting job in Cincy.

3) I still don’t think Graham Harrell can win games in the NFL, but he certainly played well against KC. He was helped by good protection and receivers who got terrific separation, but he also stepped into his throws and put the ball where it needed to be. While Harrell was probably safe going into the game, he needed to complete passes and put points on the board in order to secure his roster spot. He did just that.

4) Wide receivers Tori Gurley, Diondre Borel and Jarrett Boykin all made plays last night, but of the three, only Boykin was a consistent presence throughout camp. If the Packers decide to keep a sixth player at the position, the former Virginia Tech star deserves the spot. That said, I’m not sure he’s all that much better than Chastin West, who didn’t make it a year ago and was recently cut by the woeful Jaguars.

5) Jerel Worthy has played ahead of Mike Daniels in the nickel all summer, but that could change in the coming weeks. Both rookies flashed at times as pass rushers, but at this point, Daniels seems to be slightly more consistent. The former Iowa star isn’t as big or as strong as Worthy, but he’s very quick and his motor never stops. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Daniels have the bigger impact this season.

6) Rookie outside linebacker Dezman Moses has gotten plenty of accolades this summer, but Erik Walden has been the better player – and it hasn’t been close. While Moses is an intriguing prospect, he’s simply not ready for prime time just yet. The former Tulane star needs to do a much better job against the run. He lacks discipline. He does not play assignment-sound football or attack gaps at proper angles.

Fake Game Has Real Implications

Posted by Michael Rodney at 9:39 am 6 Responses »

Aug 302012

Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Don Barclay is closing in on a roster spot

The Green Bay Packers will conclude the exhibition season tonight against the Chiefs. There’s little reason for the starters to play or for fans to watch. But if you do decide to spend three hours in front of the tube or in the stadium, here are 10 players to keep an eye on. Tonight’s game could be their Super Bowl.

OL DON BARCLAY - The coaching staff seems to think he can function at tackle – even though most scouts projected him solely as an inside player. The more he can do, the better his chances to stick on the final roster.

WR DIONDRE BOREL - Thompson probably doesn’t want to give up on Borel just yet, but the former quarterback is running out of time to prove his worth. He needs to make some plays on offense and/or special teams.

TE BRANDON BOSTICK - Started training camp as the longest of long shots, but he’s made some athletic plays, and just as importantly, he’s been accountable. A spot on the practice squad is a real possibility.

DE LAWRENCE GUY - He’s improved a bit each week, but he’s still no better than seventh or eighth in the pecking order. He’ll need to really stand out if he wants to avoid a trip to the practice squad.

QB GRAHAM HARRELL – His spot on the roster is probably secure, but a poor performance could force GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy to do what they don’t want to do – explore other options.

LB TERRELL MANNING - Thompson very rarely gives up on draft picks this soon, but Manning has been as quiet as a mouse all summer. He needs to make some noise to ensure he’ll still be around on the weekend.

S JERRON McMILLIAN - A mistake-free game should earn him the nickel/dime safety position. A mental mistake or two could open the door for M.D. Jennings to reclaim the job he was handed in the spring.

RB BRANDON SAINE – He needs to force Thompson to either dump projected starter James Starks or carry a fourth running back. He can do that by running hard, catching a few passes and protecting well.

CB SAM SHIELDS - He’s looked better lately, but he’s not close to where he was at the end of the ’10 season. The coaches are looking for a reason to play him over Bush at right corner. He needs to give them one.

OL REGGIE WELLS – With Evan Dietrich-Smith expected to back up at center and both guard positions, Wells needs to prove that he could play tackle in an emergency. He should get that chance tonight.

Pack Needs New Backup Plan At Quarterback

Posted by Michael Rodney at 12:11 am 2 Responses »

Aug 172012

Backup quarterback Graham Harrell has struggled all summer

Get ready to read a bunch of stories from the so-called experts about how the Packers need to find a replacement for No. 2 quarterback Graham Harrell – stories that should’ve been written weeks or even months ago. I’m not going to write that story. Instead, I’m going to cut and paste excerpts from some past posts.

