Training Camp: Monday, August 8th

Today's practice can be summarized by these three words — total defensive domination. After having a potent offense for many years, the Packers offense is finally meeting its match in practice. With key injuries to the offensive line to the likes of David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, the personnel grouping has been a bit of a carousel as of late. For today's practice, the O-line (from left to right) consisted of Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan Jr., Josh Myers, Jake Hanson, and Royce Newman. It is worth noting that rookie Zach Tom took his reps with the second team offense today.

This O-line is incredibly young and mostly inexperienced. Therefore, these reps are all the more important for these young players as they learn how to play cohesively, as well as understand how QB Aaron Rodgers runs the offense. At one point in today's practice, Rodgers was seen talking to center Josh Myers, correcting something that had happened earlier in practice. Building this chemistry and understanding the nuances in the way that Rodgers likes the ball to be snapped is incredibly important for Myers to learn.

Speaking of snapping...last season's long snapper, Steven Wirtel, has taken mostly second-team reps during training camp. After snapping the ball low during one rep today, Wirtel was observed limping off the field. UDFA Jack Coco (Georgia Tech) took the snaps for the remainder of practice. Interestingly, Coco has been taking almost all of the first-team snaps during training camp so far. It seems as though the job is his to lose. Formerly a college long snapper turned tight end, Coco hopes to regain his ability and refine his game. It is worth mentioning that the Packers could look into signing another LS after the roster cutdown in September. That was the case with Steven Wirtel last season. He took over the position mid-season after spending the first two months developing behind former LS Hunter Bradley.

Defense

The D-line took full advantage of the inexperience of the newly-formed O-line. For what it is worth, DT Jarran Reed has seemed to stand out practice after practice. Not only has he made his presence known with filling his gap and stuffing in the run game, but he is also generating some really strong pressure in the passing game.

Any chance they had, the defense was getting good pressure and making it difficult for Rodgers and the offense to do anything. The general feeling was that any play that gained yards, or even a catch for that matter, was a positive play.

Even on special teams play, the defense was generating pressure and making things difficult. With a good angle from the edge, CB Rasul Douglas nearly had a punt block. Blocking on the edge was an issue for last season's special teams unit.

Good pressure up front meant that players in the secondary did not have to work as hard. Even when they were in coverage, they made it incredibly difficult to get a completion.

Jaire and the "No-Fly" Zone

While lining up against WR Romeo Doubs for two reps 1-on-1, CB Jaire Alexander held him to zero catches. During the first rep, Alexander had sticky coverage and was able to bat the ball away for a pass breakup. Afterwards, Alexander could be heard talking to Doubs, happy that he had made a play. In the second rep, Doubs was able to get behind Alexander's coverage but was not able to secure the pass. Alexander went on to tell Doubs that he though it would have been offensive pass interference anyway. These reps are incredibly important for an ascending player like Doubs, as Alexander is one of the best CBs in the league.

Alexander has seen some reps at nickel CB. He and Rasul Douglas have each taken reps at this position. The starter at this position will likely be decided week-to-week based on matchups.

ICYMI

The Packers released their first unofficial depth chart of the season. It is not worth putting a ton of stock into this since it is just a preliminary depth chart. However, it does offer a window into where the organization views several players on the roster. It is worth noting that there appears to be one mistake — rookie Quay Walker should be underlined to designate his rookie status.

Offense

QB - Aaron Rodgers

RB - Aaron Jones

WR - Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb

TE - Marcedes Lewis

LT - Yosh Nijman

LG - Jon Runyan

C - Josh Myers

RG - Jake Hanson

RT - Royce Newman

Defense

DE - Dean Lowry

NT - Kenny Clark

DE - Jarran Reed

OLB - Preston Smith, Rashan Gary

ILB - De'Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker

CB - Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes

S - Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage

Special Teams

K- Gabe Brkic

P - Pat O'Donnell

PR - Amari Rodgers

KR - Rico Gafford

LS - Jack Coco

Remember, players on the PUP list are unable to be listed on the depth chart. If you are looking for LT Bakhtiari, G Elgton Jenkins, TE Robert Tonyan, WR Christian Watson, or RB Kylin Hill, you will not find them on this list. Thankfully, each of these players were observed during practice working on the sidelines as part of the rehab group. Although there is not an update to the timeline of return for any of these players, each one is expected to be back into the lineup once healthy.

There were definitely some things that I thought were interesting about this initial depth chart, especially in regards to special teams. First, Amari Rodgers is anticipated to be the primary punt returner. This aligns with what GM Brian Gutekunst said about Rodgers late last week when he said "We’re very, very bullish on Amari Rodgers and what he can do for this football team. The opportunities you get you have to be prepared for and make the best of those opportunities You can’t ask for more than what he’s working. I think in this particular training camp, you’ve seen him make the most of his opportunities. I’m excited for him, not only on offense but on special teams." Secondly, speedster CB Rico Gafford is listed as the primary kick returner. He has been observed fielding kicks during practice, but this will certainly be something to keep an eye on.

What did you find interesting? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 👇

Players of the Day

Today's three players were all defensive players. It would not be surprising based on their play that Jaire Alexander and Jarran Reed both made the list. Surprisingly though, OLB LaDarius Hamilton would also be an addition. He is squarely in the battle for the OLB3 position and today's practice certainly helped his case. He finished practice with two sacks, a pressure, and a TFL.