what is the scoop on Brandon Jackson (1 Viewer)

[PSILOCYBIN]

I read a few tid-bits here and there but need some real analyssis here from all you pros.

Thoughts?

He can easily go way under the radar in my league and I want to know if he is worth keeping an eye on.

 

[nygiants56]

he won't fly under the radar now, Morency is out for a month with a knee ligament strain, as per CBS Sportsline...

Jackson will get the gig for the next 4 weeks, if not longer.

cat's already out of the bag!

 

[sholditch]

heard he was getting mowed over in camp. Corey Dillon anyone?

 

[ILUVBEER99]

heard he was getting mowed over in camp. Corey Dillon anyone?

Have been hearing the same thing. So far news is he looks real bad.I didn't like him at all in college and think GB reached big time on him.If Morency can get healthy i'd be shocked if he isn't the primary ball carrier in GB this season. He knows the offense and is just a better player.

 

[hephner]

heard he was getting mowed over in camp. Corey Dillon anyone?

That wouldn't surprise me really. Haven't heard much about Jackson's camp performance other than this conflicting info from this past Monday: -- Packers Rookie RB Update -- Mon Jul 30, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com * The Green Bay Packers' official website reports Packers second-round draft pick RB Brandon Jackson is doing well according to HC Mike McCarthy. "He's getting a lot of reps, which is only going to help him. He's a gifted young man physically. He has the power and the quickness. He has a lot of pop in his body, and you can just see when he's comfortable he's able to take off. He's feeling his way on some things and he's only going to get better." Meanwhile, seventh-round draft pick RB DeShuan Wynn (stomach virus) continued to be sidelined on Monday due to dehydration from a stomach virus. -- Brandon Jackson Starts Camp with Poor Performance -- Mon Jul 30, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com * The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Green Bay Packers second-round draft pick RB Brandon Jackson, who is expected to compete for the No. 1 job, opened up camp with two drops in the passing game and left a lot to be desired in his pass blocking. Both nerves and unfamiliarity with the offense were legitimate excuses for the rookie, but also shed some light on what the Packers are facing this summer.

 

[mcintyre1]

What? A rookie who needs work on his pass blocking? OMG, he's going to do terribly in the NFL!!!11

 

[LHUCKS]

I started the Brandon Jackson bandwagon around here before the NFL draft as many had not heard of him back in February. That being said, I stated he'd need a year of seasoning before making an impact in the NFL and I still believe that.

The shark play is this: Buy Morency now if the price is right because he is more NFL ready. As Jackson's value lessens during the season acquire him in keeper leagues.

FTR, I'm staying away from both in expert leagues given their ADP...there are better sleeper situations IMHO.

 

[Fullback Fro]

what if we're not homers?

 

[Biabreakable]

I really wish LUCK would stop tooting his own horn about Jackson when he only got excited about him after Mel Kiper briefly ranked him in his top 10.

Arsenal of Doom is who was 1st to bring Jackson info to these boards. Props belong to him.

I do like Jackson and the young guards played well last year. I am expecting passing attempts to be up in Green Bush however and blocking is going to be very important to them from the RB position. So whoever does that best will likely get the most action. Right now that is not sounding like Jackson.

 

[switz]

heard he was getting mowed over in camp. Corey Dillon anyone?

Agreed. Everything I've heard about him in camp has been extremely negative. I dont think Morency has anything to worry about.

 

[switz]

heard he was getting mowed over in camp. Corey Dillon anyone?

That wouldn't surprise me really. Haven't heard much about Jackson's camp performance other than this conflicting info from this past Monday: -- Packers Rookie RB Update -- Mon Jul 30, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com * The Green Bay Packers' official website reports Packers second-round draft pick RB Brandon Jackson is doing well according to HC Mike McCarthy. "He's getting a lot of reps, which is only going to help him. He's a gifted young man physically. He has the power and the quickness. He has a lot of pop in his body, and you can just see when he's comfortable he's able to take off. He's feeling his way on some things and he's only going to get better." Meanwhile, seventh-round draft pick RB DeShuan Wynn (stomach virus) continued to be sidelined on Monday due to dehydration from a stomach virus. -- Brandon Jackson Starts Camp with Poor Performance -- Mon Jul 30, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com * The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Green Bay Packers second-round draft pick RB Brandon Jackson, who is expected to compete for the No. 1 job, opened up camp with two drops in the passing game and left a lot to be desired in his pass blocking. Both nerves and unfamiliarity with the offense were legitimate excuses for the rookie, but also shed some light on what the Packers are facing this summer.

