MY question is this. How does he compare with Jarrett Bush at what Jarrett Bush does.
Sounds like to me that he isn't a returner. Well, neither is Jarrett Bush. Just because he has incredible speed doesn't mean he should be expected to make the team as a return guy. Lots of guys have speed that never are return guys.
Jarrett Bush -- what does he bring to the table?
Part one: A pretty inconsistent CB (one good play every so often, and one bad play to balance each good play out. Maybe an adequate backkup DB to fill in when injuries hit, but he's never going to be great. He's been around enough now that it's pretty clear that he has a limited supply of "it". Shields, OTOH, while he's also shown the inconsistency of any rookie, has people like Woodson raving about how he has an amazing amount of "it." Did Bush ever get such raves? So, when it comes to DB potential/possibilities: Shields > Bush.
Part two: Supposedly a special teams ace. I've never seen what the Packers see in Bush in special teams, but on the other hand I'm not sure what the Packer standards are for non-returner ST players.
And on the third hand, Packer STs pretty much have sucked as a whole.
Everyone always seems to want to focus on the quality of our kickers and returners. But IMO the reason the Packers STs pretty much have sucked is not because of the kickers and returners so much as it has been because of the other men on the units. The blockers and tacklers.
Which brings us back to Shields. Frankly, what I want to know is how he's looked on STs when he's playing as something other than a return guy. Is he getting all these chances as a returner just because the coaches are drooling about the possibilities of his speed (like moron coaches). Or is it because he looks even worse in those special teams roles. I have to admit I wasn't paying attention in the Cleveland game, and I didn't see the Seattle game. (Or, obviously, any practice.)
ISTM that, not his lack of return skills which will determine whether he makes the team. What he's shown of "it" as a DB gives him a leg up, especially since Underwood/Lee have shown inconsistency, too, and no longer have the rookie excuse. So if he has shown something that shows he can be a ST starter as punter gunner, kickoff coverage, etc., I think he's made the team. If not, he won't make the team.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)