(Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY) The Green Bay Packers will host Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty for a predraft visit, a source told Packer Report on Thursday morning.

The news is incredibly interesting on many levels. Even in a weak quarterback class, the Packers are expected to select a quarterback after doing so in only one of the past six drafts. However, Petty is considered a second-day prospect, so Green Bay’s interest suggests it’s not fooling around in its pursuit of upgrading its quarterback corps.

Petty, who earned his bachelor’s degree in May 2013, started the final 25 games of his Baylor career and played in 36 games in all. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 8,195 yards with 62 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. Plus, he added 21 rushing touchdowns.

Among active NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players, Petty ranks first with a Big 12-record 9.70 yards per pass attempt, second with a pass efficiency rating of 166.03, 12th with with 83 total touchdowns touchdowns and 13th in passing touchdowns and passing yards.

As a senior, he completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 3,855 yards and 29 touchdowns against seven interceptions. In his collegiate finale, he went 36-of-51 for a Cotton Bowl-record 550 yards and three total touchdowns against Michigan State’s excellent defense.

Petty operated out of a spread offense at Baylor. The spread is source of consternation for many talent evaluators, since almost none of that scheme — whether it’s fundamentals, reads or calling plays — translates to the NFL. Packers coach Mike McCarthy, however, sees it another way.

“The reality of it is pressure, third down, key situational football is the biggest challenge for a young quarterback and I think these college programs have done an outstanding job of playing wide-open and asking the quarterbacks to do more,” McCarthy said at the Combine.

Petty's ability to take care of the ball will appeal to McCarthy, as well. In 2013, Petty threw only three interceptions to set the FBS record with an interception rate of just 0.74 percent.

The Packers have only MVP Aaron Rodgers and Scott Tolzien under contract after keeping Tolzien but not Matt Flynn in free agency. Flynn remains a free agent.

We will have much more on Petty later today.







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