4 Packers Off to Most Surprising Starts to Training Camp
![May 23, 2023; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tyler Davis (84) is shown during organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports May 23, 2023; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tyler Davis (84) is shown during organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d243cf8d1a2d3cdebaf1bd5fdd458ae8cbd2a7e6ad10065a65d3b0e8b12af37a.jpg)
The young players of the Green Bay Packers‘ 2023 rookie class are already making waves in the initial two weeks of training camp. This is a significant development, considering the team’s loss of seasoned veterans in the offseason and their current shift towards a younger lineup.
Apart from highlighting top draft selections like Lukas Van Ness, Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft, there are several other rookies showing promise in the early stages of training camp.
With the departures of Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry through free agency, the team will rely more on Devonte Wyatt and TJ Slaton in expanded roles this season. However, maintaining a strong defensive line rotation is crucial, which is where fourth-round pick Colby Wooden and sixth-round pick Karl Brooks come into play.
These four players on the Green Bay Packers are off to the most surprising starts to training camp when factoring in expectations.
The positive takeaway is that both rookies are displaying their potential during training camp. They’re demonstrating impressive speed and agility, maneuvering past opposing offensive linemen effectively. This is particularly significant given the limited alternatives available behind Kenny Clark, Wyatt, and Slaton.
On another note, rookie Carrington Valentine is making an unexpected impact. The unpredictability of a seventh-round pick notwithstanding, Valentine has quickly climbed the depth chart in less than two weeks of training camp sessions.
Given that Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas hold the starting roles on the outside, and Keisean Nixon occupies the slot, Valentine stands a genuine chance to secure the fourth cornerback spot until Eric Stokes makes his return. This opportunity holds significant weight, as he could find himself in a pivotal defensive role with just one injury.
A non-rookie player who has caught attention with his performance is tight end Tyler Davis. While Musgrave and Kraft are undoubtedly the future of the position, history suggests that it typically takes a few years for rookie tight ends to fully grasp the multifaceted responsibilities of both receiving and blocking.
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Considering Marcedes Lewis, renowned for his exceptional blocking skills, has departed for the Chicago Bears, the Packers find themselves in need of a tight end who can step up in the blocking aspect. Unexpectedly, Davis has swiftly risen to assume this role, potentially earning himself substantial offensive playing time in the upcoming season.