The Opportunistic Brice Impresses in Another Preseason Outing

Rookie safety Kentrell Brice continues to show why he should be considered for a roster spot with the Packers after putting together another solid performance against the Raiders.

A safety unit that once occupied the likes of Sean Richardson, Chris Banjo and Micah Hyde rounding out the starting duo of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett may have itself a fifth member once more.

Kentrell Brice has been making a full-fledged run at a potential roster spot with the Packers. Initially as a dark horse amongst the other undraftees that the Packers signed following the culmination of the 2016 NFL Draft, Brice brings to the safety group a combination of both physicality and fundamentals.

During his tenure with the team, Richardson solidified his roster spot not by his coverage ability, which wasn't much to fawn over anyways, but instead by his presence on special teams. The same could've been said of Banjo until recently, considering the four-year veteran and special teams captain is proving to be viable safety depth as well. 

If Brice can formulate some kind of methodical approach to where he can prove to be as useful on special teams as he has been stopping any opposition in his path in the last two preseason games, there may be room for him on the 53-man roster come September 3rd.

With nothing but Louisiana Tech's Pro Day to show for his skill set, it didn't take long for the Packers to show interest in Brice, known as the school's hardest hitter. A title that, so far, he's carried into Green Bay. After hosting him for a private workout, he was immediately signed to a deal the same Saturday the draft concluded.

His 42-inch vertical jump might've had something to do with that, as well as his ability to play both safety spots.

In just his junior and senior years combined, Brice totaled 111 solo tackles and three interceptions. That's just in 27 of the 28 possible games he could've played in. His 65 solo tackles in his junior year also led all other players in the USA Conference. 

Transitioning to the NFL and competing for a potential spot with the Packers didn't seem to faze Brice. After making six tackles in his first preseason game against the Browns including one for a loss, he halved that performance the following week against the Raiders. Three tackles this time, one of them a perfectly-executed wrap-up tackle in the backfield. In both games, his ability to maneuver sideline-to-sideline has also made itself apparent.

Coming to a team whose tackling mechanics have seemingly descended into oblivion in recent years, the strongest suit of Brice's game fits perfectly. His enhanced tackling ability almost makes him an immediate asset to the special teams unit, who didn't exactly perform to expectations on Thursday night. Especially if worse comes to worst with gunner maestro Jeff Janis and his hand injury.

The Packers have a spot somewhere on their roster for Brice. Their schedule will give him another two weeks to find out just exactly where that spot is.

__________________________

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 (59)

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

August 19, 2016 at 03:42 pm

I like what I have seen from Brice, boy to be Ted and Mike oh the fun.

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Community Guy's picture

August 19, 2016 at 03:47 pm

i agree with you Zachary.. and without Janis as gunner Brice may be the logical guy to somewhat fill those big shoes.

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EddieLee's picture

August 19, 2016 at 04:09 pm

You get the sense that the organization feels the pressure to win another championship with Rodgers sooner rather than later. More so then past years. That has a roster repercussions. You might choose the proven commodity that is game ready over guys wiith higher upside but need development. It's always a balance but I'm guessing it tilts more towards game ready vets over raw rookies this season.

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sonomaca's picture

August 19, 2016 at 05:31 pm

Packers a victim of their own success in UDFA market. Callahan, Allison, Brice, Hawkins, Burks, etc...

I think the best way to do this is to cut those who are most likely to go unclaimed and keep those who they feel would be claimed. I think they have to keep Callahan, Brice, Allison, and Hawkins for that reason.

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CJ Bauckham's picture

August 19, 2016 at 06:23 pm

Completely agree with your first paragraph. A lot of udfa's have stated publicly they come to GB because the Packers give them a legitimate shot at making the 53. It would be great if that trend continues, or even picks up steam.

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holmesmd's picture

August 19, 2016 at 07:07 pm

What about Price on the DL?:/

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:50 pm

Agreed.

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L's picture

August 23, 2016 at 09:24 am

Needs a year on the PS to add strength.

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Bear's picture

August 19, 2016 at 08:07 pm

Gilbert has also looked good..

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:50 pm

Agreed.

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L's picture

August 23, 2016 at 09:26 am

He's another potential PS player; especially, if Elliot doesn't make the 53-man roster.

