Beaver draws positives from Packers tryout
Even though Justin Beaver's weekend tryout with the Green Bay Packers did not yield a contract, it did have one important dividend.
The former UW-Whitewater standout had a venue to showcase his talents on the same stage as other NFL hopefuls from larger schools, and came away believing his skills transcend his NCAA Division III background and 5-foot-7 frame.
"Those are always the drawbacks with a D3 kid -- it's a question about the competition level," said Tim Valentyn, a Madison attorney who, along with Scott Smith, represents Beaver. "But Justin's the type of kid who, if you get him in front of pro people, like the Packers, he'll show that's not an accurate negative. He's got the tools to play."
Beaver, a three-time All-American, rushed for 2,455 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior in leading UW-Whitewater to the NCAA title in its third straight appearance in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.
The Packers signed three undrafted free agents among the 19 players they brought into camp over the weekend, but indicated they will not offer a contract to Beaver -- at least for now.
"I would love for him to have an opportunity, because he's been impressive," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
It's possible that Green Bay is waiting on the outcome of a vote at the NFL's spring owners meeting May 19 in Atlanta that could increase training camp rosters to 86. Such a change would address the elimination of exemptions granted in the past for NFL Europe players, as that league has folded.
That would give the Packers six more spots to fill, and create 192 additional spots league-wide. Valentyn made it clear that Beaver, a native of Palmyra, would prefer to get his shot in Green Bay. But he won't bypass a chance elsewhere.
"Right now, we've got to explore every possible option," said Valentyn, who noted that Buffalo was among the other teams to express interest in Beaver before the draft. "He'd love it to be with the Packers. He had a great experience there and showed them everything he's got."
Green Bay has five running backs under contract: Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn, Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and Kregg Lumpkin, also an undrafted rookie from this class.
Starter Ryan Grant is an exclusive-rights free agent and has yet to sign his tender.
