Opportunities will be aplenty for Packers rookies

The sky is the limit for the Packers and their 2017 rookie class.

While their 10-man class holds the key to deciphering whether or not general manager Ted Thompson's board was a strong one - when in reality, that'll take a few years to truly judge - there shouldn't be much of a battle for playing time amongst the young draftees.

Players such as cornerback Kevin King, safety Josh Jones who is arguably the Micah Hyde reincarnate and outside linebacker Vince Biegel don't have specific roles. In fact, none of the new additions do. They may not even have one by the end of the season.

If history is any indicator, it may take a year of accommodation for this group to fully settle into their new digs.

The Packers had a prominent need in their secondary last season after Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins both suffered through injuries seemingly week in and week out. It's a spot where King may be able to come in handy.

Randall, drafted in 2015, played 755 (71.8 percent) of the Packers' defensive snaps in his rookie season whereas Rollins was several hundred below at 323 or 30.7 percent. Both of the young corners proved to be serviceable in their first NFL campaign.

In that sense, it's looking good for King, who may immediately step into the season as a back-up. With LaDarius Gunter, Davon House and Randall all more likely to be lead dogs in that rat race, the 6'3" King won't be a bad option to have waiting in the wing.

However, that all depends on the Packers' rotation and what the opposing offensive personnel on the field is at the time.

Biegel, meanwhile, may not be so lucky.

Even after briefly injuring his hand during the rookie orientation practices a week ago, it was reported by two members of the ESPN staff, Adam Schefter and Rob Demovsky, that Biegel underwent foot surgery.

Biegel's injury, described as a "Jones fracture," had once nagged him during his final year at Wisconsin. He had a screw inserted into his foot in hopes of repair, but after his short first stint with the Packers, Biegel will be sidelined for presumably six-to-eight weeks.

Vince Biegel runs through drills during the Packers' rookie orientation camp. (PHOTO: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports)

Biegel may even miss the start of training camp, which begins July 27th. Over the last few seasons, though, outside linebackers haven't seen very much work in their first season with the Packers.

Kyler Fackrell, drafted in 2016, played 161 defensive snaps (15.6 percent) last season. A majority of those only in a rotational formation with Jayrone Elliott on the opposite edge in certain situations.

After being drafted in 2012, Nick Perry was on the field for 200 snaps on defense, good for 18.4 percent at the time. The odds were against Biegel from the start, especially with Clay Matthews and Perry both spearheading the majority of snaps on the edge.

The same can be said of Montravius Adams, the defensive tackle drafted in the third round by the Packers.

The last defensive tackle drafted by the Packers was just a season ago; first-round selection Kenny Clark. He played 32.5 percent of defensive snaps in 2016, and even despite this, has shown promise with his ability to set the edge at 6'3", 314 pounds and his tendency to blow up screen plays.

Clark was drafted to help rebuild the hole left in the absence of B.J. Raji, who retired unexpectedly at the end of the 2015 season. Now, they're a little less in dire need of talent there. The Packers also signed Ricky Jean Francois from Washington to fill the void.

A void whose substance has dramatically increased with the added talent along the interior of the defensive line.

A little further back in the Packers' 3-4, Clinton-Dix's first three seasons in Green Bay can prove as a stepping stone.

Even for Jones, the safety taken out of North Carolina state in the second round, all you would have to do is consider the circumstances.

Hyde, now in Buffalo, leaves the Packers down one less human Swiss Army knife in their secondary. Hyde's versatility was criminally undervalued, but now with Jones in the fold, he offers a quick replacement.

It's an unnamed position where Jones, despite being a safety, could even play in the box as a linebacker like Morgan Burnett has done over the last two seasons. He'll also have a full offseason with Darren Perry to help mold his game.

In his rookie season, Clinton-Dix fit right into the fold, playing 86.1 (941) percent of defensive snaps. Only Burnett (943, 86.3 percent) and Tramon Williams (1,012, 92.6 percent) played more on the Packers' defense in 2014.

While some rookies don't come in and make immediate impacts, the Packers do have players who may be able to flip the script and turn some heads this upcoming season. In a success-starved defense, that kind of fortune would come at the perfect time.