—Free agent Graham Harrell is showing why he wasn’t drafted. He seems like a bright and hard-working young man, but he just doesn’t have much of an arm. It’s difficult to believe GM Ted Thompson won’t be able to find a quarterback with more potential later in the summer. (from 8/4/10)

—I didn’t see what the coaches saw in Graham Harrell last summer and I still don’t see it. His arm is weak and his accuracy is average at best. The lockout is the only argument I can make for keeping him around. At least he knows the system. (from 8/8/11)

—Flynn is hardly a physical specimen, and that’s why I have my doubts about his ability to win consistently in the Great Northwest. That said, after two seasons in the NFL, he was superior to Harrell in just about every area in which a QB is judged. Flynn was tougher to bring down in the pocket and he kept his delivery consistent – both in and out of the pocket. Harrell has decent size (6’2, 215), but he has a narrow frame that isn’t very sturdy and he tends to carry the ball low on the move and sling it sidearm. Neither player has a big arm, but Flynn’s deep outs didn’t die nearly as frequently as Harrell’s, and his accuracy on the deep ball was better. And while it’s hard to judge in practice and preseason games, Harrell doesn’t appear to be a take-charge leader – a trait Flynn exhibited from day one. (from 4/18/12)

—While it’s true that most teams would be in big trouble if their starting quarterback got seriously injured, it’s also true that most teams have a more proven backup than Graham Harrell. Maybe the former Texas Tech star will develop into the next Matt Flynn, but I could see him just as easily performing like Caleb Hanie. In fact, I think that’s a more likely scenario. Harrell is a smart player, but his arm strength is extremely limited. Could the Packers win with him at quarterback? Well, Houston did OK with T.J. Yates at the end of last season. Then again, the Texans also had one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks and a very stout defense that gave up just over 17 points per game. (from 5/22/12)

—He’s an intelligent and gutsy quarterback who’ll need 15 to 20 plays to move the ball 80 yards down the field. That doesn’t happen very often in the National Football League. His arm strength is improved from a year ago, but it’s still below-average. Quarterbacks without a big arm need to be extremely accurate, and Harrell is simply not a pinpoint passer. He misses too many open targets. Could the Packers win games in the regular season with the former Texas Tech star under center? Put it this way, pray to God we never have to find out. (from 8/10/12)

Mike McCarthy and Tom Clements are two of the best quarterback coaches in the National Football League, but they’re not miracle workers. It’s time for GM Ted Thompson to do what he should’ve done a long time ago – find a legitimate backup. I think Thompson held off because he believed what the coaches were telling him about Harrell. It’s time for him to stop listening and to start making some phone calls.

Notes On A Preseason Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 1:35 pm 14 Responses »

Aug 102012

Backup quarterback Graham Harrell directed two scoring drives

The title of this post pays homage to Notes On a Scandal – one of the most underrated movies in recent years (in fact, I should’ve watched it again rather than waste three hours of my life on whatever that mess was on ESPN last night). Anyway, here are five thoughts from Green Bay’s 21-13 loss to San Diego:

1) Graham Harrell is exactly what I thought he was a few months ago. He’s an intelligent and gutsy quarterback who’ll need 15 to 20 plays to move the ball 80 yards down the field. That doesn’t happen very often in the National Football League. His arm strength is improved from a year ago, but it’s still below-average. Quarterbacks without a big arm need to be extremely accurate, and Harrell is simply not a pinpoint passer. He misses too many open targets. Could the Packers win games in the regular season with the former Texas Tech star under center? Put it this way – pray to God we never have to find out.

2) The defensive line is markedly better than it was a year ago. Not only did the team draft a pair of talented players at the position (Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels), but veterans Phillip Merling, Daniel Muir and Anthony Hargrove have been coming on in recent days. The Packers ended last season with two and a half legitimate NFL defensive linemen on the roster (C.J. Wilson was the half). That number has now been more than doubled. Is this the new Fearsome ~~Foursome~~ Threesome? Of course not, but it’s a group that should put at least some pressure on the quarterback and make life a lot easier on the linebackers.

3) Nick Perry is going to get at least eight sacks from his left outside linebacker position. With the talented rookie on one side and perennial Pro Bowler Clay Matthews on the other, opposing QBs are going to be the meat in a lot of Southern Cal sandwiches this season. Perry still has plenty to learn about playing with his hand off the ground, but his power is becoming more and more obvious by the week. He knocked Bryan Bulaga on his ass in practice the other day and he made life difficult at times for Jeromey Clary last night. The guess here is that the really good right tackles will handle Perry this season, but fortunately, there aren’t very many of them on the schedule – or in the league for that matter.

