Packers 2016 Cornerback Acquisitions: Undrafted rookies had virtually no impact

Acme Packing Company continues the examination of the Green Bay Packers’ 2016 roster. Each day over the next two weeks, we will break down a different position on the roster with examinations of the players on the 53-man roster in 2016, the contributions of new additions and players who signed new contracts, and players who have contracts expiring this offseason.

The Green Bay Packers came into 2016 feeling very secure at the cornerback position after watching Sam Shields and two young rookies lead them to a top ten passing defense in 2015. The Packers did not spend much time looking to add new talent, but they did add a trio of undrafted rookie prospects.

Josh Hawkins

How Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent Rookie (East Carolina)
Stats: 5 solo tackles, 1 pass defensed

Hawkins made the 53 man roster out of the preseason. Hawkins saw almost all his action on special teams. He played eight snaps of defense, but 92 snaps on special teams. On special teams he managed five tackles.

Hawkins showed ability and good ball skills in the preseason. Hawkins managed multiple interceptions during the exhibition games. Hawkins had the chance to see the field and show himself valuable to the team, but was benched for most of the season after allowing a touchdown in week three.

Makinton Dorleant

How Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent Rookie (Northern Iowa)
Stats: 1 solo tackle

Dorleant was placed on the Injured Reserve at the start of the season. Later on, Dorleant was designated as the player to return from the IR, ahead of Eddie Lacy and Sam Shields. Dorleant played just four games and was placed right back on the Injured Reserve.

Dorleant was an interesting player from a small school, FCS Northern Iowa University. Dorleant matches the mold of 5’11” cornerbacks that Ted Thompson has added over the last two years. He is a 4.4 speed player who needs to grow into the professional ranks.

Herb Waters

How Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent Rookie (University of Miami)
Stats: None

Waters is the biggest project of them all. Waters is attempting to follow in Sam Shields’ footsteps by transitioning from being a wide receiver for the Hurricanes, going undrafted, and then becoming a cornerback for the Packers. In fact, his transition did not begin until after Shields’ concussion in week one. Waters was added to the 53 man roster when Dorleant went back on IR but did not see the field.

Herb Waters got one year of learning the position and will have a chance to show he can turn his athleticism into actual value next year.