Terrell Manning » Packer Update

McMillian Was Worth The Money

Posted by Michael Rodney at 7:27 am No Responses »

Feb 052013

Rookie safety Jerron McMillian played more than expected this season

We all know that cornerback Casey Hayward was the best player among this season’s draft choices, but do you know who was the best bargain? According to an interesting article by Eric Oehler of the National Football Post, the answer is safety Jerron McMillian. The fourth-round pick from Maine was paid $465,146 in 2012 and played 765 snaps for Green Bay. That means he cost the team only $608 per snap.

Conversely, fifth-round pick Terrell Manning provided the least bang for the buck. The former North Carolina State standout, who was plagued by a serious stomach illness throughout training camp, was paid $9,838 per snap. The team is obviously hoping to get a much better return on its investment next season.

The best bargain among all the draft picks in the league was Oakland linebacker Miles Burriss. The fourth-rounder from San Diego State cost the Raiders a mere $446 per snap. The player who proved to be the biggest waste of money was San Francisco receiver A.J. Jenkins. The first-rounder from Illinois played only 37 snaps, but was paid $1.26 million. That’s a whopping $34,140 for every time he stepped on the field.

Oehler’s list didn’t include undrafted rookies, but if it did, linebacker Dezman Moses and tackle Don Barclay would’ve ranked as two of the better bargains. Moses cost $608 per snap and Barclay came in at $876. Is it any wonder the front office puts so much time and effort into finding and then signing UDFAs?

Ranking The Rookies: Terrell Manning

Posted by Michael Rodney at 5:26 pm 5 Responses »

Jan 232013

A summer illness kept Green Bay’s fifth-round pick from contributing on defense

The Green Bay Packers began the season with 10 rookies on the 53-man roster. That’s a pretty high number – especially for a team than won 15 games the previous year. But GM Ted Thompson didn’t hang on to all those rookies to save money or to make himself look good. He kept them because they could play. In fact, seven have played significant roles in the team’s march to its second straight NFC North title.

I’ll be ranking the rookies – from least productive to most productive – over the next couple of weeks. Here’s #10:

Story of 2012 – Had it not been for a summer illness that dropped his weight to under 220 pounds, there’s a chance Terrell Manning could’ve been one of the most productive rookies on this year’s team. That’s because the defensive coaches were desperate at inside linebacker after Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith went down with season-ending injuries, and it’s safe to assume Manning would’ve gotten the call ahead of Brad Jones had he been healthy in camp. Instead, the former NC State standout was relegated to special teams, where he began to make a major impact down the stretch.

What to expect in 2013 – If A.J. Hawk and his bloated salary is finally released, there figures to be an open competition to fill his spot. Manning, Smith (if healthy), Jones (if re-signed) and perhaps a rookie will likely battle it out in camp for the chance to start next to Bishop. Of the three returnees, Manning has the least experience but the most talent. He runs fairly well (4.62) and shows pop on contact. He’s a little stiff in coverage, but he moves better in space than either Hawk or Smith. He also showed the ability to blitz in college – something the Packers value but haven’t really had at the “buck” linebacker spot in years.

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.

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: Taylor’s Ready To Step Up

Posted by Michael Rodney at 12:00 am 9 Responses »

May 152012

Second-year tight end has a chance to contribute in '12

Second-year tight end has a chance to contribute in 2012

With Andrew Quarless (knee) not expected back until at least Halloween, the Packers will need one of their young tight ends to emerge as Jermichael Finley‘s backup. And while D.J. Williams and Tom Crabtree will certainly be in the mix, the feeling here is that Ryan Taylor will ultimately win the job. I was impressed by the former North Carolina star before he ever donned a Green Bay uniform, and he did nothing last summer to dampen my enthusiasm. Taylor has good size (6’3, 255) and deceptive athleticism. And since he’s still learning to play the position after spending the bulk of his college career at linebacker, he’s only scratched the surface of his potential.