4) The Packers need newly signed Reggie Wells to find the fountain of youth because there isn’t a quality third guard on the roster. Big Ray Dominguez might be that guy, but he’s been out for a few weeks with a badly sprained ankle. Did you notice Evan Dietrich-Smith took all of his snaps at center last night? That’s because he’s been struggling at guard in practice and the coaches are desperately looking for a young player to step up. Sampson Genus, Tommie Draheim, Don Barclay and Greg Van Roten have received plenty of snaps this summer, but none of the four is ready for the majors leagues just yet.

5) As I wrote a few weeks ago, there isn’t a legitimate second safety on the roster. M.D. Jennings has taken all the snaps in the sub-packages for months, but he’s still late to react on even the most basic routes. I’m not saying the second-year player won’t improve over time, but this defense – already with plenty of questions at other positions – can’t afford to wait. Dom Capers needs to find a safety he can rely on, and short of bringing back Charlie Peprah (yikes), moving Jarrett Bush from corner makes the most sense. The 8-year vet can’t play with his back to the receiver, but he’s OK when things unfold in front of him.

3 Questions For Tonight’s Game

Posted by Michael Rodney at 2:03 pm 1 Response »

Aug 092012

Graham Harrell begins his first preseason as the Packers’ backup quarterback

The Packers open the preseason tonight at San Diego. Here are 3 questions to ponder while you watch the game:

1) Can backup quarterback Graham Harrell stretch the field vertically?

The former record-setter from Texas Tech is having a decent training camp. He looks much more comfortable in the pocket and his arm is noticeably stronger, but he still does an awful lot of dinking and dunking. The majority of his completions have come within 12 yards of the line of scrimmage. Unless he can drive downfield throws on a line, opposing cornerbacks will squat on routes and make completing any pass very difficult. We’ll start to find out whether he’s capable of keeping a defense honest tonight, as long as the inexperienced second-string offensive line is able to provide adequate protection.

2) Can the rookie pass rushers win one-on-one battles?

Clay Matthews was the only player able to get consistent pressure on the quarterback last season. That prompted general manager Ted Thompson to draft outside linebacker Nick Perry and defensive end Jerel Worthy. Both players have flashed at times in training camp, but Worthy has been the more impressive of the two. He has a quick first step and surprising power. Perry is beginning to come on after a sluggish start. He has all kinds of talent, but the transition from defensive end is seldom easy. How these youngsters fare against an experienced Chargers’ offensive line will be very interesting to watch.

3) Can the impressive long shots take it from practice to the game?

It’s one thing to impress on the practice field, but it’s a whole other thing to impress in a game. Tight end Brandon Bostick, wide receiver Curenski Gilleylen and outside linebacker Dezman Moses will get their chance tonight to prove the big stage isn’t too big for them. Bostick is undersized, but he runs well and seems to have built a nice rapport with the backup quarterbacks. Curkendyl makes at least one impressive catch every day. And Moses has been a headline grabber since the minicamps in the spring. Now’s their chance to start turning what seemed like an impossible dream a few months ago into a reality.

Likes And Dislikes From Practice

Posted by Michael Rodney at 12:17 am 17 Responses »

Aug 032012

Third-year safety Morgan Burnett is having an outstanding training camp

GREEN BAY- Here are my 7 likes and dislikes from Thursday’s practice (the first I’ve seen in person this summer):

1) I liked watching a young quarterback who can really sling the ball. Seventh-round pick B.J. Coleman has a lot to learn and his accuracy is hit or miss, but his physical skills are obvious. Mike McCarthy has made decent quarterbacks out of players with a lot less ability.

2) I liked watching second-year running back Alex Green turn it loose. He doesn’t look like a player less than nine months removed from major knee surgery. He’s going to make an impact this season.

3) I liked watching the right side of the offensive line dominate. A completely healthy Josh Sitton looks as good as ever and Bryan Bulaga looks like he’s ready to go from being very good to being great.

4) I liked watching the energy defensive lineman Daniel Muir and cornerback Davon House bring to the defense. That side of the ball often looked like the walking dead last season. They often played that way too.

5) I liked watching three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Clay Matthews hustle all over the field like a free agent trying to make the team. That’s why he’s so special. Of course, the immense natural talent also helps a bit.

6) I liked watching Dezman Moses get physical with running backs. I’m still not sure if he has the physical skills to ever be a starter, but he’s a better prospect than Vic So’oto, last summer’s rookie sensation.

