The Green Bay Packers continue to practice in pads as Week 2 of training camp is in full swing. The team is gearing up for the first preseason game which is a little more than a week away. Thus far, some unsung players have made a solid first impression on the coaching staff and members of the media who are present for practice. Here is a look at five unsung Packers making a big impression at training camp. To qualify for this list, a player needs to be a rookie day three draft pick or undrafted free agent or be a veteran who has never carved out a big role on offense or defense thus far with the team.

None of these players are guaranteed a roster spot but their strong play early in training camp has improved their chances of making the team or at least the practice squad.

Packers Unsung Player Number 5: TE Tyler Davis

Tight end Tyler Davis is the only veteran player on the list. Davis enters his fourth year in the NFL and his third with the Packers. In each of his first two seasons with Green Bay, he caught four passes. Davis played just 16 percent of the Packers offensive snaps last season after playing in 13 percent in 2021.

With the departure of Marcedes Lewis, Davis has been taking on a larger role as the team’s blocking tight end and he’s done a good job of it thus far.

If Davis continues to play well, he could see more offensive snaps as a blocking tight end when the season gets under way in September.

Players Number 4: DLs Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden

The two rookie defensive linemen have shown the coaching staff some exciting potential thus far in practice. The Packers selected Colby Wooden in the fourth round of this year’s draft and Karl Brooks in the sixth.

While neither rookie established themselves as starters, both are expected to see regular action as part of the team’s defensive line rotation.

Both Brooks and Wooden have showed off their speed and ability to penetrate the offensive line to disrupt plays.

Both rookies continue to develop their skills and adjust to life in the NFL, but they’re also showing the ability to play a useful role on defense as soon as this season.

Player Number 3: P Daniel Whelan

The Packers signed free agent punter Daniel Whelan to compete with incumbent Pat O’Donnell at punter. While O’Donnell remains the favorite to hold on to the job, Whelan has been showing off a very strong leg at practice.

Whelan has outkicked O’Donnell at practice in front of reporters as each punter takes the kicks on alternate days of practice.

To earn the punting job, Whelan must also show the coaching staff he can be an effective holder for field goals and extra points. O’Donnell did that job very well with Mason Crosby last season.

At 6’5” and 216 pounds, Whelan possesses excellent size and athleticism for a punter. He signed with the Saints last offseason but was released before the season started. Whelan is hoping for another chance to show what he can do this summer in Green Bay.

Packers Unsung Player Number 2: WR Malik Heath

Undrafted free agent Malik Heath just keeps making plays in practice. The 6’2”, 213-pound Mississippi alum has stood out among those fighting for a job in the crowded and inexperienced young receiving corps.

Head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Health and said, “I think he is a talented young player, a guy we look forward to putting in some situations and seeing how he responds in games.”

Heath needs to be consistent and keep making plays to have a shot at making the roster or even the practice squad.

Player Number 1: CB Carrington Valentine

GM Brian Gutekunst selected former Kentucky star Carrington Valentine in the seventh round of this year’s draft. But Valentine has looked good and made plays since the start of OTAs.

In practice earlier this week, Valentine had a pick six off rookie quarterback Sean Clifford.

“It means a lot,” Valentine admitted. “I still feel like even though I didn’t have a lot of interceptions in college, I had knack for the ball, so I’m just showing that we’re here now and I’m just displaying that.”

LaFleur added, “Very athletic, made flash plays, taking coaching. I think we have a good young player there. Has a great attitude, he’s very, very talented.”

The cornerback room is crowded and the top four spots on the depth chart are all but assured with Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon all but guaranteed roster spots if they’re healthy.

Valentine must continue to play well but he’s certainly opened some eyes thus far in training camp.

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

Click here for more great Packers coverage