NFC North Rookie Preview: Green Bay Packers (Offense)
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
#22 FB Aaron Ripkowski (Oklahoma, 6th round)
Are the Packers getting rid of John Kuhn soon? God I sure hope so, but unfortunately for Bears fans they drafted a Kuhn clone in Ripowski. There probably isn’t room for two fullbacks on the roster which leads me to believe Ripkowski is headed to the practice squad. Kuhn’s contract expires at the end of the 2015 season, so Ripokwski could be leverage in keeping Kuhn’s salary under a million per year or they could be ready to replace the fan favorite Kuhn. Personally I will be happy to never hear another Kuhn chant, but Ripkowski has the potential to be just as good.
At 6’1, 257 with 4.7 speed, Ripkowski has above-average athleticism for a fullback and seems to love blocking. He blocks with an enthusiasm that is fun to watch and hits hard. Ripkowski has shown the ability to be an effective short-yardage back and also lined up as an inline tight end occasionally. If Kuhn retires or wants a salary the Packers aren’t comfortable with, Ripkowski should be able to step right in with no noticable difference except a new chant from the Packers fans.
#86 TE Kennard Backman (UAB, 6th round)
The Packers have been looking for a solid tight end since Jermichael Finley left, but didn’t have much luck with rookies Richard Rodgers and Colt Lyerla last year. Lyerla was cut before the season and 3rd round pick Rodgers was a non-factor as a rookie. I don’t think Backman will have much impact either as he only had 39 catches last year against weak competition in conference USA. Backman does have some potential as a receiver though with solid hands, decent length (6’4), and 4.58 speed. It may take Backman a year or two to adjust to the huge speed gap in the NFL, but he has more athletic upside than Richard Rodgers and could steal his receiving TE job in 2016 if Rodgers hasn’t proven himself by then.
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#38 RB John Crockett (North Dakota St, UDFA)
Despite playing at a DII school, Crockett has experience in a pro-style offense with the Bison and was very productive last season with over 2,419 total yards, 22 TDs, and 30 receptions out of the backfield. He’s an explosive athlete with a top 4 score in both the vertical leap and broad jump at the combine. Crockett has the athleticism to play in the NFL and has a chance to make the roster with little depth behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks at RB.
Crockett has a good burst through the line of scrimmage, the patience and vision to find holes, and shifty moves in the open field, but despite good size (6’0 | 217) he didn’t break many tackles at the DII level and doesn’t have break-away speed (4.62). Crockett has enough talent to make the final 53-man roster, but is a long shot to take any carries away from primary back-up James Starks.
#74 OG Matt Rotheram (Pittsburgh, UDFA)
Large interior linemen (6’5 | 325) who has some experience at right tackle. He has limited athleticism, but plays mean and uses his size and strength well to open holes in the running game. Rotheram lacks lateral agility and could struggle in pass protection. He’s a practice squad candidate who could develop into a solid back-up guard.
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