7) I liked watching safety Morgan Burnett mature before my very eyes. This isn’t the same timid player who often went unnoticed on the practice field a year ago. This player appears destined for big things.

1) I disliked watching new No. 2 quarterback Graham Harrell too often settle for check downs when wide receivers were open down the field. He’s definitely improved from a year ago, but he’s nowhere near as impressive as Matt Flynn was in his third training camp.

2) I disliked watching undersized right defensive ends C.J. Wilson and Jerel Worthy get pushed around at times. Offenses are going to run a lot to the left against the Packers, and there’s a good chance they’ll find success. It would be nice to see Lawrence Guy step up. He has ideal size for the position.

3) I disliked watching backup right guard Ray Dominguez leave practice with an ankle injury. The offensive line was extremely thin even before arguably the group’s seventh-best player got carted off the field.

4) I disliked watching inside linebacker A.J. Hawk continue to hold down a starting position. He gives 100%, but he’s exactly the type of marginal veteran player that coaches are almost always looking to replace.

5) I disliked watching cornerback Sam Shields struggle to defend some of the same receivers he blanketed two summers ago. He wasn’t bad, but he’s definitely a young player who needs a boost in confidence.

6) I disliked watching the coaches waste precious snaps on Jarrett Bush at right corner. He’s not the answer, and based on what I saw, Shields, House and rookie Casey Hayward need all the reps they can get.

7) I didn’t like watching practice come to an end. There’s few better things to do on a beautiful summer night than watch the Packers play – even when it’s against themselves. Family Night should be a real blast!

Even Packers Have Some Concerns

Posted by Michael Rodney at 7:44 am 10 Responses »

May 222012

Unproven Graham Harrell figures to be the backup QB

The Packers have won 29 games, including a Super Bowl, in the past two seasons. They are also one of the youngest and deepest teams in the league. But that doesn’t mean the defending NFC North champs are without flaws. Here are five areas of concern heading into 2012:

Backup quarterback - While it’s true that most teams would be in big trouble if their starting quarterback got seriously injured, it’s also true that most teams have a more proven backup than Graham Harrell. Maybe the former Texas Tech star will develop into the next Matt Flynn, but I could see him just as easily performing like Caleb Hanie. In fact, I think that’s a more likely scenario. Harrell is a smart player, but his arm strength is extremely limited. Could the Packers win with him at quarterback? Well, Houston did OK with T.J. Yates at the end of last season. Then again, the Texans also had one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks and a very stout defense that gave up just over 17 points per game.

Pass rush - Outside linebacker Clay Matthews was the defense’s only consistent pass rusher last season, and even the three-time Pro Bowler had stretches of ineffectiveness. GM Ted Thompson drafted Nick Perry, Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels in an effort to rectify the problem. And while those three young players should help, it remains to be seen just how much. It’s not like Green Bay added Mario Williams or even Kamerion Wimbley in the offseason. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers needs at least one of the rookies to step up and become an impact pass rusher. A wild card to keep an eye on is fifth-round pick Terrell Manning. The former North Carolina State star has natural blitz ability.

Safeties - After Nick Collins’ neck injury in week 2, Morgan Burnett and Charlie Peprah spent the next 15 games trading off missed tackles and blown assignments. I’ll cut Burnett some slack. He was coming off ACL surgery and he played with a broken hand for months. The former Georgia Tech star should be much improved in ’12, but that’s only wishful thinking at this point. Peprah regressed last season after holding his own in 2010. He really struggled without Collins opposite him and without a consistent pass rush in front of him. He also struggled because offensive coordinators did a better job of taking advantage of his physical limitations. Capers desperately needs Burnett to blossom in his third season and for a young player like Jerron McMillian or Anthony Levine to step in and replace Peprah. Both things could happen, but if they don’t, the last line of defense will be a major problem once again.

Defensive coordinator - The defense had no business being as bad as it was last season – even with the personnel issues. Capers was painfully slow to adjust on a weekly basis. To be honest, he looked like a guy who spent too much time basking in the glow of the Super Bowl win and not enough time figuring out ways to combat offensive coordinators who spent the entire offseason studying how to beat his schemes. This will be a very pivotal season for Capers. His defenses in Carolina, Houston and Miami peaked early and then regressed. We’ll soon find out whether this is a coincidence or a trend. If it’s the latter, Green Bay may be looking for a new DC a lot sooner than expected.

