Green Bay Packers CB Quinten Rollins Another Draft Gem

“I though he played really well – he played with a lot of confidence. He was definitely poised.”

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After those kind of words from the Packers head coach, one might have thought he was referring to perhaps quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Not this time, however.

It turns out coach Mike McCarthy was referring to rookie cornerback Quinten Rollins following his impressive showing in the team’s preseason opener against the New England Patriots last Thursday night.

Yes, it’s still the preseason. Yes, it’s the first game of the preseason. But the things that truly matter for all football players and especially cornerbacks – the physical ability, the technique, and the ball skills – those simply do not come and go.

Rollins was absolutely terrific in his first game action since being drafted just months ago. The icing on the cake would have been to bring down an interception that seemed to escape his grasp twice that night.

May 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) gets ready during Rookie Orientation Camp and Organized Team Activities at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

McCarthy added, “I’m sure if you talk to him, he’ll be disappointed he didn’t have those two interceptions.”

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Rollins is, after all, human.

“Obviously disappointed … hopefully I can go up there and come down with it next time,” he responds when asked about the near-picks.

Regardless, Rollins came out to play and he did not disappoint. It seemed as though every time he was targeted, Rollins came up with either a pass breakup or a great tackle. Pro Football Focus credits him with allowing just five of ten passes completed in his direction for a total of 26 yards.

Late in the second quarter, with 2:50 left, Rollins had a huge pass breakup on second and five intended for receiver Josh Boyce. On the ensuing play, Rollins came up big again nearly intercepting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Rollins showed great instincts reading a checkdown throw and delivering a big hit to the thighs of running back James White. With the hit, he was able to disrupt the receiver and force yet another incompletion. The collision left White hurt on the ground followed by a medical examination on the bench moments after.

Later that same quarter, Rollins was able to flip his hips and perfectly time another body-twisting leap in the air to break up a deep touchdown pass attempt by the Patriots. This was the second potential interception McCarthy was referring to, by the way.

Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; The New England Patriots take on the Green Bay Packers during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches also caught a glimpse of his solid tackling on a third down attempt in the third quarter. Needing eight yards for a first down, the receiver caught the ball a few yards short of the marker and began to turn around to get some extra yardage when Rollins ran up and displayed a great open field tackle. The receiver was stopped in his tracks, bringing up fourth down.

There were plenty of things to take away from Rollins’ performance. His athletic ability alone is off the charts. Let’s not forget he played four years of point guard at Miami of Ohio and only switched to football his last year at the university.

Not only did he play well but was ranked third in the nation for intercepted passes with seven. This led the Mid-American Conference, solidifying his position as a ball-hawking defensive back.

Having played only one season of football, there is an incredible amount of potential in Rollins. The Packers drafted him with the intent of replacing the departed Tramon Williams and Davon House. Not even general manager Ted Thompson could look past the massive upside in this prospect.

After essentially being denied a future in the NBA, Rollins found a new one in the NFL. The Packers made him their second round pick in the NFL draft.

Playing the way he did against the Patriots, the team will be looking for him to build on his experience. McCarthy, for one, is impressed with what he has seen.

“He had a nice night. He did a lot of good things, particularly getting his hands on the ball,” McCarthy added when asked to evaluate Rollins’ game.

The Packers cornerback depth chart seems to be heating up with what seems to be an outstanding group of players. There’s almost not enough opportunities to get them all on the field come game time.

And in today’s NFL, that’s a very good problem to have.

Next: Talking Packers Defense in Preseason Opener

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