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lucky953's picture

August 19, 2016 at 08:03 pm

I think that's an excellent roster (although I'm sure you disagree), and I'll bet you're not far off. Mortel will be the punter. They're fed up with Masthay's inconsistency. He is what he is.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:49 pm

That looks like a pretty good roster and a pretty good guess on the 53.

RB: Could be Burks over Crockett. I'd be happy w either.
WR: Allison or Davis might force their way on the 53.
DL: Ringo battle w Price, Kuder for the last spot.
ILB: Bradford forces a way on the 53 (5 ILBs) or he displaces ?
OLB: Might need a roster spot. Elliott or McCray.
DB: Hawkins might indeed force GB to carry 5 CBs.
SS: Brice might force his way onto the 53.
P: Mortell has a chance to oust Masthay.

Possible surprise cuts:
Elliott - or maybe McCray if they need a roster spot,
Banjo - he can play FS; Is Brice a SS or a FS in the NFL
Barrington - too early to tell about him
Ringo: just okay at best against back-ups.
Lovato: Sounds like GB isn't completely happy w him.
Adams: just can't see GB doing that.
Abby: Just can't see GB doing that, and they shouldn't.
Janis: Barely see GB cutting him - inj & if they find a gunner

* No reason for 3 dislikes. That is getting dislikes because
of who you are, and not the substance of the comment

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:54 pm

If Brice makes then Geronimo makes and Janis doesn't.

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:37 pm

I think Janis gets stashed on IR.

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stockholder's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:13 pm

Cow , I'm taking Backman with your 3 Tes. I wish I could say over Adams! Davis for Janis (IR)? Allison for Abbey? Will See! Your defense says Ringo. I say 6 DL. (He Stays) for the year. Thomas goes!!! Food for thought. Instead of Davis WR. TT could have had San Diego's Jatavis Brown LB. So I think he still has to put Davis on the roster. But I believe your very close.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 20, 2016 at 04:32 am

Well, you really do not like Abby hahahahahaha...

If they would ask you, Abby would be gone a long time ago...

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stockholder's picture

August 20, 2016 at 08:00 am

No - I'm just being REALISTIC. I feel Abby would beat Adams hands down, if he just had more speed. The 2nd problem is, Abby is going up against a guy that has more size. (Maybe better Hands ?) I first felt that TT got good draft value in Abbey and Janis. I feel Janis is the best special teams player they've had in years. Maybe ever! So I have Janis ahead of Abbey. But not as a WR. No Hype. I would take janis over Jerrod Bush any day. My problem is Adams. Feel he and Thornton, were TTs worse ever draft picks. But what is the ceiling of Janis and Abbey? Thats why I'm picking Allison. (Size and Trust) Not because I don't like Abbey. But I do feel James Jones was better than all, as a WR. And I do understand that were looking at who has the best upside. For the TEAM. So cap, age, and ceiling , played in a release. But is the grass greener?

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holmesmd's picture

August 21, 2016 at 11:27 am

I am almost certain that Thomas will make the 53. He's had too good of a camp to cut and he knows our defense up & down. I wouldn't want a guy like that out in the wind to give his new team inside info. Plus, I think he's a pretty darn good ILB'r at this point. Bradford has really come on as well and it's too bad that I don't think they can keep both. Does Bradford have any PE left? They could try to stash him there but I don't think he would last very long

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Tundraboy's picture

August 19, 2016 at 11:11 pm

That's really going out on a limb, for you.

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sheppercheeser's picture

August 21, 2016 at 07:16 am

Agree, except at WR. Pencil in Davis or Allison in favor of Janis. Yes, I know he's a ST stud, but I want a fast WR to spread the field and catch the ball consistently.

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L's picture

August 23, 2016 at 10:22 am

Your 53-man list is very close to my current 53-man prediction:

QB: Hundley needs to demonstrate health to ensure a 3rd QB isn't rostered. I think it's obvious that Callahan is the leading candidate to be added to the Practice Squad.

Rodgers
Hundley

RB: Burks is showing well enough during preseason action that he's keeping pressure on Crockett, but I think Crockett will be the #3 guy and Burks ends up being a decent bet to make the PS.

Lacy (HB)
Starks (HB)
Crockett (HB)
Ripkowski (FB)

WR: I think the team elects to keep Janis on the 53 with the intent of making him active either for week 3 or after week 3 (in order to be a ST's gunner) while attempt to get Davis plus Allison onto their Practice Squad. This prediction is quite up in the air based a number of other factors, but it's the one I'm sticking with for now. There are obvious arguments to be made for Davis making the 53 (5th Round Draft Pick, Kickoff Returner, & Janis' injury), but I think it's probably best for him and the team to have him spend a season on the practice squad.

