NFC North Rookie Preview: Green Bay Packers (Offense)
With the 2015 NFL season less than 3 months away, it’s time to start thinking about the competition in the NFC North. According to most draft publications, the other three teams in the division had solid drafts so there will be an influx of new players for Bears fans to root against. This week I’ll be breaking down the drafted and significant undrafted rookies for all the teams in the North. I’m starting with the dreaded Packers.
Green Bay Packers Rookies (Offense):
#88 WR Ty Montgomery (Stanford, 3rd round)
If Montgomery would have declared for the draft in 2013 after his All-American season, he most likely would have been a 1st round pick. He came into the 2014 season as one of the highest rated WRs, but had a disappointing season. Montgomery had issues with drops and was inconsistent game-to-game. Montgomery was one of the most dynamic players after the catch in college football, but he needs to catch the ball to be effective. The Packers are loaded at wide receiver, so have plenty of time to develop Montgomery’s receiving skills. He has the potential to be a very dangerous weapon eventually.
In the short term Montgomery could contribute on special teams as a kick / punt returner. He led all qualified FBS kick returners in average yards per return in 2013 with 30.31 and 2 TDs. In 2014, his first season returning punts, he led the nation with a 19.8 punt return average and took two punts back for scores. Montgomery had 5 total return touchdowns in his career at Stanford and should compete for the starting kick & punt returner jobs with the Packers.
#7 QB Brett Hundley (UCLA, 5th round)
Like 3rd round pick Montgomery, Hundley probably would have been a much higher pick had he entered the draft after the 2013 season. On paper Hundley has everything teams look for in a QB with ideal size, a cannon arm, good touch, and above-average mobility. The main problems with Hundley are his decision making and his footwork. Hundley hasn’t shown the ability to progress through reads and when pressured had inconsistent footwork.
The Packers obviously don’t need a QB right away or probably anytime soon, but they now have a developmental QB with starter potential. Hundley will need a lot of work on his feet and his read progression, but the Packers have time and watching Aaron Rodgers operate won’t hurt his development. Even if Hundley never develops enough to push Rodgers for his job, he could become a valauble trade chip for the Packers in a couple years.