motife
05-13-2006, 06:14 PM
Packers Team Report
5/12/2006
By Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers definitely has benefited from coach Mike McCarthy's aggressive offseason program. Rodgers looked stronger and threw the ball better in minicamp than he did all of last season, especially on deep balls. Indecision was a problem for him last year, but he looked much more confident with his throws and showed a better command of the huddle. The offense was very basic, so he still has a lot to prove but there's little question he's a different player than a year ago. The next step will be to see how he reacts under pressure with blitzers in his face. Rodgers continues to show a quick release and good arm strength, which is a plus. . .
Veteran Kevin Barry had a legitimate shot of winning the right guard spot, but he might have blown it by showing up 25 pounds overweight. The former tackle needs to get down to about 315 to be able to play guard in the new zone-blocking system because if he's heavy he won't be quick enough to get to the second level. As a result of his weight problem, Junius Coston got the nod at right guard and did nothing to dissuade the coaches about his ability. Coston fits the new system perfectly because he's quick and agile and has lots of experience pulling. Barry will have to play catch-up the rest of the spring.
SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie lineman Daryn Colledge played left tackle at Boise State, but he'll probably be the team's starting left guard this season. The club saw a lot of similarities between Colledge and former Packers guard Mike Wahle. Colledge was among the top testers at the Combine and excels at blocking on the move. Colledge has equivalent test numbers as Wahle when he came out, but Wahle was a devoted weight room warrior and Colledge will have to do the same. His upper body needs more work so that he can handle the big, powerful defensive tackles in the NFC North.
POSITION BATTLE: Someone has to replace Javon Walker. The leading candidates are Robert Ferguson, Rod Gardner and Greg Jennings. The big, physical Ferguson has been in this position before and has failed to make his mark. He has better deep speed than the other two but has been injury-prone. Gardner put up big numbers in Washington but was a disappointment in Carolina because he didn't know the offense well enough. He probably has the best shot because he's good off the line and after the catch. He lacks downfield speed, however. Jennings, a second-round pick, excelled turning short catches into big gains in college. He didn't look out of place in minicamp and has a legitimate shot at starting. But rookies rarely make an impact at receiver, so he must prove he's physically ready to be an every-down player.
DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Grade: B-. There isn't a lot of depth, but Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila are solid; the emergence of Mike Montgomery should help relieve KGB on early downs.
5/12/2006
By Tom Silverstein
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers definitely has benefited from coach Mike McCarthy's aggressive offseason program. Rodgers looked stronger and threw the ball better in minicamp than he did all of last season, especially on deep balls. Indecision was a problem for him last year, but he looked much more confident with his throws and showed a better command of the huddle. The offense was very basic, so he still has a lot to prove but there's little question he's a different player than a year ago. The next step will be to see how he reacts under pressure with blitzers in his face. Rodgers continues to show a quick release and good arm strength, which is a plus. . .
Veteran Kevin Barry had a legitimate shot of winning the right guard spot, but he might have blown it by showing up 25 pounds overweight. The former tackle needs to get down to about 315 to be able to play guard in the new zone-blocking system because if he's heavy he won't be quick enough to get to the second level. As a result of his weight problem, Junius Coston got the nod at right guard and did nothing to dissuade the coaches about his ability. Coston fits the new system perfectly because he's quick and agile and has lots of experience pulling. Barry will have to play catch-up the rest of the spring.
SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie lineman Daryn Colledge played left tackle at Boise State, but he'll probably be the team's starting left guard this season. The club saw a lot of similarities between Colledge and former Packers guard Mike Wahle. Colledge was among the top testers at the Combine and excels at blocking on the move. Colledge has equivalent test numbers as Wahle when he came out, but Wahle was a devoted weight room warrior and Colledge will have to do the same. His upper body needs more work so that he can handle the big, powerful defensive tackles in the NFC North.
POSITION BATTLE: Someone has to replace Javon Walker. The leading candidates are Robert Ferguson, Rod Gardner and Greg Jennings. The big, physical Ferguson has been in this position before and has failed to make his mark. He has better deep speed than the other two but has been injury-prone. Gardner put up big numbers in Washington but was a disappointment in Carolina because he didn't know the offense well enough. He probably has the best shot because he's good off the line and after the catch. He lacks downfield speed, however. Jennings, a second-round pick, excelled turning short catches into big gains in college. He didn't look out of place in minicamp and has a legitimate shot at starting. But rookies rarely make an impact at receiver, so he must prove he's physically ready to be an every-down player.
DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Grade: B-. There isn't a lot of depth, but Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila are solid; the emergence of Mike Montgomery should help relieve KGB on early downs.