Packers Practice Roundup - August 3, 2023
Multiple defensive linemen have been having a nice training camp.
MISCELLANEOUS/PERSONNEL:
Practice is over after 2;05, longest of camp so far. Good work. Waiting to see who does what here. Hodkiewicz
Defense does up downs. Players of the day: Karl Brooks Tyler Goodson Rasul Douglas. Herman
Seven practices into camp, the offense gets its first win. Then up-downs for the defense. Thanks, largely, to offense’s conversion rate in 4-minute offense. 2) No David Bakhtiari today. Imagine they are getting him ready for Family Night. Wood
Also haven’t seen Arron Mosby yet. [May not have arrived in Green Bay yet. Mosby is listed as a DE, but he seems to be more of a DE/OLB hybrid player with some coverage ability at 6'3" and 250 pounds. 3.96 RAS as a DE. TGR] 2) The recent releases of Garvin and Hamilton would seemingly be good news for UDFA Brenton Cox. Nothing guaranteed and he has a ways to go to earn a 53 spot, but certainly helps the odds. Herman
Jon Owens has been running with Savage on back end today, Rudy next up. 2) Tyler Davis working in 12 with Musgrave with ones. Hodkiewicz
INJURIES:
TE Josiah Deguara is not practicing because of a calf injury. Wood
No Bakh, Stokes, or Gary so far. Haven’t seen Dubose yet either. Assuming he’s still out.. 2) Dontayvion Wicks back practicing. Herman
QUARTERBACKS/WIDE RECEIVERS:
Bo Melton with a bad drop on second-10 in 2-minute drill with backup offense. Runs a deep slant on third-10 and catches a strike from Sean Clifford for first down. Drive ends with Clifford hitting Malik Heath on a slant in end zone. Clifford hit Tucker Kraft at 1 a rep before. 2) Jordan Love on time and accurate to rookie Jayden Reed for a first down on 3rd & 4. Reed beat Innis Gaines on a slant, and Love hit him in stride at marker. Wood
Bonds with a nice snag across the middle for 14 from McGough. Ford had a nice jump. Hodkiewicz
Karl Brooks in the backfield again. That’s at least 3 times today. Odumegwu holds his own and sets a nice edge. Nice run stop. Telfort’s second false start. Wooden pressure. Tariq drops a pick from McGough. That does it for practice. Herman
Bo Melton has been coming on strong. Ran a 4.34 40 coming out of Rutgers. Has been playing a lot from the slot. Melton is the first in regards to the potential WR6 role to string together some consistent practices. Bretl
Impressive throw by Clifford on 3rd down in 2 min. Wasn’t fooled by zone blitz and knew exactly where to go with the ball for a first down. 2)
Clifford just throw a great ball up the right sideline for what should have been a TD but Emanuel Wilson drops it. [Also inserted under running backs but included here again to highlight Clifford's day. TGR] 3) Cliffor follows up with a strike to Kraft then a slant to Heath for a TD. Good work from the rookie QB in 2 min. Nagler
RUNNING BACKS:
Tyler Goodson having himself a day. He’s made a couple long gains in open field, one a dump off from Sean Clifford in 2-minute drill, then a 38-yard run just now. He looks impressive out in space. Wood
So much explosion still to Aaron Jones’ game in Year 7. Springiness. Don’t talk about that enough. Hodkiewicz
First live tacking play of camp, featuring all rookie/young guys, Emanuel Wilson rips off a huge gain. 2) Clifford just throw a great ball up the right sideline for what should have been a TD but Emanuel Wilson drops it. 3) Second time through, offense wins again. Great job by Patrick Taylor getting skinny on 3rd down to salt it away. Nagler
We’ve got a live tackle period for the young guys. Emmanuel Wilson with an awesome freaking run breaking a bunch of tackles. Best run of camp. Fun play. [Wilson is getting a lot of positive attention. TGR] Herman
TIGHT ENDS:
Love pressures immediately. Would have been a sack by an unblocked Enagbare. Looked Like Davis may have missed the assignment. Love throws away after. Love complete in stride to Reed over the middle for a really nice pickup. Beat Gaines inside. 3/5 or 3/6 for Love depending if you count the immediate sack/throw away. 2) Love complete short out to Doubs. Not much pace on the ball but easily complete. Love check down to Dillon. Love read option left. Awesome blocking by Tyler Davis downfield. Gets praise from MLF after the play. Nice pickup. [So,. Davis was a little up and down? TGR] Herman
Luke Musgrave is just an unfair matchup in 1-on-1s. Schneidman
OFFENSIVE LINE:
Josh Myers back at starting center with Zach Tom at RT and Yosh Nijman filling in for David Bakhtiari at LT. 2) Two solid reps from Zach Tom vs. Preston Smith. Smothered a spin move against the Packers top edge rusher both times. [Tom was probably at RT, then.] 3) I’ve watched Sean Rhyan in 1v1s in 2 of the 3 days. He’s 8-0 in reps. Beat Colby Wooden three straight times today. Awfully impressive for last year’s third-round pick. Wood
LaFleur on the starting center, with Zach Tom getting some first-team reps in place of Josh Myers on Tuesday: "Josh has done a really good job but we need more consistency." [Consistency translates to better run blocking. On defense, LaFleur means better run defense, IMO. TGR] Herman
Q another one on one, another beautiful spin move by Wyatt to pressure. This time vs Runyan. JRJ came back with a nice rep on next. Caleb Jones continues to impress me. Hodkiewicz
Yosh takes care of Hollins then Elgton blanks Kenny in one on ones. Nagler
DEFENSIVE LINE:
