The Green Bay Packers held four practices last week as they opened training camp for the 2023 season. Thus far, the practices have been without pads although that changes today when the team holds a full contact practice for the first time this summer. Here is a look at five Packers players who have made a good first impression at training camp:
Packers Player Making a Good Impression at Training Camp Number Five: DL T.J. Slaton
T.J. Slaton will be a starter this year for the first time in his career. The third-year man out of Florida has shown quickness against the run which the team hopes will improve the run defense.
Slaton isn’t the only young defensive lineman making a good first impression in camp this year. Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden have also showed they can move quickly and penetrate the opposing offensive line to make plays.
Overall, the defensive line appears to be quicker this season and that is a plus for the defense if that holds up once we get to full contact.
Packers Player Number Four: RB Tyler Goodson
Tyler Goodson continues to fight for the third running back spot. Thus far, Goodson has showcased his elusiveness and versatility to the coaches.
In addition to being dangerous running with the football, Goodson has showed his elusiveness as a receiver and even lined up in the slot. He has also run some gadget plays like jet sweeps much like Tyler Ervin did during his brief tenure with the Packers.
Goodson hopes to prove he is the most valuable candidate in the battle for the third running back spot which could finally earn him a roster spot.
Packers Player Number Three: ILB Quay Walker
Quay Walker struggled reading running plays early in his rookie season but seems to be doing a much better job in camp this year. Both Walker and fellow starting ILB De’Vondre Campbell look fast flowing to the ball carrier. If both players continue to do this once the season starts, it could be a way to improve the Packers long-struggling run defense.
Walker also realizes he needs to hold his temper in check to take his game to the next level. He was ejected from two games last year for hits after the whistle against people who were not on the field. It’s early in camp, but Walker admits he’s working on this.
If Walker can channel his energy in a positive way and continues to play well, the Packers could have their best ILB duo in more than a decade.
Packers Player Making a Good Impression at Training Camp Number Two: WR Jayden Reed
Rookie second-round pick Jayden Reed is fighting for playing time as the Packers primary slot receiver. The Michigan State alum has made some big plays lining up in the slot despite playing primarily on the perimeter in college.
Reed combines speed and elusiveness to get open and make plays. He lined up in the slot and caught a perfect pass from Jordan Love on a corner route on the first day of practice that allowed Reed to stay in stride when he caught the ball.
As of now, Reed remains the favorite to be the team’s top slot receiver. There are many wideouts off to a good start in camp including Malik Heath and Samori Toure so Reed can’t afford to stumble.
Packers Player Number One: OL Zach Tom
Zach Tom and Yosh Nijman continue to battle for the starting right tackle spot but as of now, Tom appears to be getting most of the reps there.
Head coach Matt LaFleur insists the best five offensive lineman will start and Tom’s versatility helps make that possible. The second-year man out of Wake Forest continues to play well in training camp although that obviously must continue this week when the pads come on.
Tom can play all five positions along the offensive line. He has taken reps at center during training camp with the third string offensive line.
Tom appears to have a bright future with the Packers and hopes to claim the starting right tackle job by the end of training camp.
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