The Green Bay Packers are into their second week of training camp in preparation for the 2024 NFL season. For established veterans, this is a time to get back into football shape and to refresh their knowledge of the playbook as they prepare for another year of football. But for rookies, this is a vital chance to show the coaching staff what they can do and to prove they are ready for a spot on the roster and a role on the team. Here are key updates on four Packers 2024 draft picks at training camp.

Updates On Four Packers Draft Picks at Training Camp: Number One: Jordan Morgan

Earlier this week, the coaching staff announced that first round pick Jordan Morgan will be competing for playing time at right guard with Sean Rhyan. But on Tuesday, something happened to Morgan for the first time: he worked with the first-string offense ahead of Rhyan in practice.

This does not mean Morgan has wrapped up a spot in the starting lineup, but the coaching staff continues to praise his progress.

“He’s flashed some really good things. There’s a lot of technique stuff that he still needs to learn, just like any young offensive lineman,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said.  “Especially him going from tackle to guard, there’s a learning progression there that you just have to go through. Good news is he’s blocking some really good D-linemen, so that’s good. He’s going to get good exposure to that and play against really good competition in practice.”

Look for Morgan and Rhyan to continue to alternate with the starters in the coming days at practice.

Number Two: MarShawn Lloyd

Running back MarShawn Lloyd practiced for the first time on Tuesday. The former USC star will start off as a limited participant, but it was a relief for him to be on the field after missing the first week of practices.

Lloyd suffered a hip injury that prevented him from starting camp on time. He will battle incumbent A.J. Dillon for the backup running back spot behind Josh Jacobs. Dillon got off to a strong start in camp, so Lloyd has work to do to catch up and compete for that job.

Lloyd needs to prove to the coaches that he can read and pick up blitzes in pass protection and catch passes out of the backfield. If he can do that, he can carve out a role in the offense as a rookie.

Key Updates Four Packers Draft Picks at Training Camp: Number Three: Kitan Oladapo

Safety Kitan Oladapo also missed more than a week of training camp after surgery to correct a broken toe he suffered at the scouting combine.

Unlike Lloyd, the Oregon State alum returned as a full participant on Tuesday. Oladapo was the third of the three safeties drafted by Pack this year. He will battle Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Anthony Johnson, Jr. for the starting job opposite Xavier McKinney. Oladapo will also be expected to play on special teams.

Number Four: Kalen King

Cornerback Kalen King was the final pick made by GM Brian Gutekunst in this year’s draft. The former Penn State star entered the 2023 NCAA season as a potential first round pick, but he struggled in his final college campaign and fell to the bottom of the seventh round where the Packers took a flier on him. His big fall in the draft left him with something to prove.

King enjoyed a good day at camp on Sunday, picking off starting quarterback Jordan Love and returning it for a touchdown.

“It only gives me confidence,” King told reporters. “Just me coming in every day, competing with the guys, competing with the vets that are on the team and making plays against them gives me confidence to keep going, keep my head down and keep working.”

Then he added, “I was just reading the quarterback, trusting my instincts, seeing the ball and making a play on the ball.”

It’s still early, but King may compete with Keisean Nixon in the battle for the slot corner spot. Clearly, his confidence is rising, and the coaches are taking notice.

 

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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