Cory's Corner: Who The Heck Is Raven Greene?

 

I’ve heard plenty of people ask the same thing ever since the Josh Jones debacle over a week ago. 

“Who the heck is Raven Greene?”

Well, don’t look now but Greene is about to take control of the hybrid linebacker spot to afford defensive coordinator Mike Pettine some much-needed versatility. 

The best way to describe Greene is that he has the energy of Jaire Alexander. Greene is all over the place and even though he’s an undrafted free agent, he is showing that he belongs. 

Obviously, the biggest question will be his coverage ability. In only 45 defensive snaps last year, he only had average coverage stats according to Pro Football Focus. 

But Greene has gotten noticeably thicker in the offseason. Pettine clearly has gotten word to Greene that he wants him playing in the box more — Greene only played nine snaps there last year. 

It makes sense. The Packers play seven teams that averaged over 115 yards a game on the ground last year. They could use Green’s heat-seeking skill while still being able to respect the pass at the same time. 

Could Greene be the next Morgan Burnett? I don’t think that’s fair, at least not yet. Burnett was a third round pick in 2010 and was a consistent starter in his sophomore season. Greene has made steady strides but he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. 

Depending on how well Greene has improved his coverage ability combined with how well he can recognize offensive schemes, he will get a chance to showcase what he can do. 

He fits the mold of what coach Matt LaFleur wants. Plenty of versatility, bursting with athletic ability and the attitude to continue to get better. Is he still a gamble because he was an undrafted free agent? Sure, I guess. However, if he wasn’t serious about this regime and what direction it was going in, Greene wouldn’t have changed his body to fit what Pettine wants to do. 

By the end of the season, Greene will be a fan favorite in Green Bay. That town loves underdog stories and Greene is the classic example of Rocky Balboa. Granted, the Packers don’t have Russia on their schedule next year, but you get the gist. 

If the Packers move on Josh Jones, Greene will prove why he’s up to the task. He wants to be an ascending player on an ascending team. All he needs to do is show that he can cover and he will fit in perfectly. 

And soon, that question from earlier will be morphed into, “Have you seen this Raven Greene?” 

 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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4 points
 

Comments (57)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Packer_Fan's picture

June 01, 2019 at 06:35 am

Good for Greene. Jones has to get it in his head that there is always someone who wants to play in place of you. If Jones doesn't show up, move on.

8 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

June 01, 2019 at 06:48 am

It's hard NOT to talk about Jones. I still feel like the Packers need the body at safety. Boy though, just STFU and work.

3 points
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rdent's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:49 am

I remember a guy on here a year or so ago and he attended NC State and watched Jones there. Said pretty much what we have seen from Jones so far, has all the physical attributes but can't play football worth a damn. Back in the 80's scouts and GM's had a buzz phrase for people like Jones, " looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane."

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 01, 2019 at 03:33 pm

Frankly, I don't get Jones (or his agent). The job is his. All he has to do is show up and show he can play in Pettine's scheme. What is Jones afraid of. I don't get it.

3 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 01, 2019 at 04:00 pm

flackcatcher,

I still think he will show. He has a deadline looming (mandatory attendance) that can cost him millions. Even with a couple mil in the bank, he has too much $$ to lose.

As you say, it makes no sense to hold out. Unless he has lost desire.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 06:13 pm

I interpret it as a sign of lack of self belief. Bluster is often a screen for that. I agree, it was likely his role to lose. May not be now, won’t be after mini camp, though like Ice Bowl I think he will show up for that more likely than not.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 01, 2019 at 11:47 pm

Greene beat Jones out last year until he was injured. He's a natural safety
and has the build to go inside. He moved around well last season

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 02, 2019 at 12:43 am

Josh Jones got 4 snaps in the first 8 games. It wasn't his job to lose as Pettine made it clear Josh Jones wouldn't play if there was anyone with a pulse available.

Everybody beat out Josh Jones last season.

