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Green Bay Packers: 3 studs and duds from training camp

By Gage Bridgford

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 24: J'Mon Moore #6 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball and is grabbed from behind by Henre' Toliver #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 48-45. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 24: J'Mon Moore #6 of the Missouri Tigers runs the ball and is grabbed from behind by Henre' Toliver #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 48-45. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images /

Stud Number 3. Linebacker Oren Burks

After Jake Ryan went down, the Packers had a couple options at the middle linebacker spot next to Blake Martinez. The Packers drafted Oren Burks out of Vanderbilt to be their modern linebacker/safety hybrid that Jones couldn’t be because he had to play safety. Though it’s only been in preseason and practice, Burks has looked fantastic. Mainly, he’s looked like the perfect compliment to the incumbent Martinez.

Coming out of college, Burks’ athleticism made him an intriguing player at the next level. The former safety was good in coverage, while also possessing the size to be successful at the linebacker position. Through just two games, Burks has steadily improved his ability to sift through the trash when tracking the ball carrier in run games. His size and speed are going to make him good in the passing game, but it’s the run game where he makes himself more valued.

Burks is in line to start all 16 games next to Martinez as long as he remains healthy. He could quickly make a case for being a defensive rookie of the year if he continues to improve. The Packers have struggled to defend tight ends and running backs out of the backfield in recent years, but Burks can fix that issue. Ryan was heading towards free agency anyway, and Burks may allow the Packers to let him go much easier now.

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