Packers: 8 Starting Spots Up For Grabs Entering Training Camp

If you’ve been living under a rock, the Green Bay Packers are set to kick off their training camp on Wednesday, July 26th—just around the corner, depending on when you’re reading this. With the start of camp, the intensity of the training camp battles is about to ramp up.

The Packers face more uncertainties than ever as they shift from being a Super Bowl contender to a team with promising young talent. However, this transition will have its fair share of challenges and learning experiences.

Amidst all the unknowns, eight positions stand at the center of attention as players will compete for their spots during training camp.

These eight starting positions on the Green Bay Packers are up for grabs as they are set to kick-off training camp this week.

Slot Receiver

Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson appear to have their spots secured as the boundary receivers, but the starting slot receiver position remains up for grabs as training camp approaches. The competition for this role will be closely watched, with Jayden Reed, a second-round pick from the 2023 draft, and Samori Toure, a seventh-round selection from 2022, expected to be the primary contenders for the job.

Tight End

In the offseason, the Packers made significant changes to their tight end group, letting go of Robert Tonyan in free agency and leaving Marcedes Lewis unsigned. Instead, they invested in their future by using second and third-round draft picks on Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, respectively. With Josiah Deguara primarily playing in the h-back/fullback role, the opportunity to secure the starting tight end position will be up for grabs between the two talented rookies, Musgrave and Kraft.

Center

Green Bay has relied on Josh Myers as their starting center since he was drafted in the second round in 2021. However, after two underwhelming seasons, the Packers are introducing some competition by giving Zach Tom a chance to showcase his skills at the center position. Tom had an impressive rookie season, and it appears he is destined to secure a starting role on the offensive line in 2023. The only uncertainty is whether it will be at center or right tackle.

Right Tackle

Speaking of right tackle, Tom and Yosh Nijman, who was brought back on a one-year deal, are the two competitors at this position. Tom finished the year there after Nijman had some disappointing games. Both players want to be starters in the NFL and will have every chance to earn the job.

Defensive Tackle

Kenny Clark is unquestionably the top defensive tackle for the Packers, leaving no doubts about his position on the depth chart. However, the battle for the second spot is heating up between Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton. Each player brings their own set of skills and strengths to the table, making them valuable assets in different situations. As training camp begins, we will closely observe how the coaching staff decides to deploy them and who emerges as the primary backup behind Clark.

Outside Linebacker (If Rashan Gary Starts Season Injured)

With Rashan Gary’s status uncertain for the start of training camp, the Green Bay Packers have been exploring their options to fill the void opposite Preston Smith. During Organized Team Activities and minicamp, Justin Hollins took most of the reps in that role, showcasing his ability to step up in Gary’s absence. However, the Packers are also giving opportunities to second-year pro Kingsley Enagbare and rookie first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to earn a spot in the rotation.

Slot Cornerback

Keisean Nixon is currently the front-runner for the starting slot corner position for the Green Bay Packers. However, he will face tough competition, particularly from Shemar Jean-Charles. The real challenge will arise when Eric Stokes returns from injury, as the coaching staff will have to make a decision on how to utilize their cornerback talent. There are two possible scenarios: Stokes could move inside to the slot, leveraging his speed and coverage skills, or Green Bay might consider shifting Rasul Douglas back to the slot, where he has previous experience.

Safety

Supposedly, Green Bay is set on having Darnell Savage as one of their starting safeties this season. If that’s the case, there will be an open competition between Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore and Jonathan Owens for the second spot. All three bring different skills to the table and it will depend on who shows out in training camp and preseason.