Jordy Nelson A Lock for 3rd WR Spot?

Green Bay Packers Rookie WR Jordy Nelson is the recipient of some high praise from coach Mike McCarthy. Picked 36th overall in the 2nd round, Nelson was a surprise pick with higher rated WRs like Desean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly, and Limas Sweed still on the board. In fact, he was the 3rd Wide Receiver chosen in the draft.

The ex Kansas State Wildcat put up great numbers in college with this big frame, standing at 6'3", 217lbs. In 2007, Nelson produced 11 Touchdowns and 1,600 Receiving Yards for K-State. Coach McCarthy sought Nelson pre-draft and jumped at the WR early in the 2nd road. For the Packers, it was all because of their gameplan. A pass oriented team playing in cold weather means you need big guys with sure hands. McCarthy and the Packers also focus on Yards After Catch, leading the league last year with over 2,000 YAC.

Although possibly not the best receiver available, this was a great pick for the Pack. Drafting to fit into the gameplan is a great option for a team who has already shown proven success in its passing game. McCarthy believes Nelson can fit into the quick slant turn and sprint type of passing game the Packers run. With continuing praise from McCarthy, you can expect to see Nelson secure the 3rd WR Spot on the Packers Depth Chart this year.

James Hardy - Troublemaker?

Buffalo Bills Rookie Wide Receiver James Hardy is having a tough start to his first NFL season. The 41st overall pick from Indiana has been in trouble twice since becoming a Buffalo Bill. It started with an alledged incident in May of this year. Hardy allegedly pulled a gun (Hardy does have a permit) on his father during an argument. His father did not press charges and removed his statement from the police report. Later in the month, reports have placed Hardy in the front passenger seat of Marshawn Lynch's SUV during the hit-and-run incident. Hardy also has a history of trouble when, back in May 2006, he was arrested for battery on his girlfriend.

The Bills better straigten Hardy out if they hope to have him contribute to the Bills lackluster passing game. 2nd Year QB Trent Edwards can use all the help he can get. The Bills only threw for 11 passing touchdowns and 2842 yards, both 2nd worst in the league, in 2007. Lee Evans and Josh Reed, the Bills top two Receivers, both stand at only 5"10. At 6'6" 220, Hardy can be a huge target that can really trouble opposing defenses. Hopefully, he can re-focus in time for Training Camp.

Another Limas Sweed Note

OK I swear I'm not a Steelers Fan, but here is another note on Limas Sweed. He, along with some other Steelers, have been working extra hard on their own this off-season. Sweed traveled down to Lake Buena Vista, Florida to take part in a renowned football boot camp. The Tom Shaw Performance Enhancement Camp is highly regarded around the NFL and has an alumni including 12-year Veteran James Farrior, Hines Ward, Kordell Stewert, Darren Sharper, Michael Boulware, Tavaris Jackson, and Greg Jones.

Sweed continues to impress me this off-season. Pre-draft, I thought he was the #1 WR Prospect, and he looks to be doing a lot in the off-season to prove me right this coming season.