It's not conflicting, you just need to cinsider the source....#1 is coachspeak for "he sucks, but we still hope for potential"#2 is unbiased observation - "he sucks, but he's a rookie with potential"

 

[Sabertooth]

I've heard he is really struggling with protections. Noah Herron might be the dark horse here as that's his strongest suit.

 

[DevilintheDetail]

New update from today:

http://www.packersnews.com/includes/newspa...der/index.shtml

RB Jackson continues to struggle

In a one-on-one linebacker blitz pass-protection drill, rookie running back Brandon Jackson was beaten on successive plays by Juwan Simpson and Nick Barnett. Jackson has struggled in pass protection for most of training camp.

Fullback Ryan Powdrell also was beaten on back-to-back plays by Desmond Bishop and Brady Poppinga, who flung Powdrell down like a ragdoll.

Tim Goodwell steamrolled rookie fullback Corey White. Simpson made a nice juke move to get around Noah Herron.

 

[Billy1x]

He's getting his clock cleaned by even the rookie blitzers. If he doesn't learn how to block by the begining of the season he will only be used on 1st and 2nd down limiting his value. Morency looks like he will miss all of the preseason so Jackson will have all of preseason to learn how to block. I hope he picks it up!!

I don't think Wynn is doing any better.

 

[smackdaddies]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.

The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.

It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)

As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

 

[Tillmanisahero]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

I have an old college buddy who lives just outside of GB and everything he has told me echoes the above post.

 

[switz]

I've heard he is really struggling with protections. Noah Herron might be the dark horse here as that's his strongest suit.

Earlier this offseason I would have ranked him third or fourth on the opportunity chart. However, with all the other options either injured or displaying suckitude, Herron may be the guy, at least until Morency returns.

 

[ILoveMyLions]

Thanks for the info in here guys...

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

I watched him play here in Nebraska and he did a great job lighting things up. I think he has the rookie jitters and is struggling because of it. He has had problems with dropped passes, which surprises me because he did well with that in college. That said, his pass blocking was not a strong suit in college and he needs to learn that. We didn't see a ton of this guy but he really turned it on for a few games last year. People are starting to sell him short, but I still think he'll do well. I agree with the above poster who said it may still take a little bit.

 

[ericttspikes]

What about DeShawn Wynn?

 

[BeTheMatch]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

Isn't it a little early for this kind of doom and gloom?

 

[packersfan]

heard he was getting mowed over in camp. Corey Dillon anyone?

Agreed. Everything I've heard about him in camp has been extremely negative. I dont think Morency has anything to worry about.

Other than the possibility he may not be ideally suited to be a starter in the NFL. I like Morency but I'm not sold on him as a starter. I view him more as a third-down, change-of-pace RB. As a Packers fan, I wasn't high on the Jackson pick at all. He was very nondescript in college. Green Bay has a huge problem at the RB position in my opinion. I don't think Herron is the answer either. The Packers have nothing of real quality at the position in my opinion.

 

[Sabertooth]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

You'd think a Packer homer would be able to spell that all-time leading rusher's name, but I digress. The Packers management appears to have miscalculated the TE and RB positions. But overall this offense is in far better shape than the top heavy mess that Mike Sherman left them. Tony Moll, Jason Spitz, and Daryn Colledge all appear to be nice players. Greg Jennings look to be players as well, leaving the receiver corps in possibly the best shape it's been in for 10 years. I think Driver, Favre, and Jennings are all going to be start-worthy.

 

[Sabertooth]

I've heard he is really struggling with protections. Noah Herron might be the dark horse here as that's his strongest suit.

Earlier this offseason I would have ranked him third or fourth on the opportunity chart. However, with all the other options either injured or displaying suckitude, Herron may be the guy, at least until Morency returns.

Even then, he might hold onto if he's successful early.

 

[packersfan]

I think Driver, Favre, and Jennings are all going to be start-worthy.

The sheer volume of passes I expect the Packers to throw should make all three of them viable fantasy options. But overall, I think the offense is a disaster. I'm not a Ted Thompson fan at all and I think he's done a putrid job of building a good offense to surround the aging Favre. I think this is going to be a long year for the Packers due in large part to a one-dimensional offense that lacks standout talent (other than the three players you mention), has no running game, has no TEs and has terrible depth at the WR position.

