Green Bay Packers: Drafted, undrafted, tryout players hit the field
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix practiced for the first time with the Green Bay Packers today. Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports photograph
The Green Bay Packers put 58 drafted, undrafted and tryout players through their paces in the team’s on-field workout Friday – the first of two days of practice in the Don Hutson center as part of the team’s rookie orientation session.
And while there will only be a select few of these players who have a realistic chance of making the team’s final 53-man roster, they were all giving it today and the media crush to bring us information about all of them lit up Twitter today with comments and insights.
Every player, from first round selection Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to tryout player Colt Lyerla, reporters were at their best today.
Lyerla, the tight end out of Oregon who has had a checkered past, to say the least, got his shot at playing professional football with his invitation to try out with the Packers. And his presence didn’t go unnoticed by folks inside the Packers practice facility nor by the national media also following his progress.
But there was so much else going on. The first day for a new group of talented drafted receivers – Davante Adams, Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis – worked out for the first time in green and gold; first round cornerback hit the practice field wearing #21, last worn by Charles Woodson, center Corey Linsley impressed and even UW-Whitewater LB Cole Klotz was on the field.
That said, here are some of the comments posted today by various beat writers who were following all of the action today …
MM on practice: It's difficult for everybody, which is why we call it rookie orientation. I don't really call it a minicamp.
— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) May 16, 2014
MM: Talking to rookies last night, told them every one of them has earned shot at our roster. Tell them they have unique opportunity.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 16, 2014
Mike McCarthy on rookie orientation: "This is a young man's league and has been for a number of years." #Packers
— Paul (@Paulimig) May 16, 2014
McCarthy says he told players there "isn't a whole lot of difference" between the try-out players and those were drafted or signed.
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) May 16, 2014
MM on Colt Lyerla: "Colt is just like the other 58 (rookies). He's done things in his college career. Aware of the on-and-off the field.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 16, 2014
MM: You want tryout guys to come in and jump out at you.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 16, 2014
MM on Clinton-Dix: He's been here all week. Rookies traveled Sunday and Monday. He's been in meetings -- Tuesday and Thursday with veterans.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 16, 2014
MM how helped D in offseason: hoping couple these guys jump up n make team. Look at ILB group, put on college film they make every tackle
— Pete Dougherty (@PeteDougherty) May 16, 2014
MM on rookies: I like this group. They look like they belong. They look you in the eye when you talk to them.
— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) May 16, 2014
MM: Thursday night meeting is always unique meeting. Historic video, and we make every prospect here a part of that video.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 16, 2014
MM on Abbrederis: "He's definitely a very good athlete. Good body control. ...Strength/conditioning, he could make some gains there."
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) May 16, 2014
MM: Linsley is little bigger than I thought he was, that was good thing. Powerful young man, I like his personality.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 16, 2014
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: “I’m a fast player. I love being around the ball. And I just love this game. I’m glad to be here.” #packers
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) May 16, 2014
Demetri Goodson's contract is signed. Leaves Ha Ha, Davante Adams, Khyri Thornton and Richard Rodgers. The first four picks
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) May 16, 2014
For Abbrederis, hometown story begins at #Packers rookie camp ... http://t.co/CEfPtCfu68
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) May 16, 2014