3 Packers to Keep Close Eye on in Training Camp
These three Green Bay Packers could make waves in this year’s training camp, and we must make sure to keep a close eye on them.
The Green Bay Packers are a full week into training camp and we’re beginning to get an idea about which players came ready to play. The Pack has a lot of work ahead of them, as the critics are out in full force following their surprisingly successful 2019 campaign where they won 13 regular season games and advanced to the NFC Championship game.
The Packers may have overachieved in Matt LaFleur’s first year, but they are out to prove it wasn’t a fluke. They lack depth at some key positions–most notably wide receiver, inside linebacker and defensive line–but there are a number of young players who could step up and fill the void. Let’s take a look at three players we should keep a close eye on moving forward.
Josh Jackson, CB
When Josh Jackson was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, many Packers’ fans were excited and felt he could be a steal. Unfortunately, he has a lot of work cut out for him and is on the verge of losing a roster spot in just his third year.
After an underwhelming rookie season, he took a step backward in Year 2 and doesn’t appear to have the speed necessary to play cornerback in the NFL. However, he’s had an impressive first week of camp and could make Kevin King expendable when he becomes a free agent after this season. With the cornerback position quite thin, the opportunities for ample playing time are there for Jackson if he can capitalize on it.
Equanimous St. Brown, WR
Speaking of thin positions, it doesn’t get any thinner than Green Bay’s wide receiver group. Their only major acquisition, Devin Funchess, isn’t playing this year due to concerns about COVID. That puts Allen Lazard comfortably in the WR2 spot and plenty of questions behind him.
After being selected in the sixth round of the 2018 draft, Equanimous St. Brown had a semi-impressive rookie year by hauling in 21 receptions for 328 yards. Unfortunately, he followed that up by missing last year entirely due to injuries. He could be the Packers’ x-factor at the position if he can bounce back better than ever this year.
Rashan Gary, EDGE
The Packers’ top pick in 2019, Rashan Gary is a physical freak. He’s strong, fast and super athletic with a great work ethic. Now he just has to put it all together on the field.
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It appears Gary is off to a good start in training camp this year and was practicing with the starters when reporters were able to share that type of information. Even with Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith ahead of him on the depth chart, there’s enough versatility in the three of them for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to play them together. That’s exciting news and we’ll see what lies ahead for Gary and company.