Elgton Jenkins wasn't just blowing smoke. Made it clear, Devonte Wyatt is different than a year ago: "I didn't see that a year ago. I think he was playing a little too slow, but he's fast." It's early, but there's a breakout player candidate on the defensive line. 2) Another impressive rep from Devonte Wyatt today. After showing off his power Tuesday, beat Jon Runyan with a wicked spin move today. Runyan won the next rep, but Wyatt showing a versatile pass-rush arsenal in 1v1. 3) Matt LaFleur says he's pleased with the defensive line, especially TJ Slaton and Johnathan Ford. He says both young DL have "upped their game" in camp. Wood
End around to Doubs, works pretty well going right. they stopped the play dead pretty quick for some reason. Brooks and Wooden with immediate pressure for a would be sack on Etling. Those two have really made an impression. 2)Karl Brooks with another dominant rep inside. He’s really impressive. 3) Karl Brooks in the backfield again. That’s at least 3 times today. Herman
SECONDARY:
In drills: Heath beats SJC again. Ballentine great jam on Watts Melton finally beats Nixon with a nice route. Douglas with an unreal read and PBU vs Doubs Incomplete deep to Kraft vs Owens Valentine goes 3x3 vs Toure. Musgrave catch didn’t see who against. Leavit pick off tipped pass. Heath long catch vs SJC Davis win vs Sapp Great coverage by Nixon on Melton Bonds with a nice route and catch Valentine another win vs Toure Watson with a step deep vs Jaire but overthrown and incomplete Musgrave with a deep catch vs. AJJ. Won with speed. Good separation. Wow play by Reed vs Gaines for a quick come back. 2) Melton with a great route vs Nixon but slightly high and dropped. Kraft beats Ford with a nice move but overthrown. Davis and Owens good battle deep incomplete. Valentine pbu vs Toure Jaire great coverage on Watson incomplete. Reed complete on short out vs Gaines Douglas all over Doubs inc Wicks just broke Thomas ankles holy shit!!! Herman
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Pat O’Donnell booming some punts today. I’m sure demoski will have numbers. [It has been in the eighties and almost ninety today, so these punts and field goals ought to travel well.] Hodkiewicz
Anders Carlson continues to struggle with his first kick in 3-kick sets. Wide right from 41L before splitting uprights from 43R and 45L. Good hold from Pat O’Donnell on high snap last kick. 2) Another first-kick miss from Anders Carlson, albeit on a bad snap from Broughton Hatcher. Carlson wide right from 48R, then good from 49L and 53L. The thing is, that first kick is most important. You don’t get do-overs in games. 3) Anders Carlson from about 60 yards. Snuck it through the right upright. At the top of the right upright. It’s a kick on air…but the rookie has plenty of leg. [No players around Carlson, just a drill. Kick would have been good from considerably farther away. TGR]. Wood
Carlson 4/6 today. 16/27 in camp now. Herman
TWO-MINUTE DRILLS:
2 minute drill Down 7. Own 35. 1st and 10. 1:50 left. 1 timeout. Love up next: Love to Doubs. Comeback. 12 yards. First down. Love tries to hit Watson over the middle. Quay gets a finger on it. Incomplete. Watson has a quarter step on Douglas but Douglas contexts. Love hits Watson perfectly on a deep post. Great coverage. Great throw. I’d call it a drop. Incomplete to Doubs on 3rd down. Rasul is fired up. 4th and 10: Love scrambles for a first down. Douglas with an awesome jam on Musgrave. Things getting a little testy. Taylor run inside. Short gain. Melton complete on a slant. Timeout. 40 seconds left - 1st and 10. Ball at defenses 31. Complete to Musgrave for 7ish. Clock ticks Complete to Dillon short. Clock ticks. Spike. Ball on 20. 10 seconds left. 2nd & 10. Love tries to hit a shot over the middle. Owens breaks it up. Love tried to hit Toure. Gave him a decent chance. Looked like AJJ might have got there early. No call. Defense wins. Herman
Down 7. Own 35. 1st and 10. 1:50 left. 1 timeout. Clifford first. Incomplete screen to Goodson. Melton drop on an inside throw. Would have been about a 5 yard pickup. Clifford with a dart to Melton over the middle for about 15 who redeems himself for the drop. Goodson on a short crosser. Melton complete on a slant. Goodson takes a short pass and turns on the jets for a huge play and almost td but they call him down at the 8. 0:40 left. Clifford incomplete wide to Heath. Nobody really open. Cox pressure but Clifford finds Wilson stealing deep down the right sideline. Just slightly overgrown. Incomplete. 3rd down: Looked like a false start. No call. Clifford I compete to Heath. Great coverage. False start. Kraft complete down to the 1. Great contested catch. Clifford to Heath complete on a slant against Valentine for a TD. awesome drive from Clifford. Very fun to watch. Herman
Photo courtesy of USA Today Network - Wisconsin
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Comments (62)
Thegreatreynoldo
August 03, 2023 at 11:56 pm
I chose to use a photo of Karl Brooks. He had a good day and he impressed me during the August 1 practice that I attended with his physicality and push. Wyatt has been in the news in general and his teammates have been effusive about his play. LaFleur mentioned Jonathan Ford and Slaton as players who have improved. Jonathan Ford and, to a somewhat lesser degree, Slaton are guys who shine better when full pads are worn. I was a little worried about the stoutness of the defensive line for2023, and while that concern has not been wholly dispelled, I am feeling better about it due to what these guys are showing in training camp.