Ted Thompson was very economical when it came to signing undrafted free agents last month. According to Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel, the Packers general manager spent $51,500 on 15 rookies – or about $3,400 per player. Under terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, Green Bay could’ve spent up to $75,000. Offensive lineman Tommie Draheim received the biggest signing bonus ($8,500) and three other players (Sean Richardson, Jaymes Brooks and Marc Tyler) got $5,000. Conversely, the Saints spent $30,000 on Appalachian State running back Travaris Cadet. Different strokes for different folks, but based on past history, something tells me Thompson will wind up getting more bang for the buck.

One of ESPN’s “experts” opined that Terrell Manning would’ve gone at least two rounds higher had he stayed in school and entered the draft a year from now. That’s probably true. The former North Carolina State star certainly didn’t play like a fifth-round pick last season. He posted 76 unassisted tackles (including an ACC leading 14.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in 11 starts. So why were over 160 prospects selected ahead of Manning? The biggest reason is a lack of ideal size and speed. He’s a little light (237 pounds) for the inside and a little slow (4.74) for the outside. What he is, however, is a good football player. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him push A.J. Hawk for playing time this summer and then push the veteran right out the door next offseason.

Mike McCarthy has put together an interesting offensive staff. He has a former tight ends coach (Ben McAdoo) working with the quarterbacks, a former quarterbacks coach (Alex Van Pelt) working with the running backs, a former running backs coach (Jerry Fontenot) working with the tight ends and another former running backs coach (Edgar Bennett) working with the wide receivers. And oh yeah, offensive assistant John Rushing worked with defensive backs for seven years at Utah State before joining the Packers. Is it just a matter of time before we see offensive line coach James Campen instructing a young quarterback on how to properly move his feet in the pocket?

Andrew Datko has the potential to be a starting tackle in the National Football League. That’s my opinion after watching a few Florida State games from early last season. The first of Green Bay’s two seventh-round picks impressed the heck out of me – even though he was playing with a badly injured left shoulder that would require surgery less than a month later. If not for the uncertainty over his shoulder, Datko almost certainly would’ve been among the first 100 players drafted. He’s a student of the game who understands angles, leverage and positioning. I think he has a chance to be a better pro than Marshall Newhouse, but only if his shoulder holds up. And that’s a big if.

These truly are Ted Thompson’s Packers. Of the 90 players on the roster, 89 were acquired by the current general manager. Only wide receiver Donald Driver was here prior to 2005 and his future with the organization is tenuous. Here are some more interesting numbers. Of the 90 players, only 15 have ever worn another professional uniform. And of those 15, only 8 played in a game for a team other than Green Bay. Thompson and McCarthy talk all the time about developing young players, and what better way to develop a young player than to get him straight out of college?

Post-Draft Pack Should Be Better On D

Posted by Michael Rodney at 2:43 pm 10 Responses »

Apr 302012

Second-round pick Hayward could be the No. 3 cornerback

Ted Thompson watched his defense go from good to historically bad in 12 months and he wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing. Green Bay’s normally conservative GM signed twice-suspended Anthony Hargrove as a free agent in March and then traded up two times in the draft to procure help for his team’s feeble pass rush and leaky secondary. It remains to be seen how these springtime moves play out in the fall, but at least on paper, the defense sure looks a lot better today than it did two months ago.

Here’s my position-by-position look at the post-draft Green Bay Packers:

QUARTERBACK- The Packers needed to draft a rookie to challenge Graham Harrell for the backup job. Seventh-round draft choice B.J. Coleman could be that player if he’s able to make a quick transition from Tennessee-Chattanooga to the National Football League. He has all the physical traits a team looks for in a young quarterback, but his numbers in college were surprisingly pedestrian. I have no idea whether that’s more a reflection on Coleman or on his supporting cast. Either way, his development under coach Mike McCarthy, offensive coordinator Tom Clements and quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo will be fascinating to watch.

RUNNING BACK- Thompson didn’t draft at this position for the fourth time since taking over as GM in 2005. That leaves James Starks, Alex Green and Brandon Saine as the top three entering the first minicamp. It also leaves the door open for Ryan Grant’s return, but only if the former 1,200 yard rusher is willing to accept a deal for around the league minimum. If he’s not, the Packers should be fine without him. Remember, this team won a Super Bowl with John Kuhn and Brandon Jackson combining for nearly 300 carries. Speaking of Kuhn, he’ll return as the starting fullback.

