For a team that time and again turned to versatile players in the 2005 NFL Draft, Kurt Campbell's official position at the University of Albany couldn't have been more perfect: rover.
Described by Campbell as a "hybrid outside linebacker and strong safety," 'rover' is a position unique to Albany's 4-4 defensive scheme. But the skills that it took to play the roll, GM Ted Thompson says are ideal to play weak-side linebacker in the Packers' high-speed defensive attack.
"That's just the kind of player (defensive coordinator) Jim Bates likes," Thompson said of the 6-1, 228-pounder, who the Packers claimed with their first of two seventh-round picks, the 245th selection over all.
Campbell himself says that he brings speed, smarts and versatility to the table. That is, when he's healthy.
Campbell struggled with multiple injuries over his collegiate career, especially his junior season when he was limited to five games because of a dislocated shoulder.
Now healthy, Campbell says he excited to flash his 4.42 speed wherever the Packers see fit.
"I'm comfortable in the box and I played corner my first two years (in college), so in coverage I'm fine," said Campbell, who was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States in 1995. "I think I'm okay with wherever they want to play me."