Nelson (X, Z)
Cobb (Z)
Adams (X, Y)
Montgomery (Z, Y)
Abbrederis (Z, Y, X)
Janis (X, Y)

TE: Backman is still a big bubble guy IMO who's fighting with several others for a chance of making the 53 man roster, but I currently see the Packers electing to go with other players while attempting to get Backman onto their Practice Squad.

Cook
Rodgers
Perillo

OL: Linsley's injury on top of the contract status of a number of O-linemen really makes this group hard to figure out. I think there's a huge battle between Taylor, Walker, and Barclay for perhaps 1... maybe 2 spots. If Linsley's injury is as serious at it's now appearing it might be maybe the Packers elect to place him on the Regular Season PUP list and keep Steuck around in his place since Taylor nor Barclay have demonstrated any real good capability at Center to this point. I'm assuming they want to keep 9 O-linemen, but maybe they chance keeping only 8 or play it safe with 10. For now I'm guessing Barclay is the guy they go with based on the amount of in-game experience and position versatility he's shown, but it's probably my least confident prediction.

Bulaga (OT - RT)
Bakhtiari (OT - LT)
Lang (OG - RG)
Sitton (OG - LG)
Tretter (C, G, T)
Linsley (C, OG) - Will he end up being a candidate for the Regular Season PUP list?
Spriggs (OT)
Murphy (OG, OT)
Barclay (OG, OT, C)

DL: I list Jones here because he'll still be part of the rotation at Defensive End on top of playing Elephant End. Pennel will miss the first 4 games and when he returns the team will have a decision to make as to who to take off the 53-man roster for him. Price might be added to the Practice Squad to give him a year to add strength.

Guion (NT, DT)
Clark (DT, NT, DE)
*Pennel (DT, NT)
Daniels (DT, DE)
Ringo (DE, DT)
Lowry (DE)
Jones (EE, DE)

LB: I think there's a heck of a battle between Elliot and McCray for earning an OLB spot on the 53-man roster and as of right now I'm still thinking both could make it, but I certainly realize there's the very real possibility that only one of them does and if that was the case I think I'd side with McCray over Elliot despite the team's control over his contract. A similar situation is occurring at ILB between Thomas and Bradford, but as of right now I think Bradford has shown enough during preseason action to make the 53. Also, Ryan's injury does add intrigue to the question of how many Inside Linebackers will they keep on the 53-man roster.

Peppers (EE, OLB - Jack)
Perry (EE, OLB - Jack)
Elliot (OLB - Jack)
McCray (OLB - Jack or Sam)
Fackrell (OLB - Sam)
Matthews (OLB - Jack or Sam, ILB - Mike)
Barrington (ILB - Mike)
Martinez (ILB - Will or Mike)
Ryan (ILB - Will or Mike)
Bradford (ILB - Mike)

DB: This is the spot on the team where I think not only one, but potentially two undrafted free agents could make the 53-man roster. I think there's a very interesting battle going on between Gunter, Hawkins, Daniel, Dorleant, and maybe even Jette for two potential Cornerback spots. Gunter should be in pretty good position to be considered a near lock as long as he doesn't continue making any more major special teams blunders and of the remaining guys I've been fairly impressed by Hawkins during his preseason action which is why I'm currently listing him, but Daniel is right on his heals. At Safety undrafted rookie free agent Brice has made his presence known to the point that I think the Packers will be forced to put him on their 53 if they don't want to risk another team acquiring his services.

Shields (CB)
Randall (CB, Slot)
Rollins (CB, Slot)
Gunter (CB, Slot)
Hawkins (CB, Slot)
Hyde (Slot, SS, FS)
Clinton-Dix (FS)
Burnett (SS)
Banjo (SS, FS)
Brice (FS, SS)

K:

Crobsy

P: Quite the battle continues here, but I think Masthay remains the starter this year just because I think the coaches factor in holding and team chemistry as part of the equation's X-factor (I believe Masthay is very much liked by most, if not all, core team members; plus, he's a better holder). Maybe that's a silly method to decide, but it's what my gut is telling me right now.

Masthay

LS: lack of healthy competition leaves Lovato as the guy it seems.

