Packers Training Camp

Joe doesn't usually sugar coat anything. Encouraging.

@ByRyanWood: How are #Packers young CBs doing early in camp? CB coach Joe Whitt: "We’ve had [the] fewest missed assignments we’ve ever had." Big statement.

 

@ByRyanWood: Joe Whitt likes playmaking ability in #Packers CB group: "If you throw at these guys consistently, we’ll pull the ball off of you."

 

@ByRyanWood: Joe Whitt has high praise for #Packers UDFA LaDarius Gunter: "He really doesn’t care who’s across from him. He thinks he can defend anybody."

 

@ByRyanWood: Whitt said Gunter's mindset reminds him of a young Sam Shields: "Even though he’s a free agent and he’s a rookie, it’s not too big for him."

Tweets above have been fleshed out into a GBPG feature. Good read. I think the kid sticks. Gives the Packers a CB type not otherwise on the roster.

 

http://www.packersnews.com/sto...-make-team/31194367/

Three months ago, LaDarius Gunter was discarded. Too slow to play cornerback, the stopwatch suggested. So when 256 college players found jobs in the NFL Draft, he had to wait.

Yeah, Gunter admits now, he’s more than a little ticked off. The former University of Miami cornerback arrived in Green Bay in May, a free agent with one mission. “Make the team,” Gunter said. Anything less is unacceptable.

“I feel like people just overlooked me because I didn’t run as fast at the combine,” said Gunter, whose 4.69-second 40-yard dash was second-slowest among all cornerbacks in Indianapolis. “They overlooked that I was a football player instead of a track star...

Well looks like I have my underdog to root for.  All the corners now are under 6 ft,  200 lbs, so would be nice to get some size at the position.  

He's the new Tramon Williams....I'm tellin' ya!

4.69 speed is a liability at CB. 

He probably actually runs a 4.5 or 4.4's. He's a football player not a track star

This is what a true timed 4:68 liability looks like like. 

 

He was the better player that night.

His size could replace what House took with him to JAX.

Thursday practice about to get underway.

Casey Hayward is suited up today but Nick Perry is not

— Weston Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 6, 2015

Andy Mulumba is working across from Peppers. Palmer inside with Barrington

— Weston Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 6, 2015

Not seeing Shields out here. Hayward, Gunter, Rollins and Randall getting outside reps. Richardson working nickel

— Weston Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 6, 2015

I was pretty impressed with Gunter. First of all he has great size, he's easily our tallest CB which is a big plus in my opinion with House gone. Our other CBs are all about the same size, that 5'10"/5'11" range. It helps to have a taller player considering we have some tall receivers in the NFCN. I didn't see him really get physical with receivers, but he has a smooth backpedal and flip, not losing any ground with receivers. All that said, I was concerned with his deep speed. He couldn't keep up with some of the smaller, faster WRs when they were on a Go route. Like I said though, he's not too dissimilar to Davon House. Gunter is the opposite kind of CB from Randall who is smaller and faster and can really handle the smaller faster guys (and the bigger guys, he's just a good player).

#Packers INJ report: New: Shields, Perry Still out: Coxson, Hubbard, Kowalski, Matthews, Abbrederis PUP: Collins, Crockett, Neal Back: Lacy

— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) August 6, 2015

Randall, Rollins and Gunter, all rookies, playing three corner spots at one point.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

Some takeaways from 1 on 1 pash rush:

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

Letroy Guion was fierce. He threw down Lane Taylor on one and blew by Barklay in another.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

BJ Raji is really quick off the ball at his lighter weight.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

DE Josh Boyd hasn't done well in this drill.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

Julius Peppers always takes a few turns to stay sharp. Over the years, some vets don't do the drill.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

Bring back fireronzook.com:

Special teams getting chewed out for a few mental errors during punt drills. One player jumped offside, others were late to line up, etc.

— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) August 6, 2015

Tolzien with a beautiful 47 yd deep ball connection to Montgomery over Sebetic.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

Tolzien takes a couple steps to right and hits Myles White for about a 15-yard TD in corner. Great series in no huddle for him.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 6, 2015

 

 

 

By my count, LaDarius Gunter becomes the first player with multiple picks of Rodgers this camp. Shields, Burnett and Randall each have one.

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 6, 2015

 

 

Regarding Guion...I love how the Vajeen fans couldn't stop laughing we'd signed him, because he was afterall, their leavings.

