NFL Draft Aftermath: Packers Sign Undrafted Free Agents
by Brandon on Apr 25, 2010 9:00 AM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Draft
Email
PrintMany thanks to Greg Bedard at the Journal Sentinel for posting a running undrafted free agents thread for those who signed or accepted a tryout with the Green Bay Packers. The bad thing about the thread is that if you're looking for big names from big name schools, the list has neither. Except for one player from The U who was charged with drug possession in March. Alas, no punter (so far). Unfortunately I can't picture any of these players making the team in September.
Here's who've they signed and invited:
Kickoff and punt return candidates
- Fresno State WR Chastin West.
- Miami CB Sam Shields.
- UTEP WR Jeff Moturi.
- Bishop University WR Shawn Gore (tryout).
- Morgan State WR E.J. Morgan-Green (tryout).
Practice squad QB candidate
- South Dakota QB Noah Shepard.
College DE converting to OLB in a 3-4 NFL defense
- Central Michigan DE/OLB Frank Zombo. (Great name!)
- Wake Forest DE John Russell.
- Stephen F. Austin OLB Tim Knicky.
Other future practice squad candidates
- Stillman College RB Quinn Porter.
- Temple MLB Alex Joseph.
- Eastern Illinois OT Chris Campbell.
- UConn S Robert Vaughn.
- Southern Miss RB Tory Harrison.
- UTEP OT Mike Aguayo (tryout).
15 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The only guy on the list that has a chance of making the team is the CB from the U.
His 4.31 40 time is impressive. However, he’ll have to work hard and learn from Charles Woodson. Just as Tramon Williams had to work hard as an undrafted free agent, Sam Shields will as well. He’s the only guy I feel has a remote chance at making the team at this point.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Yeah, Shields sounds like someone that deserves at least a chance
Other than him, maybe one of the other speed guys will impress returning kicks.
The Dude abides
Yeah, Special Teams in general gives Shields a great opportunity
He might give Bush a run for his money at this role.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Speed and Special Teams (and not much to beat out)
Not having seen the guy play, I’m just going on what I’ve read and his competition. He’s very fast, he’s only been a CB for a year, meaning that he is still learning and so his potential may be quite a bit above his ability at the moment. He should be decent at KR/PR, and the could give him a spot, while he’s learning to play CB.
Then he only has to beat out Bush, Lee or Blackmon. After Blackmon’s latest serious injury, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go. And I don’t see Bush sticking around for very long.
Dont forget Ahmad Carrol
Carrol ran a legitimate 4.3 forty but he was freaking awful. I wouldn’t figure Sheilds would make the roster because of his speed. He is gonna have to show a little somethin somethin…
An OLB will get a chance
I’m really surprised that you can just dismiss the players as not having a chance out of hand. Undrafted free agents are an important part of the current Packers roster. Atari Bigby, Tramon Williams, Ryan Grant and Spencer Havner were all undrafted free agents. Further, Evan Dietrich Scott made the roster last year even over James Merideth who was a fifth round selection.
Further, the Packers have some really large holes at OLB. First, the departure of Kampman means there is now a natural roster spot that needs to be filled. Second, no one knows if and when Jeremy Thompson will ever recover from his neck injury and may have to spend the year on injured reserve. Third, Brady Poppinga is overpaid and is completely out of place in this defense. He is a run stopping 4-3 OLB and was unable to get any pressure on the QB at the start of the year when he started.
While these Undrafted Free Agents are facing some pretty stacked odds, dismissing them out of hand is a mistake.
Agreed!
This Zombo guy sounds intriguing. There are always a few hard-working big effort guys, not drafted or late picks, who make it, especially as pass rushers. Jake Allen or James Harrison, anyone?
As far as guys coming from big schools or second-tier schools like CMU, of course, the big schools get the top recruits, but there are always kids who simply haven’t physically matured enough at 17-18 to be considered a top recruit out of high school. And a many of these kids end up and 2nd-tier (and even 1-AA or Div 2) schools, where many of these young men mature and become NFL quality players.
My ‘bet’ is that at least a couple of these FAs make the team and few more will make the practice squad.
Future Trades
I am willing to bet that with the Packers owing A.J. Hawk 10 million this year that he is quietly on the trading block. I don’t think they are done looking for some upgrades on the roster, I am willing to bet they didnt draft anyone for an OLB because their wasn’t anyone they liked and/or are working with some other teams to get someone they like better.
GB was eyeing a few players in the 2nd Round
But as the board worked their way in the 1st Round landing Bulaga, it worked against us in the 2nd Round with Koa Misi and Sergio Kindle being taken before our 2nd pick.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
I really didn't do my homework on the draft this year.
But why did Ciron Black drop so far? I saw early, early reports that he would be late first round material at the very top of some early mocks, but most thought he would be 2nd-3rd’ish. Did he combine badly? Put on a lot of weight? Bad work ethic?
Notice he went undrafted. Thought maybe we could sign him, but who knows.
Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge
by Bush League All Star on Apr 26, 2010 11:22 AM CDT reply actions
I think there was a lot more speculation about him than was necessary.
Black was good, but some scouts saw him moving inside to play guard. From there everyone played a massive game of obfustication, and he went undrafted.
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Apr 27, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Acme Packing Company
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
