As training camp opens for the Green Bay Packers today, here's a look at some of the undrafted rookies looking to follow in a long line of success stories in Green Bay and stick with the team for the 2019 season.
Maggie Loney of Cheesehead TV notes a few of the undrafted players that seemed primed to have the best shot of making either the 53-player roster or the practice squad:
- Yosh Nijman, Offensive Line: Formerly of Virginia Tech, he measures in at 6-7, 314lbs. Nijman finds himself in a favorable position this offseason, as the Packers lack real depth at the tackle positions.
- Curtis Bolton, Inside Linebacker: Out of Oklahoma, Bolton was selected honorable mention All-Big 12 his senior year, his only season as a starter. He averaged 9.9 tackles per game and recorded a career high 139 tackles with 4.5 sacks in 2018. Like Nijman, Bolton finds himself in a position without much depth.
- Darrius Shepherd, Wide Receiver/Returner: Shepherd played for North Dakota State and is an intriguing option both at wide receiver and as a returner on special teams. Shepherd recorded 188 receptions for 2,841 yards during his Bison career, along with 20 touchdowns. In addition to his pass-catching prowess, he also rushed for 219 yards with a 7.1 yard average. Should the team decide to move on from Trevor Davis, Shepherd gives them nice insurance given the punt returner role he played in college. For the Bison, Shepherd returned 44 punts for 578 yards and one touchdown, giving him a 13.1 yard average.
- Manny Wilkins, Quarterback: In Wilkins’ career at Arizona State, he threw for 8,624 yards with a completion percentage of 63.2. He totalled 52 touchdowns and 23 interceptions with a QB rating of 139.5. He’s also rushed for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. Wilkins has a lot to prove if he wants a shot at the roster, as he has likely has the steepest hill to climb of anyone mentioned here.
You can read the full breakdown of each player, as well as current Packers who were undrafted and now playing big roles in Green Bay, at Cheesehead TV by clicking here.
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