The official start of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) in Green Bay has brought about a fresh wave of optimism as the Packers organization embraces its youth movement. The crucial practice sessions allow the team to participate, refine skills, and build comradery. They can lay the groundwork for a successful or disappointing season. Here are five storylines to follow as OTAs get underway:
Jordan Love Takes the Helm as QB1
The Jordan Love era has started in Wisconsin and is not starting well. On the second day of OTAs, QB Jordan Love struggled, completing 3 of 12 passes and finishing with 6 of 16 completions, including three touchdowns in the final red-zone period. Following 18 season’s Aaron Rodgers, the pressure is now on Love to perform.
The good news is it’s early, and The Packers are doing everything possible to set Jordan Love on a path to success. A youthful lineup featuring first- and second-year players such as Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Luke Musgrave should provide Love with ample offensive firepower. This move towards a younger, fresher lineup may lessen the pressure on the Packers to immediately perform in Green Bay and taper expectations.
What Jordan Love has is the full backing of Head Coach Matt LaFleur. And, a pro-bowl caliber running back, Aaron Jones, to lighten his load. The Packers’ focus is on nurturing and guiding their young core. Allowing Love to develop his leadership skills comfortably should pay dividends.
Lukas Van Ness: The Packers’ First-Round Giant Set to Shake Up the Team
Lukas Van Ness is a mammoth of a man. The Packer’s 2023 first-round selection towers 6 feet and 5 inches tall, weighs in at 276 lbs, and has an arm length of 34 inches, allowing him to effectively block passes and kicks. His towering stature also offers him an advantage when getting to the quarterback or running back, enabling him to deflect throws or seize the ball carrier. And his height allows him to see over the offensive lines, read plays, and react more swiftly.
Andy Herman of the Pack-A-Day podcast said Van Ness was “putting on a show with the 2s.” Already in OTAs, Van Ness’s imposing size and speed have made it challenging for QBs to throw over him.
Luke Musgrave’s Potential as Green Bay’s Top Tight End
The Packers have been seeking to bolster their passing game, and Luke Musgrave fits into their plans perfectly. Luke Musgrave, a second-round pick for Green Bay in the 2023 draft, should be given an opportunity to shine in OTAs. With the departure of Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis, there is a clear opportunity for Musgrave to rise to the top of the depth chart and become the team’s No. 1 tight end.
However, Musgrave faces a challenge. His previous season was cut short due to a knee injury, which flagged him as a potential risk, despite his talent. His primary competition is likely to come from third-round tight end Tucker Kraft.
Unresolved Issues with the Offensive Line
The Green Bay Packers offensive line faced challenges during the 2022 season, with adjustments necessitated by injuries and roster changes. Despite the setbacks, the offensive line as the unit ranked seventh-fewest in sacks in the NFL, fifth in pass block win rate, and eighth in run block win rate.
The Green Bay Packers are exploring cross-training 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan at center. Previously a left tackle at UCLA, Rhyan got practice reps at center and played all his preseason snaps at right guard during his rookie year.
Who’s going to emerge from the talented group of receivers?
During the Green Bay Packers OTAs, two players, Dontayvion Wicks and Samori Toure, have been impressive. Dontayvion Wicks, a fifth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, caught 30 passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns in just eight games at Virginia in the 2022 season. Jordan Love, the Packers’ quarterback, connected with Wicks for a 55-yard pass, and Wicks also caught a short fade for a 7-yard touchdown.
Samori Toure, a 2022 seventh-round pick, had a small role in his rookie season. Still, with Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb gone, he has an excellent chance to see more playing time this season. During OTAs, Jordan Love connected with Toure for several short touchdowns. Per Packers’ wide receivers coach Jason Vrable, “Everybody around the building is like, ’83 looks unbelievable right now'”. Toure’s put on some weight to improve his blocking in the run game, and he’s also anticipated to provide a downfield threat for Jordan Love.
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