The Green Bay Packers are undergoing a youth movement on their roster. This kind of transition has not been seen on this team for a very long time. In the 2023 NFL Draft alone, the Packers selected 13 new rookie players. Of course, they also signed a plethora of undrafted free agents. All of this is addition to the numerous second year players that they have from last year’s draft class. Obviously, this means that younger players will have every opportunity to make an impression on coaches and compete for playing time.
Such an opportunity can put a great deal of pressure on young players who are oh so close to realizing their dream of playing in the NFL. Former Green Bay Packers players Ahman Green and Mike Wahle, who host the podcast “On My Block,” had some great advice for the rookies who are shooting for a roster spot.
Ahman Green and Mike Wahle Have Some Advice for Green Bay Packers Rookies
Green and Wahle are each former Pro Bowl players, neither of whom were first round picks. Wakhle was a second round pick by the Packers and Green was a third round pick by the Seattle Seahawks. Due to where they were taken in the draft, they know more than most about the importance of rookie training camp and what coaches are looking for. They shared a great piece of advice on their latest show, giving insight into what coaches are looking for during these training days. Wahle began:
“Obviously you are going to look at some physical attributes and especially some guys that maybe you didn’t take that much time during the draft process looking at. You’re going to say, ‘Wow, that guy can really move,’ or ‘he can cut and do some things.’ But if you’re the head coach or a coordinator, do you have anything that you’re like, ‘What am I really looking for with these guys?’
Green responded:
“I’m looking at the mental. I want to see, because we really firehose these kids with the playbook. And that’s been from the top. Both of us, we experience that. When I say firehose, that means they throw everything at you and the kitchen sink, and then the backyard pool. They throw all of that at you to see if you can process it and what you can get out of it. What you remember.
“So that’s the same thing I’m looking at. To see how these young men come on the field as professionals and if they’re ready. Who shows up early? I’m looking at that. I’m not counting anything against or for right now. But I want to see who shows up early.”
Wahle followed up with, “So you’re not counting wins and losses?”
Green responded:
“I’m not looking at that right now. They’re still learning. They’re going to be excited, they’re going to be anxious, they’re going to be all that. So I just want to see who shows up first, who’s writing, who’s taking notes in the meetings. When they’re on film, what can they regurgitate out… If they say ‘Okay, Coach, I got it,’ and they miss one or two things, I’m okay with that. But if they are like a deer in the headlights and freeze, then I’m like, ‘Well now we have a problem.’
In other words, the Packers coaches are looking for players to show they are mentally committed to being their best. Later in the show, Wahle and Green talk about athletic testing and RAS scores. Even though they are useful tools, sometimes that does not always translate to the field. Players must be mentally ready and committed to learning the playbook and memorizing their assignments.
If the Packers rookies can do that, and if their young second year players continue to do that, Green Bay could be in for a very fun season.
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