D.J. Williams

1) Introduction: When the Packers selected D.J. Williams in the fifth round last April, most were quick to say that “the rich were getting richer,” with the assumption that Williams—the Mackey Award winner in 2010—would step right into a role in the Packers already deep and talented offense. That may still happen in time, but Williams didn’t add much to the Packers’ offensive pot during his rookie season.

2) Profile:

David Edward Williams, Jr. (D.J)

Position: TE
Height: 6-3
Weight: 254 lbs.
AGE: 24

Career Stats

3) Expectations coming into the season: In the shorts and helmet start to training camp, Williams looked like a player that was actually going to have an impact on the Packers offense. How could Mike McCarthy possibly keep a guy that looked this good off the field? Once the pads came on and the game sped up, however, Williams quickly reverted into the 5th round rookie he really was. He was then plagued by mental miscues during the preseason, and it was clear by the start of the season that Williams needed time before becoming a bigger factor in the Packers’ offensive plans.

4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: Williams was active for 13 games but played just 104 snaps. His highest number of snaps came against Atlanta (16), St. Louis (20), Oakland (19) and Detroit (21).  Williams caught just three passes for 13 yards but was only used ask to run routes on 26 of 104 snaps. The rest of the 78 snaps were either in run or pass blocking. He allowed one sack (at Atlanta) on 11 pass blocking snaps, but never seemed overwhelmed in his blocking role.

5) Player’s contribution to the overall team success: Minimal. The 26 passing opportunities didn’t allow him to make much of an impact, and his blocking was rarely the reason for a positive run. Looking ahead, you’d assume the Packers will want to see big strides in the receiving aspect of Williams’ game next season. He’s of similar size and speed as New England’s Aaron Hernandez, and there’s no reason why he can’t be a more versatile weapon in the passing game. A full offseason in the Packers organization will be important in his development. In the end, Williams may be asked to take on a bigger role regardless after a career-changing injury puts Andrew Quarless’s short-term career in jeopardy.

6) Player’s contributions in the playoffs: N/A. Williams was a healthy scratch for the Packers’ Divisional Round game with the Giants.

Season Report Card:

(D+) Level of expectations met during the season
(D+) Contributions to team’s overall success.
(N/A) Contributions to team during the playoffs

Overall Grade: D+

Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

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'D.J. Williams: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

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John Kuhn

1) Introduction: One of the more popular players on the team, Kuhn went from being a record-breaker at Shippensburg to an Arena League draft pick to folk hero at the NFL’s most storied franchise. Needless to say, it’s been a long and winding journey for Kuhn to get where he’s at today. Now, 70,000 plus at Lambeau Field yell “Kuhnnnnnnnnnnnn” in unison when the 250-pound fullback gets a touch or the Packers get near the goal line.

2) Profile:

John Allen Kuhn

Position: FB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 250 lbs.
AGE: 29

Career Stats

3) Expectations coming into the season: A year after the Packers asked Kuhn to be a full-time ball carrier to cover for injuries, Kuhn was back in his role as the leading full back in 2011. His role in that position was fortified when the Packers re-signed Kuhn while letting Korey Hall walk before the season and trading Quinn Johnson during the final cut-down day. The three-headed fullback monster that once was quickly became just Kuhn. The Packers were also expected to lean on Kuhn in third down situations after Brandon Jackson left Green Bay for Cleveland.

4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: Kuhn had over 200 fewer rushing yards (281 in 2010 to 78), a worse rushing average (3.3 to 2.6) and 20 fewer receiving yards (97 to 77) this season but was still elected as the NFC’s Pro Bowl fullback. Name recognition and touchdowns will do that for a fullback, as Kuhn scored seven times (four rushing, three receiving) and was popular at home and on the road. The Packers routinely used Kuhn in short-yard and goal line situations despite everyone on the field knowing who the football was going to. It cost Kuhn and the Packers on a couple of occasions, but he normally got the job done. His top rushing total came against Oakland, when he carried the ball 10 times for 46 yards. In the Packers’ playoff game, Kuhn lost his first fumble of the season and ended up hurting his MCL, an injury that kept him out of the Pro Bowl.

5) Player’s contribution to the overall team success: As a run blocker, Kuhn leaves a lot to be desired. Pro Football Focus had Kuhn’s run blocking grade at -9.5, which ranks him near the bottom of players at his position. But Kuhn did other things to help compensate for his lack of quality as a hole-opener. Few fullbacks are as talented running the football as Kuhn, and he once again showed an ability to handle roles as a receiver, special teams player and pass protector on third downs. There’s a trust level with Kuhn among the Packers offensive staff, mostly because he’s so assignment sure. Even so, Kuhn still doesn’t play a role on the Packers’ offense that couldn’t be replaced.

6) Player’s contributions in the playoffs: The NFC Divisional Round was a forgettable end to Kuhn’s 2011 season. Despite catching an early touchdown pass, Kuhn had an inexcusable fumble that led to Giants’ points and later left the game with a knee injury. He played 25 snaps but struggled overall as a run blocker.

Season Report Card:

(B-) Level of expectations met during the season
(C+) Contributions to team’s overall success.
(C) Contributions to team during the playoffs

Overall Grade: C+

Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

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'John Kuhn: 2011 Green Bay Packers Player Evaluation and Report Card

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Jamari Lattimore

1) Introduction: As the “other” outside linebacker from Middle Tennessee State (Erik Walden) on the Packers roster, Jamari Lattimore was perhaps the polar opposite of Vic So’oto.  While So’oto was more powerful that quick, Lattimore was more quick than powerful.  While So’oto exploded onto the scene during the preseason, Lattimore remained relatively unknown.  But perhaps more importantly during the regular season, when So’oto was inactive, it was Lattimore who had taken his spot.