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 02, 2019 at 08:57 pm

tgr, Jones is a draft choice. Drafted guys always get first dibs in Packer World. That, in my view is the main difference between Jones and Greene. As everybody said up thread, he has too much to lose not coming in to camp. Both as the season went on last year, showed they could not discipline themselves to play in Pettine's system. This is a new year for both, and a new slate. If Jones has lost the will to play, then he should admit it now before he get hurt, or someone else gets injured because he has lost focus. Greene needs to show that the light has come on for him in this defense. Otherwise, the Packers will move on quickly. As an UFA Greene does not have a lot of time to prove himself. I hope both come around, the sooner, the better for themselves and this team.

0 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 02, 2019 at 03:58 pm

jannes bjornson,

I have seen/read multiple reports/videos from reporters attending the OTA practices who, although not specifically looking at him, said/observed that Raven just showed up, showed up on tape too.

Seems like someone who wants it. Looks like a good competition for Jones when he shows. Or keeps Jones quitter attitude in place.

More competition still very good for the Pack. Every player, every position.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 03, 2019 at 04:50 am

I get you, Flak. Still, Josh Jones was the high draft pick last season as well, and Brice, Whitehead, Campbell, Greene, Morrison all played ahead of him.

Four snaps in the first eight games should send a message.

Now perhaps that message was that Pettine thinks Jones has the ability to play in Pettine's system but wasn't doing what Pettine wanted, or the message may have been that Jones doesn't fit what Pettine wants.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:55 am

It’s only early, there are others likely lined up. My only thought on Greene is that he is even smaller than Jones, likely even after bulking up. He is listed at 197 verses 220 odd for Jones , 233 for Burks and a more traditional Summers at 241 and Martinez listed at 237. I struggle to see Greene as a cover backer rather than a box safety. He is more Jamerson than Martinez

Perhaps that was Jones’s envisaged role too, but it’s more likely surely that this is getting him box experience while other OLB types acclimatize? It is OTAs after all.

I do think we could see Greene grab the box safety role, especially if Campbell isn’t back. That said, moderate coverage rating for the first year of play for a safety isn’t to be sneezed at. I still think he will be cover for deeper play. The mix is being developed at this point I think. Jones is only hurting himself each practice he misses.

2 points
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Lare's picture

June 01, 2019 at 07:06 am

I would be interested to know what Greene's measurables currently are. He's listed at 5'11" 197 lbs. on the Packers website which is pretty much the same size as Savage. Jones is listed at 6'2" 220 lbs which adds a little more bulk to take on blockers and help stop the run.

4 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 01:50 pm

Sorry, hadn’t read your post when I replied above.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 01, 2019 at 11:50 pm

Except he doesn't do it. He is not hardcore. His version of reality is just be a blitz guy from the slot. Rosenhaus will stall long enough to get him traded.

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

June 01, 2019 at 07:37 am

I don't know a whole hell of a lot about Greene other than he's got a hell of a lot more heart than Josh Jones does.

Here's a kid who went undrafted and was willing to change his body into something closer to what Mike Pettine wants. Not to mention he's being paid less than half of what Jones is scheduled to make.

We'll see what happens when it's mandatory for Jones to report but if still decides to stay away after playing the way he has the last 2 years instead of showing up and COMPETEING for a spot then screw him... I'll be a huge Greene fan.

5 points
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dobber's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:23 am

"I don't know a whole hell of a lot about Raven Greene"

I think he was killed off in season 3 of GoT.

5 points
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NickPerry's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:42 am

Ummmm…. I really don't know a hell a lot about GOT either... Not to mention I think I'm also the ONLY one in America who doesn't.

Seriously though Josh Jones pisses me off... Does he REALLT believe the Packers shouldn't have signed Amos and drafted Savage because they had him?

Then add delusional to the list of knocks on Jones. Number one on the list is still he can't play Safety.

12 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:58 am

No, I’m ignorant of GoT too.

6 points
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dobber's picture

June 01, 2019 at 11:42 am

I've never watched it (not one minute), either, but it seems like a GoT kind of name.

Come on, guys, with TK gone I'm working hard to keep up his legacy...

5 points
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NickPerry's picture

June 01, 2019 at 02:40 pm

Thanks dobber.... I for one appreciate it. I hope he's okay (TK) because the way he left was certainly sudden and with zero warning.

LOL...And here I thought I was the only one who never watched even one minute of it and here both you and Coldworld haven't either. I wonder if something is wrong with us.... OR is it everyone else!