I don't feel better about safety, but some guys are flashing. A little up and down, though.
There was a long quote from LaFleur on how the #3 running back will be chosen. I couldn't copy and paste it. In short, yes, running ability is important but so is pass protection and the ability to catch the ball. Nichols has gotten some nice tweets but he also has some drops. Ditto for Wilson, though his highs are pretty high. Haven't read much on his pass pro, and he has a drop or two, but he can block and pick up tough yardage while breaking tackles. Patrick Taylor has had a quiet camp in the tweets. Goodson gets lots of attention for his running, gadget plays, and receiving, and I am waiting for the first tweet on his pass pro. I just haven't seen anything.
Nice to see some mentions of Quay. CB Valentine is having a very good camp. Rasul and Jaire are tough. Nixon has been a little up and down as the slot, and so has his apparent main competition, Innis Gaines.
Sean Rhyan was the other player I might have emphasized. Maybe he can push Runyan. More roster spots not nailed down than in a long time. Funny if he is the guy who breaks the 3rd round draft pick curse.
Bure9620
August 04, 2023 at 06:51 am
Interestingly, it make be that DL is a position group of depth and strength?? That would be very positive as I truly believe this is the x-factor with this defense this year, particularly Wyatt. Devonte Wyatt has to be A DUDE especially against the run.
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 08:57 am
Funny how that appears to have snuck up on us, but, it's the Packer Way. They always draft at the very least one year out.
This year we'll see WYATT with all that development work poured into him by Jerry Montgomery. Same with FORD, whom we've never seen outside of TC/preseason last year.
Now we're adding both Colby Wooden & Karl Brooks? To me, this is just so damned fantastic!!! Lukas Van Ness & Brenton Cox Jr. both being added to pass rush at OLB is some sweet icing on that cake!
What I LOVE most, is they are complete players, strong in BOTH pass rush & run stop.
I cannot wait to see our preseason games. WOW. I think it can be a strength, Bure9620. We'll learn much in preseason, but so much more when bullets fly live those first 4-5 games.
@CHI
@ATL
NO
DET
@LVR
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 03:27 pm
Let’s see them in action against a determined ground attack before we get too excited.
Leatherhead
August 04, 2023 at 04:53 pm
Well, they played two games last year against the best rushing team in the league, and won both of them. And the Bears were pretty determined to keep it on the ground (because they suck at passing), and they did a good job in terms of getting lots of yards (which people keep believing is important) but they only scored 29 points, total, in two games.
Speaking of the Bears....they're first up. We're going to score 30 on them. From what I can tell, they're going to have a bunch of NFL virgins playing defense in the opener. But they have blocking TEs out the wazoo, they've got Fields, who's the most dangerous guy in the division, and they're going to get some first downs and they're going to score points. They aren't going to score 30.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 06, 2023 at 07:44 pm
LH, I like your crystal ball!
SicSemperTyrannis
August 06, 2023 at 07:45 pm
CW, Saints will have Kamara out, but former Packer Jamaal Williams in.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:10 am
TGR, thanks for this! #99 Ford and 93 Slaton are our 2 biggest D linemen; very good to hear they're improving. 2 of our bigger O linemen have been cut, I wonder if it's simply they didn't have the heart or if it was skill.
Depth battles all over the place are what's going to determine this team's legacy for many years to come, I really like MLF's patient approach with it I'm just getting a little antsy about who's the starting C. All the leadership and reading defenses duty is critically important and to give Zach Tom any chance to succeed at C I think he'd need a lot of reps. Sheer strength is critical at that position and I just don't know how Myers compares.
I love the idea of a RB like Goodson and a TE being used as targets in the middle for gadget plays / slot receivers whatever you want to call it, they're more likely to get YAC than most WRs. Turning 5 yard catches into 15 yard plays can win games. Also #49 and 84 can be used as punishing runners, not just #28. Add 85 to that list.
Will be interesting to see how MLF wants to distribute the ball vs playing the hot hand or what.
greengold
August 06, 2023 at 07:58 pm
Kraft is a different mover in space than Musgrave, but he’s got some smooth, effortless acceleration I hadn’t expected. He’s looking like he belongs just as much as Musgrave & Reed. 3 phenomenal additions to the 3 phenomenal additions last season. Wow.
Love will be able to spread the ball around readily, as all these guys get open.
As for Center, that battle is on, as is the RG Runyan/Rhyan battle royale. The cream will float to the top. I’m not going to concern myself with it. I’m just glad to see they really have opened everything up for competition.
