Packers backup quarterbacks make impressions
Green Bay - As the last of 13 "street" free agents signed by the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 off-season, quarterback Graham Harrell figured to be little more than fodder for training camp.
Fifteen months later, his head coach envisions him becoming a No. 2 one day.
"I think so," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's headed that way. Absolutely."
Harrell, 26, will get another chance to present his case Saturday night when the Packers play an exhibition opener in Cleveland.
"He lost all spring, but he's an instinctive guy now," said McCarthy. "You could see how productive he was in college. We loved him last year. That's why we moved him up there at the end. We were scared to lose him."
After a prolific career at Texas Tech, Harrell was unable to land a free-agent contract and spent 2009 in the Canadian Football League on Saskatchewan's injury list. Last year, he failed to convince McCarthy to keep three quarterbacks, was cut and signed to the practice squad. On Dec. 18, he was promoted to the active roster.
"Very natural in the 'gun' (shotgun formation)," said McCarthy. "Very instinctive. He's never played under center, but Graham's really improved.
"He's gotten stronger. He's put on some weight. Hard worker in the weight room."
Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin finds himself frequently telling quarterbacks coach Tom Clements that Harrell throws an eminently catchable ball.
"Does he have a cannon? I don't know, but guys catch his passes," said Philbin. "Decent accuracy. He's made some nice progress. Kind of knows how to play the position."
Both McCarthy and Philbin spoke highly of Matt Flynn's performance in the first 10 days.
"Matt just keeps getting better," McCarthy said. "I hate to say it again, but I think he's throwing with a little more velocity than he did last year.
"He's had a couple out-breaking routes from the far hash where he had to throw it over the top of people. I don't think he makes those throws two years ago."
McCarthy likes spending time with the quarterbacks during the day.
"It may be the best quarterback room I've seen in all my years in the league," said McCarthy, a veteran of 19 National Football League seasons. "As far as three guys getting along, working together, pushing each other, being on the same page. Because Graham's really picked it up. Being here for the full season last year really helped him."
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