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (24)

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Handsback's picture

May 16, 2017 at 02:31 pm

I think the combination of King and Jones will be either starting or playing a ton of snaps. Adams will be playing about 25% of the time and maybe by the end of the year could make the all rookie team.

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Bearmeat's picture

May 16, 2017 at 02:39 pm

Agreed with Handsback. King and Jones will have every opportunity to be meaningful contributors early. Less so with Adams.

I'd also argue that 1 of the 3 rookie RBs will be a major contributor. Don't know which one obviously yet.

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Tundraboy's picture

May 16, 2017 at 02:51 pm

Liked Hyde a lot but I sure as hell hope Jones is not Hyde reincarnate. We need special and Jones may be just that.

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cuervo's picture

May 16, 2017 at 03:37 pm

Ditto----Hyde was not "criminally undervalued" as stated in the article, if anything after he has left he's been "overvalued" and made out to be the second coming of Woodson. Hyde was a very average player who could play different positions although he wasn't really great at any of them...but he was servicable. Thanks to the glut of injuries the Packers always had, he got to play alot.
I'm happy for him getting the big contract, but Buffalo overpaid big time.

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MarkinMadison's picture

May 16, 2017 at 03:34 pm

I don't think you can really compare Hyde and Jones. No one was talking about playing Hyde at ILB. Jones is bigger, faster and stronger. We'll have to see how much he can absorb during the pre-season before I'd dare to make a prediction regarding how much he plays,but at a minimum I think they will find some packages where he plays a significant role.

If King can perform as well as he measures he will be starting on the outside. Interesting to see how fast he develops. The strength of NFL WR's to beat the press could be an issue for him. I'll be curious to see how his coverage skills translate.

I hope the starting DL will be Daniels-Clark-Lowry. They each bring something to the table. I don't see Adams as more than a rotational player for passing downs this year.

Biegel is in a hole with the foot surgery. Hopefully, he gets fully mended. This may be basically a red shirt year for him. If he is picking up by December that would be perfect. Fresh legs for the playoffs.

You want to see a rookie make a real impact? Let's see which one of these RBs emerges. My money is on Mays.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 16, 2017 at 04:30 pm

I really think we will see 3-4-5 rookies playing a lot early on. Maybe not starting but playing a lot early.

King, Jones and Williams I think will play the most early.

I think Adams will be a rotational guy getting 5-10 snaps a game or so to begin with. He has a lot of players ahead of him, but he does have really good skills and could push his way into more playing time.
Biegel might get in a rotation as well. Maybe he will be used in specific packages. Probably will be a core special teams player early.

Don't be surprised if Aaron Jones plays early as well. I could see him being in the mix as a KR, and could also be a 3rd down type of RB very early. His receiving skills and speed are really good.

I really like this draft class. I thought Thompson and staff did a great job.

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stockholder's picture

May 16, 2017 at 05:44 pm

THE SCHEDULE SAYS 50%. The packers were lucky to get kevin King, and especially Jones. Capers is going to move the secondary around. I'm going to say that Adams gets more time than any other rookie. ( Especially with Guion.) And they may move Clarke outside like Raji. The DL is going to be interesting. With this new and improved secondary. BRICE HAS TO SHOW HIS FEET. And his smarts this year. Hitting won't do it. I'm still not sold on any of those WRs. The RBs better not Fumble!

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 17, 2017 at 07:24 am

In a normal year I think King would have went much higher. The CB spot was deep this year.
Jones many thought should have went a lot higher.
Adams many said if he was more consistent throughout his whole career had first round talent just wasn't consistent enough.

At least to start unless he takes off right away. I don't think Adams plays ahead of Daniels, Clark, Francois, Lowry. By the end of the year he could earn a bigger role though.

I really like Brice. But with Jones he is going to have a harder time getting more playing time. But I love watching Brice hit people. The 2 hits that standout the most are the hit on the Dallas WR, and the Falcons RB at the goal line. Most players that would have been and easy TD (he had a 20 yard head start) and Brice absolutely stoned him.

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sonomaca's picture

May 17, 2017 at 08:07 am

Jones and Brice both know for punishing style of play. That, along with speed, clearly a priority.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 17, 2017 at 09:53 am

The speed upgrade will be huge for the defense.

