Green Bay Packers: Rookie Performance Grades
By Kenny Jilek
Seventh Round and Undrafted
7th Round Pick – S Vernon Scott
Vernon Scott, by virtue of being a seventh-round pick and being behind two safeties that were the clear starters, didn’t come in with high expectations around him. There wasn’t even certainty that he would make the team. He did so and has carved out a nice niche as a special teams player and extra defensive back.
The Packers experimented with him a little bit as a box safety, but he’s mostly out there only when there are six or seven defensive backs on the field. This hasn’t kept him from making an impact, however, as he’s gotten himself two tackles for loss, including a sack.
Overall Grade: C+
7th Round Pick – EDGE Jonathan Garvin
For a few weeks early in the season, it seemed like Garvin was being given a solid role in the defense. In weeks three, four, and six, he was on the field for at least 25 percent of the defensive snaps. However, that quickly dissipated after he didn’t have much production to show for it, and he hasn’t seen game action since week nine against the 49ers.
Overall Grade: D+
Undrafted Rookie – ILB Krys Barnes
In week one, Barnes surprised many fans, including myself, by being on the field to start the game and then by making some great plays. He had seven total tackles, including two for a loss, in his debut. He continued to get consistent playing time, but the magic somewhat faded as his physical limitations started to show, and he regressed back to what was expected.
Still, it seems the Packers found a real player in Barnes and a guy who can give them serviceable defensive snaps after going undrafted. He has been out the last three weeks but has been reactivated and should play on Sunday. The jury is still out on Barnes as, like Kamal Martin, his inexperience causes mistakes, but he seems to be a guy that could continue to grow and play next to Martin for years to come.
Overall Grade: B-
What do you think of the Green Bay Packers’ rookie class now that they’ve had some time to show what they can do? Do you agree with the grades I gave them? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @DairylandXpress.