Green Bay’s three Intriguing Undrafted Free Agents
Because there are hundreds of NFL prospects each year, not everyone makes into the draft. This doesn’t mean the talent pool is very limited with rookies signed after the draft and many players can flourish.
With the right situation, these players can become better than those drafted. For example, Warren Moon, James Harrison, Kurt Warner and Jeff Saturday are among the players that went undrafted in their respected drafts.
Of the long list of players Green Bay signed after the draft, the following are the most intriguing and should be followed through the preseason.
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Quarterback Joe Callahan, Wesley College
This was an eyebrow-raising singing for the Packers that seem like they have everything the need in the quarterback department. They have superstar Aaron Rodgers as the starter and last season drafted Brett Hundley in the fifth round.
Either the team likes to roll three deep in the most important position in football or they have doubts in Hundley’s ability as a backup.
Callahan was a three-year starter for Division III program Wesley College. While there, he was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy –Division III’s Heisman equivalent– his junior and senior year and took the award his final season. Callahan became the first Division III quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season, throwing 5,03 and 55 touchdowns in 2015.
The 6-foot-1 quarterback could be involved in an interesting backup battle in the preseason. With his ability to throw the ball, it would not be surprising if he locked up the backup spot at all.
Linebacker Beniquez Brown, Mississippi State
With so much talent in the linebackers in the draft, the Packers may have one of the biggest sleepers in signing Brown. Ted Thompson clearly likes to have a lot of depth in what were the team’s weak spots before the draft and adding Brown will create a lot of healthy competition.
Brown finished his junior year at Mississippi State with 100 tackles and four sacks. He is at the average height of most inside linebackers, standing 6-foot-1 and 229 pounds, but has the speed to make great angles and catch runners. He might not be ready day one to make an impact, but it would not be surprising if Brown becomes a reliable player much like A.J. Hawk was for so many years.
Running back Don Jackson, Nevada
Every season needs and underdog to cheer for, right? Jackson is that player that you can cheer for. Jackson’s backstory includes a life that was headed down a dark path of danger, drugs and violence. Jackson changed his ways and focused on football and the path to the NFL.
In three seasons for the Wolf pack, Jackson tallied 520 carries, 2,318 yards and 19 touchdowns. Jackson could be a great addition by adding speed to the big backs the Packers currently have with Eddie Lacey and James Starks. Jackson ran his 40-yard dash at 4.4, and has the potential to be that change-of-pace back the offense needs.
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