It is here folks! Training camp has kicked off around the NFL. Teams are getting back to work and trying to build their roster for opening day. It is no different at 1265 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay. Not only have the Packers hit the field but the front office has also added some proven vets. Here is what happened during the First Week at Packers Training Camp.
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On Tuesday, Green Bay brought a familiar face back to town. Randall Cobb has returned for a title run. The 30-year old (31 in August) might not be the player he was in 2014 when he had over 1,200 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns but he won’t be asked to be. He is a safety valve Aaron Rodgers wanted back, and more importantly, a mentor to rookie Amari Rodgers. Cobb has stated Amari is a protege to him and what better way to get a rookie rolling. Holding back his emotions, it is nice to see Cobb back in Green and Gold.
The other addition is the massive 6’8″ 321 lb. free agent offensive tackle, Dennis Kelly. At the very least, he can be a swing tackle but don’t count him out to be the starting right tackle. This is a really good player. Starting all year in 2020 for the Tennessee Titans, Kelly didn’t give up a sack per PFF. A locker room leader and easy to get along with, this is one of those under-the-radar moves that fortify a roster.
Tough Roster To Make
After back-to-back NFC Championship Game losses, this is a good roster that can make a deep playoff run. Perhaps this unit is even stronger. With additions in free agents, new coaches, and young players taking positive steps, it will be a battle to get playing time let alone make the roster. Some of the players that will be cut could play snaps on other squads.
This is especially evident on the offensive line and at wide receiver. These position groups were loaded. On the o-line, there might be only one spot open once all-world David Bakhtiari gets back. He is cemented in at left tackle while Elgton Jenkins is a lock at left guard. Rookie Josh Myers is penciled in at center. That leaves competition on the right side. Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick were the starters last year but Dennis Kelly didn’t come to sit. Furthermore, young guards Jon Runyan and Ben Braden are hungry. Iron sharpens iron in this camp war.
At wide receiver, we have the same “issue”. There are too many good players and the Packers just can’t keep everyone. Barring injury, locks are Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allan Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Amari Rodgers. That’s five receivers on a team that will most likely keep seven. That leaves Equanimeous St. Brown, Devin Funchess, Malik Taylor, Reggie Begelton, and my dark horse Juwann Winfree fighting for those last spots. With Winfree getting buzz every practice, and with his special teams ability, I think he steals a roster spot. If Funchess returns to his 2018 form, he will also be a difficult cut.
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Other Notes and Observations:
Get on the Rashan Gary party train. He has arrived and will be a monster in 2021. He stands out with his size and off-the-charts athletic ability.
Joe Barry‘s 3 safety look has been deployed early and often to start camp. Mainstays Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage are in the fold but Green Bay is getting looks from second-year safety Vernon Scott. Will Redmond was also getting reps on day one but Scott is getting his time to shine.
Speaking of defensive coordinator Barry, his energy is noticed by the players. Both Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander raved about his juice.
With Kevin King not practicing, first-round pick Eric Stokes is getting all the reps at cornerback. Stokes might not give the spot back.
The old vet Marcedes Lewis still could be a top 30 tackle in this league. That man knows how to block and is sharing his wisdom with the other tight ends.
Sign David Bakhtiari up for team building and PR duties.
Let’s get the pads on and separate these players.
Last but not least, QB1 is here and laser locked in.
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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.