Lovato

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sonomaca's picture

August 19, 2016 at 07:30 pm

Don't think Callahan would make it to PS if released right now. Even if Hundley's ankle heals, he won't have had many preseason snaps. Probably have to keep Callahan, at least for awhile. Might see some surprise cuts: Barrington, Elliott, Banjo?

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Bedrock's picture

August 19, 2016 at 07:53 pm

Callahan hasn't shown enough for other teams to put him on their 53 man roster. He recognizes his best chance at becoming a future starter is to learn from MM's QB school and training, be patiently working hard, show up in preseason and get the large payday based on hype the following offseason. The only way he makes our 53 is through the ankle of Hundley.

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:38 pm

Agreed. He's fun to watch but he is scrambling so much because he is lost.

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lucky953's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:27 pm

Bingo!!

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Amanofthenorth's picture

August 19, 2016 at 10:56 pm

Can't blame him. NFL game two.. Hard not to respect his start.

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croatpackfan's picture

August 20, 2016 at 04:34 am

I think Ted will reach for veteran QB if Hundley needs to go longer on the injury list...
While I like Callahan, he is not ready to play NFL games...

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dobber's picture

August 21, 2016 at 09:26 pm

Agreed. If ARod goes down for any length of time, they couldn't hand the keys to Callahan. If TT put the Packers in that position and Callahan had to start 3-4 games? Ugh...

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sonomaca's picture

August 22, 2016 at 07:22 pm

Well, I doubt we'll see much of Joe in the regular season. With Hundley hobbled, there's no chance that McCarthy puts #12 at risk now. Doubt we'll see him for more than a couple series vs. Niners, and definitely only with first team O-line.

Which means, the Summer of Callahan continues. I don't think anyone foresaw that he'd take 70% of the Packers preseason snaps.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 22, 2016 at 07:55 pm

" I don't think anyone foresaw that he'd take 70% of the Packers preseason snaps."

You can say that again. Those poor WR. I feel for them.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 19, 2016 at 09:45 pm

Brice is interesting. If GB finds a solid PR, say in Abby, Davis, etc., with Hyde being a FA in 2017, I could see Brice assuming that hybrid role and GB letting Hyde walk. I don't think Hyde is anything other than ordinary at best. Letting Hyde walk could save GB $3M to $6M per year in cap space.

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dobber's picture

August 21, 2016 at 09:30 pm

I really like Brice, but I would argue that he has played mostly downhill from his S position so far. Virtually everything has been in front of him. He can get to the sideline, too. That has worked pretty well for him. I don't know that anyone has really tested him, yet.

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Allan Murphy's picture

August 20, 2016 at 08:35 am

??????? can Brice do what Janis did on ST ??????

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Since'61's picture

August 20, 2016 at 09:34 am

I hope the Packers find a way to keep both Allison and Brice. Move Janis to IR. Keep 7 WRs if necessary. I see no reason to keep either Ringo or McCray on defense.
As of now my 53 is:
QB - Rodgers, Hundley
RBs - Lacy, Starks, Crockett, Rip
OL - Bahkthiari, Sitton, Tretter, Lang, Bulaga, Linsley, Spriggs, Murphy, Taylor
TEs - Cook, R. Rodgers, Perillo
WRs - Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Abby, Davis, Allison

DL - Guion, Clark, Pennell, Daniels, Lowry, Price
ILBs - Martinez, Barrington, Bradford, Ryan
OLBs - CM3, Peppers, Perry, Jones, Eliott, Fackrell,
CBs - Shields, Randall, Rollins, Gunther,
S - Burnett, Dix, Hyde, Banjo, Brice
PK - Crosby
P - Morrell
LS - Lovato

25 on offense, 25 on defense, 3 STs, with plenty of weapons for Rodgers. Put Burks, Hawkins, Ringo, McCray, Bachmann, on the PS.

This list may change due to injuries. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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stockholder's picture

August 20, 2016 at 10:08 am

I thought Price is a PS. Ringo can be cut then added to PS. He stays giving the packers a better option at elephant. My choice of Backman TE was to pertect him. He would leave upon Pennel's return. (If Ringo shows up big. ) I felt Bradford was good, but he's not consistent. (Cut) Lots of options at ILB and DE without Thomas , Bradford or Ringo. I think they need 5 Cbs even if Hyde moves around. Hawkins seems to be getting the better views. Gatewood to PS.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2016 at 11:05 am

Since '61, Good News!

