Keeping Up With The Packers Roster Post-Draft

The Green Bay Packers's rookie camp came and went with only OL Andy Phillips being signed after the tryouts. He had a great college career as a guard in the MAC but he's not the biggest guy (6-2 and exactly 300 lbs.) and might be giving up as much as 20 lbs. compared to Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang. But he's about the same size as Corey Linsley, so if he has any future it might be as a backup center.

The #Packers have cut DE Luther Robinson. Kind of surprising. Signed tryout G Andy Phillips from C. Michigan and 2nd pick Quinten Rollins.

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) May 11, 2015

There's nothing special, in general, about Luther Robinson. He showed some speed when he was forced into the rotation at mid-season, but he didn't produce much (only 2 tackles recorded). His release might have been a surprise because him and Mike Pennel were the only rookies to contribute at all on the defensive line last season. Maybe Robinson's not working well with the coaches, but he was placed on I.R. last December with a calf injury and he might still be struggling with it. If he's not healthy enough to participate in the OTAs over the next couple months then he loses a lot of his value. They could re-sign him later this summer if he gets healthy.

Rookies backs Alonzo Harris, John Crockett in the running with the #Packers http://t.co/ZTgT39Z6sW

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 16, 2015

RB John Crockett might have been the biggest name undrafted free agent signing this year. He reminds me of James Starks as a bigger back with good speed for his size. But unlike Starks, who slipped in the draft because he spent a lot of time injured in college, Crockett went undrafted because he was a healthy workhorse throughout his college career and he took a lot of hits in 795 career college touches. There's not a lot of room for any back to stand out with Eddie Lacy around, so Crockett will be hoping for a chance at the 2015 practice squad.

The Packers Shuffle The Bottom of the Roster

The Packers have signed two players from the practice squad (WR Kevin Dorsey and DT Luther Robinson) over the last several days, and lost one promising CB to the Texans (Jumal Rolle).

#Packers WR Kevin Dorsey, promoted from practice squad yesterday, wearing No. 13. Was No. 6 in camp. pic.twitter.com/PcS0fp0YEL
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) October 8, 2014

Unfortunately these moves led to the release of 4th year TE Ryan Taylor. He was a steady player who helped on special teams, but with TE Brandon Bostick returning from injury, the roster was a little overloaded with TEs (plus Justin Perillo on the practice squad) and Taylor had the least upside.

Robinson's already been a contributor in place of Josh Boyd (knee injury) with a tipped pass that was intercepted by LB Julius Peppers. Dorsey has the skills to be a good receiver, but he had trouble catching passes during the preseason. He might not even be active on Sunday, unless they decide to move him ahead of rookie WR Jeff Janis while WR Jarrett Boykin (knee and groin injuries) remains out.

The recent signing to the practice squad (an offensive lineman, defensive end, and cornerback) look like moves intended to fill out the scout team in practice. But you never know, Robinson's come out of almost nowhere to contribute, and it will happen again.