Quick note on OL2s: Schneider is a battler, holding off Ford’s pass rush. Rasheed Walker with a great job neutralizing Hollins. AND, Rhyan’s hand fighting on Brooks is just a thing of beauty to watch. All on that left side contributed to Clifford having time to hit Kraft for the TD in red zone. Wow! Nice depth at OL, which runs deeper still.
Both Ford & Slaton are legit. Same with all of Wooden, Brooks & Wyatt. DL depth is a thing again in Green Bay. I don’t think we’ve been this deep since ’96-97.
Nixon catching 5 balls from the juggs machine without putting one on the ground… fwiw. Wow! Him trying a 6th was hilarious.
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 12:44 am
Great information TGR. It’s good to start hearing about seeing things from the less glamorous guys and those working their way up the depth chart. It’s hard to show up if one’s job is to hit or block without full contact. Camp and real competition is only just underway, Much appreciated.
Valentine seems to be still stacking plays regularly in pass. I’m hearing good things of Caleb Jones and Wilson among the less heralded guys. It’s good to see Rhyan starting to make some noise, at least in drills.
That’s one thing I appreciate particularly here, information on who did something from those making an impact who aren’t currently with the ones. These are the guys who may change expectations. Melton, for example, just seems to be stacking plays and some of them big ones. I thought I saw a reference to him getting some snaps with the first group today. I also saw Heath say that they’ve had him change assignments to see if he can succeed in other WR roles. That might explain some quieter days.
It looks like the competition for DL playing time is going to be as fierce as that among the WRs. Now if like to see what if anything Allen brings at TE as a blocker and opportunities to kick start the battle at S. That probably takes 11 on 11 to really catch fire.
I agree with you as a big advocate for Goodson in the slot/option/rb context, we need to see him protect consistently to realize that potential. I also remind myself that he’s the type that tend to look stellar early in camp when contact isn’t full, unlike the hard yards guys like Taylor. I’m genuinely intrigued by Wilson. I think he might yet be the guy who is able to break tackles and be evasive for a big rb. . Hopefully that drop doesn’t mean his hands are the liability Nichols have been.
Hopefully Rhyan can start to push Runyon too. He seems like the type of guy built to do best when it’s physical not in shorts. Perhaps that’s actually true? If he can translate that beyond one on ones then I’d feel a lot better about our OL group depth.
Camp is starting to heat up and I get more detail and depth in your pieces than I seem to find, especially on what the less well known guys are doing. It’s now just starting to get really interesting.
greengold
August 06, 2023 at 08:28 pm
Man, I’m here to tell you, Rhyan is for real. What a great turn of events for him this year. 11” hand fighting is sublime. An anchor who doesn’t back up, always pushing forward.
We have very interesting position battles there. On a Dillon run left, Newman fought Brooks admirably. Same for Musgrave on Smith, which I found super impressive.
I can’t say enough good things about Luke Musgrave. Very next play there he is on an easy out reception right for a 5 yd. again.
Back to the point, I’m seeing iron sharpening iron 1s, 2s and 3s. The Packers quality of depth has increased that much on both lines. Pass rush truly relentless.
I’ve been to a lot of practices since moving back here 20 years ago, and I have not seen this in that span. Wow. Quality all the way through.
As I write that, there goes Wyatt blowing up Myers for a sack on Love. In comes Etling, hands off to Goodson left, and Brooks drives Rhyan back for the run stuff!!! 🤪🤣😂
Next play Rhyan walls off Ford on a QB keeper for a pickup of 8, and who is back to help make the stop? FORD!!! 6-5 338. He’s cut, not fat, and he’s got speed to pursue as a NT!!!
It’s a process… lolz
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 03:21 am
Fantastic work TGR. Thank you for the great analysis & insights.
WYATT! Continues to say with his play: “I got you, Packer fans!” Devonte Wyatt is starting to look ALL. OF. THAT. !
BROOKS! Good to see him getting some love. He’s just a very complete disrupter at 3T/5T.
Looks like this might actually be for real:
“Packers draft FBS' highest-graded edge defender: Rather than first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, it was Bowling Green product Karl Brooks who earned a 93.0 overall grade in 2022.”
“His 69 quarterback pressures at Bowling Green beat out Alabama's Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 overall pick.”
- PFF
I’m STILL IN SHOCK we got Karl Brooks in R6 Pick #179. I recall feeling we won the draft at that point…
FORD! Jonathan Ford getting some love from LaFleur. This is such great news to me, as I’ve felt Ford was a phenomenal value pick. He & TJ Slaton having been childhood friends creates a special bond. Both NTs bringing it? YES!!!
VALENTINE! We stole him. From my draft notes:
Pick #232 CB Carrington Valentine - Kentucky (33rd CB taken. #137 Overall Daniel Jeremiah)
6-0 193 4.44 (72%) 39” vertical (85%) 128” broad (86%)
LENGTH, SPEED, AGGRESSION, TENACIOUS, MIRROR, FLUID, Changes direction on a dime.
INSTINCTS. Very strong in zone coverage. Also +press-man.
Exceptional athlete. Twitchy quick w track star long speed.
Long arms to succeed in press-man coverage, AND heavy, solid zone experience. Reactive, fluid & sticks to WRs.
