Packers Make a Valued Risk on Colt Lyerla

Green Bay Packers have taken risks on a few players throughout their years as a franchise. They are not the Cincinnati Bengals nor the New England Patriots where they give give out chances to a multitude of troubled young players. There are examples of Green Bay attempting reclamation projects, but nowhere near some of the other teams in the National Football League. The latest risk is Colt Lyerla, the rookie tight end from Oregon, a player drawing a lot of 'oohs and ahhs' from Green Bay fanbase. He could be an impact rookie for Green Bay, but he could also flame out. Basically, everyone needs to take it day by day even though it is very hard given the athletic nature of Lyerla.

Lyerla would have been likely drafted in the late first to early second round if he kept his head on straight. There would have been things that would have scared teams, but in the end, the overall appeal of Lyerla on a football team would put him over the top. He is 6'4 or 6'5 pending on where you look, he runs a 4.5 40 and can jump out of a gym. He played a little bit with Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota in the backfield during his time with the Ducks meaning Lyerla could be a supersized Randall Cobb. Packers adding Lyerla was like getting another second round draft pick almost like Ted Thompson got his tight end after all as all four went before Green Bay drafted in the second round.

There are some critics of the excitement of the move which is understandable if you don't watch college football. No disrespect to those people, but if college football isn't watched, no one really saw the potential of Lyerla. He looks like just another guy Green Bay signed that could be cut before the season begins with a great deal of baggage. But the people whom cover the draft for a living are salivating over the decision Green Bay made on Monday because they could see the chance for Lyerla to be great in the league. There was a reason New England had heavy interest in him as well. There is no coincidence there. Look at his highlight tape, does this really look like an undrafted, signed off the street free agent to you?  

Lyerla has some obvious issues that no one can really overlooked. He made comments about Sandy Hook Massacre being a conspiracy theory. Lyerla also got popped for cocaine possession leading to him getting kicked off the team. He was not one of the easiest players to coach, but Green Bay has definitely been a place to welcome players battling demons with open arms. What I find interesting is no Packers beat reporter expected him to be there for tryouts. Thompson snuck this one under their noses which means Thompson sees the potential along with Green Bay being a good spot for him.  Andrew Quarless wasn't an angel coming out of Penn State either. Lyerla will be put in an environment where everyone wants him to get better and help them win another championship. 

One thing that worries me a little bit out of Lyerla besides the idea that it could take him two or three teams to really figure it out, is he still hangs out Twitter. I am on Twitter all the damn time, probably too much, but I didn't have an issue with social media like Lyerla did with the Sandy Hook incident. Additionally, Green Bay has a batshit crazy side of the fanbase where they assault the players they love on Twitter if said player directly affects how the team did that Sunday. Hell, one fan told Tramon Williams, 'I hope your house burns down with you and your family in it' after a loss to Minnesota. Lyerla could catch some of that shit if he has a couple drops in the game which could lead to an explosive Twitter rant or two. He might want to use Aaron Rodgers plan and avoid it during the season. 

It is too early to pencil Lyerla in the long-term plans of the Packers, but it seems like he could add a completely different element to this team. Imagine if this team had a new-aged H-Back throw into the bevy of things they already have right now. How do you like a pistol wishbone with Lacy, Cobb and Lyerla in the backfield? (Bad idea, I don't know what I was thinking here).  Trust me, Mike McCarthy will find a ton of ways to use the Oregon tight end, and he will keep his head on straight. He had to try out in order to be on the team, not signed after not being drafted, tried out for his spot, he will not fail again.

Charlie.