The Packers coaching staff came up with a creative solution to their perceived lack of depth at outside linebacker. Defensive end Cullen Jenkins took snaps standing up at Monday’s minicamp practice.
All 305 pounds of him.
We can’t think of any 3-4 defense end that has made such a conversion, but Jenkins welcomes the added responsibilities.
“You never know what you’re actually going to carry into the season, but we’re experimenting with different things. I feel pretty fast this year, and it’s pretty cool to be [playing standing] up, actually,” Jenkins told Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Jenkins’ primary role will surely remain on the defensive line where he’s one of the more underrated players in football. But the Packers like his versatility enough to have him rush the passer and drop back in coverage Monday.
The need for OLB help in Green Bay has been overstated in the media -- Brad Jones makes a fine option -- but Jenkins provides an interesting alternative as coordinator Dom Capers looks to expand his defense in 2010.