Sees routes develop and able to run with receivers. +drive mechanics in zone. Eager to jump slant routes. VERY COMPETITIVE. Takes completions personally. Innately driven and DB Coach’s dream. Led Kentucky in PDs with 17.
Works hard in RUN D.
—
MELTON! I’m glad he’s getting noticed a bit more. I became a fan of his upon learning he had one of the least accurate QBs but still won honors as a WR at Rutgers. THAT, and his Contact Yards After Catch was Top 5 in 2021. Seeing him play, he’s got some Ferrari to him. Very well put together, and he plays like it. Being both TOUGH & FAST sets him apart. Great news on this solid player.
RHYAN! Nice to see him making the most of his opportunities. That Tasmanian Devil thing he’s got is real. Great OG pick by Gutekunst, it seems. Keep bringing it, Sean!
WICKS! For reals? A Dontayvion Wicks sighting is a very good thing for the Packers, especially for WR depth! THAT ANKLE BREAKER THO! Davante Adams Release Part Deux!!! No WR on this team has that but Wicks. It’s uncanny. Glad he’s back healthy from concussion protocols. He’s a special player.
COX JR! Yet another fine piece of work by Gutekunst & Co. in UDFA talent acquisition. While we haven’t heard much, we really won’t see his offerings until the Preseason games begin. Packers releasing both Garvin & Hamilton this early tells me the staff sees & likes the good work from OLB Brenton Cox Jr.
Good to see the Offense win for a change!
Appreciate how comprehensive this Practice Review is, TGR. Makes me feel like I was there! This is so well done. Muchos gracias! 🙏
Ferrari-Driver
August 04, 2023 at 08:13 am
"...he’s got some Ferrari to him."
Funny line and FYI, I got a warning ticket yesterday.
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 08:46 am
LOL. A buddy of mine purchased the custom Lamborghini Kobe Bryant ordered, which he never was able to pick up himself RIP, from Kobe's wife. He loves the exotics. I'm always wondering how many points my friend has left...
You should see that gorgeous work of art on wheels. Wow.
It's tough when you can get a ticket damn near anywhere in 2nd gear.
—
Some other stuff:
TYLER DAVIS. Busted open the bridge of his nose yesterday on the first of two monster blocks he laid down. One to spring Doubs on an end around. The last to clear Jones right for a big gainer. Davis had his nose patched after practice. (Matt Schneidman - The Athletic).
RB. Also per Schneidman, LaFleur stated he’s going to be giving halves, essentially, to each of his RBs in preseason to help each get into a flow/rhythm, as opposed to rotating Goodson, Nichols III, Patrick Jr. & Wilson per snap. Good.
One other note adding to TGR/Andy Herman comments:
CENTER. Both Schneidman and Paul Bretl shared LaFleur’s pointed words regarding Myers in that they have standards at the Center position they are looking to uphold, along with him wanting more consistency as mentioned.
That message seems quite direct.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:22 am
GG,
from the speed kills dep't., #11 Jayden Reed is 5'11" 187#. Bo Melton is 5'11" 189. I love the idea of having nearly identical pieces as second string. Even though Bo is our fastest WR, I'd put Reed as the more likely starter as of now. I'm hoping our 4 fastest WRs prove good enough to make the roster, all those 4 & 5 target plays Derek showed us, it would be amazing to have 4 guys with 4.3x speed running routes simultaneously. Especially if used infrequently so nobody knows what's coming.
Yeah, cover THAT! I'm thinking MLF can scheme some guys open ;)
croatpackfan
August 04, 2023 at 03:43 am
Once again, big thank you TGR!
It is nice to hear that J. Ford doing some noise. He seems to be back up NT. That would be huge for D as Kenny can use some miss reps to be more fresh later in the season.
I'm glad to read that Valentine & Brooks make a lot of noice as I picked them as my draft favourites besides Jaydon Reed.
I also like that team as whole is improving as all practice activities for O and D are showing improvement of important players we all expect to contribute to Packers success.
GregC
August 04, 2023 at 05:32 am
I'm intrigued by Sean Rhyan's improvement and am also wondering if he might be able to push Jon Runyon for the starting RG job.
Does anyone know if Bo Melton could be more than a slot receiver? He's listed at 5'11" and 189 pounds. That's small for anything other than a slot receiver, at least by Packer standards. It would seem to limit his value as a #5 or #6 receiver. The Packers already seem to have a starting slot receiver in Jayden Reed, and the other guys can play in the slot as well. On the other hand, we keep hearing about the increased willingness of the offense to throw over the middle, so maybe that favors a receiver who is fast but not so tall.
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 06:50 am
Hey Greg. Bo Melton is mostly a Z receiver who runs Jet concepts. He can play anywhere. Slot. X. Z. He’s even taken snaps in backfield as a RB.
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 09:28 am
X might be a stretch, but he was actually best on the perimeter. His calling cards are burst and long speed as opposed to wiggle. He excelled in slants and at getting separation via acceleration short and long speed vertically. I think less versatile than Doubs or Toure, faster than Reed in a straight line with more burst and less wiggle and size (at least as of last year).
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 10:43 am
Is "wiggle" like "sizzle?"
"I got siz-zle!!!" is probably one of my favorite Ted Thompson quotes, ever! LOL.