 

Rodgers has thrown an awful lot of picks this year. I think he's lost it. Trade him for Cutler.

Its probably just the leftover taINT from a certain predecessor standing on that field

Hopefully, it should wash off after another couple of weeks 

Pass rush is my only concern for this defense. They're going to stuff the run and have some DBs who know how to cover, I have no doubt about that. This defensive line is going to surprise a lot of people. If the front seven can also generate some pressure on the QB, this unit is going to be very good. If they can't generate a consistent pass rush, this will be a lot like the 2009 defense. They had great numbers overall (1st in turnovers, 2nd in yards allowed, 7th in points per game) and they completely dominated lesser QBs like Cutler, Flacco and Stafford, but they struggled against elite guys like Warner, Roethlisberger and Favre.

My concern is Clay Matthews...already with a sore knee, and he's going to get beat up regularly at ILB.

Less time mocking Munn should be in order.

You want him to be Russell Wilson??? If he won't hit that, I will.

Rodgers talent goes beyond his mastery of the offense any making guys that were "poor draft picks" better. Now he's on to building the defense's confidence. #FBHOF

Zing!

Aaron Rodgers on #Packers coach Mike McCarthy being displeased with practice: "He should have been happy. He’s a defensive coach now."

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 6, 2015

IT IS TIME.

 

 

 

Eff that, where's Craig Nall when his country needs him?

And the icon has just leaked into his pants.

Das   is just keeping things in perspective with all the pre-season hype.

http://packersinsider.com/2010...-legends-craig-nall/

 

As for football, he’s still better than at least 20 QB’s on NFL rosters today, and still young enough to make a name (again) for himself. - (Bet that applies, even todauy)

Again.  

and again.

TC 8/6/15

Early start again. 8am and the stands were packed, with people waiting in line around the building to get in. Quick note, I was there with my nephew so gathering info to report was not top priority, but will relay as much info as I can.

Practice started with a good amount of second and third string units, offense v. defense. These guys were on field early for run throughs at half speed, no helmets. Good to see that many players out working early, before warm ups.

Ha-Ha pretty funny to watch during warm ups. Definitely does his own thing. Hilarious to watch.

Out were Hubbard, Perry, Matthews, Shields and Mike Neal.

Spent most of the day watching the defense, since we got in early enough to find seats on that side of Ray Nitschke Field. Sat directly in front of S and ILB position groups. We have some players at Safety too, from Ha Ha to Fanor, Burnett to Banjo. This is a high quality group. All of them look like they belong, no one is looking like a pretender or a reach. Micah Hyde and Sean Richardson are really looking impressive, along with our aforementioned starters. Hyde for his instincts - always finding the ball. Around the ball. He just seems to always be in great position. Richardson is impressing with his size, development and play. I have to say he is right up there with Davante Adams and Richard Rodgers, maybe Jayrone Elliott as most improved. Regardless, Darren Perry has done a hell of a good job with these players.

All groups doing their own position groups. DL way, way opposite corner of field, the way they like it. Unfortunately, I don't get to see much of them working.

ILBs are straight across the field. Barrington and Palmer are starters with Matthews out. Palmer with a club on his injured left hand. Ryan looking good, but clearly at that rookie size. You can just see he will be better with more pounds, the kind that comes year 1 to 2. Dantzler looking impressive, like he belongs. Bradford and Thomas, Francis also in.

DBs look great. Awesome to see Rollins back and working well after a hammy injury. Watched him Tuesday as well, and great to see Q bringing it without any limitations. I really like this player. Superglide smooth. Same with Randall, who wound up possibly the single most impressive defender this day. Damarious was everywhere, making play after play after play. Breaking up a pass here in 7 on 7s, intercepting a ball there in 2 minute drills, downing a ball at the 1/2 yd line in downing drills, grabbing another punt, one handed, overhead, running full speed on punt coverage drill. Unreal. This guy's got fantastic athleticism.

Hayward was full go, as was Shields. Ladarius Gunter, again, making plays. This dude is just stacking them. Sure, had a couple drops today in drills, but made an exceptional INT in 11 on 11 drills on a deep ball to Janis from Rodgers. He keeps making nice plays in coverage.

Whitt has a high point drill where our CBs drilling with one holding ball up at highest point while running, and another jumping up at same time while running to knock it out of opponent's hands. Great drill, amongst many.