 

[Leroy's Aces]

I could not disagree more with some of the posts above.

The Packer's offense will be good to very good this year. Last year they started 2 rookies at guard all year, to go along with Wells, Clifton and Tauscher (all solid vets). Now those players are improved, healthy, more experienced and this is year 2 for all 5 in the zone-blocking system. The run-blocking will most certainly improve barring injuries and it was not too bad last year. Favre played well last year with only Driver and an oft-injured Jennings at WR. Franks was a non-factor. Now, Jennings is healthy and is a talented 2nd year player that would have had a 900 yard rookie year had he not been injured. Donald Lee will take over for Franks and can only improve on a guy that ran a 4.86 40 coming out of college. Brandon Jackson is getting ragged on because of his pass-blocking. Well, camp started less than 10 days ago - can he have a little time to improve? Like maybe 1 or 2 preseason games? Either way, I watched Jackson practice live and he looked very solid carrying the ball and running routes. He is talented. Noah Herron is a very capable 3rd down back and pass-blocker if needed, but Jackson is MUCH faster and more explosive than Herron as a feature back. Brandon Jackson caught a 30 or so yard pass tonight vs. the #1 offense. Morencey looked pretty good last year in limited action and may be back within 3-4 weeks. Just because the Packers do not have the trendy players like Kitna and Calvin Johnson does not mean that this will not be a solid offense and productive fantasy offense. Favre, Driver, Jennings, and Jackson and/or Morency will be productive again in 2007 just like in 2006. In WCOFF scoring, 2006 - Favre #8 QB, Ahman #15 (granted he is gone but o-line is better means potential for a RB to produce), Driver #5 WR and Jennings now a healthy #2 from a QB that passed for 3885 yards with 1 1/2 healthy WRs all year. Driver may not get 173 targets like in '06, but he will likely catch more than 53% of Favre's passes this year, so he should still be a top 15 guy if healthy.

That does not even address the quality defense that has been assembled. Now that KGB is a part-time player and Cullen Jenkins is starting at defensive end, the Packers should be very productive defensively on all 3 downs. AJ Hawk should improve, and the corners are very solid with Woodson and Al Harris. Add in Aaron Kampman and KGB only on passing downs and the Packers could be a pretty good team in 2007. And although I live in Appleton (30 mi south of GB), I am not really a homer and have not felt positively about a Packers team for quite a long time.

Dave

Leroy's Aces

 

[Roc Pile]

I could not disagree more with some of the posts above. The Packer's offense will be good to very good this year. Last year they started 2 rookies at guard all year, to go along with Wells, Clifton and Tauscher (all solid vets). Now those players are improved, healthy, more experienced and this is year 2 for all 5 in the zone-blocking system. The run-blocking will most certainly improve barring injuries and it was not too bad last year. Favre played well last year with only Driver and an oft-injured Jennings at WR. Franks was a non-factor. Now, Jennings is healthy and is a talented 2nd year player that would have had a 900 yard rookie year had he not been injured. Donald Lee will take over for Franks and can only improve on a guy that ran a 4.86 40 coming out of college. Brandon Jackson is getting ragged on because of his pass-blocking. Well, camp started less than 10 days ago - can he have a little time to improve? Like maybe 1 or 2 preseason games? Either way, I watched Jackson practice live and he looked very solid carrying the ball and running routes. He is talented. Noah Herron is a very capable 3rd down back and pass-blocker if needed, but Jackson is MUCH faster and more explosive than Herron as a feature back. Brandon Jackson caught a 30 or so yard pass tonight vs. the #1 offense. Morencey looked pretty good last year in limited action and may be back within 3-4 weeks. Just because the Packers do not have the trendy players like Kitna and Calvin Johnson does not mean that this will not be a solid offense and productive fantasy offense. Favre, Driver, Jennings, and Jackson and/or Morency will be productive again in 2007 just like in 2006. In WCOFF scoring, 2006 - Favre #8 QB, Ahman #15 (granted he is gone but o-line is better means potential for a RB to produce), Driver #5 WR and Jennings now a healthy #2 from a QB that passed for 3885 yards with 1 1/2 healthy WRs all year. Driver may not get 173 targets like in '06, but he will likely catch more than 53% of Favre's passes this year, so he should still be a top 15 guy if healthy.That does not even address the quality defense that has been assembled. Now that KGB is a part-time player and Cullen Jenkins is starting at defensive end, the Packers should be very productive defensively on all 3 downs. AJ Hawk should improve, and the corners are very solid with Woodson and Al Harris. Add in Aaron Kampman and KGB only on passing downs and the Packers could be a pretty good team in 2007. And although I live in Appleton (30 mi south of GB), I am not really a homer and have not felt positively about a Packers team for quite a long time. DaveLeroy's Aces