2) Profile:

Jamari Lattimore

Position: OLB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 230 lbs.
AGE: 23
Career Stats

3) Expectations coming into the season for that player: Next to nothing; Lattimore hadn’t shown much during the preseason and many were surprised that he made the team at all.  Lattimore was probably retained due to his special teams potential, which requires speed and agility over power.

4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: Highlights include 2 special teams tackles in the game against the Chicago Bears during week 3, which is the only time he posted more than one tackle in a game (which ended up being 4 total for the season).  Lowlights would probably be during the preseason where more powerful offensive linemen and tight ends consistently outmatched Lattimore; in particular Arizona tight end Jim Dray pancaked Lattimore on one play.

5) Player’s contribution to the overall team success: Surprisingly high; considering he lacks the power or experience of an 3-4 linebacker, it’s surprising that Lattimore even made the team, but once on the roster he was active for 9 games and became a welcomed addition to the special teams unit

6) Player’s contributions in the playoffs: Next to nothing; Lattimore was active and part of the special teams unit during the game against the Giants but did not record a tackle and did not see any time on the regular defense.

Season Report Card:

(C+) Level of expectations met during the season
(C-) Contributions to team’s overall success
(C-) Player’s contributions in the playoffs

Overall Grade for the year: C-

Thomas Hobbes is a contributing author for Jersey Al’s AllGreenBayPackers.com.

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'Jamari Lattimore: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

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Ryan Taylor

1) Introduction: Ted Thompson raised a few eyebrows in April when he took Taylor just two rounds after selecting D.J. Williams at the same position. The Packers then had five tight ends, including Taylor, with a chance to make the final roster at the beginning of training camp. By September 3, Taylor and his four peers had, in fact, made the 53.

2) Profile:

Ryan Lawrence Taylor

Position: TE
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245 lbs.
AGE: 23

Career Stats

3) Expectations coming into the season: A special teams captain in two of his four years at North Carolina with experience playing linebacker, Taylor reminded some of Spencer Havner. If he was able to make the 53-man roster in 2011, most expected Taylor to play a similar role.

4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: Taylor played on just 32 offensive snaps but did catch his first career touchdown pass in Week 14 against Oakland. It ended up being Taylor’s only catch of the season. To his credit on special teams, Taylor was active in 15 of 17 games and finished second on the team with eight total tackles.

5) Player’s contribution to the overall team success: Taylor was a core special teams player who provided energy and a touch of nastiness. Being active in 15 of 17 games as a seventh round pick on a defending Super Bowl champion says enough about what Mike McCarthy and Shawn Slocum thought of Taylor as a special teamer. While he didn’t get in the game on offense until Week 13, few expected him to play a big role offensively in Year 1.

6) Player’s contributions in the playoffs: Taylor was active and played six offensive snaps against the Giants. He didn’t record a catch or special teams tackle.

Season Report Card:

(B) Level of expectations met during the season
(C) Contributions to team’s overall success.
(D) Contributions to team during the playoffs

Overall Grade: C-

Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

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'Ryan Taylor: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

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Jarrett Bush

1) Introduction: Like any other player on the Green Bay Packers’ secondary, 2011 was not exactly a banner year for Jarrett Bush.  Still, he recorded a career high in interceptions (two, but hey it’s still a career high!) and recorded his first NFL sack finishing with one and a half on the season.  Known as a special teams ace, Bush once again was a big contributor on an improved special teams unit.

2) Profile:

Jarrett Bush
Height: 6’0”
Weight:  200
AGE: 27

Career Stats:

3) Expectations coming into the season: Bush made a big interception of Ben Roethlisberger in Super Bowl XLV and played decent ball with Charles Woodson suffering a broken collarbone.  Bush’s expectations for 2011 therefore were to keep improving and be ready to play should Woodson suffer an injury.

 4) Player’s highlights/low-lights:  As it turned out, Bush started two games during the 2011 season.  A big highlight for him came during the regular season finale against the Lions with Woodson and many of the other defensive starters resting up for the divisional playoffs.   The Lions were driving deep in Packers territory when Bush intercepted Matthew Stafford and helped the Packers eek out a 45-41 win over their divisional rivals.

As for the low-light of the year, the hail mary in the playoffs to end the first half against the Giants will go down as the most embarrassing play for the Packers defense in the playoffs since the 4^th and 26 debacle in Philadephia.  Bush and Sam Shields allowed THREE Giants receivers to run up the field without jamming them at the line of scrimmage.  The rest of the play is history, unfortunately.

5) Player’s contribution to the overall team success: Bush overall made plays when they counted.  He saved a touchdown in the Lions game with his interception deep in Packers territory and against the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the season.  His pick of Matt Ryan and long return helped propel the Packers to victory after trailing 14-3 earlier in the game.

 6) Player’s contributions in the playoffs: This is going to sound like a broken record, but the secondary didn’t show up in that game.  The Giants have a tough trio of receivers in Victor Cruz, Mario Mannningham and Hakeem Nicks but the Packers should have been able to force some turnovers and they couldn’t.

Season Report Card:

(B-) Level of expectations met during the season
(C) Contributions to team’s overall success.
(D) Contributions to team during the playoffs

Overall Grade: C-

Kris Burke is a freelance sports writer currently residing in Wisconsin. His work has been linked to by such sites as National Football Post and CBSSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @KrisLBurke.

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'Jarrett Bush: 2011 Green Bay Packers Evaluation and Report Card

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