The Blitz: Rookie orientation camp
The powers that be only allowed media access for one practice during the Packers' rookie orientation camp this weekend, so here's the rundown from today's 90-minute workout at the Don Hutson Center:
-- First-round draft pick Justin Harrell was in uniform but did not participate in contact drills. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the team is "being smart" with Harrell, who missed most of his senior season at the University of Tennessee with a torn bicep.
-- Asked earlier today what he thinks coaches want to see, seventh-round draft pick DeShawn Wynn said "smartness and toughness." The latter came in question almost immediately as Wynn left practice early with a left calf injury. He had a wrap on it for an extended period and did not return. It's unclear whether he'll participate the rest of the weekend. While he was on the field, Wynn fumbled one handoff from John Stocco and fell flat on his face on another carry.
-- It's not saying much, but Stocco was the stronger of the two quarterbacks today. Neither he nor Jerry Babb (Louisiana-Lafayette) has great arm strength. But while Stocco seemed to find his rhythm during the 11-on-11 period, Babb threw a series of wobblers, including one that went directly to cornerback Tramon Williams.
-- Receiver David Clowney's speed is as good as advertised -- at least in shorts. The Virginia Tech product might have been a little overly anxious to show it off, taking one pass from Stocco and running the length of the practice field before coaches summoned him back to the huddle.
-- For what it's worth, running back Brandon Jackson (Nebraska) showed nifty moves in traffic during the team period. Twice, he got past the first level untouched. But again ... they're in shorts.
-- Former UW-La Crosse basketball player Joe Werner posted a perfect score on a team-conducted movement screen this morning, according to McCarthy. With no playing experience since early in high school, however, Werner didn't shock anyone by dropping at least two passes. He does take the prize for largest calves among his group in position drills. He's wearing No. 46.
-- For Badgers fans, Stocco suited up in No. 10. His college number (7) belongs to Ingle Martin.
-- Stocco and Babb both were 3-for-4 in the 7-on-7 passing drill. In the 11-on-11 period, Stocco fired two strikes to Calvin Russell -- on a play-action rollout and a post, respectively -- while Babb threw the interception and airmailed Clowney with his only other pass.
-- McCarthy said Russell, a first-year player from Tuskegee, has added 8 to 10 pounds on his 6-foot frame since last season.
Practice continues Saturday, though reporters won't see another workout until the mandatory minicamp begins Friday, May 18.
