Green Bay Packers: Notes from Day 2 of Training Camp

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend Day 2 of Green Bay Packers’ training camp, but as always, the beat reporters were on the scene to provide us with updates along the way. Here is some of what took place.

– The trade for Randall Cobb became official on Wednesday and he was already at practice on Thursday.

– It was also reported that anytime Cobb was taking a rep, Aaron Rodgers made sure that he was the quarterback throwing him the ball. Likely trying to rebuild some of that chemistry.

– We saw Za’Darius Smith standing up over the center last season, but today Preston Smith was in that role and knifed through forcing a pressure. Will we see more of him in this role in 2021? Or is this just a product of Za’Darius being out on the NFI list?
– Juwann Winfree just keeps making plays. Hauling in another deep pass.

– In addition to Cobb being present, so is OT Dennis Kelly, who was signed on Wednesday.

– Speaking of Kelly, he practiced in David Bakhtiari’s jersey, leaving reporters to initially believe that Bakhtiari was back at practice. I’m sure Bak had a good laugh at that one.

– Year 17 for Marcedes Lewis and he is still holding his own as a blocker. He’s like a sixth OL for this Green Bay Packers offense.

– Amari Rodgers was still taking some first team reps with the offense. Undoubtedly his role will be reduced with the addition of Cobb, but Matt LaFleur will still work him into this offense. There is also no better player for Rodgers to learn from than Cobb—there games mirror each other.

– When the Green Bay Packers had a third safety on the field, Vernon Scott filled that role. He should be a very good fit for this new Joe Barry defense.

– We had our first Kabion Ento sighting. He was sticky in coverage against Amari Rodgers. Ento is my dark horse candidate to make the final roster.

– We also saw AJ Dillon active in the passing game today, showing off those hands of his. He is likely going to play a bigger role in the passing game than many think.

– Rodgers and Adams still connecting for a big play. What’s new?

– Ty Summers comes away with the first interception of camp. Picking off Jordan Love, who overthrew the running back. But Love also had a few tight window throws as well throughout the day, one of which was to Devin Funchess, who needs a big camp.

– As I said yesterday, TJ Slaton could be a real force at nose tackle. He busted through a Stepaniak/Hanson double-team.

– From the sounds of it, Billy Turner had a nice day as well—holding his own against Rashan Gary on a few reps. With that said, Gary had some nice reps of his own, blowing up on play in particular in the backfield.

– More reps for Jon Runyan at left guard, but Ben Braden was the initial starter there today.

– Iron sharpens iron as they say:

– With a crowded WR room, it’ll be tough sledding for Bailey Gaither to crack the final roster but with only Amari Rodgers under contract for 2022, he could end up in a bigger role next season. He’s off to a nice start over these first two days. As I noted yesterday, he’s very smooth with his route running.

– A few other players who made some plays today: Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, Tipa Galeai, and Jack Heflin.

– JJ Molson finishes the practice going 7/8 on field goal attempts, including a 50 yarder.