Minicamp Takeaways

Last week the Green Bay Packers had their first real organized team work with mandatory minicamp. Since the practices are non-contact and mostly installing systems, we can only take it with a grain of salt. However, it does give us some overall observations and future position battles going into training camp in late July. With the quiet before the training camp storm, here are five Minicamp Takeaways – Packers.

1. Offensive Line is Deep

When training camp opens up the battle for playing time will be intense on the offensive line. Green Bay has taken pride in bolstering a line with depth and versatility. That might not be more true than this season. When David Bakhtiari returns, he, Elgton Jenkins, and Billy Turner are locks to start….. barring injury. With rookie Josh Myers getting every opportunity at center that leaves one spot for the taking. Last year’s starter at Right Guard Lucas Patrick is still in town but he has hungry teammates on his heels. Second-year player Jon Runyan proved he can hang last year, but the massive Ben Braden and rookie Royce Newman are getting looks at multiple positions. Iron sharpens iron in this in-house competition. It will be intense and interesting to see how the starting five shakes out and the depth behind them.

2. Rookies Flashing at Corner

Jaire Alexander will be the alpha dog again at cornerback but nothing is set at CB2 and the slot. Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan will feel the heat from the rookies. First-round pick Eric Stokes got positive attention every day of minicamp. Whether it was making a pic, sticky coverage, or showing his elite physical traits, the Packers like what they see. Add to that Shemar Jean-Charles who came in as one of college football’s best at pass breakups. If he can continue to do just that, he could make some noise on the depth chart. Defensive backs coach Jerry Gray has a lot to work with in this secondary.

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3. Joe Barry

Plain and simple new defensive coordinator Joe Barry is an energetic hands-on guy. Throughout minicamp, Barry was flying around coaching up players after each play. Barry was giving credit where it was due, and pulling players aside to fine-tune when need be. Defensive players seemed to feed off of his energy as the defense was fired up and flying around. One thing is for sure, he has hit the ground running trying to install his style of play and he has stated it will tailor to his players’ strengths.

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4. Offense Finding Ways to Get Playmakers Touches

Through coach Matt LaFleur‘s first two seasons, he has schemed guys open and found ways to get his playmakers touches. Early on it looks like that plan isn’t changing starting with tight end Robert Tonyan. After his coming out party in 2020, Green Bay looks to ask even more from the scoring machine. Whether that’s a bigger route tree or more isolation plays, look for another strong year from Roberto Grande.

The offense also got the ball in the running backs’ hands but not in the traditional sense. Both Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon were catching passes downfield. LaFleur commented that the bruiser Dillon is a natural pass catcher with soft hands. In an always-evolving league, the Green Bay offense is always trying to stay one step ahead.

5. Jordan Love

Last but not least is the elephant in the room at the quarterback position. Instead of who wasn’t there, let’s address who was. At QB1 getting a ton of reps was Jordan Love. In his first true offseason, we saw the expected roller coaster. Day one was bad, day two was WOW, and day 3 was in between. Young players will struggle, and Love is no different. Focusing on the positives, however, it was undeniable that this young man has the tools. He has a plus arm that can make any throw and has the athletic ability to move around and be a running threat. Until he is tested in real action it’s a mystery if Love can put it all together, but it won’t be for lack of physical attributes.

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– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.