Left tackle - The Packers will have a new player protecting the quarterback’s blind side for the first time since 2000. Chad Clifton is out and either Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod or Andrew Datko is in. All three young players have potential, but none is a proven commodity. Newhouse survived in 13 starts last season, but he wasn’t very good. The former TCU star gave up 10.5 sacks. Sherrod struggled mightily in training camp, but showed improvement later in the regular season. Unfortunately, his progress was halted by a severely broken leg. Datko is a natural pass protector, but he’s also a rookie with a shaky shoulder. The Packers don’t need a stud left tackle since Rodgers has such a quick release and such terrific mobility, but they can’t have a human turnstile at the position either.

Notes: Big Extensions Are Coming

Posted by Michael Rodney at 10:05 am 13 Responses »

May 072012

Rodgers will likely receive a huge extension this year

Rodgers' next contract could be the biggest in league history

The Packers will likely spend close to $200 million in the next 12 months to extend quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews. That’s why the team is being very careful with its money this offseason. While GM Ted Thompson would love to keep ascending offensive lineman T.J. Lang and Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings – both scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in 2013 – he may have to let them go. Jennings is obviously more of a priority, but his asking price figures to start at around $12 million a year. That might be too rich for the Packers – especially if Jordy Nelson proves himself capable of being a legitimate No. 1 receiver and Randall Cobb develops into a consistent offensive threat in his second season.

Safety Sean Richardson was one of the most sought-after undrafted rookies. Fourteen teams tried to sign the former Vanderbilt standout, but he chose the Packers. A lack of depth at the position, as well as Green Bay’s reputation for treating UDFAs fairly obviously played a part in his decision. Richardson looks like a first-round pick. He’s big (6’2, 216), fast (4.49) and strong (22 reps). Unfortunately, he didn’t play like a first-round pick in college. Or even a seventh-round pick. These “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” types almost never make it in the National Football League, but there’s no harm in taking a look at him in training camp. His best chance to make the final 53-man roster is to excel on special teams. His size and straight-line speed should serve him very well in this capacity, but some experts question whether he has the requisite toughness.

Thompson didn’t close the door on re-signing Ryan Grant until he was confident that Alex Green would be fully recovered from his ACL surgery by the start of training camp. Head coach Mike McCarthy was so impressed by Green’s development last season that he was prepared to make the rookie a big part of the offense heading into the playoffs. Unfortunately, the torn ACL put an end to those plans. The one good thing that came from the injury was the emergence of Brandon Saine. The former Ohio State star showed soft hands and the ability to pass protect. He also ran harder than he ever did in college. The Packers feel good enough about these three young backs to move on from Grant.

Some cynics suggest Eliot Wolf‘s rapid ascent up the organizational ladder has as much to do with Thompson’s loyalty to Ron Wolf as it does with his ability to judge talent, but there’s a problem with that theory. In the past 12 months, two other teams have tried to hire the 30-year-old. Philadelphia came calling in May 2011 and Oakland made inquiries just a few months ago. In each case, Thompson promoted Wolf in order to keep him. It remains to be seen what happens the next time a team calls. Besides offering him more money and/or the promise of replacing Thompson, there’s really nothing else the Packers can do to keep Wolf. He’s risen as high as he can go in the front office.

Joe Philbin recently admitted to the Miami media that he played only a small role in the development of Rodgers. He wasn’t being modest, he was being truthful. As offensive coordinator, Philbin spent very little time with the reigning league MVP during practices. Don’t expect former quarterbacks coach and new offensive coordinator Tom Clements to be quite as hands off. With unproven vet Graham Harrell, ex-AFLer Nick Hill and seventh-round draft choice B.J. Coleman vying for the backup job, new quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo will need all the help he can get.

Packers Can’t Count On Harrell

Posted by Michael Rodney at 12:27 am 9 Responses »

Apr 182012

Young QB should face stiff competition this summer

The Green Bay Packers will begin offseason workouts with Graham Harrell as their No. 2 quarterback, and in my opinion, there’s no way the team should feel comfortable with the former Texas Tech standout being one turned ankle away from the starting lineup. That’s why I fully expect general manager Ted Thompson to add another quarterback to the roster between now and the start of training camp – one with a better pedigree and more upside than recently signed former Arena Leaguer Nick Hill.