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Packer_Fan's picture

May 16, 2017 at 04:55 pm

I agree the sky is the limit for the rookies. But looking at it practically, my hope is that about 5 or 6 of them are making significant contributions by year end. Otherwise, I don't think the Packers have the depth without them to have a deep run for the playoffs. Rodgers with the two new tight ends will get them there though.

First either King or Jones needs to be starting CB's by the end of the season. And the other at least a significant contributor in sub packages.

Second, Biegel and Adams need to be contributors by years end. Fackrell and Elliot will have lots of opportunities to show what they can do. Biegel will be coming along slowly because of his surgery.

Then the RB's will have to contribute. Montgomery will get nicked up. Expect some starts from them.

The balance of the rookies shouldn't have to contribute a lot. Unless there is a lot of injuries. Hmmm, that has happened.

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worztik's picture

May 16, 2017 at 05:10 pm

Tough competition should eventually make all players better; both rookies and veterans. Lack of competition will surface if players are continually hurt or have lost their passion for the game! I hope we can all remain healthy and that the passion is still there for some older players!!! I think we're in for a WILD RIDE!!! Just sayin'...

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 17, 2017 at 06:09 am

"just sayin'"?

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Since'61's picture

May 16, 2017 at 10:39 pm

I think King, Jones and Williams will have the biggest impact this season. Adams and Biegel will contribute as well. The remaining draft picks will need to compete for their spots on the roster. Since the Packers need depth at RB, Aaron Jones and D. Mays both have a shot to stick. Amichia should stick based on the versatility he brings to the OL. The WRs will have a more difficult cracking the returning WR group but one of them should be able to beat out Janis out least. Interesting TC coming up. Thanks, Since '61

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Somedumbname's picture

May 16, 2017 at 11:16 pm

I concur.

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Somedumbname's picture

May 16, 2017 at 11:16 pm

I concur.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 17, 2017 at 07:48 am

The WR battle should be fun to watch.

Janis brings extra value as a special teams player. But hasn't been able to add the value to the offense yet.

Davis is a guy who could be their main returner and has the speed to get deep. If he takes a step it could be huge for the team.

Yancey is a guy who could really impress. He reminds me a lot of James Jones coming out. He could definitely earn a roster spot.

Dupre is very interesting. He played in an offense that was geared towards running the ball first, and never played with great QB's. He knows how to get deep and get open in the redzone. Definitely going to be fun to watch him.

Michael Clark is an interesting UDFA. He is 6'6 and 2016 was the first time he played football since his freshman year of highschool. He was a former basketball player and you can see that while he plays. He highpoints the ball really well. He ran the 40 in 4.53 which is really good for a 6'6 player. In his onlyear of college football he averaged over 17 yards per catch and had 5 TD's.
He is definitely a guy to watch because the Packers have no one like him at WR.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 17, 2017 at 08:10 am

I think M. Clark will finish at PS. He played for small college, so he'll need time to adjust himself top speed and strenght of the NFL...

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 17, 2017 at 11:13 am

yeah, I agree. Only playing 1 year of college football will definitely mean a steep learning curve for him. I am not saying he will make the 53 or anything like that. Just saying I am looking forward to seeing him.

But his size/speed ratio is really good. And the way he uses his body is very, very good. Can definitely see his basketball background on the field.

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Since'61's picture

May 17, 2017 at 02:59 pm

At 6'6" it could be that we keep Clark around just to catch Rodgers Hail Mary passes when we need one. Thanks, Since '61

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sonomaca's picture

May 17, 2017 at 08:10 am

Receiver battle will be really fun to watch. They should keep Janis for special teams contributions, but try him as a DB.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 17, 2017 at 11:15 am

Janis will be tough to be taken off of the special teams units. Though he does need to find a way to get on the field more on offense.

I have seen a number of people suggesting he goes to DB. If its taking him this long to learn WR, how long would it take him to learn DB?

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TKWorldWide's picture

May 17, 2017 at 11:34 am

Too long.

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Finwiz's picture

May 17, 2017 at 03:39 pm

Right, if he can't learn the offense, how's he going to learn all of Capers complex schematic adjustments? He'll be out of position ALL the time and it'll be quick six. We have enough of those "sieve" DB's without creating a new problem.

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