McCarthy: Impressed with rookie weekend
Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media on Saturday following practice. Here are some highlights:
On practice:
We've completed practice. Really the two practices today was a step up from yesterday, the energy. I've been very pleased with the quality of it. Look forward to watching the tape. Players will continue with meetings this afternoon and take a tour of Lambeau Field. We'll have dinner at Brett Favre Steakhouse tonight.
On practice-squad holdovers:
It's a benefit for the coaching staff to see how they've improved and what they've done since the end of the season. It's great to have them out there. They're able to show the way. The drills they've done. We've actually incorporated some new drills from personnel evaluation. These two practices, I'm always so impressed from the conclusion of the weekend.
On Joe Thomas:
Frankly, didn't pay a whole lot of attention at Joe. Joe has been here. He looks good. He's definitely needs to pick up where he left off and I think he'll definitely do that. He's done very well in the strength and conditioning so far.
On Adrian Hubbard:
He's put on some weight, some size. He's taken a huge step like you see from every player that's been here from Year 1 to Year 2. I'm impressed with what Hubbard has done so far. He was here early. He's put a lot of work in.
On John Crockett:
I think the notice part is over. You're here for a reason. You've earned a right to be in an NFL facility, a right to challenge for a roster spot. A lot of these guys, it's been really impressive. Scouting is different today than it was 25 years ago. I don't think as many guys get missed.
On Ladarius Gunter, other young defensive backs:
I think you have to go into this with an open mind and stick to your philosophy, and build your past 90-man roster. The evaluation process doesn't stop. There will be a number of men who leave who may be brought back or go onto another camp.
On rookie camp week after draft:
There's two opinions to that. Our personnel department likes having it this week. Sometimes you'd lose a player to a tryout if you're in the second week. Seems to flow better for us.
On Blake Sims:
He did some nice things today. The understanding from Day 1 to Day 2. He's instinctive. He has a bounce in his step.
On possibly moving him around:
That's something that's been thrown around the evaluation process doesn't end today. It's nice to have video. We did some post-practice work at guys who we may want to look at different positions.
On undrafted outside linebackers:
I think that position carries on different characteristics. We develop the elephant positions. We have a lot of tweener body types. People who didn't think they had enough to be a defensive end in a 4-3.