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5 takeaways from Packers’ first open mandatory minicamp practice

By Brian Sampson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is shown during organized team activities Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is shown during organized team activities Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. /
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Green Bay Packers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: T.J. Slaton #93 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Takeaways from Packers’ minicamp: TJ Slaton starting over Devonte Wyatt in Nickel defense

The Packers’ nickel defense–a unit that consists of two defensive linemen, two outside linebackers, two inside linebackers, three cornerbacks, and two safeties–was their starting unit during practice. One of the surprises in this group was TJ Slaton playing alongside Kenny Clark with Devonte Wyatt on the sidelines.

With Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry gone, Slaton is one of the younger linemen the Packers are turning to this season. He’s shown flashes in the past, but needs to put it together more consistently.

Slaton also has the size advantage over Wyatt and could be in this lineup to help take up space and blockers, freeing his teammates such as Clark and other pass-rushers. Wyatt will likely start when they play their 3-4 alignment. Other starters in the nickel included Preston Smith, Justin Hollins (more on this next), Rasul Douglas, Jaire Alexander, Keisean Nixon, Savage and Ford.

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