Tori

Gurley

It’s a sign that the Raiders don’t expect Darrius Heyward-Bey (concussion) back anytime soon. Gurley, a former standout on the Packers’ practice squad, knows Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie from their time together in Green Bay. He’ll start off buried on the depth chart behind Derek Hagan and Rod Streater.

A second year undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, Gurley has proven to be a workout warrior, but has yet to crack anybody’s 53-man roster. Considering the state of Oakland’s receiver corps, however, he’ll likely be promoted at some point this season.

Previous reports had Driver due a $1.5 million roster bonus on the first day of training camp. Wilde writes, however, that there is no “trigger” in Driver’s contract that “demands a decision on his future.” Highly-regarded practice squad receivers Diondre Borel and Tory Gurley will have a hard time making the roster if Driver remains with the team past the opening of camp.

Gurley confirmed that he received a raise from the Packers, but wanted to stay in Green Bay regardless because he didn’t want his season to be over in three weeks. An undrafted rookie, Gurley posted 70 receptions for 824 yards in his career at South Carolina.

Don’t expect the Packers to pick it up. James Jones and Randall Cobb need more snaps in 2012, and the Packers gave raises to Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel to prevent other teams from poaching them from the practice squad. Picking up Driver’s bonus would lock him in at $5 million overall for 2012, a prohibitive number.

The Packers upped Gurley’s practice squad salary after the Vikings tried prying him away in November, suggesting GM Ted Thompson is high on his long-term potential. Though unproductive at South Carolina, Gurley has an intriguing blend of size (6'4/225) and athleticism. He’ll battle to be Green Bay’s fourth or fifth receiver in 2012 training camp.

Teams in need of wideout help should have their ears perked up. Gurley was a darling of the practice squad last season and the offseason program this year. The 6'4/232 South Carolina product was simply buried in the Packers’ deep receiving corps.

It’s going to be tough for practice squad stars Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel to make it, without an injury in the top five. Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb, and Donald Driver are all virtual locks. Look for Gurley and Borel to generate interest if they’re among Green Bay’s final cuts.

Of the two promising receiver projects awarded practice squad bonuses last season, Borel appears to have nudged Tori Gurley in the pecking order. McCarthy also joined in CBs coach Joe Whitt in praising Davon House’s improvement.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, unsure of Driver’s roster security two weeks ago, now believes the veteran is “entrenched.” The question is whether Randall Cobb overtakes him as the primary slot receiver. Gurley and Borel will vie for one roster spot if the Packers do indeed decide to keep six receivers.