Packers Question of the Day - Kentrell Brice Making a run for a Roster spot?
The Packers have kept five safeties on their roster before. Up-and-coming rookie Kentrell Brice is giving the coaches a run for their money and pushing for that potential fifth safety spot.
With Sean Richardson's career finished in Green Bay, this leaves the original four safeties on the roster - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett, Chris Banjo and Micah Hyde. Behind them, Marwin Evans, Jermaine Whitehead and Brice all compete for that possible opening on the roster.
Sporting former cornerback Casey Hayward's no. 29, Brice impressed in the Packers' preseason opener against Cleveland, flying all over the field and making plays with his limited opportunities as a reserve.
If Brice can continue to turn some heads, he may just fill the occupancy left by Richardson. Especially if he can contribute via special teams.
Should the Packers ultimately consider keeping Brice as a fifth safety, or use that roster spot to stock up another position?
__________________________
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].
Comments (13)
staffordsneckfat
August 15, 2016 at 09:31 am
Brice has made an impression in camp and in the first preseason game; looks like he can at the very least be a major contributor on special teams immediately.
Also, let's keep an eye on Brandon Burks from Troy. He has fresh legs and really made an impact on Friday night.
RCPackerFan
August 15, 2016 at 09:33 am
I think both players have a real chance at making the 53.
I was high on Burks from the beginning but he really played well.
Both players I am looking forward to seeing how they do Thursday night.
RCPackerFan
August 15, 2016 at 09:32 am
I think Brice has a real shot at winning a roster spot. He really impressed me in the first preseason game.
For Brice to win a roster spot though he has to show up big on special teams. If he can provide the value on special teams that is where he will earn his roster spot.
He is off to a good start though.
RobinsonDavis
August 16, 2016 at 11:31 pm
As I stated previously, the number of defensive snaps Brice played was extraordinary this past week. Like Spriggs' case, I do not believe this was by accident. Brice has an exceptional opportunity, but keeping things in perspective, this was one game. It will be interesting to see if his play time and contributions continue, especially as teams move from their base offensive and defensive schemes. RC is right that special team contributions will solidify his roster potential. Last, I strongly believe that BOTH Brice and Banjo can (and will) be on the same roster.
Handsback
August 15, 2016 at 10:04 am
Brice has good speed and size. He's not a lock, but sure looked good in the first game.
Gianich
August 15, 2016 at 10:55 am
He sure does and he sure did! Brice impressed me the most after re-watching that game on DVR this weekend. He was everywhere and when lined up with Banjo in the defensive backfield he beat Banjo to every spot and ball carrier by a full step or two by comparison. He looks smart and instinctive and a lot better fluidity and athleticism than Banjo. Apparently the only D-back to have better numbers testing this spring prior to the draft was Jaylen Ramsey. Brice will be able to do what Banjo did on ST right away and will offer more in the defensive backfield down the road than the limited upside of Banjo.. Banjo was a nice solid stop gap the last couple of years but I'll take the natural talent and superior athleticism of Brice this year to fill out the final 53.
Ibleedgreenmore
August 15, 2016 at 11:47 am
To me Brice and Burks get a spot and Goodson after the 4 game suspension gets cut.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 15, 2016 at 11:58 am
He bears watching. His pro day was phenomenal, including 133" broad (yup - that's 11 feet 1 inch), 42" vertical, 4.44 forty, 1.56 10 yard dash, 21 reps on the bench, all at 5'11.4" and 200 lbs. The only discordant note is a horrific 7.66 3-cone time. So, I will be watching his change of direction and hips - he was reasonably productive in college, so there must be something that scouts distrusted. He could be a replacement for Hyde.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=122171&draftyear...
Community Guy
August 15, 2016 at 12:54 pm
i also thought Brice had an excellent performance against the Browns.. the only flaw i noticed in Brice's play was in his coverage on the touchdown that got called back.. likely Brice was having a rookie moment (which fortunately didn't cost).
with Janis out, will Brice get gunner duties?
Turophile
August 15, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Brice, Burks, Perillo, Allison, Gunter, Banjo. Lots of guys a little further down the pecking order who look able to make it very hard, come the time of the Turk.......
al bundy
August 15, 2016 at 02:17 pm
IF he can continue to impress the heck out of them he may make the practice squad. Hey Eliot killed it in pre season and bench sat.
No if your not one of Teddies high draft picks you don't replace anyone unless its for injuries.
Thinks about it. What if some running back put up huge numbers this pre season. Do you think for one minute that guy would replace Starks or Lacy?
Not happening on this team. Thats one of the problems with its progress stalled.
lucky953
August 15, 2016 at 11:43 pm
Brice has so much upside and with the good tape, he isn't going to make it to the PS. Safeties are highly sought in this league. Gotta find a spot for him.
Gianich
August 16, 2016 at 11:42 am
His upside way superior to Banjo's so I'm ok with him taking that spot. In one short month the practices and one game show he can be more than just a guy whereas we know over the last 2.5 years that Banjo is just a guy, a good solid one and a full effort guy but just a guy nonetheless.