Green Bay Packers: 3 studs and duds from training camp
Dud Number 3. Safety Josh Jones
Jones came into training camp as one of the names to watch with a possible breakout season on the horizon. His athleticism made him a good replacement for the departed Morgan Burnett, but he had to work on his coverage ability.
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So far, since the start of training camp, he continues to look like the player that relied solely on his athleticism last season. His athleticism allows him to play that hybrid linebacker/safety role, but he needs to do more.
Kentrell Brice has consistently looked like the better natural safety and, barring unforeseen changes, he’ll be the starter alongside Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Jones has continued to look outmatched in coverage against tight ends. He’s still viewed as the higher ceiling player than Brice. However, he also has a much lower floor than Brice. Athleticism is great, but you need technical skill to translate that athleticism into positive impact.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine loves to experiment with his lineup combinations. This will get Jones on the field, but it won’t be as often as if he was the starter. Ted Thompson has struggled with drafting safeties in the past few years, as players like Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins failed to pan out. While Jones isn’t quite to that level yet, he needs to start putting together some positive development under Pettine.