Breaking Down All the New Faces on the 2015 Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers weren't active in free agency and only drafted eight players in the 2015 NFL draft, but that doesn't mean they had trouble filling up the 90-man offseason roster with new faces.
Between some offseason signings and the addition of 17 undrafted rookies, the Packers have added over 25 new faces to their roster. We'll break down every draft prospect as well as the undrafted rookies who have the best chance of making the roster.
For each player, we've included information on his college or previous team, measurables and the chance that he'll make the final roster. The latter category is split into three options: likely (all draft picks and some undrafted free agents), possible (some undrafted free agents) and less likely (the remaining undrafted free agents and offseason additions).
CB Damarious Randall
1 of 15
College: Arizona State
Measurables: 5'11", 196 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
Damarious Randall played safety at Arizona State for two years after attending collegiate Mesa Community College and was one of the best cover safeties available in the draft. Though he was listed as a safety at Arizona State, he has the skills of a corner, including speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash) and athleticism (38-inch vertical jump and previous wide receiver experience).
Randall missed most of the rookie orientation camp and the beginning of OTAs with a minor ankle injury, but he is a full participant in mandatory minicamp. He's been getting many snaps at perimeter cornerback opposite Sam Shields—more than fellow rookie corner Quinten Rollins—per Brian Carriveau of 247Sports.com.
"Clear that Damarious Randall is being trained as a perimeter cornerback, while Rollins gets occasional work both inside and outside
— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) June 16, 2015"
CB Quinten Rollins
2 of 15
College: Miami (Ohio)
Measurables: 5'11", 195 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
Quinten Rollins is a four-year basketball star-turned-cornerback, after he made the switch to football in his final season at Miami (Ohio). In his first and only year at the position, he had eye-popping results: 72 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, seven interceptions (a conference high) and 16 passes defensed. His effort won him the honor of being named MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Though Rollins' raw athleticism and playmaking ability are obvious, he will work with cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt this offseason on refining his technique. During OTAs, Rollins got work at inside corner, per Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Now, with Casey Hayward out until training camp with a foot injury, according to Jason Wilde of ESPN.com, Rollins is also getting snaps outside, per Dunne.
WR Ty Montgomery
3 of 15
College: Stanford
Measurables: 6'0", 216 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
Ty Montgomery is built like a "bigger Randall Cobb," said Sam Seale, the Packers' scout for the West region, per ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky. His size and speed make him an ideal candidate to catch passes out of the backfield for the Packers as well as line up at wide receiver.
Where Montgomery can really make a difference in his rookie year, however, is in the return game. He led Stanford in kick and punt return averages in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he led the FBS in kick-return average.
Montgomery joined the Packers for the first time since the rookie minicamp on Tuesday after finishing up classes at Stanford. Per Demovsky, he got involved in punt returns right away.
"Ty Montgomery has joined the group of punt returners, including Cobb, Abbrederis, Hyde. #Packers
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 16, 2015"
Montgomery also caught a pass from Aaron Rodgers on Tuesday.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
LB Jake Ryan
4 of 15
College: Michigan
Measurables: 6'2", 240 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
The Packers waited until the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft to select their inside linebacker, but they got a good one in Jake Ryan. The rookie played outside at Michigan prior to moving inside in 2014, when he proceeded to have the best season of his career over 12 starts: 112 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
During offseason practices, Ryan has been taking second-team reps at inside linebacker with Carl Bradford, behind the first-team duo of Sam Barrington and Clay Matthews, per Paul Imig of Fox Sports Wisconsin. Even if he doesn't start at inside linebacker in 2015, Ryan can aim to replace Matthews next to Barrington on passing downs.
QB Brett Hundley
5 of 15
College: UCLA
Measurables: 6'3", 226 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
It was already surprising when Brett Hundley fell to the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft, but the Packers raised eyebrows when they traded up to select him with the 147th overall pick. Physically, the young quarterback has the tools to be successful in the NFL—including speed (4.63-second 40-yard dash), toughness and athleticism (top performer in the vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle).
However, his ability to read coverages, anticipation skills and pocket awareness all need work, and where better to develop those traits than in head coach Mike McCarthy's offseason quarterback school?
So far during offseason practices, Scott Tolzien has been taking No. 2 reps ahead of Hundley, per Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Tolzien's experience will give him the edge in remaining Aaron Rodgers' backup in 2015, but Hundley may look like a different quarterback after a training camp or two in Green Bay.