1 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 01, 2019 at 03:49 pm

Me either. Not one minute of GoT.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 06:10 pm

We are not connecting with the spirit of the times. I’m proud of that myself Bear.

0 points
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dobber's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:29 pm

I KNOW there's something wrong with me, but I don't think my lack of watching GoT is it.... ;)

3 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:09 pm

dobber, what happened to TK? I enjoyed him. Was there an incident or did he just disappear into the ether?

0 points
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dobber's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:30 pm

One day he just signed off and went away.

...and CHTV was a lesser place.

4 points
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Since'61's picture

June 02, 2019 at 02:47 pm

Regretably very true Dobber. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
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porupack's picture

June 03, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Not 1 minute of GoT for me either. Roll my eyes.
CHTV is just better entertainment, and which the rest of the country has to fill the void with GoT.

Thanks Jason and CHTV for keeping us entertained and sharp.

0 points
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

June 01, 2019 at 07:40 am

That blitz that Green gets home on was really interesting. We had 9 rushing (I think) and 3 back in man. Josh Jones rushes and then peels off to cover the middle. Both Green and Jones showed great speed there. Glad the fins didn’t call a slant. High risk high reward defensive play...

0 points
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Since'61's picture

June 01, 2019 at 08:44 am

If we had 9 rushing and 3 back we would be playing with 12 men on the field. So I think that we either had 8 men rushing or the officials can’t count. Thanks, Since ‘61

8 points
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

June 01, 2019 at 08:12 pm

I was told there would be no math today...

5 points
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Boneman's picture

June 01, 2019 at 07:41 am

Yo Adrienne! Cue the music as we ride to the Championship bout against Apollo Brady.

1 points
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Since'61's picture

June 01, 2019 at 08:42 am

I hope that Greene becomes a solid player for us but for now I’m going to hit the hype break pedal.
Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 11:08 am

Liked what I saw from Greene last year. He still needed development but showed coverage ability and willingness to tackle. If that is refined, he was raw without doubt, I believe he could be a player for us.

As I said above, I think more safety than ILB in real play in my view, but as the “starting” third safety, I think he has potential. If Campbell returns I think he and Greene would be a good competition. Maybe Jamerson too, but I think this role will sit just behind the ILBs. Good idea to get him some experience at ILB in base type formations of OTAs.

0 points
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RWood832's picture

June 01, 2019 at 01:18 pm

What I saw in RG last year was a bit of what I saw from Darren Sharper when he was a first and second year player. As Cory said, he's like a heat seeking missile. He may not be in the right position but he goes all out every time the ball is snapped. It looks like he wants to be great. I cannot say that I have seen that often in recent times.

2 points
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NickPerry's picture

June 02, 2019 at 04:19 am

Damn!!! Until the "Heat seeking missile was brought up you had me. Wasn't Brice described the same way??

1 points
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Since'61's picture

June 02, 2019 at 02:48 pm

Brice was more like the unguided missile. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

June 02, 2019 at 04:16 pm

Funny 61!

0 points
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sonomaca's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:05 am

Tim Boyle was ravin’ about Raven on a Podcast earlier this year. No doubt, these 3rd teamers are pretty familiar with one another, although Greene is 3rd teamer no more.

Now, let’s see if Boyle can pass Kizer.

1 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:22 am

I hear Greene is getting Raven reviews.

7 points
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ricky's picture

June 01, 2019 at 01:09 pm

Perhaps Jones will be "Greene" with envy. Perhaps Raven will be the "Greene New Deal." Perhaps the he'll be less green and more Greene this year. And, finally, perhaps Raven Greene will be the next Sam Shields- an UFA who developed into a very good starter.

2 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:17 am

I want to trade Jones to Cinci for anything.
his one good game ever was against the Bengals

ship his ass to the AFC North's worst team.

3 points
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albert999's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:28 am

well said

0 points
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realitybytez's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:26 am

to me, he looks like a player. he's got a strong build (even last year, before he supposedly added muscle to his upper torso). the photo of him kneeling shows he has powerful legs and he just seems to play fast and decisive. i'm keeping my fingers crossed that he turns out to be another undrafted gem for us.

3 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:58 am

We have had 2 great #36 safeties.
Why not another!?