It’s possible I’m underestimating Harrell the way I underestimated Matt Flynn when he first joined the Packers as a seventh-round afterthought in 2008. And while Flynn showed far more potential than Harrell in his first training camp and made a much bigger jump from year one to year two, it’s very important to remember that Harrell has yet to take part in one of McCarthy’s now legendary quarterback schools – an offseason program that both the teacher and his pupils agree is an invaluable resource. So there’s certainly a chance Harrell will report to camp in late July a much-improved player and a legitimate option behind reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers. I just have my doubts.

Flynn is hardly a physical specimen, and that’s why I have my doubts about his ability to win consistently in the Great Northwest. That said, after two seasons in the NFL, he was superior to Harrell in just about every area in which a QB is judged. Flynn was tougher to bring down in the pocket and he kept his delivery consistent – both in and out of the pocket. Harrell has decent size (6’2, 215), but he has a narrow frame that isn’t very sturdy and he tends to carry the ball low on the move and sling it sidearm. Neither player has a big arm, but Flynn’s deep outs didn’t die nearly as frequently as Harrell’s, and his accuracy on the deep ball was better. And while it’s hard to judge in practice and preseason games, Harrell doesn’t appear to be a take-charge leader – a trait Flynn exhibited from day one.

McCarthy obviously sees something worthwhile in Harrell – that’s why he’s still here and why he was promoted from the practice squad when Buffalo wanted to sign him last December – but he clearly doesn’t believe in him the way he believed in Flynn. For example, Flynn was never placed on waivers – allowing any team in the league to claim him for $100. And even McCarthy’s own words are a bit tepid. “I’m hopeful he can [replace Flynn],” said the coach a few months ago. “I think he’s got instincts and toughness. I want to take him to the quarterback school. I like his makeup.”

McCarthy proved four years ago that he’s not afraid to go into a season with a rookie backup quarterback. In fact, he had a pair of first-year players (Flynn and Brian Brohm) behind Rodgers in 2008. But finding the right rookie is the key. The Packers aren’t going to use an early pick at this position, so Thompson will have to find a prospect on day three. I haven’t seen all the second-tier QBs play, but I did see quite a bit of Kirk Cousins (Michigan State), Nick Foles (Arizona), Aaron Corp (Richmond), Kellen Moore (Boise State) and Case Keenum (Houston) and wasn’t overly impressed.

The one second-tier quarterback who did impress me was Russell Wilson. The former Wisconsin star is intelligent, athletic and blessed with an above-average arm. He’s also a great leader. Unfortunately, he’s probably too short to be a full time starter at the next level. But with Rodgers in the prime of his career, the Packers don’t need to find a future No. 1. They simply need to find someone who’ll be capable of steering the ship for a short period of time. I think Wilson could be just that guy. He reminds me of a more talented version of Cleveland’s Seneca Wallace, who played for Thompson in Seattle (2003 and 2004) and who has been a fairly competent backup for the past seven seasons.

REVIEW: CARDINALS AT PACKERS

Posted by Michael Rodney at 9:31 am 43 Responses »

Aug 202011

Harrell showed poise in the pocket against the Cards

Green Bay evened its preseason record at 1-1 by beating the Cardinals 28-20 at Lambeau on Friday night. More importantly, a number of young players stepped up. Here’s a quick look at the movers and shakers from week 2:

GRAHAM HARRELL: The second-year quarterback has struggled for most of camp, but he justified coach Mike McCarthy’s faith in him on Friday night. The former Texas Tech star played with poise and even showed some zip on a few passes. Whether he has the arm strength to succeed against quality corners remains to be seen, but he probably played well enough to convince GM Ted Thompson to carry a third quarterback.

DIMITRI NANCE: The former Arizona State star ended last season on the 53-man roster, but he’s pretty much been a forgotten man this summer. That might’ve changed thanks to a solid performance on Friday night. He ran very hard and he didn’t look overmatched in protection. The Packers probably won’t keep a fourth running back, but Nance’s quality work against the Cardinals will at least give Thompson something to think about in the coming weeks.

CHASTIN WEST: The second-year receiver was impressive a year ago, but he lost out to Brett Swain. And while the former Fresno State star has distanced himself from Swain this summer, he could still wind up on the outside looking in. That’s because the five receivers ahead of him on the depth chart are guaranteed spots on the final roster. West might force Thompson to keep a sixth player at this position. If not, he could be traded. He has the ability be a No. 4 or maybe even a No. 3 for a number of teams.