well said Davei could use some B.Jackson love

 

[Dirty Weasel]

Brandon's biggest knock so far seems to be pass blocking, and that's scaring fantasy owners that he'll lose playing time because of it. As a few have said, BJ hasn't had alot of time to pick up the schemes yet, but there is still time to improve. Another factor to consider is Brett Favre himself. He gets rid of the ball better than any other QB in the NFL right now, as evidenced by only being sacked 124 times in the last 6 years (an average of 20 per season). I don't think Brett needs a truly great pass-blocking RB; just one that doesn't completely suck. BJ has time to unsuck (I just invented a word).

I know players change from year to year, but only GB and IND have given up less than 30 sacks every season for the last 4 seasons. In comparison, 11 teams have given up at least 30 sacks every season for the past 4 seasons, and another 13 teams have given up at least 30 sacks in 3 of the last 4 seasons.

GB has the longest current streak of giving up less than 30 sacks in a season (6 seasons), with IND a close second (5 seasons). What makes this stat even more amazing is that GB trails only STL in passing attempts over the last 4 seasons (2371 to 2328). But, during that time, STL has given up 188 sacks to GB's 84.

IMO, BJ's shortcomings as a blocker will be outweighed by his ability to make plays. GB will give him every opportunity to prove himself in 2007.

 

[GibbyGarcia]

I'm glad some folks with some reasoning skills finally stopped by. Go ahead and drop Bjack in the rankings if you need to, but I'm not going to walk away after 3 days of camp and Jackson missing a couple of blocking assignments via guys trying to make a name for themselves in camp. For those that watched Nebraska last year (homer notice:season ticket holder) Jackson has above average hands and great vision. I think we'll see that develop over the remainder of camp and into the pre-season. Morency has shown very little. I think Jackson will end up the starter on 3 downs without much effort.

 

[Aaronstory]

The reports out of camp so far have not been good.

But he shocked me tonight in the Packers' intra-squad scrimmage. He looked good, even reading a blitz correctly and releasing out into the flat, where Rogers hit him for a 20 yard gain. (And against the #1 defense as well)

I wouldn't put a fork in him just yet...

 

[Chris Smith]

He's got lots of talent but a running back incapable of providing pass protection is more of a liability than an asset. He has a month to improve in that area significantly or he'll be part of a rotation at best. Still time for him to get better though so keep a close eye on the Packers over the next couple of weeks.

 

[[icon]]

as a packer homer...

The packers dumped Ahmann Green

You'd think a Packer homer would be able to spell that all-time leading rusher's name, but I digress.

Ouch.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Brandon's biggest knock so far seems to be pass blocking, and that's scaring fantasy owners that he'll lose playing time because of it. As a few have said, BJ hasn't had alot of time to pick up the schemes yet, but there is still time to improve. Another factor to consider is Brett Favre himself. He gets rid of the ball better than any other QB in the NFL right now, as evidenced by only being sacked 124 times in the last 6 years (an average of 20 per season). I don't think Brett needs a truly great pass-blocking RB; just one that doesn't completely suck. BJ has time to unsuck (I just invented a word).

I know players change from year to year, but only GB and IND have given up less than 30 sacks every season for the last 4 seasons. In comparison, 11 teams have given up at least 30 sacks every season for the past 4 seasons, and another 13 teams have given up at least 30 sacks in 3 of the last 4 seasons.

GB has the longest current streak of giving up less than 30 sacks in a season (6 seasons), with IND a close second (5 seasons). What makes this stat even more amazing is that GB trails only STL in passing attempts over the last 4 seasons (2371 to 2328). But, during that time, STL has given up 188 sacks to GB's 84.

