Coming out of training camp the new GM has made good on his promise to revamp the roster, boasting a more-than 50% roster turn-over since the ousting mid-season last year. With many savvy moves to bring in fresh free agents and deep barrel diving to flesh out the bottom half of the roster, there is a stirring hope in the state of Wisconsin. The biggest hope yet – the newly entering rookie class.
Many onlookers lined the fence of Ray Nitschke field just off of Oneida St watching the last days of Training Camp, 2022. Cheering erupted as rookie free safety (and first round pick) Jason Robbins broke up a play-action pass from veteran quarterback Mark Lane. "There's a lot of excitement around here. We haven't had that for a couple of years now," said one fan. "Twenty six there really looks the part," he said, gesturing to the rookie play-maker.
All three of the top picks in this year's draft have been given carte blanche as starters on this season's defense. Alfred Richardson, a 6'2", 260lb edge rusher could be seen chatting with d-line coach Ron Plant, (one of the few hold-overs from the old coaching staff). It was clear watching the few reps we were able to see that he would be running with the ones come season-start. "He posses rare bend that is hard to come by," new defensive coordinator Johnathan Dean said. "To be perfectly frank, it was hard to keep him off the field."
Matt Wattson, the final of the first three picks, is a linebacker of many talents. Primarily playing the Sam Linebacker role, he'll also have some duties as a Jack in the more 3-4 alignments. "Boy, does he just like to hit somebody," said new linebackers coach John Shaw. "He's one of them boys that just wants that physical contact. Ain't no one gonna stand in his way after the ball."
With only days until the first preseason game, the entire state of Wisconsin is on their feet with anticipation. We won't really know how well this team will do until the pads come on, but from what we've seen so far, there's a chance this team could be special.
More on scheme changes under new head coach Devin Purnell coming next week after the first few preseason games.
Last edited at 6/24/2019 3:55 am