The Green Bay Packers are entering a new era for the franchise. Not only is 2020 first round draft pick Jordan Love taking over for future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, 2023 sixth round draft pick Anders Carlson is taking over for the franchise’s all-time leading scorer Mason Crosby. As many questions as there are surrounding Love and his ability to play at a high level in the NFL, there are just as many questions of the same nature for Carlson.
Many draft experts did not even think he was worthy of a draft pick, yet the Packers took him in the sixth round. A late pick, yes, but a pick nonetheless. Why use a pick on a player that you might have been able to get as an undrafted free agent? A great deal of that answer has to do with special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, but also the promise that Carlson has in his leg. That promise was on display during the first day of mandatory mini camp.
Green Bay Packers Kicker Anders Carlson Impressed During First Day of Mandatory Mini Camp
One of the reasons that Carlson was not considered to be worthy of a draft pick is because of his injury history. There were concerns surrounding a torn ACL he suffered in college, and many wondered if that would affect him going forward.
According to Brandon Carwile of PackersWire, Carlson really impressed today at mandatory mini camp. He was five for six in his attempts, with his longest make being from 54 yards out. He missed a 44-yard attempt wide right.
After practice, Matt LaFleur said of Carlson:
“He’s done an outstanding job. I think just becoming more consistent. He’s got a lot of leg, and I don’t know if you get an opportunity to see that, but he’s got a big-time leg. I think it’s just harnessing that power and making sure it’s very consistent, but I think he’s shown improvement throughout the course of the offseason.”
Bisaccia, as many know by now, has a history of working with Carlson and his brother, Daniel Carlson. The elder brother was a castoff kicker by the Minnesota Vikings when Bisaccia scooped him up while he was with the Las Vegas Raiders. Working with Bisaccia helped Daniel become more consistent and, eventually, a First Team All-Pro.
Let’s hope the same happens with Anders.
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