Green Bay Packers: Johnathan Calvin could push for roster spot
By Hunter Noll
The Green Bay Packers signed Johnathan Calvin as an undrafted free agent, and the Mississippi State product could make a run at a linebacker spot.
The Green Bay Packers have a solid group of young linebackers on their roster. While that’s a good thing for their future, it makes it harder for undrafted free agents to crack the 53-man. Clay Matthews is the star of the group. He’s also the veteran and the leader. After Matthews, Nick Perry enjoyed an excellent breakout season in 2016 and looks to build upon that. Then you get into the questionable parts of the corps.
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Blake Martinez is an exciting young talent who could become a major presence on defense for years to come. Joe Thomas brings athleticism and a high ceiling to the group as well. Finally, Jake Ryan‘s a bit of a question mark, but has potential. As you can see, the linebackers are young and relatively talented, but lack depth.
Due to that, the Packers didn’t hold any punches this draft, selecting one and signing four more as undrafted free agents. Johnathan Calvin is one of those free agents, and he’s extremely intriguing.
The growth Calvin showed from 2015 to 2016 at Mississippi State is incredible. He jumped from 27 tackles his Junior year to 55 his Senior year. Meanwhile, he had 12 tackles for loss in 2016 (up from 5.5), as well as seven sacks (up from 1.5). The 23-year old also picked up his first career interception and pass deflection, and his first two forced fumbles.
Listed at 6-3 and 266 pounds, Calvin is the perfect size for an NFL linebacker. His first step tends to give him an advantage off the snap. Despite that, he doesn’t have the moves to project as much of a pass-rusher in the NFL. What Calvin lacks in moves, he makes up for with his knowledge though. An incredibly smart and instinctive athlete can always find his way onto a roster.
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The Packers could end up being a perfect situation for the rookie. He could be stashed on the practice squad, but due to their inexperience, he’s not that far behind many of the players currently projected on the 53-man roster. Thanks to that, a strong camp could push Calvin into the mix.