Tramon Williams entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from a small school (Louisiana Tech). He was signed and quickly cut by a mediocre team from the AFC South (Houston). He then spent time on the Packers practice squad before getting promoted to the active roster at age 24. Josh Gordy entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from a smaller school (Central Michigan). He was signed and quickly cut by a mediocre team from the AFC South (Jacksonville). He then spent time on the Packers practice squad before getting promoted to the active roster at age 24. Does this mean Gordy is on the verge of becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Of course not, but the similarities to Williams run deeper than just his rsum. And thats why hes someone worth watching when training camp (hopefully) begins this summer.
The two players are also remarkably similar athletically. At his pro day in March, Gordy measured 5-10 3/4, weighed 195 pounds, ran 4.42, jumped 38 1/2 inches vertically and did 16 reps on the bench press. At his pro day five years ago, Williams measured 5-11 1/8, weighed 194 pounds, ran 4.57, jumped 37 1/2 inches vertically and did 13 reps on the bench press.
So why were such talented athletes not to mention productive college players passed over in the draft? Thats a good question. One reason is the level of competition. Corners from smaller schools tend to get overlooked by pro scouts unless they are blessed with both ideal size and speed. Davon House is a perfect example. The former New Mexico State star gave up quite a few big plays during his senior season often to receivers wholl be flipping burgers after college. Yet he was drafted by the Packers in the fourth round. Thats what happens when youre really big (6-0 1/4, 200) and really fast (4.37). House got the benefit of the doubt. Corners with lesser physical skills even ones like Williams and Gordy who performed better on Saturday afternoons seldom get such consideration.
Heres one more similarity general manager Ted Thompson liked both players enough to move them from the eight-man practice squad to the active roster late in the season rather than risk losing them as free agents in January. Williams was promoted on Nov. 30, 2006 and Gordy got his spot on the 53 nearly four years to the day later (Dec. 1, 2010).
None of this is to suggest that Gordy is going to be a star in the NFL. Heck, theres no guarantee hell even be around when the season begins. Among the things that allowed Williams to go from the street to the Pro Bowl are his strong work ethic and his ability to take what he learned in the classroom and apply it to the field. Whether Gordy has the same capacity to work and learn remains to be seen. Plus, the competition at corner is going to be fierce. With Williams, Charles Woodson and Sam Shields returning and House a good bet to stick, Gordy, Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee may be fighting for one spot.
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