Player to Watch: Jordan Tripp

I have not been on the Jordan Tripp bandwagon as much as Rob has, but I am starting to come around.

The Green Bay Packers added Tripp, an inside linebacker, last December after he was released-injured by the Seattle Seahawks. Up to this point, Tripp’s career has been lackluster.

He was drafted by Miami in the fifth round in 2014 out of Montana. He recorded three tackles as a rookie and was released during the final roster cut in 2015. In October 2015, Tripp was picked up by Jacksonville. He recorded 14 tackles in 2015 for the Jags and started one game. They dropped him in September of 2016. Two days later he was signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad. Tripp was promoted to Seattle’s active roster in October — he’s credited with one start and one tackle. In December, he was placed on injured reserve and released six days later.

So here’s a guy who either no one wants or just isn’t good enough to play in the NFL.

Why do we think he bears watching?

Honestly, because despite his crappy resume, I think Tripp has an actual shot of making the Packers’ roster. He has a lot of things working in his favor.

Positives for Jordan Tripp

First of all, the Packers don’t invest in the inside linebacker position. Their three main guys in 2016 were two fourth-round picks and an undrafted free agent. The undrafted free agent — Joe Thomas — got the most playing time of the group. As a former fifth-round pick, Tripp should get as much of a chance as anyone to prove himself.

It isn’t as if the play of Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez or Thomas has blown anyone away.

In fact, we would say these things about those three guys, respectively: not a playmaker, disappointing, liability. Sure, the narrative may change, but that’s what it is right now.

Second, Tripp was signed at the end of the 2016 season. He had no grasp of the defense. Now, he’ll have a full offseason to acquaint himself with the Packers’ scheme. Thus, we should see a guy who can contribute more than just on special teams.

Third, the Packers coaches have noted that Tripp is both a leader and ultra competitive. It’s odd to single out a guy for his leadership when he hasn’t even been on the team for a year. Perhaps that’s a glaring negative when it comes to the other inside linebackers, but we’re viewing it as a positive for Tripp.

Finally, special teams. We’re not predicting Tripp will unseat Ryan in the base defense. Guys like this usually carve out their niche on special teams. Tripp seems like a natural there and he loves playing on the third unit. That’s most likely what’s going to get him a roster spot.

And think about it. The Packers usually keep four inside linebackers. In 2016, they kept just three on the opening roster before adding Carl Bradford from the practice squad during the season (they later released him). But that three-man group was a historical anomaly.

In all likelihood, there’s room for Ryan, Martinez, Thomas and Tripp.