IMO, BJ's shortcomings as a blocker will be outweighed by his ability to make plays. GB will give him every opportunity to prove himself in 2007.

Great post, Weasel. This kind of info keeps the Shark Pool full of blood. I'm wondering how much of those stats are from having A.Green and E.James in the backfields though. Not to discount what you're saying (Manning and Favre are both outstanding QBs who avoid sacks by getting rid of the ball so quickly), but I think the pass-blocking and pass-catching abilities of two of the most complete and diverse RBs over the last several years has to be taken into account. We'll see what happens to Favre this year (I'm thinking the loss of quality RB blocking will be offset by the improvement of young O-linement). What happened w/ Manning last year? Never mind, I'll do the footwork myself and edit the post...

O.K. so in Manning's case, the sack rate AND total sacks dropped compared to the '05 season. I guess I have no point. Feel free to draft B.Jackson w/o worries.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I watched the Packers' scrimmage from last night and I thought Brandon Jackson looked as good as anyone on the field. You can see the open-field elusiveness and speed that he brings to the offense.

I don't see what all the doomsayers are talking about.

 

[FFFIEND]

I think he can be had pretty late in most drafts. Where I have seen him go he looks like a decent pick with some upside as a late rounder. He played for a real football program and had success. That is all I need to know about a guy I will draft around the 11th round.

 

[packersfan]

I think he can be had pretty late in most drafts. Where I have seen him go he looks like a decent pick with some upside as a late rounder. He played for a real football program and had success. That is all I need to know about a guy I will draft around the 11th round.

I can't see him falling that far - especially with Morency hurt. Unless Jackson completely flames out in the pre-season games he'll go earlier just because there will be so little left at RB to choose from after the 6th or 7th round. His current ADP is 72 (RB37) and it'll likely go up if he shows anything at all in the pre-season. I'm not sold on him by any means but if I was going to chase a Packers RB this year he's the guy I'd chase. No way the Packers drafted him in the 2nd round to be a backup. He's the guy they want to start.

 

[Penguin]

I think he can be had pretty late in most drafts. Where I have seen him go he looks like a decent pick with some upside as a late rounder. He played for a real football program and had success. That is all I need to know about a guy I will draft around the 11th round.

He's going around the 6th round and will creep into the 5th (possibly higher) by the end of August if Morency is still on the shelf.

 

[jabarony]

as a packer homer...

The packers dumped Ahmann Green

You'd think a Packer homer would be able to spell that all-time leading rusher's name, but I digress.

Ouch.

Your response should have been: Typo, not a misspell.

 

[Blackjacks]

Tivo'ed the scrimmage last night and from what I've seen so far I've very impressed with Bjax. I was really looking at his blocking cause that has been a big complaint about him and he looked good. He caught the ball good and showed excellent power and decisiveness hitting the holes. I think Bjax is worth having on your roster with limited expectations and I do think he'll be the guy in GB week 1. Keep an eye on this guy, he looked very comfortable in the offense and it looked like Favre and him were getting along good which goes a long way in GB.

 

[smackdaddies]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

You'd think a Packer homer would be able to spell that all-time leading rusher's name, but I digress. The Packers management appears to have miscalculated the TE and RB positions. But overall this offense is in far better shape than the top heavy mess that Mike Sherman left them. Tony Moll, Jason Spitz, and Daryn Colledge all appear to be nice players. Greg Jennings look to be players as well, leaving the receiver corps in possibly the best shape it's been in for 10 years. I think Driver, Favre, and Jennings are all going to be start-worthy.

As a Packer Fan, I know Ahmann Green is not the Packers all time leading rusher.But I digress....

 

[gerome]

Tivo'ed the scrimmage last night and from what I've seen so far I've very impressed with Bjax. I was really looking at his blocking cause that has been a big complaint about him and he looked good. He caught the ball good and showed excellent power and decisiveness hitting the holes. I think Bjax is worth having on your roster with limited expectations and I do think he'll be the guy in GB week 1. Keep an eye on this guy, he looked very comfortable in the offense and it looked like Favre and him were getting along good which goes a long way in GB.

I thought the same thing, and I hope they keep saying "negative" things about him.