Yeah, as I said, primarily a Z WR for Bo Melton, with the ability & experience to run any Jet concept. Had some experience at slot, but has the willingness to help his team in any capacity as a WR/RB/PR/KR, per his Rutgers history. Can't imagine X would somehow be out of his skill set. His Top 5 in class 2021 in Contact Yards After Catch is really something that is a regular part of his game. He's got the NUANCE for all of it. Might be best to just drop this refresher here - fun to see:
https://youtu.be/ozEhKQ2nAwc
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:27 am
Greg,
Bo Melton and Jayden Reed are nearly identical, physically. Bo's .03 faster on the 40. "Limit" both these guys to a #5 or 6 role, I'm good with that :)
Depth. We have it! At most positions.
NickPerry
August 04, 2023 at 06:00 am
Thanks TGR... These are SO awesome.
I REALLY hope Love starts winning some of these 2 minute drills soon.
Okay... IMO if your kicker in 16 of 27 in FG attempts it's definitely time to bring in competition... Isn't it?
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 06:58 am
But Carlson is booming these. A number of different LS, 2 different holders. Learning new technique adjustments.
TC is the time for all of that.
Concerned? Only when Bisaccia shows concern, and not until then.
We could eventually have the strongest Kicker in the NFL. Sounds to me like some of his FG makes could have been good from 70 yds..?
dblbogey
August 04, 2023 at 08:37 am
I hope they kept Mason Crosby's phone number.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:33 am
GG,
looks like Carlson could kick for 150 yards! The ball flies off his foot like a scalded dog. Can that ever become consistently accurate? I have no idea but if he has to slow things down and lose some power to gain that skill he'd still get 95 yards. The guy is THAT ridiculous!
Whether someone more reliable is brought in and he's given a year to develop or we risk this season and he costs us at least one game, "potential" is written all over him.
Untylu1968
August 04, 2023 at 07:02 am
Didn't they always carry two kickers in camp, regardless of having an obvious starter? Competition only brings out the best...
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 08:39 am
Yes, sometimes. Crosby didn't always have another K competing in TC.
This appears to be one of those instances where in Rich Bisaccia's mind, there is no better Kicker, and that he simply wants all the reps he can get with Anders Carlson. Had another K been brought in, that cuts Carlson's opportunities to work on Bisaccia's adjustments in half.
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 07:27 pm
With later Crosby, after he bounced back after his bad year, that was more about limiting his work.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:36 am
GG, good point. Carlson is the kind of player who if you want at all, you want to give him every rep possible. I wonder if they've brought in a specialist to work with him, if RB really is that guy, or what?
T7Steve
August 04, 2023 at 07:33 am
"The thing is, that first kick is most important. You don’t get do-overs in games."
Just have to hope the opposing coach tries to ice him and calls a time out at the snap. Or MLF can call it if it's in the first half. There's your do-over. LOL. We might have all sorts of extra time outs if we can get our plays off fast now.
Thanks, TGR.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 04, 2023 at 11:54 am
LOL. That sounds like a plan! The packers like using timeouts at odd places and situations.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:37 am
Steve, another angle to this is it could weight decisions towards going for 6 instead of settling for 3. A no risk it no biscuit year?
Since'61
August 04, 2023 at 07:49 am
TGR, as always your TC reports are informative and much appreciated.
Good to see that Brooks is making some noise. I hope it keeps coming.
As for Carlson the kicker, 16/27 in camp without pressure is a little concerning but it's still early. Keep Crosby's number handy. Thanks, Since '61
T7Steve
August 04, 2023 at 08:04 am
I'm trying to figure out what you wrote that deserved a downer? Someone doesn't like Brooks or Crosby?
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 09:48 am
Been some odd downs lately on statements I can’t see why they are contentious… Ignore them.
Personally, I think we need to remember that they are probably working on things with him and he’s working with two new long snappers and holders (to him) as well as standard rookie things. There is no doubt about his leg strength. Yesterday one miss was a bad enough snap to mess up the timing apparently. 4/5 others is pretty normal, especially as he seems to be mostly kicking from longer distances more often than was the norm in prior camps.
Now we need to look at how he trends. We’ve had one outlier bad day. I’d be drawing a line and now looking at what happens going forward. If he’s sub 75 percent below 50 yards (excluding snap/hold failings) from now to a couple of weeks hence, then maybe.
Other than going back to Crosby, there’s not much out there. This is the time of year when the most kickers are employed by far. The next opportunity to grab a promising one is likely cut downs, which this year are after the final preseason game. So there’s not a lot of point in jumping now. Crosby doesn’t need camp. Especially with the new post cut down gap. He’d be a short term solution too.
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 10:45 am
Sums it up nicely with Carlson, Coldworld. Well said.
Since'61
August 04, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Good post Coldworld. I just hope that if the Packers need to make the call to Crosby they can afford him given their salary cap situation. Hopefully Carlson works out his problems over the next 2-3 weeks.
Thanks, Since '61
Since'61
August 04, 2023 at 12:08 pm
No worries T7. I don't pay much attention to the Ups or Downs.
One of the problems with eCommunications is that nuances within a comment don't come through as clearly as they should. In this case my comment on Carlson was probably taken as a knock on him rather than my thinking that being proactive in this situation would probably be the Packers best approach.