RYAN TAYLOR: The rookie tight end is fighting for a roster spot at one of the deepest positions, but it’s hard to imagine him not sticking. Already a demon on special teams and a surprisingly adept receiver, he showed improvement as a blocker against the Cards. The former linebacker needs to work on his technique, but he has the size and toughness to knock defenders off the ball in the running game and at least slow down defensive ends in pass protection. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him vault up the depth chart.

T.J. LANG: Some will argue that rookie first-round pick Derek Sherrod played his way out of the competition at left guard on Friday night, but that would be extremely unfair. Lang has been solid all summer. The third-year pro from Eastern Michigan looks unsure of himself at times, but that will happen when a still young offensive lineman is forced to take snaps at as many as four different positions in practice. It’s time to let him settle in at left guard and become the player he has the potential to be.

EVAN DIETRICH-SMITH: The third-year offensive lineman will never be more than an 8th or 9th offensive lineman in the National Football League, but he’s been better than Nick McDonald all summer. While Dietrich-Smith has plenty of physical limitations, he does have the strength to slow down defensive tackles – at least a little. McDonald is more talented, but he gets pushed around by even mediocre players. One could argue that neither player is good enough to back up center Scott Wells, but after Friday night, it’s hard to argue that McDonald is more deserving of a spot on the final roster.

C.J. WILSON: The second-year defensive end left early after taking a blow to the head, but not before he left a fairly positive impression. He didn’t get blown off the line of scrimmage and he fought through heavy traffic to locate the ball. More importantly, the former East Carolina standout played with more passion than he’s shown so far this summer. Maybe he was pumped up because he was starting or maybe he finally realized that his spot on the final roster was in serious jeopardy. Whatever the reason, he finally resembled the player whom the coaches had such high hopes for at the start of camp.

JARIUS WYNN: The former Georgia star was released last summer, but he’s playing at a much higher level now. While he’s still not a consistent pass rusher – his supposed strength – he does have some potential in that area. More importantly, Wynn is at least holding his own against the run – something he was unable to do in the past. He’ll always be undersized for a 3-4 end, but he’s gained about 15 pounds and improved his technique since joining the Packers three years ago and it showed on Friday night.

D.J. SMITH: The rookie’s lack of height makes comparisons to former Pro Bowler Sam Mills inevitable, but there’s more to it than just their size. I watched Mills when he played for USFL’s Philadelphia Stars in the early 80s, and believe me when I tell you that Smith looks like an exact replica. Whether he’ll develop into a star like Mills remains to be seen, but his instincts and his explosiveness gives him a chance to be successful. He might not be ready to be the No. 3 inside linebacker, but he belongs on the final roster.

JOSH GORDY: The second-year corner was given a major opportunity on Friday night, and while he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory, he didn’t hurt his chances of making the final roster either. He needs to clean up his footwork, but he has above-average speed, fluid hips and decent instincts. That might not be enough to make him an effective starter at this level, but it should be enough to keep him around as the No. 6 cornerback. That is, of course, if Thompson decides to keep six players at that position.

Shhh…here’s what we’re hearing

Posted by Michael Rodney at 6:18 pm 5 Responses »

Jul 092010

The Packers drafted Mike Neal in the second round because he was the highest-rated player on their board and not because of the situation surrounding Johnny Jolly. In fact, up until about six weeks ago, the team was fairly confident that the troubled defensive end would be available for most if not all of the upcoming season….. Scot McCloughan chose to work for the Seahawks because he wanted to be closer to his kids. All things being equal, the ex-49ers GM would’ve preferred coming to Green Bay. He would’ve had far more input under Ted Thompson than he’ll have under GM ~~Pete Carroll~~ John Schneider in Seattle….. We continue to hear that Charles Woodson did in fact approach the Packers about his contract a few months ago. The All-Pro cornerback didn’t make any threats and the two sides apparently agreed to continue talking at a later date….. Third-string quarterback Graham Harrell looked OK at the recent mini-camp, but we’ve yet to find a single scout who thinks the former Texas Tech star has a future in the NFL….. A person very close to the Penn State football program told us that rookie tight end Andrew Quarless was “not the hardest worker in college” and that’s what really got under the skin of legendary coach Joe Paterno - even more than the multiple arrests….. And finally, tackle Mark Tauscher looks at least five years younger than he did at the end of last season. That’s what a healthy offseason and another six months removed from major knee surgery can do for a veteran player.