 

[BeTheMatch]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

You'd think a Packer homer would be able to spell that all-time leading rusher's name, but I digress. The Packers management appears to have miscalculated the TE and RB positions. But overall this offense is in far better shape than the top heavy mess that Mike Sherman left them. Tony Moll, Jason Spitz, and Daryn Colledge all appear to be nice players. Greg Jennings look to be players as well, leaving the receiver corps in possibly the best shape it's been in for 10 years. I think Driver, Favre, and Jennings are all going to be start-worthy.

As a Packer Fan, I know Ahmann Green is not the Packers all time leading rusher.But I digress....

 

[crazedfantasy267]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Akf5...p&type=lgns

"GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- With the Lambeau Field grandstands packed and his closest competitor sidelined by an injury, Saturday's "Family Night" scrimmage was a chance for rookie running back Brandon Jackson to show fans what the Green Bay Packers saw in him on draft day.

Jackson certainly wasn't the star of the show on Saturday night -- those roles, as always, went to Brett Favre and his top receiver, Donald Driver -- but Jackson did show a few signs that he has the ability to become a viable running back for the Packers.

And he just might have to be.

The Packers lost veteran Ahman Green to the Houston Texans in free agency over the offseason, and were without projected starter Vernand Morency on Saturday because of an injury.

Morency, who was obtained in a trade with the Texans last season, hurt his knee in the Packers' first training camp practice a week ago.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said earlier in the week that Morency's injury was worse than originally expected and that the team would be without him for "a couple" of weeks, meaning he would likely miss the Packers first preseason game, Aug. 11 at Pittsburgh.

With Morency on the sideline, Jackson took the field as the starting running back in front of 59,362 fans on Saturday.

He did his first "Lambeau Leap" into the stands after a 1-yard touchdown run, but his flashiest play came during a 2-minute drill simulation.

Lining up behind backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' second-string offense with the ball at the 35-yard line and 41 seconds on the clock, Jackson caught a pass in the flat and accelerated down the sideline -- then nearly pulled off a spectacular spin move to get away from cornerback Tramon Williams.

Of course, given the same clock crunch in a real game, it's entirely possible that McCarthy would have preferred to see the rookie simply run out of bounds.

Favre appeared to be in midseason form during his first drive despite missing several practices earlier this week because he had to go home to Mississippi for the funeral of his father-in-law.

Favre threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver on his first possession, then marched the Packers down the field to set up Jackson's touchdown on his second possession....."

sounds like he stood out during the scrimmage....

 

[Block]

I started the Brandon Jackson bandwagon around here before the NFL draft as many had not heard of him back in February. That being said, I stated he'd need a year of seasoning before making an impact in the NFL and I still believe that.The shark play is this: Buy Morency now if the price is right because he is more NFL ready. As Jackson's value lessens during the season acquire him in keeper leagues.FTR, I'm staying away from both in expert leagues given their ADP...there are better sleeper situations IMHO.

Nothing H about your O, man. You toot your own horn more than anybody.

 

[joffer]

I started the Brandon Jackson bandwagon around here before the NFL draft as many had not heard of him back in February. That being said, I stated he'd need a year of seasoning before making an impact in the NFL and I still believe that.

The shark play is this: Buy Morency now if the price is right because he is more NFL ready. As Jackson's value lessens during the season acquire him in keeper leagues.

FTR, I'm staying away from both in expert leagues given their ADP...there are better sleeper situations IMHO.

Nothing H about your O, man. You toot your own horn more than anybody.

 

[LHUCKS]

Nothing H about your O, man. You toot your own horn more than anybody.

I simply don't converse with 27K members...move along.

 

[Sabertooth]

as a packer homer, and someone who drafted Jennings last year in every league, BJ looks to be a serious mistake.The packers dumped Ahmann Green, for some reason thinking that rookies and players dumped by other teams had a better shot of making this team competitive.It appears that Packer Management made a serious mistake, not only with BJ, but a variety of decisions on the offensive side. No TE, No RB, Jennings as the only WR (they waited till training camp to deal with Drivers injury from last year?)As of today, BJ is not worth any pick, and I have sereios doubts about any offensive players as starters.

You'd think a Packer homer would be able to spell that all-time leading rusher's name, but I digress. The Packers management appears to have miscalculated the TE and RB positions. But overall this offense is in far better shape than the top heavy mess that Mike Sherman left them. Tony Moll, Jason Spitz, and Daryn Colledge all appear to be nice players. Greg Jennings look to be players as well, leaving the receiver corps in possibly the best shape it's been in for 10 years. I think Driver, Favre, and Jennings are all going to be start-worthy.

