Packers: Jordy Nelson impresses McCarthy in first practice
GREEN BAY -- Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was quick to characterize this weekend's Rookie Orientation Camp as educational rather than a time for evaluation of players. But that didn't mean he didn't come away with some first impressions of his newcomers Friday.
Among those who caught his eye was wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the team's top pick in last weekend's NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound Nelson, who was the fifth pick in the second round, demonstrated sure hands and speed to get deep as the rookies went through drills at the Don Hutson Center.
"I really like the way he moves," said McCarthy, noting a catch he made on one deep pass, in particular. "You could see the patience he has with the ball in the air. You can see that he's an accomplished route runner. I'm glad he's on our team."
Nelson feels the same way and he's eager to get the chance to play alongside the team's veteran receivers like Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.
"Donald Driver is a great, consistent player, one of the best that's been around the last few years," Nelson said. "I'm going to hang around him and try to pick his brain and learn as much as I can from him."
With the Packers' relative strength at the position, some observers were surprised that the team used its top pick on a wide receiver. But while there figures to be plenty of competition for playing time -- with veterans James Jones, Koren Robinson and Ruvell Martin all in the mix -- Nelson is looking forward to mixing it up.
"I think this is a great opportunity," he said. "I just want to come in and be myself. There's a reason why they picked me where they did and I just want to play the way I've always played and everything will be good."
McCarthy also took notice of the play of his two rookie quarterbacks -- second rounder Brian Brohm of Louisville and seventh rounder Matt Flynn of LSU.
"You can see they both have a lot of experience, just the way they step into a huddle," McCarthy said. "Their huddle command was very good. They seem to be very coachable. The timing and those things will come. I thought it was a very good learning experience for them."
McCarthy said he wouldn't be afraid to go into the season with two rookies backing up first-year starter Aaron Rodgers.
"There's a good opportunity that could happen," he said. "We have a lot of work to do, but we'll have them ready to play. I look at it from the time frame I have to get any rookie ready to play. The quarterback position is clearly the one that's the most challenging because of what they're asked to do. I think we have the time to get that done. It's something we'll be prepared to do if we need to."
Far less likely to make the roster, but just as noticeable Friday, was running back Justin Beaver of UW-Whitewater, one of 19 players in camp on a tryout basis. The 5-foot-7, 190-pound Beaver, who finished his career with a WIAC record 6,584 rushing yards, displayed the speed and enthusiasm that helped him catch the attention of pro scouts.
"He's quick as a hiccup," McCarthy said. "Just as advertised. I thought he did a nice job. He plays with excellent pace and tempo and he's got an excellent spirit, just from what I've seen."
The rookie orientation will continue Saturday and Sunday. The Packers have four organized team activities scheduled: May 21 and 29 and June 4 and 11. Mandatory mini-camp is set for June 17-19, with training camp beginning on July 28.
Associated Press
Jordy Nelson demonstrated sure hands Friday in his first workout with the Packers.
