OTAs kicked off for the Green Bay Packers yesterday, May 23rd. In these early practices, we get our first looks at not only the rookie draft class, but also our first look at Jordan Love as QB1. Yesterday’s practice was also the first of three sessions where the media was allowed to be present and film some drills.These OTAs are voluntary and as such a number of veterans did not make an appearance. Guys such as David Bahktiari, Elgton Jenkins, Preston Smith, Jaire Alexander, and Rasul Douglas were not present. Meanwhile guys like Eric Stokes, Rashan Gary, and Quay Walker were present but were either limited or did not practice with the team.
Offense
The first team offense in 11-on-11 was as follows. QB: Jordan LoveRBs: Aaron Jones and AJ DillonWRs: Christian Watson and Romeo DoubsTE: Josiah Deguara, with Luke Musgrave getting snapsO-Line: left tackle Yosh Njiman, left guard Royce Newman, center Josh Myers, right guard Jon Runyan Jr, right tackle Zach Tom, with Sean Rhyan getting snaps at center and Tom getting snaps at guard.
Takeaways:
In his debut practice as QB1, Love started slow in the 11-on-11s but turned it around in the red zone drills. Love finished completing six of 16 passes for four touchdowns. Three of these incompletions were PBUs, one was a drop, and one more was a near interception by De’Vondre Campbell.Samori Toure, Jaylen Reed, Watson, and Doubs all caught touchdowns from Love today. Rookie wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks also caught a touchdown in 11-on-11s today from backup QB Danny Etling. After practice, head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Jordan Love’s performance, replying that there were “a lot of good things, but a lot to clean up.”One final note, the Packers signed undrafted wide receiver Jadakis Bonds to the roster: more competition for the young wide receiver room.
Defense
The first team defense in 11-on-11 was as follows.DL: Kenny Clark and TJ SlatonEDGEs: Kingsley Enagbare and Justin HollinsMLBs: De’Vondre Campbell and Isaiah McDuffieCBs: Keisean Nixon, Kiondre Thomas, and Corey BallentineSafety: Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford
Takeaways:
Inversely to the offense, the defense started strong but struggled in the red zone drills. However, with most of the defensive starters either not present or injured this is expected. With Alexander, Douglas, and Stokes out, we got a look at Keisean Nixon in the CB1 role. Nixon played solid, notching a PBU while matched up against Watson. Nixon could be moved into a slot corner role this season if he plays well in practice, something to look forward to.Finally, first round rookie draft pick Lukas Van Ness saw some snaps on the first team defense. Van Ness played great and had a couple of “would-be” sacks in 11-on-11s. Granted this is in a practice where they only wore helmets and had limited contact, but nevertheless a good sign of his ability.The first day of OTAs is in the books. The next time media are allowed at practice is May 31st, so expect another report to come out then.
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