Pennel is suspended and doesn't count against the 53. So, for the first 4 games, you can add someone to your roster. My candidates: McCray (who is not eligible for the PS), or Thomas, maybe Hawkins.

I decided not to nitpick your selections (it is early - I can easily change my mind on a couple of guys here), but otherwise I'd mention Janis - but I can't with a straight face advocate 8 WRs!

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Since'61's picture

August 20, 2016 at 11:26 am

Reynoldo - I appreciate your feedback. I realize Pennel is suspended but I haven't yet decided who I would temporarily keep in his spot. If I had to choose today I would keep Hawkins, but that could change by the end of camp. Like you, I could also change my mind on some of these players so this is my first draft of the 53. As for Janis, right now, to me, his upside is on the STs. I'd rather give Rodgers the best weapons available and to me Davis and Allison are both better weapons than Janis. As for who I would replace if and when Janis returns from IR, I will wait and see on that decision. Just want to get through the next 2 weeks clean and healthy. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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Archie's picture

August 20, 2016 at 09:30 am

First off, there are many possibilities for TT's worst pick ever. QB Brian Brohm in R2 stands out for me. Though Thyri Thornton in R2 is a close 2nd. Davante Adams is yet to be determined. Yes he had a horrible sophomore campaign after showing great potential in the closing stages of his rookie year. He had plenty of excuses for last year's non-performance, including ankle injury. He lacks great speed while showing terrible hands and very poor adjustment to the ball last year. The biggest fear is that he can't get open on his own. That is a death-knell in MM's offense because he does not how to scheme a guy open. Holmgren was great at that. Can he overcome all these things? Maybe. He deserves a year 3 to prove whether he is a bust or not.

As far as cutting Trevor Davis goes - that is never going to happen.

Abby, Monty, Jordy & Cobb are keepers too.

Janis to IR.

What about Geronimo? Hard to see them keeping 7 WR. Look for Geronimo to have a mysterious injury in week 4 if nobody else goes down at WR.

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Michalske's picture

August 20, 2016 at 10:45 am

Thornton was R3, not R2. But yes, a swing and miss bust, for sure.

Adams at least has done something on the field. Nowhere near as big a bust as Thornton or Brohm. Not even as bad as Harrell.

That's outside of me wondering how much speed and sharp cutting ability people expect from a guy (Adams) playing hurt on a bum ankle almost all of last year. I have a similar question about Cobb having 'no ability to gain separation' while playing almost the whole year with a bum shoulder.

Why do some players get credit for playing hurt and others not? Shouldn't we evaluate them all by the same standards?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 20, 2016 at 11:16 am

"Why do some players get credit for playing hurt and others not? Shouldn't we evaluate them all by the same standards?"

Don't hold your breath waiting for an answer to that one on here.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 20, 2016 at 11:17 am

You have a point. The thing is, we don't know how significant the injuries are. Cobb has a track record of being able to create separation and of being a fine player. Adams does not. It may be that Adams' injury explains his lack of improvement - but his camp so far is not terribly encouraging.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 20, 2016 at 12:07 pm

@Reynoldo How did you come to the lack of improvement conclusion? Maybe your expectations are out of this world or we're getting different updates. I haven't seen a rough/bad camp/practice update since July 31st. I've been seeing a lot of Abby/Adams/Geronimo updates about them standing out.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 21, 2016 at 02:43 am

Hi, Drealyn. I am not going to go back to read the last 2 or 3 weeks worth of practice updates. The 31 yard reception he had is a nice play, but we knew he could run a stop or fade coupled with a back-shoulder throw. I want to see him sell a route and make a cut that creates separation.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 21, 2016 at 01:41 pm

But you said lack of improvement and his camp so far is not terribly encouraging. How did you come to that conclusion? I went back to the practices updates because there hasn't been any WR that has clearly outplayed him. The 3 WR standouts have been Adams/Abby/Allison. Which WR has shown improvement from last season in your opinion?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 21, 2016 at 06:44 pm

So, Drea, you want to know what I really, really think? Which WR has shown improvement from last season? None of them.

