QB Brock Jensen scheduled to visit Green Bay Packers
North Dakota State Bison quarterback Brock Jensen (16) runs in the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Towson Tigers at Toyota Stadium. Jensen will be paying a pre-draft visit to the Green Bay Packers. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Jeremy Butler, Brandon Dixon also work out for Packers
While other NFL teams are gearing up for the upcoming Draft in May by using some of their 30 allowed prospect visits on players like Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater, The Green Bay Packers are targeting later round – possibly even undrafted free agents – to come to Green Bay for workouts.
But don’t mind Packer GM Ted Thompson’s madness, because he always has a method behind it.
Yesterday it was announced that the Packers were bringing in North Dakota State quarterback and Waupaca, Wis., native Brock Jensen for a look-see in the coming days, but in the meantime also have their eyes on Jeremy Butler and Brandon Dixon.
Who, you might ask?
Well, it’s time to begin the mantra: “In Ted, we trust.”
That’s because he knows players and even though these three players may be buried on most draft gurus’ charts, they are probably the types of players Ted Thompson feels could be perfect fits for his draft and develop system.
Tennessee Martin Skyhawks wide receiver Jeremy Butler (3) on an end around during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Bronco Stadium. Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports photograph
According to nfldraftdiamonds.com, which prides itself in uncovering some of the better players not being touted as high draft selections, had this to say about Butler:
"Jeremy Butler was a JUCO All American before transferring to Louisiana Tech. After a short stint with Louisiana Tech, Butler headed to Tennessee Martin where he blew up over the past two seasons. Butler … 6-2 wide receiver … is built like a truck weighing in at 226 pounds. He is not the fastest player in the draft, but he could be the strongest wide out. He has been compared to guys like Anquan Boldin as well as James Jones (who the Packers lost in free agency to the Raiders). We are extremely high on Butler and feel he could easily be a late round draft pick."
Dixon, a cornerback, is also on the website’s targets as a top defensive prospect in this year’s Draft.
Here’s how they described him:
"Brandon Dixon, who was a standout for Northwest Missouri State. Dixon attended the Senior Bowl and had a very impressive week. Dixon had an amazing performance against Jeff Janis of Saginaw Valley State who is projected to be a top 5 round draft pick. Dixon was named MIAA player of the week after holding the 6’3 speedster to 3 receptions. Dixon is a very solid corner and is ranked as a late round Northwest Missouri State Bearcats cornerback Brandon Dixon (1) tackles Lenoir-Rhyne Bears Jarrod Spears (20) at Braly Municipal Stadium. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports photographpick as well by our site."
Jensen, who we’ve written about in the past right here and again right here on lombardiave as a potential target for Mike McCarthy’s QB school, is an intriguing player. Not only is he from right down the road from Green Bay, but it would be his lifelong dream to come back home to play for his favorite team.
In an interview with Brian Carriveau of Cheeseheadtv.com, Jensen had this to say:
"“I grew up as a kid a Packers fan,” said Jensen. “I’m from central Wisconsin. Of course, I would think every Wisconsin kid growing up was a Packers fan, getting to go to Lambeau and watch the green and gold on Sundays.”"
While that’s all well and good, the question is whether he could be a player in the NFL.
Well, we understand at this point that he would be a project for McCarthy – unless he came in and blew the coaches away, he’s most likely a candidate for the practice squad – but stranger things have happened. Clearly, Green bay brass are impressed enough with Jensen enough to at least give him a shot.
At 6-3, 223 pounds, he has the size to be a pro athlete, but does he have the pedigree?
Certainly, he’s had some success at the college level, with his leadership and production. NDSU’s surprise win over Kansas State is still being talked about. Jensen was 21 of 30 passes (70 percent) for 165 yards and two touchdowns on that day and he also scored the game’s winning touchdown on the ground with 28 seconds remaining play.
Could he be the type of player who comes in as a late-round pick or free agent signing that works his way from the bottom of the depth chart into a viable prospect with the Packers?
We’ll sit back and let Thompson make that call.
Brock Jensen
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports photograph
But judging from the players the Packers are bringing in for workouts – at least initially – it looks that once again that Green Bay is interested in value and players who aren’t necessarily percolating to the tops of mock drafts.
That’s the norm and that’s how we like it.
Stay tuned …
BTW, Jensen is the 24th ranked quarterback in this year’s draft class in Cheesehead TV’s Pro Football Draft Preview guide – for us Packers fans, this is one of the premier draft previews out there.
In addition, You can see nfldraftdiamond.com’s Small School rankings here.