New Packers CB Robert Rochell’s ‘Here to Play Football’

Could new Green Bay Packers cornerback Robert Rochell, a former fourth-round pick with big-time athleticism, be the next Rasul Douglas?

GREEN BAY, Wis. – While honing his craft on the Carolina Panthers practice squad the past few weeks, cornerback Robert Rochell was hopeful that he’d be promoted to their active roster.

When the Green Bay Packers offered him a ticket to the 53-man roster, he didn’t think twice.

“Not at all. We’re here to play football,” he said.

With Eric Stokes being placed on injured reserve and Jaire Alexander dealing with his troublesome back, the cornerback-craved Packers promoted Corey Ballentine from their practice squad and added Rochell off Carolina’s practice squad in time for Wednesday’s practice.

In 2021, with Alexander out with a significant shoulder injury, the Packers plucked Rasul Douglas off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. Douglas turned out to be a savior on a team that won homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Who knows if Rochell’s story will take a similar path, but he’s an intriguing addition beyond being a cornerback with a pulse and without a limp.

- He was a fourth-round pick in 2021 by the Los Angeles Rams who started five games as a rookie.

- He’s got an elite physical toolbox: 5-foot-11 3/4, 4.41 in the 40 and a 43-inch vertical.

- He’s practically ready to go from a playbook perspective, having spent two years with the Rams and a month with the Panthers – two teams that come from the same schematic tree as Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

New Packers CB Robert Rochell :: Photo by Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports Images

“When I went to Seattle [after being released by the Rams at the end of training camp], they had a whole different type of scheme,” Rochell said. “So, getting over there, I was just trying to get acclimated fast, and that’s when I ended up going to Carolina, where my old coaches were.

“My old coaches from the Rams were in Carolina and they run the same system, so I got right in and blended in. I was hoping to get up playing at some point over there and then I got the call here yesterday. They run the same scheme, so it’s working in my favor of staying in the same type of defense. I’m thankful for that.”

Rochell played a lot on defense as a rookie in 2021 and a lot on special teams in 2022. However, he failed to make the Rams’ roster this summer, then toiled on practice squads in Seattle and Carolina.

Green Bay is an opportunity for a fresh start.

“I definitely look at it as a reset, mentally and physically, to come in and realign myself with the game of football and show the attributes that I can do on and off the field,” he said.

“Whatever role they assign to me or whatever situation they need me to be in, I’ll be ready to go, from defense to special teams. Even if they need me on offense. Whatever it takes for us to get some wins.”

Rochell might not know many of his coaches or teammates – Stokes an exception after training together in Atlanta before the 2021 draft and the past couple offseason – but he knows the upcoming schedule.

On Sunday, the Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings. Then, it’s a home game against the Rams, the team that took a chance on him in 2021 but gave up on him two years later.

“Yeah, two weeks. Excited,” he said with a wide smile.

“That’s always fun, especially going against the guys that you grinded with. I did camp with the Rams and did everything with them for this upcoming season. Going back to go against those guys and see all my old coaches and teammates, it’s going to be great just to compete.”

More Green Bay Packers News

You might say we've got the market cornered on the #Packers' transactions. (Sorry for the terrible pun.)

Ballentine promoted from the PS: https://t.co/dscnzvpreq
Gilbert signed to the PS: https://t.co/m4AAC20xan
Rochell added off the Panthers' PS: https://t.co/IcknDWUQEl

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) October 25, 2023

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