The Green Bay Packers mandatory minicamp has come to an end. While these practices are not in pads, there are still some things we can learn from them. It does give players an opportunity to make a good first impression on the coaching staff, especially for younger players or players who get a chance to play with the starters due to injuries to the players ahead of them on the depth chart. Today, we look at players who have stood out at Packers mandatory minicamp. They are not listed in any particular order.

Packers Players Who Stood Out at Mandatory Minicamp, Number One: Edge Lukas Van Ness

Former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness enjoyed a banner day on Wednesday while the media was present for practice. He was getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and beating his blocker on a regular basis.

Obviously, you have to take the performance of any lineman or pass rusher at minicamp with a grain of salt since there are no pads, and the practices are not full contact.

Still, the Packers are counting on Van Ness to provide pass rush, especially early in the season before Micah Parsons returns. Seeing him get off to a good start is encouraging.

Number Two: RB MarShawn Lloyd

The biggest key for MarShawn Lloyd remains staying healthy. He has played only one game in his first two NFL seasons. The Packers are counting on Lloyd to be the backup running back behind Josh Jacobs after the departure of Emanuel Wilson.

Lloyd looked strong and explosive in practice and that was encouraging. Head coach Matt LaFleur liked what he saw from Lloyd and was cautiously optimistic about his running back.

“I think he’s a guy that we, obviously, had to learn and we’ve learned together how you best manage him,” LaFleur told reporters. “I think as long as we can continue to build upon what we’ve done, I think he’ll be in good shape. Then, he’s also learning how to practice, when to really punch it and when he doesn’t have to go quite as hard. Because that’s usually when he’s had some issues is when he’s going 100 miles an hour all the time.”

Packers Players Who Stood Out at Mandatory Minicamp, Number Three: OL Jager Burton

Fifth-round pick Jager Burton got an opportunity to play left guard with the starters due to the absence of Aaron Banks who missed minicamp due to injuries. The rookie stepped right in and more than held his own.

The Packers like his versatility and LaFleur indicated Burton will be fighting for playing time in training camp. He has made a strong first impression on the coaching staff and could very well become the swing interior offensive lineman this season.

Number Four: TE Josh Whyle

Injuries gave Josh Whyle a chance and he stepped up and made plays in practice. Tucker Kraft continues to work with the rehab group and announced he hopes to be ready to Week 1. Backup Luke Musgrave left practice with an injury and that gave Whyle additional reps. He took full advantage.

Quarterback Jordan Love liked what he saw from Whyle at minicamp. “Since we’ve been back in OTAs, he’s been making plays,” Love said. “Obviously, he got here last year, was available for us [after he was released] didn’t have too much time out there, but he got better. And this offseason, he’s been putting in the work and he’s been making plays. Obviously, with Tuck out, great opportunity for him to step up and make some plays.”

Packers Players Who Stood Out at Mandatory Minicamp, Number Five: Edge Brenton Cox

Fans should not forget about Brenton Cox who is healthy and competing for a rotational spot among the edge rushers. He spent most of his time working with the second team defense opposite Dani Dennis-Sutton but also spent some time with the ones.

When he’s been healthy, Cox has done a good job of pressuring the quarterback. With Parsons set to miss the first month of the season, Cox has a chance to claim a bigger role in the rotation.

Number Six: WR Isaiah Neyor

There may be only one spot open for wide receivers, but Isaiah Neyor made his claim for that spot on Wednesday when he just kept making plays at practice.

Neyor spent time with the Packers last season so he’s familiar with the playbook. At 6’4”, he has the size the Packers like in their receivers. He made a good impression at minicamp which should give him so momentum entering training camp.

 

 

 

 

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