Rookie Report: Backman, Amos worth keeping an eye on in training camp
The Rookie Report highlights first-year players, focusing on how they might perform in their debut season and beyond.
Kennard Backman, TE, Green Bay Packers
The Packers enter training camp relatively thin at the tight end position, returning only Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, and Justin Perillo from last season. With Quarless facing a possible suspension for discharging a firearm in public, the opportunity is there for Backman to see immediate playing time.
A former high school basketball star, Backman was the 15th tight end to come off the board in this year's draft. Packers general manager Ted Thompson noted afterwards that the team was impressed with his athleticism and versatility.
"We like the speed," Thompson said of Backman, who ran a 4.65 40-yard dash at his pro day. "He's an athletic type, linear built, basketball-looking type guy."
Backman was a four-year starter at UAB and ranks among the top players at his position in school history. He's no lock to make the Packers' 53-man roster – especially given how deep the team's receiving corps is – but if he shows enough promise in training camp, he could make Quarless expendable.
Adrian Amos, S/CB, Chicago Bears
Safety has been a sore spot for the Bears in recent years, but the addition of veteran Antrel Rolle has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the position. He and Ryan Mundy are the projected starters, but if either goes down with an injury, Amos could be thrust into a bigger role.
The fifth-round pick played both safety and cornerback at Penn State, finishing his collegiate career with 149 tackles, seven interceptions, and three sacks. He also allowed just 3.9 yards per target during his senior season.
While Amos' tackling could use some improvement, his versatility should make him a good fit in Vic Fangio's hybrid scheme.
"He's played corner, he's played nickel, he's played safety, so we like the coverage versatility that he brings," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. "Just a high-character guy who’s extremely intelligent. Three-year starter, and I like the versatility that he's played multiple positions."
Quick Hits
- The Baltimore Ravens will be without first-round pick Breshad Perriman for the time being while he recovers from a bruised knee.
- Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker leads all rookies in endorsement deals.
- Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice profiles Philadelphia Eagles seventh-round pick Brian Mihalik, whose athleticism reminds Kempski of San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Lawrence Okoye.
- New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams could benefit from Sheldon Richardson's mistakes.
- Here's one way to get noticed by an NFL team: undrafted running back LaVance Taylor tweeted his highlights to the Kansas City Chiefs, and ended up with a contract a day later.