Breakdown of the Packers' 2014 Undrafted Free Agents

The Packers officially signed 12 undrafted free agents following the 2014 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers have released their official list of undrafted free agent signings following the 2014 NFL draft. General manager Ted Thompson signed a total of 12 college free agents. 

For some clubs, such a list wouldn't carry much importance. That's not the case for the Packers. Since 2010, 13 undrafted free agents have made the opening-day roster in Green Bay. And the Packers have had at least three college free agents make the opening 53 in each of the last four years. 

Expect a couple of the names below to make the team's roster to start 2014:

LB Jake Doughty, Utah State (6-0, 234)

A former walk-on who turned into a tackle machine in the Mountain West. He replaced Bobby Wagner, a second-round pick of the Seahawks. Doesn't possess great size, but he's a good athlete who reads and reacts quickly. 

LB Jayone Elliott, Toledo (6-3, 255)

A college defensive end who will make the transition to stand-up linebacker in the 3-4. He dominated the Mid-American as a senior, tallying nine sacks, 14 tackles for losses and five forced fumbles. Questionable athleticism and flexibility off the edge.  

DE Carlos Gray, NC State (6-2, 313)

A redshirt sophomore who should have stayed in school. Made only four starts in 2013 and recorded just four tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks. Not overly athletic (5.20 40) or strong (21 reps). Big project. 

LB Adrian Hubbard, Alabama (6-6, 257)

The biggest name on the list. Some expected him to be a second-day pick, but he went undrafted—partly because he had a heart issue, but also because he wasn't especially good at Alabama. He has the perfect frame and length for an edge player in the 3-4, but he looks like Tarzan and plays more like Jane. Maybe the Packers can finally light a fire under him. He has the upside. 

G Jordan McCray, Central Florida (6-3, 322)

Made 27 starts over the last two seasons, including nine at right tackle. Is he Josh Sitton 2.0? Probably not. He ran a terrible time (5.49) but did 33 reps. A power player who isn't athletic enough in space. 

RB Rajion Neal, Tennessee (5-11, 220)

Most believed he'd be drafted. Good size with a powerful lower body. Ran for over 1,100 yards over 12 games in 2013. Versatile. Caught 66 passes during his collegiate career. Worth monitoring in camp. 

DT Mike Pennel, Colorado State-Pueblo (6-4, 332)

Bounced all over the place because of off-the-field issues. A mountain of a man who won't be moved easy in the run game. If his head is on straight, there's talent to be discovered. Could fill a Ryan Pickett-like role if he made the final roster. Played some fullback near the goal line for CS-P. 

TE Justin Perillo, Maine (6-3, 250)

Caught 128 passes and scored 15 times in 44 games in the FCS. Decent size at tight end but a limited athlete. Only averaged 44.5 receiving yards per game as a senior. Would need to carve out a blocking role. 

RB LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State (5-7, 195)

Short in stature but quick-footed and tough. Very productive in college but battled some injuries. Experience catching the football and returning kicks. If he makes the team, it will be due to his ability to impact special teams. 

QB Chase Rettig, Boston College (6-2, 215)

Started for four years in the ACC with mixed results. Completed only 55.2 percent of his passes and tossed 39 interceptions. Has the size and arm NFL teams want, but he needs to completely remake his mechanics and footwork. Only an average athlete at the position. The team's fourth quarterback, but his upside is the practice squad only. 

LB Joe Thomas, South Carolina State (6-1, 227)

Maybe the most intriguing UDFA. Was named the MEAC defensive player of the year after tallying 116 tackles, 19 tackles for losses and 7.5 sacks. The rock in the middle for the best run defense and second-best scoring defense in the FCS. Doesn't have ideal size, but the Packers need playmakers at inside linebacker. He'll get a chance. 

CB Ryan White, Auburn (5-10, 197)

Combo corner/safety who is undersized and not particularly fast (4.51 at pro day). Only started two games for Auburn as a senior. He'd really need to light the world on fire on special teams to crack the roster. Can hold on kicks. 

 

Zach Kruse is a 25-year-old sports writer who contributes to Cheesehead TV and is the Lead Writer for the NFC North at Bleacher Report. You can reach him on Twitter @zachkruse2 or by email at [email protected].

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Comments (7)

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Clay Zombo's picture

May 12, 2014 at 09:53 pm

I'll take Hubbard and Doughty as my horses in the which undrafted FA makes the roster contest.

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ottscay's picture

May 12, 2014 at 10:23 pm

I'd add Perkins as a third, but otherwise agreed.

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HankScorpio's picture

May 13, 2014 at 06:03 am

Maybe my perception is off but it seems to me it is the UDFAs that nobody really talks about that end up making it.

So I would scratch LaDarius Perkins and Adrian Hubbard from the potential final roster, since they seem to be the guys attracting the most attention from this UDFA group. Both play positions with big time competition for the final roster spots, too. So even if those championing their cause are right about their talent, it is still a longshot.

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JimTaylor31's picture

May 13, 2014 at 06:13 am

I'm thinking Thomas, Perkins and maybe T. Miller. Mainly because of their ST potential. The OL from Washington St. and Doughty also have a long shot. I think these guys will either make the final 53 or the PS. I was enthused about Hubbard until I dug a bit. He just seems like a habitual underachiever and I don't think he's gonna do much. Hope I'm wrong though.

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JimTaylor31's picture

May 13, 2014 at 06:51 am

Also, maybe Pennell makes the PS if he can show something.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 13, 2014 at 07:38 am

Rajion Neal is a guy that I will be watching. I was actually kind of surprised he wasn't drafted.
Something about him kind of reminds me of Arian Foster. I'm not saying he will be as good as Foster, just something about him reminds me of him.
He runs with good power has a good change of direction and has receiving ability.
The Packers are loaded at RB, but if Harris doesn't come back as healthy or if one was to get injured I could see him as an option. Or he might be a practice squad guy to start.
Either way, he is an intriguing guy to me that I think could be one of those guys to good to get rid of.

I would guess that one of the OL has potential of making it. Just about every year an undrafted free agent OL makes the final 53. Barclay, Lane Taylor are the 2 most recent.

The most high profile guy is Hubbard. He has the measurables and skills to make it. If he can put it together he could be a really great pick up.

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Clay Zombo's picture

May 13, 2014 at 11:43 pm

With Julius Peppers here I wanted to see GB draft a tall 6'6" or better OLB/DL athlete so he could learn from watching one of the best tall athletes in the game. An UDFA will work though.

I know Peppers isn't known as this great leader or mentor really but there are a lot of things this young buck can learn from JP just by watching him practice and play.

If your gonna sign a 34 yr old player like Peppers you might as well take advantage of his presence anyway you can. His contributions to this rookie could have a lasting effect long after hes gone.

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