TIGHT END- Even with Andrew Quarless likely to being the regular season on the PUP list, Thompson didn’t draft at this position. Perhaps that’s because he believes D.J. Williams and Ryan Taylor are ready to contribute on offense after spending the majority of their rookie seasons on special teams. Williams is the more natural receiver of the two, but Taylor showed better instincts and more toughness last summer. Another young player to keep an eye on is undrafted free agent Eric Flair. The athletic and versatile former Gopher figures to get a look at both tight end and fullback.

WIDE RECEIVER- Based on past history, it was a little surprising that Thompson didn’t draft a wide receiver. Then again, Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel probably have as much potential as any of the wide receivers picked on day 3. The Packers also added a pair of undrafted free agents. Marcus Rivers (Buffalo) and former basketball player turned football star Dale Moss (South Dakota St.) are intriguing prospects. Both measure in at 6’3 and run in the low 4.5s.

OFFENSIVE LINE- Thompson finally drafted an offensive lineman in the seventh round, but Andrew Datko isn’t going to add much-needed depth at guard and center. The former Florida State star is strictly a tackle. Right now, Evan Dietrich-Smith is the No. 1 backup at all three interior positions. He did OK in two starts at right guard last season, but this is the same player that was released by the Packers in September 2010. Second-year men Ray Dominguez and Sampson Genus will also be in the mix. The former is a college tackle who’s still learning to play inside. The latter has plenty of experience inside, but is barely six-feet tall. With such dubious depth, undrafted free agents Jaymes Brooks (Virginia Tech) and Don Barclay (West Virginia) figure to get long looks in the months to come.

DEFENSIVE LINE- If you think you were frustrated watching Jarius Wynn, C.J. Wilson and Mike Neal attempt to rush the quarterback last season, imagine how Thompson felt. Well, you don’t have to imagine. He told you exactly how frustrated he was by drafting two defensive linemen in the first four rounds. Second-round pick Jerel Worthy doesn’t have prototypical size to play end in a 3-4, but he has prototypical power and quickness to rush the QB. Fourth-round pick Mike Daniels doesn’t have prototypical size to play any position in a 3-4, but he also can rush the quarterback. See the pattern? Along with free agent Anthony Hargrove, the inside pass rush should be markedly better in 2012.

LINEBACKER- I may not be the biggest Nick Perry fan in the world, but after complaining for two years about Thompson’s refusal to draft a partner for Clay Matthews, I can’t complain too much. There’s no question the former USC star will make the Packers better at right outside linebacker; just how much better remains to be seen. Perry is a terrific athlete, but he ran hot and cold in college. It’ll be up to assistant coach Kevin Green to keep the heat turned up. Thompson traded up to get Terrell Manning in the fifth round. The former North Carolina State star projects inside. He probably won’t play much in the base defense, but he could be used as a rusher in certain packages. Along with returnees D.J. Smith, Jamari Lattimore and Vic So’oto, the competition at this position should be intense.

DEFENSIVE BACK- Thompson traded up to get Casey Hayward in the second round, and the former Vanderbilt star will be expected to challenge Sam Shields for the No. 3 cornerback job. Hayward doesn’t run nearly as well as Shields, but he’s a better tackler and a more cerebral player. That means an awful lot to coaches who had to watch corners miss tackles and blow assignments week after week in 2011. Last year’s fourth-round pick, Davon House, will also be in the picture. You wouldn’t normally give a rookie from Maine much of a chance to win a starting job, but that’s not the case with Jerron McMillian. The speedy fourth-round pick will be given every opportunity to unseat journeyman Charlie Peprah at safety. Young veterans M.D. Jennings and Anthony Levine will also be in the mix.

SPECIALISTS- The Packers are in very good shape with kicker Mason Crosby, punter Tim Masthay and long snapper Bret Goode. There was no need to draft a specialist, and any undrafted free agents signed will be camp bodies only.