FB Aaron Ripkowski
6 of 15
College: Oklahoma
Measurables: 6'1", 246 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
The Packers drafted John Kuhn's replacement in fifth-round fullback Aaron Ripkowski out of Oklahoma. He will be able to step into the role Kuhn fills as a lead blocker for Eddie Lacy seamlessly; he helped lead the way for the Sooners rushing offense, which led the nation in 2014.
However, Ripkowski didn't often touch the ball at Oklahoma. Over his career, the fullback had just six carries and seven receptions, though he did score two touchdowns. As he learns the Packers offense, he will be a welcome contributor on special teams.
"So far, Ripkowski says he has been able to pick up the offense," wrote Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He expected it to be a challenge. For now, without pads on, it's about making the right reads."
DT Christian Ringo
7 of 15
College: Louisiana-Lafayette
Measurables: 6'1", 298 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
Christian Ringo had a highly productive college career, with 11.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in 13 games last season alone. He'll likely move that production to the interior in Green Bay as a 3-technique defensive tackle.
The Packers could be poised for some turnover on the defensive line, which makes this an optimal time for Ringo to prove he's worth one of the likely six spots on the final roster the Packers will fill with defensive lineman.
He will be competing with Mike Daniels, B.J. Raji, Letroy Guion, Datone Jones, Josh Boyd, Khyri Thornton, Mike Pennel, Bruce Gaston and undrafted rookie Lavon Hooks. Thornton was a third-round pick in 2014, but injuries have prevented him from demonstrating whether he has more talent to offer. Gaston is likely expendable behind Raji, Guion and Pennel.
TE Kennard Backman
8 of 15
College: Alabama-Birmingham
Measurables: 6'3", 245 pounds
Chance of Making Team: Likely
Kennard Backman is another raw athlete the Packers like to develop so much, and he has a basketball background, as do many players on the roster. He made 37 starts at tight end at UAB and finished his career with 96 receptions for 979 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Packers lack depth at the position behind Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers, so not only will Backman be expected to factor into the offense in receiving and blocking, but he'll replace Brandon Bostick's role on special teams as well. Backman has impressed in OTAs.
"Rookie tight end Kennard Backman getting work with Rodgers. Catches quick out from right slot, turns upfield for a score.
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) June 2, 2015"
You wouldn't necessarily know it from his size, but Backman can stretch the field. If he can nail down the offense in training camp, he could be a weapon in the seam in 2015.
RB John Crockett
9 of 15
College: North Dakota State
Measurables: 6'0", 217 pounds
Chance to Make Roster: Possible
John Crockett almost certainly wouldn't clear waivers to reach Green Bay's practice squad, so if the Packers want him, they'll likely have to allocate a roster spot for him.
He was projected to be drafted in Round 6 or 7 by NFL.com. He was a top performer among running back prospects at the NFL combine in the vertical jump (40 inches) and the broad jump (125 inches) and ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash.
At North Dakota State, Crockett had three consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards, and in his senior year he set school records for all-purpose yards (2,419), rushing yards (1,994) and rushing attempts (368). He will compete with practice-squad holdover Rajion Neal for the No. 3 spot behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks. The Packers could theoretically keep all four, but that won't be likely if they keep two fullbacks on the roster in John Kuhn and Aaron Ripkowski.
On the first day of practice at mandatory minicamp, Crockett injured his ankle and dropped out of practice, per ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky.
LB Tavarus Dantzler
10 of 15
College: Bethune-Cookman
Measurables: 6'2", 240 pounds
Chance to Make Roster: Possible
Linebacker Tavarus Dantzler has a diverse skill set that could see him play on the inside or the outside for the Packers.
He had 175 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, five pass breakups, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries at Bethune-Cookman, where he played at outside linebacker. However, he would likely move inside in Green Bay.
In addition to boasting good size, Dantzler can cover, which would make him a successful backup inside linebacker. He ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, per NFLDraftScout.com.
Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington are the only players on the roster with any NFL experience at inside linebacker. To make the roster, Dantzler will compete with Jake Ryan, Carl Bradford, Joe Thomas, Nate Palmer and Josh Francis.
CB LaDarius Gunter
11 of 15
College: Miami
Measurables: 6'2", 201 pounds
Chance to Make Roster: Possible
NFL.com projected Ladarius Gunter would come off the board in Round 4 or 5 of the draft, but instead he went undrafted. He ran an undesirable 4.69-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, but he improved that to 4.66 and 4.64 seconds at his pro day and plays faster on tape. Gunter had a productive career at Miami, with 111 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, 18 pass breakups and six interceptions.
