For already established NFL players as well as high-round draft picks, training camp is just something to get you ready for the season. But for many players, ones fighting the odds, training camp is another job interview. With preseason games back on the schedule, NFL teams will have a full look at all of their players. Today, we highlight some of the players on the Green Bay Packers offense who fans should keep an eye on in this year’s training camp.
Training Camp Players to Watch On the Green Bay Packers Offense
In 2020, the Green Bay Packers offense was one of the best in the NFL. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers played his way to a third NFL MVP award. Standout wide receiver Davante Adams hauled in 18 touchdown receptions. Running back Aaron Jones rushed for over, 1,100 yards with nine touchdown carries. To go along with them, the Packers had one of the best offensive lines in the league.
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To put it mildly, the Green Bay Packers offense was stacked. With most of the Green Bay Packers offense intact (that is assuming Rodgers returns), roster spots will be tough to come by in 2021. However, there are some players that could have a chance to break into the Green Bay Packers offense in 2021. But they will need to impress general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur in this year’s training camp.
Ben Braden, Offensive Line
Offensive line coach/run game coordinator Adam Stenavich helped mold the Packers offensive line into one of the best in the NFL in 2020. However, a key injury to David Bakhtiari and the departure of All-Pro center Corey Linsley will challenge Stenavich in 2021. Even with the injury and the departure, the Packers offense should still have a potent offensive line. But depth will be a major question and one position especially will be a key position to watch- backup tackle.
One player that might have a chance to fill that backup tackle position is Ben Braden. Braden was an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in 2017. He has spent time with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and the Packers. He has played in just seven NFL games. But even with the limited experience, the Packers are excited about Braden. Braden has been a tackle, but the Packers have also had him spend practice time at guard. In the most recent OTAs, Braden received first-team reps at the left tackle spot. From all reports, he played well when given the chance.
If he can carry over his OTA play to training camp, Ben Braden has the chance to become the Packers top backup at left and right tackle.
Reggie Begelton, Wide Receiver
Prior to last season, we highlighted Reggie Begelton as a possible player to watch. After putting up big numbers in the CFL, the Packers were hoping it would translate to the NFL. But without a preseason schedule and still adjusting to the NFL, Begelton wasn’t able to show what he has. That actually might have been a good thing for Begelton’s long-term future. He was allowed to adjust back to the American game and learn from LaFleur’s offensive staff. He did suit up for the Packers for one game but spent most of his time on their practice squad.
Begelton will have competition. Equanimeous St. Brown, a former sixth-round selection of Gutekunst, will return. Devin Funchess, who sat out last season because of COVID concerns, will be making his Packers debut. Also, Juwan Winfree, who was active for two games for the Packers, is coming off a strong OTA showing.
Even with the competition, Begelton still has a chance to be a contributor. St. Brown might be down to his last shot to show he is a capable NFL wide receiver. Funchess hasn’t played a full regular-season schedule since 2017 and Winfree hasn’t caught an NFL pass. If Begelton has a strong camp and shows he has adapted to the NFL speed, he very well could make the Packers roster.
Dominique Dafney, Tight End/H-Back
Gutekunst picked up Dominique Dafney during the 2020 season. Dafney became a key member of the Packers special teams and also caught two passes for 26 yards with one touchdown reception. His numbers were gaudy, but he emerged as the Packers starting h-back by the end of the season. Dafney’s biggest competition for the starting h-back position will be Josiah Deguara. Gutekunst spent a third-round pick on Deguara in the 2020 draft. Much was written about LaFleur’s love of Deguara coming into the 2020 draft. Deguara played in two games last season before falling to a season-ending knee injury.
Deguara will need to show that he is 100% heading into this season. It also seems that Deguara’s 2020 play has been overblown. While he was solid in his two games, his play didn’t blow you away. Along with Deguara, the other tight end that might block Dafney from a roster spot is another third-round pick of Gutekunst’s.
Jace Sternberger has been a disappointment in his first two seasons. He hasn’t become the pass-catcher fans expected. He has battled injuries and issues with dropped passes, and he will have to serve a two-game suspension to start the 2021 season. Dafney won’t blow you away, but he is steady. He has shown that he can line up all over the field and should be a key player for Maurice Drayton’s special teams. If he has a strong camp, it will be tough for Gutekunst to keep him off the Packers final roster.
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