The Green Bay Packers had their first on field work of Rookie Orientation Camp on Friday. That work was essentially a light practice with positional groups and some 11-on-11 work. The practice includes not only all the rookies, drafted and undrafted, but also guys from the practice squad who never made the active roster like Adrian Hubbard and Joe Thomas.
Now this is shorts-and-shells, just getting your feet wet, work with a bunch of guys who will not make the Packers’ roster, or any other, this season. So, there is no direct translation between looking good in rookie camp and being a difference maker on Sundays. However, first impressions do matter, and between the on field practice and the personal interviews conducted afterwards, the meet-and-greet is definitely over.
From all accounts, Brett Hundley has a brain to match his athletic talents. A self-professed “football nerd,” Hundley appeared to have a fairly good grasp of the playbook for Day 1. He delivered a sharper first day performance, under difficult circumstances considering not only the new playbook but also the fact that every receiver is new, than any Packer rookie quarterback in recent memory. Of course, considering the UDFA jokers the Packers have typically had at quarterback in these camps, that isn’t saying a whole lot. Still, observers say that the ball was coming out quick and with velocity, and that the Packers should be very pleased with what they see from Hundley so far.
Besides the natural interest in Hundley, the Packer rookie who appeared to shine the most was their second round draft pick Quentin Rollins. Coaches and observers remain amazed that Rollins has only had one year of football. He appears to be a natural in the defensive backfield with his fluidity and instincts for the football. He had the play of the day with a pick six of Hundley.
It might have been a little easier for Rollins to shine since first round draft pick, Damarious Randall, was unable to participate in most the on field work. Randall brought an ankle injury into camp, which I will presume is from walking his doggie. The Packers, of course, claim the injury is minor and that they are just being cautious, or what they call “smart.” All of that, of course, means nothing, though at least it isn’t the infamous pulled hamstring on the flight over.
Though Ty Montgomery and Jake Ryan looked good as well, the rookie that also stood out the most to me was the sixth round pick at tight end, Kennard Backman. Backman made a big play by beating Hubbard on a deep seam route, and he also impressed in his interviews. Backman has Brandon Bostick’s old number, and so the comparisons are inevitable. Bostick also had the ability to stretch the field, but his difficulties with the playbook kept him off it. If Backman can bring that same ability on the field without Bostick’s limitations off of it, then the sky is the limit for this guy.
The Rookie Orientation Camp will continue through the weekend.