Another possibility is that since I've been posting here and Jersey Als ALLGBP for about 14 years I have my share of bloggers who see my post and dislike it even if I was posting Merry Christmas. It comes with the deal. I would prefer a response that we could discuss and that would add to the discussion or that I could understand their thinking but that doesn't happen very often so I just go with the flow. Be well. Thanks, Since '61
Ferrari-Driver
August 04, 2023 at 02:32 pm
Excellent point Since'61. I don't give down votes and fully agree with your suggestion of a reply explaining a different point of view. After all, everyone here is a Packers fan and we all want the team to excel. Few, if any of us truly have inside information and we just have fun being armchair GM's for a few hours per week when we spend time on CheeseHead TV to shoot the breeze.
Besides it's a lot more fun to give a fellow Packer fan a pat on the back.
Ferrari-Driver
August 04, 2023 at 08:15 am
Thanks for that update TGR. You have me thinking we are on the verge of greatness.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 04, 2023 at 11:58 am
No, no, no! Moreover, if the words aren't in brackets [ ], they aren't my words, thoughts, or opinions.
LeotisHarris
August 04, 2023 at 08:47 am
Thanks, TGR. Love the detail, and your impressions.
coolhand
August 04, 2023 at 09:43 am
No mentions of Van Ness, Musgrave, and only a little on Kraft. Would like to hear more about Caleb Jones as well. With Rhyan sounding like he is making a difference, he could be RG and Jones RT that would be a very stout OL to run behind.
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 10:03 am
It seems pretty clear that Jones is having a good camp and is ahead of all but Nijman, Tom and Bakh. Herman describes him as consistently impressing in both run and pass, as having built a buzz in team circles.
He’s been consistently at LT with the twos. I wonder if that will change now that Tom is in the center competition. Jones might get a go at RT or LT if Bakh misses time more than every other practice. It’s possible that his performance was as much a factor in them feeling comfortable opening up competition at C as Myers’ play.
It’s early days yet. Players and play are only starting to change the original pecking order.
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 10:55 am
From a distance it seems best to keep Caleb Jones at LT if he's performing that well consistently. Maybe they do trying him at RT, as that is where he had the bulk of his playing experience at Indiana. He did have 559 LT snaps at Indiana though, and, maybe it is best to not ruin a good thing if he's showing well LT?
Maybe the light went ON at LT for Jones? It's possible. Nijman would be able to handle RT just fine now that he's healthy again.
Whichever side he's on, it sounds like he'll clear it! Looking forward to seeing him Saturday night for the Family Night practice.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:45 am
I'm liking the idea of Nijman at RT, Tom at C (only IF he genuinely beats Myers at that position) and Mt Caleb as #2 behind Bakh.
Only after C is settled should Runyan vs ? be considered, IMHO. Cohesion as a unit is paramount.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 04, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Media observers can only observe so much. 100 yards of field with drills going on everywhere, some 50 yards from others. But coaches have film to watch.
So, yes, I was surprised a little to hear LaFleur compliment Caleb Jones, Jonathan Ford, and a couple of other players because I haven't really read any tweets on them. And with regard to Jonathan Ford, I mean I have not seen a single tweet. But they can fall through the cracks or just need pads to really impress.
Andy Herman has listed Karl Brooks as one of the top three performers for the day in at least 2 or 3 of these practices, and there have only been maybe 10 of them (including closed practices).
This series is about all the players, but I will sometimes skip tweets about established star players if the article is running long. I certainly skipped a lot of tweets about Davante Adams back in the day. We know he's great. I skip some on Jaire, now. That's so I can focus on the roster battles for the bottom spots, the position battles for starting and/or main backup roles.
Some perspective is important. Caleb Jones has been the #2 LT. But he is #3 when Bakh practices. And in truth, on a blank slate, it probably goes Bakh, (Jenkins IMO), Nijman, Tom, and then Jones if we were discussing who are the best left tackles on the team.
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 12:38 pm
Great points on Caleb's standing. We are just 1 week into pads practices after all. So much of this stuff can turn on a dime once facing actual opponents.
I agree with your listing behind Bakhtiari.
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 07:42 pm
Jenkins moving to T or C and away from G is not a nice thought. The depth behind at G is scary. Unusually, I’d be happier going into a game missing Bakh at T than Jenkins at G. Never thought I’d say that. Let’s just say I’m Pulling really hard for Rhyan at this point.
To your point on mentions TGR, let’s be honest, for a NT primarily their to stuff and perhaps disrupt, there’s not much chance of one. I know Slaton got mention for flattening Myers, but Ford isn’t expected to do that or pirouette round him. To get noticed in a crowded practice. Ford needs to bounce a RB backwards to have a highlight. They have yet to run under full contact as far as I know, except maybe briefly in the young players section yesterday, if he got snaps.
Leatherhead
August 04, 2023 at 12:46 pm
I'm assuming there will be games where Bakh doesn't dress out, and Nijman will start, and Caleb will be active. If an in-game injury to Nijman happens, Caleb might be a brief stop gap, but I think they'd want to get Nijman or Tom over there if they could, because both of them have successfully played LT in games.
