Green Bay Packers Sign Wideout Charles Dillon. What Does He Offer The Pack?

Who is Charles Dillon?

Green Bay Packers General Manger and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson yesterday confirmed that the team has signed wide receiver Charles Dillon.

Dillon, a 6', 202 pound receiver is not a priority when it comes to positional need in Green Bay, who has one of the upper echelon receiving corps in the NFL. Still, Ted Thompson must have plans for Dillon come 2010, if the young arena footballer makes it through training camp.

Signed from the Spokane Shock of the AF2 arena league, Dillon amassed some impressive numbers in his first year with the 2009 Arena Cup champions. Dillon caught 75 passes, recorded 868 yards and had 18 touchdowns, helping his team to a 15-1 record.

However, it wasn’t just Dillon’s receiving numbers that earned him a tryout with Green Bay. Dillon’s uncanny ability to get into the end zone really made him standout, and he was utilised as a running back during short yardage situations near the goal line. Although he only had six rushing attempts for 15 yards, Dillon found the end zone on three rushing occasions.

Dillon has electrifying speed and agility to match. He ran a 4.45 in 2008, and when compared to this year’s receivers coming out of college, he ranks among the quickest. To match his speed, Dillon’s explosiveness and knack for breaking tackles relates well to his powerful 20 yard shuttle drill. Dillon’s 4.13 second shuttle would rank him seventh out of the rookies competing in this year’s combine.

Before hitting the arena league stage, Dillon played his college football at Washington State before declaring himself for the 2008 draft. Although he was not drafted, it didn’t take long for Dillon to end up with an NFL franchise. Shortly after the draft Dillon got a call from GM Bill Polian, informing him he had been signed by the Indianapolis Colts.

Dillon impressed with the Colts, but his season was cut short due to injury. He was placed on injured reserve and later cut by Indianapolis.

Who knows what the future may hold for Charles Dillon. However what Green Bay does know, is its receiving corps will have the familiar look of Driver, Jennings, Jones and Nelson all locked in. There is however one spot available, currently held by Brett Swain. Swain, coming off an ACL tear will be nervously looking over his shoulder, with the Packers signing Dillon and potentially any rookie wideouts being drafted next month.

Dillon’s impact as a kick/punt returner may just give him the nod ahead of Swain, not to mention his ability to play wide receiver as well as running back. With the uncertainty of Will Blackmon’s return from injury, Dillon has a good shot of making the team come August.

With free agency still continuing and the NFL draft in April, the Pack may still look for a versatile player who can contribute primarily to special teams, with the ability to also contribute defensively or offensively.

Dillon certainly fits that bill.

Charles Dillon by numbers:

11.6 – average yards per catch

17 – Number to be worn for Green Bay

21 – Touchdowns scored with Spokane Shock in 2009

23 – Years old

52 – Receptions with the Washington State Cougars

526 – Receiving yards with the Cougars

835 – Kickoff return yards from 40 attempts at Washington State.