The Green Bay Packers are currently holding their minicamp to get a glimpse on how the team will perform and who can potentially make the cut. For head coach Matt LaFleur, though, cornerback Carrington Valentine has been standing out from the crowd during the past few days.
During his rookie season, Valentine defied expectations as a seventh-round draft pick. He showcased his abilities by appearing in all 17 games. Despite being thrust into action earlier than anticipated due to injuries and trades within the Packers’ cornerback group, he held his own on the field by limiting opposing quarterbacks to a 57.6% completion rate and an 84.8 passer rating.
However, the numbers alone fail to capture Valentine’s true impact. He displayed fearlessness, physicality, and a strong work ethic throughout the season. Recognizing his potential, the Packers’ coaching staff emphasized his physical development in the offseason, urging him to add muscle and increase his weight from the high 180 lbs to around 200 lbs. This transformation will enhance his performance, aligning with potential changes in the defensive scheme. Under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the team is expected to implement more press-man coverage, demanding physicality from the defensive backs.
The added weight should help Valentine decrease his missed tackle rate of 12.2%. It will also enable him to play aggressively in coverage and tackle, potentially giving receivers second thoughts when matched up against him. Heading into the upcoming season, the Packers will foster healthy competition among their cornerback group, with Valentine poised to rotate for snaps and contend for playing time alongside star cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Raves About Cornerback Carrington Valentine During Team’s Minicamp
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
During the team’s minicamp, head coach Matt LaFleur took note of Valentine’s improvement, both physically and performance-wise. In an article by Wes Hodkiewicz for the Packers’ official website:
“We challenged him to put on some weight after the regular season,” said Head Coach Matt LaFleur following Tuesday’s first minicamp practice.
Asked about Valentine’s growth this offseason, LaFleur raved about not only how the second-year cornerback changed his body but also his performance in practice.
“It’s been outstanding. That’s a guy that stands out, quite frankly,” LaFleur said. “He came back, and he definitely looks bigger … and he’s stronger and the guy loves football. He loves to compete and I’m excited for him. I think he’s got a really bright future,” Hodkiewicz wrote.
In 17 games last season, Valentine had 44 combined solo and assisted tackles. He also started 12 games as a 22-year old, which made him one of the three youngest players on the team’s roster along with Lukas Van Ness and Dontayvion Wicks.
It remains to be seen how Valentine will perform in the coming season or how many minutes will be given to him in the field. In any case, LaFleur is liking what he saw with the young cornerback, which hopefully could translate well down the line.
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