Shields looking to grab a roster spot

Sam Shields was one of the bright spots during the first day of training camp Saturday, playing excellent defense at cornerback and returning punts, but he's going to have to continue that success to earn a roster spot. Undrafted out of Miami, Shields has blazing speed but will need to hang on to the ball and show he's multi-dimensional (more than just a track star). Keep an eye on his progress as training camp moves along.

No one doubted Sam Shields’ speed in shorts.

The rookie cornerback ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash during his pro day at the University of Miami.

Sometimes the same kind of speed doesn’t show up when the pads go on. In Shields’ case, it did on Saturday in the first training camp practice of the season. As if he were shot out of cannon, the 5-foot-11, 184-pounder made the best defensive play of day one when he returned an interception for a touchdown during a team blitz period midway through practice.

Shields may be green as grass and have only played cornerback for one year at the University of Miami (Fla.), but the kid knows how to make an impression. Playing on the second- and third-string defenses, Shields made a jet-fast move to close in on receiver Chastin West, who was running a short inside route. Playing man coverage, Shields broke on the ball just as backup quarterback Matt Flynn fired, and timed his break perfectly to pick it off on the run. Seemingly before anyone even noticed or could react, he was on his way to the end zone.

That wasn’t Shields’ only eye-catching play. Earlier, during a one-on-one period, he made pass breakups on consecutive plays, both intended for Jordy Nelson, again using his speed to get into position.

He should get a lot of chances on defense during the preseason games because I don't expect CB Charles Woodson and CB Tramon Williams will play much.

The undrafted rookie is facing an uphill battle to make the roster, but he’s off to a strong start.



(greenbaygazzette.com)