The Packer Pundit

Receiver Jones is making an impression
By Bob McGinn / journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 31, 2007
"When it comes down to the point of who would you count on and who can catch the ball, I want my name to come up. Leave them no doubt." -- James Jones
Robert Brooks never looked this good early. Neither did Antonio Freeman, Robert Ferguson or Terrence Murphy. Four days in pads do not a career make. Suffice to say, however, that rookie wide receiver James Jones has raised eyebrows and expectations in the training camp of the Green Bay Packers. Clearly, the Packers thought more of Jones than most teams by taking him in the third round of the draft. But ever since the opening mini-camp practice in May, Jones has exhibited exemplary skills and a professional approach. -- More



Rookie receiver Jones is turning heads
By Pete Dougherty / greenbaypressgazette.com
The Green Bay Packers hope James Jones' fast start in training camp is a sign he'll vindicate their selecting him in the third round of this year's draft. Jones was nearly an unknown to all but the most serious draftniks when the Packers made him the 14th receiver selected in this year's receiver-rich draft, pick No. 78 overall. But much like Greg Jennings as a rookie receiver last year, Jones has been one of the early standouts in four days of training camp this summer. No doubt, receivers have a better chance of standing out in practice than most other positions because there's no tackling. And as happens to some or perhaps even many quick-start rookies, Jones could level off as camp goes on, his body wears down and the schemes get more complex. But there's no question Jones has caught the Packers' attention with his play in team periods, especially Sunday night in full pads and again Tuesday morning in a non-padded workout. -- More



Leaner Franks is cooking
By Bob McGinn / journalsentinel.com
Posted: July 31, 2007
Bubba Franks is never going to be Antonio Gates, Todd Heap or Dallas Clark. Never was. Never will be. The Green Bay Packers are more than aware of that. Finding a tight end with stretch-the-field capability will have to wait for another draft or two. All they're really after in 2007 is a return of old dependable Bubba. And maybe, just maybe, that Bubba is back. "I talked to him a little bit before practice today," Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said Tuesday. "He's excited. Looking more like himself." -- More