Gunter will have his work cut out for him to earn a roster spot in this crowded secondary, competing with Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Damarious Randall, Quentin Rollins and Demetri Goodson at cornerback. Defensive backs Micah Hyde and Kyle Sebetic could also be in direct competition for his potential roster spot.
DT Lavon Hooks
12 of 15
College: Mississippi
Measurables: 6'3", 312 pounds
Chance of Making Roster: Possible
Lavon Hooks was a versatile player at Ole Miss, lining up both at defensive tackle and, for a time, tight end. While he may not be the next J.J. Watt, Hooks has been earning positive attention throughout the Packers' offseason activities.
The Packers are "high on" Hooks, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, who reported he got snaps with the No. 2 defense during 11-on-11 drills.
Hooks had 27 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and three sacks at Ole Miss. It's possible the Packers would be able to stash him on the practice squad; to make the final roster, he'll have to earn a spot over players like Khyri Thornton, Bruce Gaston and Mike Pennel.
G Matt Rotheram
13 of 15
College: Pittsburgh
Measurables: 6'5", 325 pounds
Chance to Make Roster: Likely
The Packers just released undrafted rookie guard Marcus Reed, which makes Matt Rotheram's chances of earning a roster spot even more likely. Rotheram played right tackle in 2011-12 and then moved to right guard in 2013-14. The 6'5", 325-pound guard has great size and was a huge asset to Pitt's rushing game.
General manager Ted Thompson did not draft an offensive lineman in 2015 for the first time in his Green Bay tenure, so Rotheram will not have to beat out a draft selection in order to back up the guard position in 2015. He likely would not clear waivers to be added to the practice squad, and given the current depth on the offensive line, he seems a legitimate candidate to survive final cuts.
Remaining UDFAs
14 of 15
The following undrafted rookies are less likely to make the final 53-man roster, but given undrafted free agents' track record of success in Green Bay, anything is possible.
Bernard Blake: CB, Colorado State, 5'11", 178 pounds
Javess Blue: WR, Kentucky, 6'0", 188 pounds
Ricky Collins: WR, Texas A&M-Commerce, 6'0", 198 pounds
Adrian Coxson: WR, Stony Brook, 6'1", 209 pounds
Fabbians Ebbele: T, Arizona, 6'8", 315 pounds
Alonzo Harris: RB, Louisiana-Lafayette, 6'1", 237 pounds
Mitchell Henry: TE, Western Kentucky, 6'4", 252 pounds
Jimmie Hunt: WR, Missouri, 6'0", 208 pounds
Larry Pinkard: WR, Old Dominion, 6'0", 196 pounds
Jermauria Rasco: LB, Louisiana State, 6'3", 252 pounds
James Vaughters: LB, Stanford, 6'2", 254 pounds
Offseason Signings
15 of 15
The Packers signed the following players this offseason. None are particularly likely to make the roster, but they will provide competition in training camp and could perhaps join the practice squad.
Cody Mandell: P, Alabama, 6'2", 217 pounds: Cody Mandell was signed in January to bring in competition in training camp for Tim Masthay, who had the worst season of his career in Green Bay in 2014. Mandell walked on at Alabama in 2010 and played 52 games. He averaged 42.6 yards per punt over his career. Last offseason, he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys but didn't make the final roster.
Kyle Sebetic: DB, Dayton, 6'0", 197 pounds: Kyle Sebetic is a former undrafted free agent out of Dayton and a Wisconsin native who spent some time with the New York Giants in 2014 but didn't survive final cuts. At Dayton, he had 197 total tackles, 21 pass breakups, five interceptions, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Josh Francis: LB, West Virginia, 6'0", 238 pounds: The Packers signed Canadian Football League player Josh Francis in March. He played with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2014 and the IFL's Wichita Falls Nighthawks in 2015. The Packers could use depth at inside linebacker, but Francis enters a competition that includes Jake Ryan, Carl Bradford, Joe Thomas and Nate Palmer behind presumed starters Sam Barrington and Clay Matthews, not to mention UDFA Tavarus Dantzler.
Matt Blanchard: QB, Wisconsin-Whitewater, 6'3", 223 pounds: At Wisconsin-Whitewater, Matt Blanchard started 25 games with 5,106 yards passing, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was signed in April to compete for a backup quarterback job with a slim chance of making the final roster, but according to ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky, Blanchard is "far ahead" of rookie Brett Hundley at this point and is No. 3 on the depth chart of Green Bay's four quarterbacks.
All measurables information via Packers.com and NFL.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
