When the Green Bay Packers opened training camp a few weeks ago, there were several position battles to look forward to. Now, as the team prepares to play its first preseason game, those battles are starting to come into focus. Here are the latest updates on the biggest position battles in Packers training camp.
Updates on Position Battles in Packers Training Camp, Number Six: Backup Quarterback
The battle for backup quarterback is between last year’s fifth-round pick, Sean Clifford, and this year’s seventh round pick Michael Pratt.
When starter Jordan Love held a “hold-in” before signing his extension, Clifford had a chance to work with the starters and show what he could do. Unfortunately, he failed to take advantage of the opportunity. The Penn State alum threw too many interceptions in practice. Clifford needs to show he took some strides forward in his second season.
Pratt hasn’t outshined Clifford yet either, so this battle remains up for grabs. How each of these two plays in the team’s three preseason games will be vital to determining the winner of this battle.
If neither plays up to expectations, it remains possible GM Brian Gutekunst looks to sign a veteran backup.
Number Five: Right Guard
Last year’s starter, Jon Runyan, signed as a free agent with the Giants. That left Sean Rhyan as the highest ranked player on the depth chart heading into camp. Rhyan alternated with Runyan last season in the second half, playing alternate series.
Rhyan’s biggest competition came from this year’s first round pick, Jordan Morgan. Morgan played left tackle in college but was projected to move to guard in the NFL because his arms were shorter than scouts prefer on NFL tackles.
Morgan passed Rhyan on the initial depth chart released at Family Night last weekend. Unfortunately, he also suffered an injury in practice Tuesday. Morgan will not play against the Browns in the first preseason game but is expected to be ready for Week 1 in Brazil against the Eagles. How the missed time will affect Morgan’s progress remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Rhyan seems destined to be the swing interior offensive lineman and is getting reps at center as well as guard while working with the second string.
Updates on Position Battles in Packers Training Camp, Number Four: Linebacker
Quay Walker remains the one starter at linebacker and Isaiah McDuffie is holding down another. The Packers will line up with two linebackers and five defensive backs on most plays. The third linebacker may be on the field for roughly 20 percent of the team’s plays. Right now, veteran Eric Wilson continues to start at the third linebacker spot. Wilson has been making plays in training camp and has been a standout.
Second round pick Edgerrin Cooper and third round pick Ty’Ron Hopper are second string on the depth chart behind the veterans. This remains something to watch throughout the preseason.
Number Three: Cornerback
Jaire Alexander locked down one starting spot, but the other was a battle between former first-round pick Eric Stokes and second-year man Carrington Valentine. Right now, Stokes holds the advantage. The former Georgia star has stayed healthy and played well during the first three weeks of training camp.
Meanwhile, Valentine has missed time due to a hamstring injury. Even before he was forced to sit out, Valentine was running with the second-string defense at cornerback. It’s not that Valentine has played poorly, but Stokes has been playing that well. Right now, Stokes has the inside track at starting.
Updates on Position Battles in Packers Training Camp, Number Two: Safety
Xavier McKinney was the clear-cut starter at one spot, but the other was up for grabs. The candidates included second-year man Anthony Johnson, Jr. and draft choices Javon Bullard and Evan Williams.
Right now, Bullard is practicing most with the starters while Johnson and Williams have been the second-string safeties.
Bullard has versatility and may also challenge for playing time in the slot. He and Williams have both played well thus far in camp. Both have potential and could contribute as rookies even if they don’t start.
Number One: Kicker
The kicking battle continues to get more confounding. As training camp began, we were down to incumbent Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph. Thus far, Joseph has been more accurate than Carlson who stumbled this week after a strong start. Consistency was his big issue last season.
On Wednesday, however, the Packers brought in another kicker to compete with this duo. The Pack signed rookie kicker Alex Hale. The native of Australia played his college football at Oklahoma State.
Now, the Packers are back to three kickers competing for one job. Gutekunst has previously said he would continue to bring in kickers until he found the right one. We’ll see how long Hale lasts in this ongoing battle.
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