The Green Bay Packers have begun mandatory mini camp and have everyone accounted for that needs to be there (several players were excused because they already met their necessary workout thresholds). For the last few weeks, every single Packers player has been present for organized team activities (OTA’s) in their preparation for the 2024 NFL regular season. This includes quarterback Jordan Love, who is active in practice despite ongoing contract extension negotiations.
Coming back from an offseason away from the gridiron has given everyone a clean slate as they prepare to take their next step in 2024. Players who performed well last season are looking to get even better; others that were hurt and performed poorly have a fresh new chance to make a new impression on both coaches and teammates.
These practices, especially those open to the media, are giving reporters and fans a glimpse into the reasoning behind some decisions that were made prior to the NFL Draft. For example, many believed that the cornerback position would be one of heavy focus for general manager Brian Gutekunst in both free agency and the draft.
As everyone knows by now, it was not. Green Bay drafted Kalen King in the seventh round of the draft this year, but otherwise have not made any additions to the position group. Matt LaFleur’s comments about one of their returning players may help explain why.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Has High Praise for 2nd-Year Cornerback Carrington Valentine
Last season, the Packers saw their cornerback room plagued with injuries and other unfortunate circumstances. Eric Stokes, once again, spent most of the season injured and required a special trip to the University of Wisconsin (along with Christian Watson) to get to the bottom of the cause of his numerous injuries. Rasul Douglas was traded for a third round pick midseason, and Jaire Alexander spent the year injured, playing injured, or suspended (for a game).
Due to the injuries to their starters (and the Douglas trade) the Packers had to rely on then-rookie seventh round pick Carrington Valentine to start on the boundary.
Earlier today, head coach Matt LaFleur revealed the goals he had for Valentine during the offseason and had some high praise for the young defensive back:
“This is a guy who stands out, quite frankly, in my mind. We challenged him to put on some weight after the regular season, and he came back and he definitely looks bigger and he is bigger. He’s stronger.
“He’s a guy that loves football, he loves to compete, and I’m excited for him. I think he has a really bright future.”
Since the Packers chose not to address the cornerback position outside of drafting King in the seventh round of this year’s draft, Valentine is competing for a starting job opposite of Alexander again. He will be be vying against former first round pick Eric Stokes and special teams ace Corey Ballentine, who also played well at cornerback last season.
Carrington Valentine Had a Stellar Rookie Season for the Green Bay Packers
As mentioned, Valentine was forced into the starting job often as a rookie. While playing in all 17 games, he started 12 of them.
Despite being a seventh round pick, Valentine played just as well, if not better, than many of the defensive backs taken before him. He allowed just 57.6% of the passes thrown his way to be completed while deflecting nine of them. Even though he did not have an interception, opposing quarterbacks had just an 84.8 passer rating when targeting him.
With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who used to be a defensive back coach, leading the way, Valentine could be a big part of the defense in 2024.
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