Rookie RB Jackson shows ability

[cpk1994]

When it his turn for a block or blitz pick-up, he's shook. I guess he didn't block at all at Nebraska, but the boy is not confident doing it.

I don't get this. Nebraska doesn't run the wishbone anymore. Callahan is the coach, and they run a pro style offense. He would have had to do some pass blocking some, wouldn't he?

You would think seeing as how Callahan runs the WCO.

[The Leaper]

You would think seeing as how Callahan runs the WCO.

The zone blocking scheme probably isn't making things any easier on Jackson in terms of blocking if he hasn't played in it before.

[Brohm]

If I remember correctly they took Jackson ahead of some other RB's in the draft because of his experience in the zone blocking/WCO scheme used at Nebraska

[HarveyWallbangers]

If I remember correctly they took Jackson ahead of some other RB's in the draft because of his experience in the zone blocking/WCO scheme used at Nebraska

That's what some experts have opined. Personally, I think they took him because they thought he was the best RB available. Of course, scheme plays a part. His strengths as an RB play to the strengths of the one-cut system. I doubt they took him over guys that had much more highly rated players because he played in a WCO at Nebraska. Lots of players play in a similar offense in college. It's not like most teams are running the Bone.

[retailguy]

Harv, I agree. I do think Thompson thought he was the best remaining RB available. I question how much Thompson thought he'd contribute in 2007 though.

I know there are a lot of us, myself included, who think he's the "best hope" for a decent running game in 2007, but I really question whether or not that "hope" is realistic. Green didn't get good until his 3rd or 4th season, though he showed "flashes" early on.

Jackson is likely not destined for stardom in 2007, and the Packers are not likely destined for huge success at RB in 2007 either, unless that comes from "back by committee".

This guy needs time to get his feet wet in the NFL game, and we need to realize that.... That's one of the reasons why I've tempered my expectations in 2007...

[HarveyWallbangers]

I have a feeling that Green was always good. He just fumbled more than Holmgren wanted, and he had the likes of Ricky Watters in front of him. I don't think it takes RBs long to get good. That's one position, more than others, where a guy has the ability to run at the pro level or he doesn't.

[Rastak]

I have a feeling that Green was always good. He just fumbled more than Holmgren wanted, and he had the likes of Ricky Watters in front of him. I don't think it takes RBs long to get good. That's one position, more than others, where a guy has the ability to run at the pro level or he doesn't.

That's very true. Much easier for a back than a WR for instance. However, the one thing backs do have to learn is the more complicated blitz pickup schemes and pass blocking in general. I know back when Tice was coaching the Vikings that was always his reservation on young backs. Until they can block, they don't play.

[Scott Campbell]

I have a feeling that Green was always good. He just fumbled more than Holmgren wanted, and he had the likes of Ricky Watters in front of him. I don't think it takes RBs long to get good. That's one position, more than others, where a guy has the ability to run at the pro level or he doesn't.

That's very true. Much easier for a back than a WR for instance. However, the one thing backs do have to learn is the more complicated blitz pickup schemes and pass blocking in general. I know back when Tice was coaching the Vikings that was always his reservation on young backs. Until they can block, they don't play.

Did AP do much blocking at OU? How has his blocking looked so far?

[Rastak]

I have a feeling that Green was always good. He just fumbled more than Holmgren wanted, and he had the likes of Ricky Watters in front of him. I don't think it takes RBs long to get good. That's one position, more than others, where a guy has the ability to run at the pro level or he doesn't.

That's very true. Much easier for a back than a WR for instance. However, the one thing backs do have to learn is the more complicated blitz pickup schemes and pass blocking in general. I know back when Tice was coaching the Vikings that was always his reservation on young backs. Until they can block, they don't play.

Did AP do much blocking at OU? How has his blocking looked so far?

Up and down. On one play I read about, the defense overloaded the line and he picked up nobody because he froze with two guys breaking though. Coaches yelled "pick up the blindside guy always, don't hesitate" or something to that effect. I think most rookie backs have this problem. I'm sure some learn faster than others. We'll find out which is which during August I guess.