Packers 2nd year players an experienced group
Whether the plan really was to select six consecutive defensive players likely will be left for memoirs, but the infusion of young talent went a long way in the Packers’ jump to 11th in total defense.
Although first-round linebacker Nick Perry and second-round defensive lineman Jerel Worthy didn’t provide immediate relief, second-round cornerback Casey Hayward and fourth-round safety Jerron McMillian proved to be the leaders of the group.
The pair of defensive backs wound up playing more snaps (1,580) than the defensive rookies on the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons combined (903).
Among teams that qualified for the NFL playoffs, Hayward and McMillian led a collection of rookie defenders who registered the most total snaps (3,487, including special teams) and the second-most defensive snaps (2,597) behind New England (2,608).
“If you look at last year’s class, the first thing that really jumps off the charts is how many plays they played,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “Experience is there. Those guys played a lot of football last year. We improved as a defense particularly when the young guys were in there. That’s a credit to the younger players.”
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The maturation of that young talent is one of the reasons the Packers believe big things are in store for Year 2.
The pride of the class was Hayward, who was a candidate for defensive rookie of the year after registering 53 tackles with six interceptions last season, but McMillian also more than held his own.
Upon his arrival in Green Bay, McMillian understood he and the other rookies would be counted on to add a jolt to the defense, especially considering the organization decided to cut veteran Charlie Peprah the day before the team reconvened for camp.“If they throw you in the fire, that means you know what’s going on,” said McMillian, who finished with 27 tackles, five pass deflections and one interception. “You know your playbook. Now, it’s can you apply it. How fast can you apply it and are you smart enough to be able to do it at a fast pace? That’s the biggest adjustment right now and going into my second year I’m feeling more comfortable doing it.”
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“I’ve always felt that players make the biggest improvement from Year 1 to Year 2,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. “Certainly when you look at the group and the number of plays those guys played last year, the fact that they were just getting started with us last year and a lot of them have a lot of plays under their belt. I think that will be a real asset to them. You can just the see the confidence level, they’ve been in the system for a year and so I like our young guys.
Also mentioned is Dez Moses who played some 643 snaps as well. This group of players may be 2nd year players on paper, but my guess is that they sure won't be playing like it.
