Julius Peppers (56) talks with LeTroy Guion during organized team activities Thursday in Green Bay. Credit: Mark Hoffman

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Julius Peppers hasn’t played a snap yet and still his presence is felt around the Green Bay defense.

“Julius is such an impressive person from all angles,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy. “Very professional approach, takes great care of himself. You can see that in phase one to phase two workouts, just the way he moves. He looks awesome in 56. I was worried we were not going to be able to find a shirt that would fit him. He looks very natural at the outside linebacker position.”

It’s not often that GM Ted Thompson signs a big name, older free agent, but Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett turned out to be good signings in the past. The Packers fully expect that kind of impact from Peppers.

“I was a little shocked, I know we don’t make too many offseason acquisitions, especially with such a big name,” said Clay Matthews. “But I am happy to have him, he’s a tremendous threat. He’s going to present new elements to this defense that they’re looking for.

“I think it’s good for us,” said Matthews. “It will be good to play on the same side as him and have him garner some of attention as well as myself. That will present some difficulties for the offense to not only block the two of us, but guys that are stepping up, Mike Daniels, Mike Neal. In addition to the new rookies, there should be a good pass rush and I am looking forward to it.”

A.J. Hawk said Peppers blended right in from the first day of offseason workouts.

“You obviously notice his athletic ability right off the bat,” said Hawk. “He’s 34 and runs like he’s 18. If ever there was a genetic freak put on this planet, it is Julius. He’s just a specimen. I have a ton of respect for how he works, too. What a great teammate just from Day 1. He’s a quiet guy that already knows what he is doing, so it is fun to be around a guy like him.

"Him being in Chicago all these years, and getting to see him up close and personal two games a year, is always something I've been impressed by. Now, to have him on our side, to see how good of a guy he is, how good of a teammate he is, he's already lived up to - and exceeded - my expectations."