May 1st, 2009

Ruvell Martin In For A Battle

Aaron Nagler in Packer Offense, Ruvell Martin, Ted Thompson

I like Ruvell Martin. A lot.

But his time could be up.

Jamarko Simmons from this year’s undrafted rookie class, and Jake Allen from last year’ s, are two talents that could push the fourth year receiver for a roster spot. Martin is a workman whose blocking in the run game can not be discounted but he has limited speed and his hands are, to put it charitably, average. 

Actually, Martin’s proficiency in the run game has occasionally worked against the Packers – whenever defenses’ see Martin line up as the lone receiver, 90 percent of the time, it’s a running play. McCarthy changed this up beautifully on a touchdown pass Rodgers’ threw to Donald Lee, off of play action, last season against the Colts. However, more often than not, Martin’s presence as the lone wide out signals the offense’s intent.

Now, Simmons hasn’t done a damn thing in at the pro level, and there are reasons he wasn’t drafted. But the kid did break several of Greg Jennings’ records at Western Michigan, and we know Jennings was no slouch when he played for the Broncos. As for Allen, the kid looked good in practice last year during the offseason and training camp, showing a great first step off the line and an ability to evade press coverage, but for whatever reason his success on the practice field never seemed to translate into success in any of 2008’s preseason games.

Now, I’m not kicking Martin to the curb just yet. The guy knows the system, can block as well as any of the other receivers on the roster  and has formed a bond with the starting quarterback, things that can’t be completely discounted. But part of Thompson’s job is to keep churing the bottom of the roster and improve the overall talent level of the team, including the 4th and 5th wide receivers.

Update: Our favorite Jamarko Simmons highlight reel.

13 Responses to “Ruvell Martin In For A Battle”

Subscribes to this topic Comment RSS or TrackBack URL

Simmons is 6′2″, 231# & ran a 4.51 at his pro-day. Supposedly has great hands. He also was kicked out of a game for trying to stomp on an opponent’s head. He refused to leave the field after being kicked out.

The more I read about him, the more I like him.

WoodyG said in May 1st, 2009 at 4:34 pm

Give us one Ruvell!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1TxkbpRo5o

IronMan said in May 1st, 2009 at 4:38 pm

I think sometimes chemistry is more important than talent. This may be one of those cases. Although Jones may be the better receiver than Martin, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Martin as the 4th receiver when the season rolls around. Jones has shown some real flashes of potential, but he’s also had his share of fumbles and drops. Jones has had somewhat of a higher profile than Martin and he is younger, so there is more perceived potential. This may work against him, however, as it makes him more valuable as trade bait.
—
Martin, on the other hand, hasn’t been injured, has fumbled only once, and, as you said, is a great blocker. Also, according to the site I’ve linked at the bottom, out of the 26 incomplete passes that went his way, only 3 of them were drops. In addition to having a great relationship with Rodgers, he’s involved with a lot of the Packers charity work. He is a regular on a lot of the local Packers TV shows and always comes across as a good guy who is a lot of fun to be around. He’s kind of like a young Brett Favre in the locker room, and his absence would be noticed, if not missed.
—
Bottom line, I guess, is not to discount Martin.
—
http://sports.cbs2chicago.com/.....sp?id=7599

Jayme said in May 1st, 2009 at 4:53 pm

I mean a 4.5 is hardly slow, especially when your 6′1 231 pounds.

This guy reminds of Steve Smith on the Panthers. In the little film I’ve seen on him, every play you can see the chip on his shoulder. He is bigger than Steve but a little slower as well. Hands look excellent, and like I said really plays not only wanting to win, but to prove hes better than you in the process. I bet he makes the roster… i just got that feeling about him. He produced way too much in college to not think he cant translate some of that to the next level.

I already dont think Jarius Wynn will make the team, so theres one roster spot he can grab.

Packnic said in May 1st, 2009 at 5:20 pm

They could keep 7 WRs if it comes down to it. Can Simmons return punts?

nerd said in May 1st, 2009 at 5:28 pm

One would wonder why a WR who could break some of Jennings’ records has not been given more consideration by NFL brass. Surely he has good hands and some speed or he couldn’t have done what he did. It makes me curious whether he had off-field or personality problems. But if so, the Bengals or Raiders still wouldn’t hesitate on him. Or maybe we have a diamond in the rough.

retiredgrampa said in May 1st, 2009 at 8:46 pm

It’s all about showing good hands. When Martin made the roster in 2006, he did it because he was the only backup receiver who wasn’t dropping everything in sight, including that year’s wasted 4th round pick Cory Rodgers. Last year, they gave Chris Francies a chance to play with the first team offense in the first preseason game, and he let a pass bounce off his shoulder pads for an INT. He was cut a couple weeks later. Simmons has to prove that he can run good routes and bring in the ball on the field in training camp.

Brandon said in May 1st, 2009 at 8:49 pm

I was really pleased that the Packers scored Simmons for nothing. That was a fantastic move by TT. I hope Simmons stays true to his word on learning everything from Jennings. Its all about the YAC`s and the TD`s. If Simmons plays like Jennings its almost a gimmie that Ruvell wont be playing for the Packers come Sept.

JerseyPackFan said in May 1st, 2009 at 10:36 pm

This is a bit off topic, but I kind of had this mad scientist idea. I am a big fan of Will Blackmon and think he is a really good athlete. However, his cover skills leave something to be desired. But, I think he is a solid return man and he has some really nice moves. Who would like to see McCarthy install a wildcat package with Blackman playing QB? Call me crazy, but I think he could handle it.

Keith said in May 2nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Martin might be best served adapting his game a bit if he wants to stay on the team. Maybe make him self a punt coverage guy or a kick coverage guy, TT loves special teams guys and that way Ruvell could stick around and get some snaps on offense too.

Ryeguy812 said in May 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Sometimes it looks like Ruvell is feeling the hit before it gets there. Other times he gets completely blasted by a safety and we feel it. He is a great guy with a personality that even a fan with limited access to him can appreciate him for having. I think he is to the point in the league where he can get calls for PI that rookies wont get. He gets mad love from Aikman and Moose Johnston that I am still trying to figure out.
Man, he will be tough to beat out.

bomdad said in May 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t replace him, but I too have always liked Martin. He has done the most with his limited opportunities in the passing game, and I can’t remember more than one drop of his (albeit that one drop was a costly one vs NYG in the NFC championship game).

ACDC84 said in May 5th, 2009 at 1:31 am

ACAC – that’s what made it so memorable’ it was so out of character. Favre threw a perfect pass over the middle and it went right through Martin’s hands. I’ll never forget that play…

packeraaron said in May 5th, 2009 at 5:38 am

Recent Entries

Auction


Sponsors


Streetviews