As a Packer Fan, I know Ahmann Green is not the Packers all time leading rusher.But I digress....

No kidding. I can't even find a guy in their record book by that name.

 

[TheBradyBunch]

Jackson is the preseason ROY according to this Sporting News Article

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=251806

August 6, 2007

Fans and players alike have complained about the length of the NFL's preseason, and more specifically, the duration of training camp and the number of exhibition games played. But one of the more exciting developments in the thorough process is the progress of rookies.

Rookies are more than the next class of potential league-wide stars; they represent the annual hope that any team has the chance to enjoy a quick turnaround with a good draft.

The Saints used a great draft to boost themselves last season, especially on offense, where running back Reggie Bush, wide receiver Marques Colston and guard Jahri Evans become key contributors.

Looking at some other '06 NFL playoff teams, the Colts (Joseph Addai), Bears (Devin Hester), Patriots (Laurence Maroney), Chargers (Marcus McNeill), Chiefs (Tamba Hali), Ravens (Haloti Ngata) and Jets (D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington) were all helped significantly by rookies. That's not including the promise that Vince Young, Maurice Jones-Drew, Jay Cutler, A.J. Hawk, Matt Leinart, Vernon Davis and DeMeco Ryans showed for non-playoff teams.

So the 2007 rookie class has a difficult act to follow, but it can hold its own talent-wise with several intriguing offensive skill players and playmaking defenders leading the way.

On to the big question: Before the season kicks off, who are the best bets to succeed Young and Ryans as respective offensive and defensive rookies of the year? Of course, we're talking football, so let's rank them 1-11 on each side of the ball.

Today, I'll throw out my 11-deep offense. I'll come back to tackle the rookie defenders on Wednesday.

1. Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers. Other than talent, a rookie needs immediate opportunities to make a huge impact. No one in the '07 offensive class has a better opportunity to see the ball 20 times a game right from Week 1 than Jackson.

Jackson's main competition, Vernand Morency, has a knee injury that seems to be only getting worse in reports. Jackson also has been a quick learner in the passing game -- albeit much quicker as a pass-catcher than as a blocker -- to go with the fine running skills that got him selected in late Round 2. That should keep him on the field often to take advantage of both the Packers' favorable zone-blocking scheme and receiver-friendly formations.

More on that pass-blocking: The concern is natural with any rookie back, and Jackson will improve with time. Green Bay also has finished among the top five in fewest sacks allowed in each of the past four years. Its offensive system is efficient in keeping Brett Favre upright; he was sacked 21 times on his league-leading 613 attempts last season.

2. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills. I liked Jackson a little more than Lynch at draft time, but overall, they are similarly built and similarly versatile. Lynch also has a similar opportunity to be featured in Buffalo's backfield, but the Bills have more alternatives, including **** Jauron favorite Anthony Thomas and another rookie, Dwayne Wright. Green Bay will be more balanced and more competitive, so Jackson gets more touches in an important role in the second half of games.

3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions. Jon Kitna is talking big at the controls of Mike Martz's offense, and it's true the combination of Roy Williams and Johnson streaking downfield creates a nightmare matchup for every secondary. I can see Johnson easily breaking out for something like 1,200 yards and eight scores, but it's hard to expect more because: A) Williams will be the No. 1 receiver for at least one more year; b) 93-catch man Mike Furrey won't be forgotten in the slot; and c) Kitna will not be having "50 TDs" to throw around. Remember, the Lions gave up 63 sacks and gave up the ball 39 times last season -- those numbers tend to mess with the true output of a passing game.

4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Peterson was drafted like he was the best running back in this class and will prove that to be true; it just may not happen this year. Because both he and incumbent Chester Taylor tend to get banged up, it's better for both backs and the team if Peterson and Taylor help keep each other rested, especially to help out a passing game led by a developing Tarvaris Jackson. I expect Peterson to reel off some big runs if he stays healthy, but the consistent top-flight back will come only in '08.

5. Zach Miller, TE, Raiders. Most of the rookie tight end buzz has been about the Bears' Greg Olsen and his phenomenal athleticism. But again, it comes down to the opportunity to showcase yourself, and Miller, the best all-round rookie tight end, steps into what was previously a Black Hole at his position in Oakland. In Lane Kiffin's version of the West Coast offense, the tight end option will be key, and considering the shaky durability of the team's wide receivers and either newcomer at quarterback, Daunte Culpepper or JaMarcus Russell, needing to lean on a security blanket, Miller is bound to be very busy in the passing game.

6. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Bowe will have a good chance to start at wide receiver opposite veteran Eddie Kennison. What's likely to hold him back from breaking the top five is the uncertainty at quarterback and a conservative offense that leans heavily on the running game. Where Bowe can make his mark with his 6-2, 217-pound frame, is playing off Kennison on the perimeter and tight end Tony Gonzalez down the seam to emerge as a big possession/red zone threat.

7. Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings. We already know Peterson has an unproven quarterback; his supporting cast at wide receiver isn't established, either. Troy Williamson must break out of his two-year funk, and Bobby Wade is a journeyman. That keeps the door open for Rice to be a perimeter starter. The key will be Rice developing a good rookie/first-year starter rapport with Tarvaris Jackson. Rice's production probably will be too sporadic, however, in an unfavorable situation the opposite of Calvin Johnson's.

8. Craig Davis, WR, Chargers. San Diego's offense has proved to be prolific with the combination of LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates; it's just waiting for a wide receiver to complete the quartet. All eyes are on big third-year man Vincent Jackson to be that threat. But with his speed and a 6-1, 202-pound frame that nicely complements the 6-5, 242-pound Jackson, Davis is one to watch. And now a great opportunity is knocking in camp as starter Eric Parker misses 10 days with a toe injury. If Davis starts all season, he is the sneaky bet to be the No. 2 rookie receiver producer behind Johnson.

9. Steve Smith, WR, Giants. It's been tough for Smith to get into the spotlight. At Southern California, Dwayne Jarrett was the marquee wide receiver. In the NFL, he's about to be known as that other wide receiver named Steve Smith -- the "original" just happens to be Jarrett's teammate in Carolina. But so far Smith is doing in camp what 2006 draftee Sinorice Moss couldn't do last year -- dazzle in every which way as the spark at No. 3 receiver the Giants so desperately need. Smith is making a strong case to be on the field often, and with 33-to-be Amani Toomer coming off a knee injury, Smith may get his share of big-play chances opposite Plaxico Burress.

10. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts. The former Ohio State star, with his combination of smarts, quickness and route-running, is the ideal receiver to work out of the slot along with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. It's not totally out of the question, then, that Gonzalez produces like Brandon Stokley did (1,007 yards, 10 TDs) in the No. 3 role in 2004. The Colts are expected to use more three-wide than they did in '06, but it's unclear who will be the busier No. 3 option, Gonzalez or top tight end Dallas Clark.

11. Kenneth Darby, RB, Buccaneers. Because of what Colston did last season, I figured I should throw in a seventh-round flier here just in case. Darby is fighting for a reserve job behind Cadillac Williams, the '05 rookie of the year. Williams, however, had a nagging foot injury that contributed to a sophomore slump last season, and the questions about his ability to handle a full load have reverted to when he was splitting time with Ronnie Brown in college. Darby has a long way to go for even having a chance, as he's currently the No. 3 behind Williams' backup, Michael Pittman, but what do you expect? This is supposed to be a long shot.

 

[Arsenal of Doom]

I really wish LUCK would stop tooting his own horn about Jackson when he only got excited about him after Mel Kiper briefly ranked him in his top 10.

Arsenal of Doom is who was 1st to bring Jackson info to these boards. Props belong to him.

I do like Jackson and the young guards played well last year. I am expecting passing attempts to be up in Green Bush however and blocking is going to be very important to them from the RB position. So whoever does that best will likely get the most action. Right now that is not sounding like Jackson.

Nice looking out. I was surprised that BJax was struggling with pass blocking since that was one of his strengths in college. I suspect it just has to do with learning the reads in the offense, which he should pick up in camp. At this point I'm still more concerned with him being able to shoulder (pun intended) a big workload since he was only a starter for 2/3 of a season at Nebraska.

 

[switz]

I watched the Packers' scrimmage from last night and I thought Brandon Jackson looked as good as anyone on the field. You can see the open-field elusiveness and speed that he brings to the offense.I don't see what all the doomsayers are talking about.

I admit I didn't see the scrimmage, but the 3.2YPC doesn't have me over awed by him.