Green Bay Packers 2016 Undrafted Rookies

Every year the Green Bay Packers seem to find a hidden treasure from their undrafted rookies. This year there are 21 players who didn’t hear their names called in the draft, who will fight to become the next Sam Shields, Jayrone Elliott, or Ladarius Gunter. One or two of these players may make the opening day roster, and we know several will make the practice squad.

Here are the players I believe have the best chance to succeed:

RB Don Jackson, Nevada

Jackson possesses decent size for the position and some surprising burst. His greatest asset may be that he is a patient runner who will wait for his blocks to set up. He could push John Crockett (another UDFA) for the 3rd Running Back position, but is more likely a Practice Squad candidate.

WR Geronimo Allison, Illinois

Allison has great size at 6’3 and 196 lbs, and combines that with an ability to go up and catch the ball. Allison’s good hands are somewhat offset by poor route running. With the logjam at Wide Receiver, Allison is a major underdog to make the roster, but would be the perfect player to put on the Practice Squad and develop slowly.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGEd1UDjcjY&w=560&h=315]

TE David Grinnage, North Carolina St

Grinnage has good size and is a very natural receiver. He adjusts to the ball well and has shown good straight line speed. The reason he wasn’t drafted was because of his sluggish breaks in and out of cuts. Like many receiving college TEs, Grinnage doesn’t have a lot of experience in blocking. He will compete for a third or fourth TE spot with Kennard Backman, Justin Perillo, and Mitchell Henry. His ability to play on all Special Teams will likely determine if he can make the roster or the Practice Squad.

DL Brian Price, UT-San Antonio

Price is my early bet to make the active roster. He was reportedly contacted by 27 teams after the draft and chose the Packers, in part, because of their reputation for giving undrafted players a shot. Price is 6’3 and 325 lbs and brings the kind of power you would expect from a player his size. He shows good quickness and agility, and will play with a chip on his shoulder. The Packers need depth at Nose Tackle and Price will compete with Mike Pennel, Josh Boyd, and Christian Ringo for a roster spot.

ILB Beniquez Brown, Mississippi St

Brown posted similar measurables to Blake Martinez. Like Martinez, Brown won’t blow you away on the track, but has strong instincts. Brown is probably only a run defender at this point, and is likely to struggle in coverage. He could push Joe Thomas and Carl Bradford for the fourth ILB position, and Special Teams ability will be the deciding factor in that roster decision.

CB Makinton Dorleant, Northern Iowa

Dorleant has good speed, size, and ability to play the ball. His technique needs work, but he does have experience on Special Teams. With a good preseason he could make the active roster, but a year on the Practice Squad would really help his development.

S Kentrill Brice, Louisiana Tech

Brice is an elite athlete. At his Senior Day he posted a 4.38 second 40, notched a 42-inch vertical jump, and recorded an 11-1 broad jump. He’s a hard hitter and showed the ability to cover slot receivers on 3rd down. Brice may not be as refined as many of the Safeties drafted, but certainly has a very high ceiling.

P Peter Mortell, Minnesota

The Green Bay native returns home to challenge Tim Masthay for his roster spot. Mortell was a good holder in college which will help his cause. He will have to prove he can punt with NFL hang time and placement to earn a roster spot.