Abby: He has had a fine camp. Probably refined his skills some, but they were there last season. But the camp tweets don't tell me where he lined up. I thought Abby could play outside - that is, X receiver. Having watched the games, I see no evidence of that - though he hasn't had much opportunity or a QB who can actually throw downfield (Callahan - a terrible 4.7 yds/att; Williams a truly horrific 3.9 yds/att). Does he need to be in the middle of the field, where we have Cobb and Monty, to be effective? IDK yet for sure. Slot and flanker isn't where we need improvement or numbers. In some ways, my opinion of Abby has gone down despite showing to the coaches, who might have known this last season, that he is starter level slot and flanker WR. But he hasn't shown that he can play Nelson's position. Abby so far seems to need to be in the middle of the field to be effective. I do think that Abby can beat good CBs, and is the clear #2 behind Cobb. He is a keeper.

Monty: No change from last year other than his horrible drops from college days have returned. My opinion is unchanged. Can't play x. Big, strong, he is a keeper.

Janis: Haven't seen him. Reports were universally bad. Down.

Adams: Clearly the initial updates were bad. All the more recent/positive reports from camp sound like this: Adams caught a tough pass, he jumped over the CB to get that one. I knew he could do those things in practice last year - never read that he can sell a route or make a cut that creates separation this year. Yeah, he can run a stop or fade and catch a back shoulder pass - probably a bubble screen as well. Probably have to wait for GB to play a QB who can throw. So far, Adams looks to me not unlike the same guy who couldn't do it last year.

Allison: Nice route runner. Good hands. Big. Knows how to use his body and has a nice catch radius. Has a chance. Can he play X? Not in the prototypical sense, but there have been some big, not fast WRs, but they often need a pretty good X receiver opposite them. Like him so far.

Davis: Fast, good hands. Can he run a route? Raw, skinny. Shorter, slighter, Janis with better hands. Maybe given a year on the PS he can learn to run routes, learn the playbook, and gain AR's trust. Maybe he gets promoted later this year.

Cobb: During the re-signing time frame, I wrote that he can't play outside but is very good at slot. It is just true. Always had some drops each year. I expect him to rebound, work the underneath, more YAC this yr. Gets deep only against safeties and LBs.

Overall: Jordy needs to be elite or close to it. Cook is a massive upgrade over RR as a TE and over Adams at X WR. Cobb returns to using his quickness to work underneath. It is the Nelson, Cobb, Cook show. If they are good, Abby, Monty, Adams/Allison/Davis or whoever else will be fine as the 4th option. I mean, they will have Goodson covering them, not Shields, Rollins or Randall. Wonder how those guys do against Gunter? Nelson, Cobb, Cook and anyone other NFL caliber receiver should be more than enough, potentially dominant.

Depth Chart (in order of course):
X: Nelson, Cook, ?Adams? ?Abby? ?Allison? ?Davis? ?Janis?
Slot: Cobb, Abby, Monty

Having to keep 7 WRs isn't a sign of strength or abundance of NFL level players. It means something else.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 21, 2016 at 07:44 pm

"he hasn't had much opportunity or a QB who can actually throw downfield..."

That can be said for all WRs trying to prove themselves, no?

" All the more recent/positive reports from camp sound like this: Adams caught a tough pass, he jumped over the CB to get that one."

We must be getting updates from different insiders then because I'm reading things like Adams beating Randall across the middle, beating Daniels deep for a would-be 75 yard td, beating randall. Beating someone isn't just catching the ball, is it?

So, if there's a true #2 WR on this team it's likely to be Allison??

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 21, 2016 at 09:36 pm

Maybe Allison, but I've still got Adams listed 2nd behind Nelson, well, 3rd behind Cook, but I expect Cook to not be split wide more than perhaps 30%. I'm not certain who should be opposite Nelson - no one has grabbed it, IMO. Could be Adams again, by default, or then Abby, Allison and Davis. If you want speed, Davis/Janis, but that's what i think about Janis/Davis: Not ready. Let me watch AR play with these guys and then hopefully Hundley in the last game.

Let me ask you these questions/opinions:

in a 5 WR set, our best group would be:
1. Nelson & Cook wide- Cobb, Monty & Abby inside them;
2. Same as above, with Monty or Cobb in the backfield;
3. Nelson and ? wide, Cobb and ? inside them, Cook at TE (inline?)

In our 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB, best group is:
A. Nelson, TBD?, Cobb, Cook, Lacy. Maybe just match-ups.
B. No changes I can think of. Other than TBD, they're locks.

