The Green Bay Packers are a few weeks away from starting training camp and beginning preparations for the 2024 NFL season. With that in mind, here is a look at the Packers three positions with the most questions entering training camp. This is based on a combination of a lack of depth, injury questions and unproven talent at the position. Obviously, injuries, breakthrough players or slumping players can change this equation during the season.
Ranking the Packers Positions with the Biggest Questions Entering Training Camp, Number Three: Cornerback
The Packers certainly have talent at cornerback but there are a lot of questions surrounding many of the players currently on the depth chart. Their number one cover corner, Jaire Alexander, played only seven games last year largely due to injury. The Packers also suspended him for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. The Pack needs Alexander to return to form as a shutdown corner. In OTAs, he seemed to be dedicated to doing just that.
The starting boundary corner spot opposite Alexander is up for grabs. The top candidates are former first-round pick Eric Stokes and second-year man, Carrington Valentine.
Stokes had a strong rookie year but struggled in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 9. He only played three games last season due to an assortment of injuries. The Packers need Stokes to return to the promise he showed in his rookie year and to stay healthy.
Valentine was a pleasant surprise as a seventh-round pick last season. He put on weight and looked good at OTAs but needs to prove he can be a starter in the NFL in training camp.
Slot corner Keisean Nixon played inconsistently last season and needs to improve in 2024. He may get some competition from second-round pick Javon Bullard.
Corey Ballentine gives additional depth but overall, the position has a lot of unanswered questions right now.
Number Two: Safety
We know Xavier McKinney will start at one safety spot. The other is wide open although there are quality candidates. Bullard will be the favorite to start but he may be better suited to the slot corner spot. Most likely, he will play some at both positions.
The other experienced candidate is Anthony Johnson, Jr. The former Iowa State star started four games as a rookie and exceeded expectations as a seventh-round pick. He remains unproven as a starter but will have a chance to make a second-year jump and prove he is ready.
Fourth round pick Evan Williams will get a chance to show what he can do as will fifth rounder Kitan Oladapo.
The team has talent here but much of it remains unproven. Somebody will have to step up for the Packers to have solid play at this position in 2024.
Ranking the Packers Positions Positions with the Biggest Questions Entering Training Camp, Number One: Linebacker
With the switch to a four-man front under Jeff Hafley, the Packers will be playing with two linebackers on the field and occasionally three.
Quay Walker will be one starter. The third-year man needs to become more of a playmaker this season although he could thrive in this more aggressive defense. The key will be his ability to quickly diagnose plays. The Packers have to decide on his fifth-year option after this season is over.
Second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper is the favorite to start at the other linebacker spot. How quickly Copper is ready to play in the NFL will be a key to the team’s defense. He and Walker both have excellent speed and could potentially be a talented duo, but we don’t know when and if Cooper will be ready to contribute in a major role.
If there are three starters on the field, Isaiah McDuffie is the likely favorite. He was second on the team in tackles last season despite only starting eight games, but he considered more of a solid backup at this stage of his career. He also contributes on special teams.
Rookie third-round pick Ty’Ron Hopper will also figure into the mix. It’s not certain if he’ll be ready for a big role on the defense in year one.
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