With Pro Bowl wide receiver Javon Walker absent for this week's organized team activities, rookie Terrence Murphy is making the most out of his increased repetitions.

"He's done a nice job," head coach Mike Sherman said. "He's made some plays out there. He's ahead of where I thought he'd be."

The 196-pounder, a second-round draft pick out of Texas A&M, could have the size and speed to develop into something special.

"I think I'm the complete receiver," Murphy said. "I can go deep and I like to block."

He has also displayed a soft set of hands. During the red zone segment of Monday's OTAs, he positioned his body to make a nifty catch against cornerback Joey Thomas.

"It's been fun watching him progress," said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "He's a hard worker. He's diligent and he's not made any mental mistakes."

Murphy has developed a rapport with Rodgers, another potential-packed rookie.

"'T-Murph' is my sidekick," Rogers said. "He's a good buddy of mine."

They both share something in common as the young players try to understand the intricacies of the Packers' West Coast offense and face a steep learning curve.

"Aaron and I have a long way to go," Murphy said. "Sometimes we're trying to learn on the run. I think once we both get the offense down, we'll be pretty good."

Murphy could also make an impact on special teams. He excelled in that phase of the game during college, returning 31 kickoffs for 761 yards during his four years and earning All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection as a kickoff returner in 2003. He is one of several candidates to return kicks this season.

"He is a potential return man," Sherman said.

And perhaps much more.

"He's got incredible talent," Rodgers said. "He's going to be a huge asset to the team this year."