The Green Bay Packers won their first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals 36-19 on Friday night. The Packers defense did not allow a touchdown and some of their rookies showed what they can do. One of those players was Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick from the University of Kentucky.
Valentine impresses Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
The Green Bay Packers cornerback room looked pretty solid heading into the season. However, Eric Stokes’ injury may have forced their hand into adding some more bodies. The team took a swing on Carrington Valentine in the seventh round and he made an impact in his first preseason game.
“It’s only one game, you have to stack these games…but I think he’s got a ton of talent, great approach to the game…he’s an exciting young player.”
-Matt LaFleur via Packers.com
“I think he’s got the skill set you look for… He competes, he’s not afraid… He’s extremely coachable… He shows up in practice and makes plays. Really excited about what he can turn into.”
-Matt LaFleur via Packers.com
The seventh-round pick has loads of talent in front of him, but that does not mean he can’t make an impact. Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon all have the edge when it comes to playing time. However, cornerback is a very physically demanding position and the Green Bay Packers have dealt with injuries there in the past. The depth Valentine provides could end up being huge if any of the Green Bay Packers’ top corners go down.
Carrington Valentine on his performance
Valentine filled the stat sheet in his debut. He had four tackles, three passes defended and an interception. Valentine had family in the stands and was excited he got to put on a show for them.
“Regardless of where I went in the draft I was going to have a chip on my shoulder. [Being a seventh round pick] put more of a chip on my shoulder. I’m always going to be competetive, but me being a seventh round draft pick, I’m just going to go out there and prove people wrong and show that teams make mistakes. It’s just how I am wired.”
-Carrington Valentine via Packers.com
Valentine was always around the ball and came away with an interception. Fans should be excited to see more of the former Kentucky Wildcat next week against the New England Patriots.
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