Will The Packer Rookies Play In 2011?

by Brandon on Jul 5, 2011 3:00 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Draft

The Green Bay Packers have solid depth, and several players returning from injury, so there doesn't seem to be much of an opportunity for any rookies in 2011. Greg Gabriel looks at the positions where rookies, historically, have been able to contribute at early in their careers, and it doesn't look like any of the Packers recent draft choices will have any positional advantage. From the National Football Post:

My feeling is the running backs. That position more than any other relies on instincts. Yes, they have to know the playbook and that will take time, but in reality there are only so many running plays a team can run. Where a back will struggle is in pass protection and because of that you may see the majority of running backs who play early only play on run downs.

That would give 3rd round draft choice RB Alex Green the best chance. He might have an opportunity with RB Brandon Jackson unlikely to return, and the fact that Ryan Grant and James Starks have had some recent seasons wiped out by injury. Of course, the problem for Green is that he's likely to be the 3rd down back, and who knows how he'll be in pass protection. If he struggles with it, he might not see the field at all.

It doesn't look too promising on the other side of the ball either:

On defense, linemen probably have the best chance to play early, especially if they are outstanding pass rushers.

The only player drafted who is expected to play exclusively on the defensive line is 7th round pick Lawrence Guy. He'll have a tough time to even make the active roster, if all the other lineman are healthy. But with the likely departure of DE Cullen Jenkins, if Guy can play like a younger version of Jenkins, he'll have a chance since there's no established starter ahead of him. While it's possible, that seems highly unlikely.

Obviously anything can happen. I didn't expect anything from CB Sam Shields at this time last year and he started six games as a rookie. But based on this really basic analysis, there is no obvious rookie who should contribute in 2011.

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I don't expect major contributions from any of the rookies unless the injuries hit again.

But I do expect guys like Cobb and maybe Green to have a chance to see a few snaps on offense. Cobb and someone like House will likely contribute on STs as well.

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by Omaha Sun on Jul 5, 2011 3:57 PM CDT reply actions

ST

I think Cobb will make a lagre contribution on ST as the return man. Playing time on offense for him will be really difficult to come by. Green might be the 3rd down RB, but he has to show he can pick up the blitz and block. ST contributions will be expected from the rookies.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Jul 5, 2011 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions

I fixed the title for you

Will ~~The Packer Rookies~~ Anyone Play In 2011?

I dispense B.S. and facts. It is up to you to figure out which is which.

by GMan83201 on Jul 5, 2011 3:58 PM CDT reply actions

Rookies

I’m with Strohman that Cobb could play a huge role on special teams as a steady, possibly dangerous return man. Just getting Tramon Williams off punt returns and Nelson off kick returns is a big contribution. Also, I think Derrick Sherrrod will have a big year…on the practice field. Clifton, of course, will start on Sundays, but Sherrod will do the brunt of the practice work during the week to rest Clifton, which will give Sherrod the majority of reps with the first team offense. That will pay big dividends when Clifton misses a game or two this season, and certainly for next season if Clifton hangs it up.

Nitschke never wore an earring!

by Packer Pete on Jul 5, 2011 6:42 PM CDT reply actions

Davon House

Might be moving up the depth chart as we speak. Brandon Underwood’s latest arrest might mean the end of his less-than-illustrious career with the Packers.

"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson

by I voted for Kodos on Jul 5, 2011 11:08 PM CDT reply actions

Latest arrest?

Have I missed somethiing? Underwood arrested again? WHat for now?

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Jul 5, 2011 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Being Underwood?

Editor at BT Powerhouse, a Big Ten Basketball blog.
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"If you don't tell him what he wants to hear, he's going to find you out. And when he does, they're going to tear your head off and throw your BODY OUT OF AN AIRLOCK!" - Number Six, "Bastille Day"

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Jul 5, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Disorderly conduct/Domestic abuse

Apparently pulled his wife out the car, ripped off her necklace, and threw her down. They charged him with disorderly conduct and not battery/assault, which means he probably didn’t strike her in the process, though it sounds like he threw her to the ground. What exactly he did I don’t know, but what he didn’t do is make a good case for his intelligence . . .

http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2011/jul/05/green-bay-packers-cb-underwood-arrested-in-domestic-incident/

"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson

by I voted for Kodos on Jul 5, 2011 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions