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North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins

I highly doubt CB Janoris Jenkins will still be avaliable when the Packers pick late in the first round of the NFL draft, but if he is, Ted Thompson has an interesting decision to make.

On paper, Jenkins vs. Harrison Smith is a complete mismatch. Jenkins is by far the more talented and superior player. But when you factor in concerns about Jenkins off the field and the Packers need for a safety after releasing Nick Collins, the matchup becomes closer.

Jenkins is a cocky, in-your-face, man-to-man, physical cover corner. You can put him on an island against any WR and he’s not going to back down. He’ll take on whomever he’s asked to cover, not ask for any help, and have a good chance of winning the battle.

Smith is one of the better safeties in a weak safety class and almost plays like an extra linebacker. I don’t see him as a guy who can cover the field against deep passing attacks, but I do think he’ll be good in the box against the run and as a blitzer. Think of him sort of as a lite version of Charles Woodson.  Read more... (360 words + 1 image, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)

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Shea McClellin OLB Boise State

Both Shea McClellin and Whitney Mercilus could be considered late risers on most NFL draft boards, including the Packers’ board. Different types of late risers, but late risers nonetheless.

Mercilus had only two sacks and didn’t do much of anything at Illinois in 2009-10 before exploding for 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 2011. McClellin wasn’t a highly regarded recruit coming into Boise St., but kept improving and became a feared edge rusher and versatile hybrid LB/DE. While Mercilus was projected as a first-rounder as soon as “draft season” started, it took a while for McClellin to get the attention he deserved and start rising up boards.

If McClellin and Mercilus are still avalaible when the Packers pick in the first round, I would take McClellin. I think McClellin still has some room to grow as a pass rusher and I’d love to see him develop opposite of Clay Matthews. I also think McClellin is a better fit in Dom Capers’ defense. He can rush from the edge, drop into coverage, stunt up the middle and move around if needed as Capers disguises his coverages and schemes.  Read more... (278 words + 1 image, estimated 1:07 mins reading time)

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Nick Collins has been released by the Packers

The Green Bay Packers have released free safety Nick Collins today according to a report from Jason Wilde at ESPN-Milwaukee.  This decision has been hanging around us all since Collins saw his season end just two games in after suffering a severe neck injury against the Carolina Panthers.

Collins was one of the most beloved Packers on the entire roster, and his overall performance on the field is what caused so many fans to fall in love with him as a player.  Collins was voted to three straight Pro Bowls heading into the 2011 season, and was also a member of three straight All-Pro Teams.

No one will ever forget his interception that was returned for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  It was that play that was the catalyst for the Packers to bring the Lombardi Trophy home after so many years.

Now the Packers need to figure out what to do without Collins, and it’ll all start tomorrow with the 2012 NFL draft.  Instead of being able to focus on outside linebacker and defensive line early in the draft, Ted Thompson and the Packers will now need to add safety to their positions of greatest need for the 2012 season.  Read more... (343 words + 1 image, estimated 1:22 mins reading time)

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Everyone take a deep breath and relax.

The Packers have announced that they have re-signed outside linebacker Erik Walden; details of the contract were not made available (which is a statement in itself), but considering the lack of interest Walden received during free agency and the fact that the signing is a mere 3 days before the NFL draft indicates that Walden was desperate to sign and probably took a 1 year minimum contract.

Walden was viewed as a potential starter after an impressive 2010 campaign, but literally saw the 2011 season fall apart as he started 15 games but ended up as a liability on defense, was replaced by Brad Jones during the playoffs and was the center of an ugly domestic violence dispute with his girlfriend that resulted in him having to spend Thanksgiving in jail.  Read more... (336 words + 1 image, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)

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Surviving Sundays With no Packers Football

If you missed the three-hour ESPN special unveiling the NFL schedule, congratulations. I was open minded enough to give it a shot, but only managed to last about five minutes before trying to leap through my living-room window.

Three hours to unveil the NFL schedule?! I allow the NFL and the Green Bay Packers to monopolize my life from September through January. I can’t let them do the same in April.

Besides, why watch an ESPN anchor read off a cue card and a bumbling former player or two unveil the schedule in Bristol, CT, when you could just visit ALLGBP.com and find out all you need to know? Here’s a link to the NFL schedule, and below are some random thoughts on the portion of the schedule that involves the greatest franchise in the history of sports, the Packers.

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• I was hoping the Packers would play the Giants in the NFL’s Wednesday kickoff game. I didn’t care about exacting revenge for the playoff loss, but it would’ve been nice for the Packers to get 10 days off after the season opener. It turns out the Packers will get 10 days off early in the season, but it comes after playing the Bears on Thursday night in week two.

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Shields just one of many who had down years...

It is no secret that Sam Shields struggled at cornerback for the Packers last season. After a surprisingly successful rookie year following being undrafted out of Miami, Shields took a step back in year two.

The future looked brighter than ever when Shields capped his sensational rookie campaign with a marvelous game against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship. He finished with two interceptions, a forced fumble and a sack. His last minute interception sealed the game and sent the Packers to the Super Bowl.

This excitement was dulled in 2011 as Shields not only failed to improve, but regressed.

Shields had a better season statistically in 2011 when it comes to tackles, interceptions and passes defended, mostly based on increased playing time. Despite the jump is basic numbers, Shields’ year was filled with missed tackles and blown assignments. On the season, Shields was responsible for 10 missed tackles and gave up 9 passes of 20-plus yards.

It has been said over and over that Shields was probably the player most hurt by the lockout. It will be interesting to see how Shields reacts to having a full off-season in Green Bay.  Read more... (431 words + 1 image, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)

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FS/CB Trent Robinson, Michigan State

Green Bay Packers draft prospect profile: FS/CB Trent Robinson

Player Information:

Trenton Robinson, FS/CB Michigan State
5-10, 195 pounds
Hometown: Bay City, MI

NFL Combine:

40-yard dash: 4.46
Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump: 10’5”
20-yard shuttle: 4.16
3-cone drill: 7.12

News and Notes:

Short for a safety, but a big hitter. … Started career at Michigan State as a CB, but moved to S after freshman year. … Once moved to safety, he played both SS and FS, eventually sticking at FS. … First team All-Big Ten in 2011. … The Spartans went from 112th among all 120 major colleges in pass defense in 2009 to 11th in 2011 after Robinson moved to safety. … Recorded 229 tackles, 12 pass breakups and nine interceptions at Michigan St. … Played eight games as a true freshman. … Started 32 of 46 games. … Team captain in 2011. … Not afraid to stick his nose in there despite lack of size. Packs a punch. … Reputation as a very hard worker in college. … A top CB recruit coming out of high school at Bay City Central High. … No major injury history.  Read more... (454 words + 1 image, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

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