1 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

June 01, 2019 at 02:09 pm

I agree with trading the crybaby Josh Jones ASAP.
Many of you called that pick a "reach" right away when Old Ted grabbed him in Rd 2.

Now after seeing him for a couple years, that's been proven and we'd be lucky to get a 6th round pick for him at this point. What did we get for Biegel? A 6th?

Mo Salah nets a PK a minute in!

0 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:28 pm

SterlingSharpe'

You say .... "I agree with trading the crybaby Josh Jones ASAP."

I would agree with your position, if the dude left us with any value. But he quit! Who will offer us much for a quitter?? I would not. Maybe Guty can work some magic, but his value must be so low, it is not worth it.

I still am hoping he comes in to mandatory mini and works his butt off. Otherwise try to recoup the investment.

0 points
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sonomaca's picture

June 02, 2019 at 09:07 am

I’d pay to see the first day of training camp, when Josh Jones comes face-to-face with Mike Daniels, Blake Martinez, and Truman Williams. I’m sure Gute is also really looking forward to that day.

Drew Rosenhaus isn’t the one who’s going to have to deal with THAT.

Sorry, Josh, you’re not Antonio Brown. You don’t get to demand a trade. Now, you pay the price. No, this isn’t the NFL of Vince Lombardi, but it’s still the NFL, my friend.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 01, 2019 at 11:55 pm

Just cut him and take the hit.

0 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 02, 2019 at 04:58 pm

jannes bjornson,

You say .... "Just cut him and take the hit."

I just don't get why you, and others, take this position. What good does that do for the Packers?? Now and into the future, as the organization must look. (a for profit organization)

Please don't try to play that a "locker room cancer" thing. That is foolish, especially this time of year. You have 85+ players all positive and amped up. No 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 negative players will be able to offset that positive attitude.

I still believe he comes in when he has to, and fights for his spot. His career is looking at, I will guess, some $20 mil loss if he quits. Family, friends, and agent may suggest he has a lot to lose.

Or he is a quitter.

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

June 01, 2019 at 03:28 pm

You know Greene was burned the next series when the fish ran the same set and threw where Greene had vacated on his blitz. Next set he was gone and did not get any snaps for the rest of the quarter. Same thing happened later in the season at the Seahawks. Twice in that series the hawks baited Greene and he took the bait both times, the second time leading to a passing touchdown. Packers took him out even thou they did not have any one else to replace him. I hope, that a given this chance, 'the light' will go off for him after a rough rookie year.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 01, 2019 at 06:09 pm

Rookie UDFA. So raw, but he flashed ability. That’s going to happen but he has instincts and ability to work with. Biting requires reading and anticipation in contrast to just being lost. It requires better tools to interpret to make that anticipation a positive as opposed to a trap.

3 points
3
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IceBowl's picture

June 01, 2019 at 10:03 pm

flackcatcher,

You say .... "You know Greene was burned the next series...."

Everyone is burned in the NFL!! The younger the more frequently. That is just football. But does he learn from it?? We will see with the Pack's roster. From camp noise, it sure seems like he wants it. And that is a necessary ingredient.

2 points
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MontanaPackerbacker's picture

June 01, 2019 at 04:46 pm

I would rather have an undrafted FA that has heart and desire and shows effort to improve as Green did this offseason than a 2nd round draft choice that is afraid of competiton .

4 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 02, 2019 at 03:29 pm

MontanaPackerbacker ,

So true. Since when did sports become an "I/you deserve this" kind of thing.

Oh yeah, I remember ..... grade school participation trophy. (my kids, not me)

0 points
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wildbill's picture

June 01, 2019 at 05:23 pm

I tape the Packer games and rewatch them numerous times in the off season, ok just the wins. Watching Jones is painful to say the least. All that speed and ability but makes poor decisions, takes bad angles, and not sure on his missed tackles but he seems to have a lot. If you counted his bad angles taking him out of the opportunity to tackle someone his missed tackles are outrageous. Now add what seems like no heart in fighting for a spot and I am willing to have the Packers move on in spite of his physical attributes.

1 points
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IceBowl's picture

June 01, 2019 at 09:31 pm

wildbill,

You still have a VCR??

You know most of us were tricked into getting rid of them.

0 points
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