I almost always read the updates from practice on this site and on Acme, though Acme's is poorly done. I am famous for having a wretched memory. It is tough to figure out what is happening from the updates other than in a general sense. I was determined to get to a practice to see for myself, but stuff keeps happening. Brought my car in - it wouldn't start I need a battery. Mechanic says he'll toss one in Monday, place promptly burns down with my car inside it.

Actually, beating Randall across the middle and the 75 TD pass do ring bells. What I don't know is if Randall and Daniels were in zone, if Adams beat a jam, or if this was in 9-7 (which favors the offense - I remember a day with lots of TDs scored). Mentally I have Adams as up and down in practice, but it may be that you are right and he has turned a corner and had strong, consistent practices since July 31 and he is building on them.

You are free to think I am a biased and/or uninformed (I know now I should read 6 blogs and all the beat writers every day). Note: I disliked the Adams pick from day one but gave the master GM for picking 2nd rd. WRs the benefit of the doubt. Hated the RR pick. Thornton was Wut? Went on rants about that draft. Liked Dix, Bradford, and approved of drafting a true OC but had Richburg, Swanson and Martin in mind. I didn't look hard at Linsley since I thought GB liked bigger guys than Linsley at OC.

The cat has plopped down btw me and the laptop. He has priority.

Peace, Amigo.

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lucky953's picture

August 21, 2016 at 11:42 pm

Good analysis and I mostly agree with your receiver rankings. I'm keeping in mind the Packers coaches' oft-stated objective of putting the best 11 on the field. Thus, I don't expect to see a lot of 5 WR sets. Opposite Nelson will be Adams' job to lose. Next up would be Cobb, even though I agree it's not his best position. However, he's a better bet than Abbrederis or Montgomery, who are even more limited to the slot than Cobb. If Davis and/ or Allison make the 53, they won't be seeing many reps because they aren't going to be polished with routes/reads (remember how Allison did not adjust as Callahan expected him to against the Raiders). Rodgers, rightfully, has no patience for that when the lights come on. Does Cook have enough speed/moves to separate from corners? Doubtful on a consistent basis. Therefore I think we'll see more 2 TE sets this year, probably more double slots too. Like they did with Finley, Cook will move in and out of the line depending on the matchup. The top receivers right now look to be Nelson, Cobb, Cook; then Adams, Abby, Montgomery, RR. Depending on who steps up in the early season, formations will be adapted to suit the personnel. It's going to be very exciting to see MM move the chess pieces around this year. It will be unpredictable and entertaining.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 22, 2016 at 12:25 am

" Note: I disliked the Adams pick from day one but gave the master GM for picking 2nd rd. WRs the benefit of the doubt."

Ahhhhh. It all makes sense now, lol. Just come on out and say it then. He won't be good. He's not a 2nd round talent. He will end up being a bust. I know you have it in the holster waiting for him to fail this season.

The special ability the Packers WR group have is that they all can play any WR position and be effective. Cobb and Ty have made plays from the Outside along with Adams and Jordy making plays from the Slot. Now, of course we have WRs that maximize their abilities from certain positions, but TT usually (keyword) picks all around ball players.

I would guess if the Pack ran a 5WR set it would be:

Abby: Outside
Adams: Outside
Jordy: Inside (2 WR side closest to R/L Tackle)
Cook: Inside (3 WR side closest to R/L Tackle)
Cobb: Inside (3 WR side closest to Outside WR)

For the 3 WR, 1 TE and 1 RB I'd guess:
Nelson: Outside
Adams: Outside
Cobb: Slot
Richard Rodgers: Inline or H-Back
RB: Doesn't matter

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 22, 2016 at 09:41 am

Dear Drea, Regarding my initial dislike of the Adams pick, I call it full disclosure. I hope I can subliminate (in the Freudian sense) my desire to be right in order to judge the pick fairly. No one in 2014 in his or her right mind would second guess one of TT's WR draft picks: not after Jennings, Jones, Nelson and Cobb. Adams was considered a 2nd rounder by many, or even a late 1st rounder by a few. I was looking for Nelson's complement and successor and didn't think Adams fit the bill - preferred Moncrief, Robinson, (and Bryant depending on his red flags. I do hope Adams comes through for us and is good (unless I subconsciously can't wait to pull out my .44 Magnum and write: Make my day). Now, I have written many times that I have to eat internet crow if Bradford is a bust because I loved that pick. I am rooting for Bradford, maybe just a bit harder because I want to be right about him.

