Green Bay Packers: 5 standouts after first weekend of Training Camp
These five Green Bay Packers have earned everyone’s attention after the first weekend of the 2019 Training Camp is complete.
The first full weekend of the 2019 Training Camp is in the books and the Green Bay Packers have already put some really good work in. For the first time in over a decade, the offense will be doing some catching up to the defense. That’s because new head coach Matt LaFleur is implementing a new offense, as the defense continues to learn Mike Pettine’s scheme in Year 2.
Regardless, both competed hard this weekend as training camp kicked off on Thursday, July 25. There’s still a ton of work to be done, but these five players performed above the rest.
5. Rashan Gary
Gary was selected with the 12th overall pick in this year’s draft out of Michigan. He’s one of the most physically imposing players in the NFL and reportedly entered camp with only 10 percent body fat. That’s amazing considering his blend of size and speed.
Despite being an athletic freak, Gary struggled with production in college. However, that wasn’t the case his weekend. He was all over the place, often making plays in the backfield on either the running backs or quarterbacks. It’s just practice, but his NFL career couldn’t have started any better.
4. Danny Vitale
It’s no secret that LaFleur wants to feature the running game this season. That’s why he’s brought in multiple running backs including Vitale and the next guy on this list. Vitale was drafted in the sixth round back in 2016 and spent his first two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, he was unimpressive.
That hasn’t been the case so far in camp, as Vitale is one of the surprise names. He’s flashed good running and pass-catching ability so far and even caught a back-shoulder fade from Aaron Rodgers.
Starting to become clear that I was wrong about Vitale this offseason. Guy is everywhere with the 1s and keeps making plays. Sweet catch downfield on a back shoulder throw from Rodgers. #NaglersNeverRight
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) July 28, 2019
3. Dexter Williams
Williams is another running back hopeful on the Packers roster. Although he’s most likely to end up as the third-string back, this year’s sixth-round pick has shown some real ability on the field. With Jamaal Williams out to begin camp, D. Williams has stepped up to the challenge.
Dexter Williams juice is real. He’s such a perfect fit for this offense. It’s not going to be long before the Dexter over Jamaal whispers start.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) July 28, 2019
Darius Shepherd jet sweep, Chandon Sullivan continues his strong play and is there for the stop.
2. Robert Tonyan
Jimmy Graham is the starter at tight end, but there are plenty of opportunities as the second tight end on the depth chart. As of now, three players are battling it out-Robert Tonyan, Jace Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis. The latter two have been extremely quiet while Tonyan has made a nice play here and there. So far, the backup job is Tonyan’s to lose.
1. Davante Adams
It’s hard for a Pro Bowler of Adams caliber to join this list with four other guys who have yet to prove themselves in the league. But that’s just how good he was this weekend. Adams killed it all over the field and couldn’t be covered. By anyone.
dark. Next. 3 Packers with most to prove at 2019 Training Camp
He certainly looks ready to destroy the league and show everyone last season wasn’t a fluke. His routes are crisper than ever and he’s really beginning to hit his stride as a top-three receiver in the NFL. Just ask Rodgers.