Training Camp Battles to Watch
Training camp is here, bringing key position battles that will shape the Packers' 53-man roster.
Matt LaFleur emphasized the strong foundation the Packers built during mandatory minicamp. “I think we've laid a good foundation,” he said. “The things we stressed—communication and connection—are a good start. But it really doesn't matter. Once we come back to training camp, it's about what we do moving forward.”
With training camp underway, crucial position battles will shape the Packers' 53-man roster. Although some starters for 2024 are already set, other positions will be decided through camp and preseason.
With that being said, let's get to some interesting position battles:
1-QB2 (Sean Clifford vs Michael Pratt)
Jordan Love is poised to become a millionaire any day now as he stands as the franchise quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. Expectations are high for him to finalize a deal with the team before the end of the week. Meanwhile, Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt are set to battle for the backup quarterback position in 2024. Since Green Bay hasn't kept three quarterbacks on the final roster since 2020, it's likely they will maintain this approach and keep just two this year. Although Pratt has outplayed Clifford through OTAs and minicamp, both will continue to take significant reps throughout training camp until Love's deal is finalized. They are also expected to play significant snaps during the preseason, with the QB2 spot likely being settled by late August.
2-HB2 (MarShawn Llyod vs A.J. Dillon)
Last year wasn’t great for A.J. Dillon. He received his lowest PFF offensive and rushing grades since entering the league in 2020 and averaged 3.4 yards per attempt. The Packers re-signed Dillon to a four-year player-qualifying contract, making $1,292,500 in 2024, which is less than 1% of Green Bay’s cap space. While economical, it’s hardly a vote of confidence. MarShawn Lloyd's elusiveness has impressed during the offseason program. Moreover, he is a better fit for Green Bay's offensive scheme. Dillon has the advantage of four seasons in LaFleur's system, but this is the first year he's in real danger of losing his job.
3-WR6 (Malik Heath vs Samori Toure)
The Packers haven’t kept seven wide receivers on their final roster since 2021. If they do this year, it would be surprising not to see Malik Heath among them. However, it’s more probable they will keep only six wide receivers. Heath will most likely compete for the spot with Samori Toure, though Grant DuBose, Dimitri Stanley, and Julian Hicks will also vie for the position. Toure, with the team since 2022, has 13 receptions on 27 targets for 160 yards and one touchdown. Despite starting just one game in 2023, Heath matched Toure's production with fewer opportunities and proved to be a more reliable weapon for Jordan Love.
4-RG1 (It's anyone's guess)
The right guard position is by far the most wide open on Green Bay's offense. Sean Rhyan, Donovan Jennings, Lecitus Smith, and Royce Newman are expected to compete for the job. The Packers invested a third-round pick in Rhyan two years ago, and with his contract year approaching next season, it's crucial for Green Bay to know what they have in him. Additionally, Jordan Morgan took some reps at right guard on the first day of camp. Donovan Jennings has the potential to continue the Packers' tradition of undrafted players making the final roster. His versatility and athleticism align with the type of offensive linemen the Packers typically develop well.
5-CB2 (Eric Stokes vs Carrington Valentine)
Eric Stokes' career was off to a promising start before his ankle injury against the Detroit Lions in 2022. Last year, Carrington Valentine played 794 total snaps for the Packers. If healthy, Stokes is likely to start alongside Jaire Alexander. LaFleur noted that Stokes looks "night and day ahead from where he was in 2023." However, Valentine shouldn't be ruled out. Jeff Hafley's aggressive scheme plays to Valentine's strengths as a physical press corner.
6-K (Anders Carlson vs Greg Joseph vs James Turner)
The kicker position is a three-way battle. Anders Carlson struggled with accuracy during his rookie season, although he has strong leg power. Greg Joseph brings veteran experience but has a career kicking percentage of just 42% at Lambeau Field. Green Bay claimed Turner off waivers in late July. Turner had a solid college career, hitting above 85% in all kicking metrics. On Monday, Turner kicked a few balls and went 4 for 6. Both Carlson and Joseph kicked on Tuesday, with Carlson going 6 for 6 and Joseph going 5 for 6.
Packers fans will now watch these battles unfold over the next month. While injuries could impact roster decisions, the hope is that each player brings their best to camp, aiming for the ultimate goal of bringing the Lombardi Trophy back where it belongs.
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Felipe is a Brazilian Packers writer covering the #GoPackGo for CheeseheadTV, Zone Coverage, and Packers Talk. Additionally, he contributes to Cheeseheads Brazil. Follow him on twitter at @Aceti_Felipe.
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Comments (4)
LLCHESTY
July 23, 2024 at 02:06 pm
Like to hear the energy is up on defense compared to prior seasons.
https://x.com/AndyHermanNFL/status/1815791096858870285?t=ppRCx8Fkmviky73...
Cheezehead72
July 23, 2024 at 02:46 pm
No love here for the Long Snapper
GregC
July 23, 2024 at 06:52 pm
They haven't kept three QBs since 2020, but this is the first time in awhile that they've had three draft picks at the position, plus Brian Gutekunst has said that they would like to get back into developing QBs. If both backups play well in training camp, I think they will both make the roster.
BFK1
July 25, 2024 at 08:39 am
I agree. Even if the Packers don’t keep 2 on the active
roster don’t be surprised if the loser of the #2 battle is on
the practice squad. Remember, the rule for practice squad
squad quarterbacks has changed. QB#3 can be on the
practice squad all week, called up for the inactive
list on game day, dress, not count against the game
day roster limit and be available to play in an
emergency. Call it the Brock Purdy rule.