Couldn't make out much of OLB positional drills, nor DL, as I was sucked in by these other 3 groups.

Did enjoy glancing over to watch OL v. DL drilling a bit later. That was cool, and both groups were bringing it. Kind of far away though to give any details.

You might be happy to know our defense was giving our #1 O unit fits in 2 minute drills. Of course, Aaron Rodgers finds a way. But, this year, the competition is not as one sided. I attribute that to some great team speed at LB and DB. The return of Raji helps too. Our pass rush was giving them big problems too. Vaughters, Mulumba, Peppers and Elliott were all getting home to the QB from the outside.

I want to stop to mention two defensive vets who always show up: Raji and Peppers. These guys never miss a drill. Raji was having an awesome camp last year prior to blowing out his triceps, but he has picked up right where he left off. Great seeing these guys leading by example. Both playing great.

OK, what else can I share? Punting competition. Both Masthay and Mandell are good. Thought Cody to be some great competition, and he has been. High, 50-60 yd punts. Then Masthay comes in ripping off 65-80 yd punts. A good day for him.

Returners are Hyde and Montgomery, exclusively, and, man, is Montgomery ever special. Ty Montgomery was bright as day all day today. Making great catches, runs out of backfield, and returns. Every time he touches the ball you can see him take it to the house. Phenomenal talent.

Montgomery, Richard Rodgers, Janis, Nelson, Lacy all scored TDs at the end of practice in red zone drills.

Fabbiens Ebbelle. Look for this kid to stick at RT backup. Demetri Goodson. This kid looks like he is coming on. Great pick against Jordy and broke up two other passes. Tavarus Dantzler. He is definitely contending for a roster spot. The guy hits. Montgomery got tagged on a deep throw midway through practice, either that or got dehydrated, as he looked a bit rough for a while, but was able to continue. Cobb spent a good part of the afternoon working alone on handwork drills.

Don't have much more. If I think of anything I'll pass it along.

Tuesday takeaways were one hell of a hit Ha Ha laid on Cobb on a deep throw along the sideline. Wow. Good to see the hit, but want them to be careful. That, and Montgomery is a total stud.

I took that same tour at a practice once - I can tell cuz you presented it so well.  Thanks   GO PACK!

You bet Tdog.

Boris, you don't have to worry about our DBs. Not at all. We are far better there this year.

If anyone has some questions about specific players, go ahead and throw them. I wasn't quite as focused but did see a lot.

Some other thoughts. Maybe I am biased, but Ebbele really works well. Great hand work, great footwork. Plays to the whistle. He is SO big, tall, not NFL filled out, but not lacking strength to hold his ground.

They did an 11 on 11 from deep at our own 2 yd line. Had never seen them drill this before. Our O got out of it, but not without some difficulty. Rodgers buying time, got Quarless on a release over the middle for a big gainer. I struggle to see Barrington stay in the middle because he is a liability in coverage. Hopefully someone beats him outright to start. Aaron then hit Janus on a deep sideline shot left. Great catch by Janus.

Tolzien looked pretty sharp today. Thinking on our WRs, Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Montgomery and Janus have to be locks. If Abby is done, Larry Pinkard could well work his way onto this 53 man roster.

Our starting DL is looking like Guion, Raji and Daniels in base, and they look awfully good together. Best we have had in some time.

I will try to hit a few more along the way if I can.

Better without Jarrett Bush????

2015 Green Bay Packers Training Camp Day 8 Tweet Collection #PackersCamp #Packers @nothncks “https://t.co/HV28l0miGW” pic.twitter.com/oU88ri9yRK

— noway yahrite (@nothncks) August 7, 2015

Trophies, thanks for the great report.

Jayrone Elliott wondering how he is progressing?

Re: WR's...what? No Myles White?

Great to hear about our DB's.

My main concern is health or staying healthy.

Thanks for that practice rundown, John Gruden.  You still think Barrington might not even make the roster?  

 

But seriously thanks for the info.  We're all dying for it.

Crockett passed his physical. In pads today and practicing. 

Interesting.

@diannaESPN: Just learned from a NFL league source the NFL has reversed its 20 year policy on prohibiting non-salary items in practice squad contracts.

 

@diannaESPN: This means clubs can give signing bonus, salary guarantees, and roster bonuses to players on Practice Squad.