BTW: I disagree on Cobb playing outside: his 8.8 yd/reception while outside spoke volumes. I don't think he can play X. Not sure but don't think Monty can either. I thought Abby could play X, but hasn't shown it too much in the games. The practice updates rarely specify where folks line up. Time will well tell on Monty and Abby.

I wondered if you'd put Nelson inside. He is very good there. You've certainly can flood the middle. You've got Cobb in what in my day often was called the flanker. He is good there, and it may be Abby's best position. AR should definitely find a one on one that is favorable.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 22, 2016 at 03:31 pm

Lol, you are too cool, Reynoldo.

As far as Cobb and Ty playing outside - I'm not suggesting they should play there. I'm saying they can. What about the plays where either Rodgers didn't connect with them or the WR dropped it? Example, Cobb vs the Panthers should've been a bomb (I believe against Norman). And the first play against the 49ers to Ty should have been a TD - dropped. Those guys can play anywhere.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 21, 2016 at 09:39 pm

Sorry, double post - one by me, one by Bubba, my cat.

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cpitt's picture

August 20, 2016 at 12:34 pm

Lets not forget, for as seemingly lost as Janis is in route running at times, he makes more plays with limited opportunity than anuone else on the team. Every game he gets a chance, he makes big plays. Hes the most physically gifted reciever on the team, hands down. Faster than jordy and more explosive. And hes out best special teams player. You cant cut him. He will get snatched up in a second.

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stockholder's picture

August 20, 2016 at 08:15 pm

OK. Adams , Abbey, and Janis all had health problems so far. I cannot remember so many excuses for Nelson or Cobb. Maybe their just to far behind! To fully recover to their draft status. How much time do you want these guys to have? Have any of the three, shown the ability of Nelson or Cobb? So why do you want a flash in the pan. A 1 year wonder. And a injury prone guy to get more time? These guys are not the next Donald Driver. With Free agency their next option, were out of time with them. And their going to want money. As wolf would say Roll the dice. Trade, Release, Cut. Thats the breaks. Rebuild the position. It's time for a change. Targeted throws, and drops, don't warrant a place on the roster. You guys have to get real. Winners know how to win. You may love their physical ability, but not one of these guys have shown they are a natural.

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Tundraboy's picture

August 21, 2016 at 11:18 pm

Finally watched game. Brice was a very pleasant surprise. Have to find a spot for him. Goodbye Goodson.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

August 22, 2016 at 12:25 am

Lol

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 23, 2016 at 06:19 am

Per Tom Silverstein 8/22: Davante Adams schools rookie CB Josh Hawkins on deep route. Must have been a double move Adams was wide open

Tom Silverstein 8/22: Adams with a drop across the middle on Callahan waist level pass.

Verdict: Sounds like Adams got open against a UDFA CB (though one who might make the team as #4 or #5 CB) by virtue of his route running. Had a drop. Up, down.

Note on Silverstein: I think he is fine with his tweets and those evaluations. But his articles too often coddle the players (read he wants access). Take his recent, actually interesting, article "Hawkins following in Shields footsteps" in which Silverstein writes "playing press coverage, something Shields loves to do." If Shields loves to play press, it is news to me. Next line: "He [Hawkins] can’t match Shields’ hand size, so he may not be as good around the ball as the veteran [Shields]." What nonsense. I'd be happy if Shields intercepted passes thrown directly to him, much less make difficult ones. The casual fan might deduce that Shields plays press a lot and is great at making interceptions. In my view, if Shields caught a high % of possible INTs, he'd be an elite CB, instead of very good.

To reduce any possible perception of snarkiness:

1) Mike Spofford 8/22: Shortly after miscommunication on a route with Rodgers, Abbrederis makes a tough catch on a slant with defender all over him. Silverstein: Nice coverage by Hawkins, better catch.

2.) Walker seen w brace and crutch due to knee inj against Oak.

3) Rotheram released with injury settlement.

4) Long snapper guy released inj settlement.

5) MM names Tretter starting OC, saying he's earned it. Linsley to PUP?

Hmm: OL becoming clearer?

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staffordsneckfat's picture

August 23, 2016 at 09:17 am

You hit the nail on the head with your note on Silverstein. I know its apples and oranges, but I prefer McGinn's more direct and sometimes brutally honest point of view.

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