2nd year players who should make impact

[oregonpackfan]

James Jones may also be a second year player to make an impact. Some people are writing him off simply because the Packers drafted Jordy Nelson.

It often takes 3 years for a WR to fully develop at the pro level. Jones actually saw plenty of action last year for a rookie. Except for the two strips/fumbles in the Bears game at Lambeau, he had a very solid rookie season.

I look for him to improve and actually strengthen the Packers' receiver corps.

[3irty1]

Williams playing well last year was a big suprise. There really are not all that many good CB's that can play bump and run the way we do. For Willaims to play as well as he did is very promising and that is before you consider his age and experience level. He may be a guy who has a very, very high cieling. I'm looking forward to seeing him play this year as much as any 2nd year player.

Agreed. We've got a few exceptional athletes at CB. I'd love to see any of them pan out this year.

[Tarlam!]

My biggest hope is for Harrel to finally pan out. After watching his very first interview I was over optimistic it seems. His latest interview saw him with a very smug look on his face and a "who gives a shit" demeanor in his voice.

I admit, he sounded like an athlete that has been paid and now wants the easy life.

Boy, I hope I am wrong.

[Bossman641]

I actually have pretty high hopes for Jackson. I know it's the offseason, but there has been a lot of praise directed his way from MM, E. Bennett, and Rock.

[The Leaper]

Brandon Jackson has the physical ability to be a very good back, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. As a 3rd down back, he could make a major impact on checkdowns as a receiver this year. I think we'll see a lot of improvement this year from Jackson.

[cpk1994]

no, jerry holmes coined that ratio long before sharper

However, Sharper perfected it.

[oregonpackfan]

Brandon Jackson has the physical ability to be a very good back, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. As a 3rd down back, he could make a major impact on checkdowns as a receiver this year. I think we'll see a lot of improvement this year from Jackson.

Leaper,

There were a couple of times late in the season where Jackson caught a swing pass out of the backfield. I was amazed at how quickly he turned the corner along the sideline. If I recall, one of those catches went for a touchdown.

I agree that he certainly is a 2nd year player who has the potential to make an impact this year.

[woodbuck27]

My hope is that he becomes one of those experienced veteran backups that some have been clamoring for TT to acquire...

Of course, we all expected so much more from Nick Collins, when TT used a second round pick to secure this highly heralded ready for the NFL College star.

With the first pick in round 2, after TT goes QB in round one (Brett Favre our starter - anyone?) . Was Nick Collins the best player available at our pick in round two? Despite ''the fact'' this was Ted Thompson's man.

A lot here surely wondered and exclaimed from home: ''What was that, or worse ?''

Nick Collins Safety/Cornerback...

from Bethune-Cookman - 5'11" - 206 lbs. Uhhhh!

http://www.packers.com/draft/2005/nickcollins.phtml

''What was that ??'' Your seeing it.

The learning curve.

[Deputy Nutz]

My hope is that he becomes one of those experienced veteran backups that some have been clamoring for TT to acquire...

Of course, we all expected so much more from Nick Collins, when TT used a second round pick to secure this highly heralded ready for the NFL College star.

A lot here wondered and exclaimed from home.

''What was that ?''

Your seeing it.

It is hard to argue Nick Collins physical abilities, Although he hasn't been a ball hawk and reaction to play action passing is underdeveloped, he has started for three seasons. Not bad for a second round pick. I hope Rouse, another of Thompson draft picks beats him out this year, but wait and see, Collins isn't Ahmad Carroll, the light can go on with this guy and if it does in 2008 I think you have a really good football player on your hands. If not, I still think it he was well worth the second round selection.

[woodbuck27]

My hope is that he becomes one of those experienced veteran backups that some have been clamoring for TT to acquire...

Of course, we all expected so much more from Nick Collins, when TT used a second round pick to secure this highly heralded ready for the NFL College star.

A lot here wondered and exclaimed from home.

''What was that ?''

Your seeing it.

It is hard to argue Nick Collins physical abilities, Although he hasn't been a ball hawk and reaction to play action passing is underdeveloped, he has started for three seasons. Not bad for a second round pick. I hope Rouse, another of Thompson draft picks beats him out this year, but wait and see, Collins isn't Ahmad Carroll, the light can go on with this guy and if it does in 2008 I think you have a really good football player on your hands. If not, I still think it he was well worth the second round selection.

Nutz:

There isn't a soul on this board that isn't looking for Nick Collins to get to where we once deemed his potential. I voted for him to make the Pro Bowl three seasons ago.

Yes he's started, because he was the best we had @ FS.This season will challenge Nick Collins like none since he was drafted. He doesn't win by default.

[Patler]

I am certainly not a rabid fan of Collins, but there seems to be a higher regard for him among many in football than we perhaps accept. When safeties are ranked, he often seems to come out much better than I would expect, and he was a Pro-Bowl alternate this year. His support had to come from some where, and certainly had to be for over all performance and value, because he sure didn't impress anyone with his interceptions total!

I have a hard time figuring out how good he really is or isn't.

[run pMc]

I am certainly not a rabid fan of Collins, but there seems to be a higher regard for him among many in football than we perhaps accept. When safeties are ranked, he often seems to come out much better than I would expect

I agree. Collins has his supporters. From what I can tell, he doesn't make many plays but he doesn't break many either. It would be great to see him turn into another Ronnie Lott, but if his name isn't mentioned much by the announcers, maybe that means he's doing his job.
I recall seeing some kind of statistical analysis (wish I could find the link) of CB's and S's...Jarrett Bush and Collins actually graded out pretty well.

That being said, I think improved competition at that spot will be good for the team, and Rouse should push him for the starting role.

[Patler]

That being said, I think improved competition at that spot will be good for the team, and Rouse should push him for the starting role.

I agree, except he might also be pushing Bigby. Everyone just assumes that Bigby is ahead of Collins, but I'm not certain of that. Bigby had his interceptions and plays of notice, but he also made mistakes (more early in the season than later). I guess my point is that it might not be inconceivable that the starters could be Collins and Rouse, rather than Bigby and Rouse.

All in all, a good situation for the team.

[Bretsky]

I am certainly not a rabid fan of Collins, but there seems to be a higher regard for him among many in football than we perhaps accept. When safeties are ranked, he often seems to come out much better than I would expect, and he was a Pro-Bowl alternate this year. His support had to come from some where, and certainly had to be for over all performance and value, because he sure didn't impress anyone with his interceptions total!

I have a hard time figuring out how good he really is or isn't.

IMO Collins is decent; he covers alright and at times gets a jump on the ball

Fans trash him because he misses so many of the INT's.....the obvious ones a decent safety catches. If he'd start making those INT's he'd be a very solid Safety.