I think complimenting your players, publicly, is a good practice and I'm happy to see LaFleur throwing some cookies to Jones and Ford. I'm not sure either of them will play a single snap for us this year, or even be active for most games.
Coldworld
August 04, 2023 at 07:50 pm
I think it’s quite likely that someone other than Bakh, Nijman and Tom plays at some point this year. Tom may end up starting at C, Bakh may miss snaps and injuries happen. As I noted before, moving Jenkins is possibly a worse option.
Either way, we will see a lot of Jones and Walker too before September. That will clarify things.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:49 am
TGR,
assuming we want Jenkins to stay at LG, Nijman to stay at RT, and Tom wins the starting C spot, Mt Caleb being #2 behind Bakh is not something I would consider a weakness.
Lphill
August 04, 2023 at 10:49 am
I said it before practice began, Cox and Brooks will make the 53 and both will contribute unless Barry holds them back like he did Wyatt.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:50 am
I won't predict like that, but I'd love to see these two earn roster spots :)
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 12:22 pm
Thought I'd take a look at the Packers newest member, OLB Arron Mosby. W O W.
TGR, your use of the term "hybrid," is an understatement! If you can imagine, this Fresno State product is a DB/OLB/DE hybrid. He played Safety in 2017 & 2018! Bulked up a little bit... and made his way into the LB ranks for 2019 & 2020. The added COVID year of eligibility saw him at DE!!!
DB/LB/DE Arron Mosby - Fresno St.
6-3 250 4.71
"Ferocious" against the run. Draft Dive's #1 Sleeper Pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, says, "Mosby is a straight up playmaker." He's just got some insane athleticism, speed & quicks on what looks like a very thick frame.
His only knock is his "tweener" stature, but, after watching whatever I could get my hands on, Arron Mosby is one of those remarkable PLUS defenders who can literally jump in anywhere to rush the passer, stuff a run, knock a ball loose or just disrupt the hell out of what an opposing O is trying to do. He rises to higher levels of competition too.
If Illusion of Complexity on D is truly a thing... Mosby couldn't be a more perfect fit.
WHEN DO YOU SEE 9 FFs??? When you look at Mosby's Fresno St. stats, of course. He had 6 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD, 3 PD as a Senior to go with 6 sacks and 15.5 TFL!!! 26.5 TFL in his career.
Mosby is a very interesting addition. His BURST & AGILITY scored placed him 3rd & 2nd respectively in his 2022 draft class. Could VERY easily see Mosby being a Quay Walker backup. He's got some unique gifts. Versatile for miles, with a big motor. AGNFB 100% with this kid.
Mosby's play style: ENGAGE, SHED, PURSUE. DO SOME NASTY.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 03:57 am
Yeah it was easy to see why Gutey released Hamilton when Mosby became available. We can't use the 13 LBs we have, but his versatility fits what our FO wants. Is there someplace you can't use him? QB run? Backup for Carlson? Surely they can find something he can't do, but it won't be easy.
I'm still advocating violence, and disrupt the opponent's backfield. He seems well suited for the role :)
jont
August 04, 2023 at 12:31 pm
OK, which one of you misfits was it?
Packers booted intruder with fake credential from practice
By Belle Fraser, https://nypost.com/2023/08/04/packers-booted-intruder-with-fake-credenti...
August 4, 2023
Packers fans will do just about anything to get in the team’s training camp. On Thursday, Green Bay kicked out a fan who claimed to be a video intern for the squad, showing up at practice fully dressed the part....
greengold
August 04, 2023 at 02:04 pm
It wasn't me.
I swear.
LOLOLOLOL. Heard from Andy Herman he saw the whole thing, and Nags was involved along with someone else. The perp once called out on his having fake "Packer Video Intern" credentials said he had "CheeseheadTV credentials." Nags told him, "I don't even have CheeseheadTV credentials!!!"
You can't make it up.
This has Viking fan stank all over it.
SicSemperTyrannis
August 05, 2023 at 04:02 am
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2g5Hz17C4is&pp=ygUTaXQgd2Fzbid0IG1lIHNoYWd...
I definitely don't understand why a Packer fan would do this to gain access to an open practice. Especially when we're allowed to take pics but not video.
LeotisHarris
August 04, 2023 at 03:43 pm
Whose day was it to watch TK? Hmm?
Leatherhead
August 04, 2023 at 05:04 pm
The kicker situation is starting to concern me, because a successful FG is only 3 points, and a missed FG has the same net effect as a turnover. For most kickers , you've got to be nearly automatic at 40 yards and under.
And then, there's the kickoff. If you can kick it out of the back of the endzone, then that's good. But it's not as important as drilling the FGs. Personally, I'd be more inclined to go for it once I got down around the 30 than take a shaky shot at the FG.
If this guy doesn't find a groove, I wonder if the Packers would reach out to Crosby?
Ferrari-Driver
August 05, 2023 at 10:23 am
Anders Carlson physically reminds me of a 4 inch bigger version of Justin Tucker who may wind up in the Hall of Fame. When Tucker lines up he just looks like he is going to make the kick...and he seems to more so than any other present day kicker I have watched. I suspect Rich Bisaccia has studied Tucker and perhaps there are techniques that Tucker uses that could help our kicker improve. Either way, I think we can look forward to more kicks offs going out of the end zone this season.