Packers Practice Roundup: Day 4. July 28, 2019
Welcome to the roundup. It is day 4, and this practice was in full pads, so enjoy the long section on the offensive and defensive lines. I pay nore attention to practices conducted in full pads, but remember it is still early in training camp.
Injuries, Usage, Formations, Personnel:
- not practicing on first day in pads: Crosby (calf) Savage (teeth) Jamaal Williams (hamstring) Jackson (foot) Donnerson (hamstring) Roberts (PUP) *Jason Spriggs (trapezius) Brown (calf) Haven’t seen new RB Darrin Hall yet either. *new injury Wood
- there's no long-term concern about Jason Spriggs' trap injury, per Matt LaFleur. Kruse
- Danny Vitale has been getting a lot of shotgun lone setback looks with the ones. One thing that’s been abundantly clear to me through the first few days of camp... it’d be a massive upset if Danny Vitale isn’t on the 53. Herman
- The Packers again mixed in some 3 OLB defensive front in the nickel. With Gary and the Smiths, not to forget Fackrell, could be a popular package. Lots of athleticism on the line when they go to that look. Wood
- Quarterbacks have been substituted pretty randomly today. Wilkins getting 3rd team reps toady. Herman
- Justin McCray, the Packers’ ultra utility lineman, spelling Corey Linsley for some first-team reps at center. Wood
- Raven Greene and Amos have been the 1s. Owczarski.
- Josh Jones and Natrell Jameson next two [safeties] in. Will be very interesting to see what happens to Jones when Savage returns. Wood
- Rashan Gary with a strong showing in one on ones, both off edge and as an inside three tech. Hodkiewicz
Quarterbacks and WRs:
- Boyle shows off the arm with a tight window throw complete to Adams vs Tony Brown. Tony Browns had a ton of tough luck completions against him. Always in a good spot. Herman
- Just my two cents but here are your current WR tiers: Tier One: Davante Adams Tier 2: Allison - MVS Tier 3: EQ - Kumerow - T. Davis Tier 4: J’Mon Tier 5: Shepherd - Redding - J. Davis Tier 6: Lazard – Taylor. Herman
- Fackrell with a “sack” of Boyle who throws anyway and shows off the arm on a deep comeback to that man Trevor Davis, complete over Redmond. Herman
- Manny Wilkins beautiful progression throw to guess who... Trevor Davis. Herman
- Trevor Davis wins deep, Kizer can’t hit him. Gary with the pressure. Herman
- Trevor Davis breakout season is real. Sweet route vs. Tony Brown. Herman
- Trevor Davis also with a great rep, shaking Javien Hamilton on a post-to-sideline move. Wide open but pass a little outside. Davis has to dive and was able to tap both feet inbounds before going out. Impressive. Wood
- Trevor Davis with a pair of really nice catches in 1-on-1s. Did same yesterday. Making his case for the 53 man, not just as a returner. Schneidmann Trevor Davis has been everywhere at the start of camp. Always been an OTA All-Star, but the pads have come on and he's continued to make plays... Nagler [Herman and Wood aren’t the only one impressed by Trevor today.]
- Play action pass, Adams smokes and I mean smokes Jaire inside, big play. Adams is without description. Herman
- Pass a bit behind J’Mon who can’t hold on. Herman
- Incredible back shoulder catch from Kumerow on a pass from Rodgers up the right sideline. Coverage was good. Hands came up at the very last second, tiptoed on the sideline for the catch. Really impressive play. Nagler
- Rodgers deep to Kumerow, who didn’t let on that the ball was coming until it dropped into his hands. Huber [Same play as above, I think.]
- Jake Kumerow with a fantastic route against Tony Brown who had good coverage but the route was better. [Same play as above.] Trevor Davis smokes Javien Hamilton. Davis impeding with pads on. My guy Teo Redding with a huge deep ball over Nydair Rouse. J’Mon beautiful route; couldn’t get 2nd foot in. Herman
Tight Ends:
- Jet sweep by Shep, good block by Sternberger. Herman
- it’s pretty clear Tonyan is your TE2. So far... Nagler
- Nice throw [by Boyle] to Baylis who can’t make a sliding catch, tad behind but the only place the ball could be placed. Herman
Running Backs:
- Rough couple of reps in pads pro drill from Corey Grant. Gotta be able to protect the franchise if you want to get on the field... Nagler
- Corey Grant with a cut and gone. So ridiculously fast. Herman
- Starting to become clear that I was wrong about Vitale this offseason. Guy is everywhere with the 1s and keeps making plays. Sweet catch downfield on a back shoulder throw from Rodgers. Nagler [I will add my own mea culpa.]
- 1 cut & go from D. Williams who is really making the most of his reps early! Herman
- Dexter Williams juice is real. He’s such a perfect fit for this offense. It’s not going to be long before the Dexter over Jamaal whispers start. Herman
- Best run play yet. Dexter Williams with a big run outside. Corey Linsley leading the way. Herman
- Matt LaFleur on RB Dexter Williams: "I think Dexter's starting to learn what this league is all about. Early on, he was really struggling at pressing things and looking to cut back. If you pitter-patter in the hole at this level, you're hit in the backfield. That’s something we’re going to continue to harp on him. Kruse
Defensive Backs:
- Ka’Dar has probably been one of the biggest pleasant surprises so far. His time playing press man in college has really helped him. He’s much farther along than I expected! Herman
- Kenny Clark likely had a sack but Rodgers throws a 50/50 ball to Adams who is absolutely blanketed by Hollman but it matters not because Adams is Adams and he skies for the ball and a huge catch to the delight of the fans. 12 & 17 not messing around. Herman
- Sick, sick catch by Kumerow downfield from 12. Perfect coverage by Hollman, just a great play from Kumerow. Herman
- Pettine was really happy with Hollman during the offseason workout program. Carrying it over to camp, and now he's earning reps with the 1s. Kruse
- Matt LaFleur on Jake Kumerow: “Jake is a consistent guy who’s extremely reliable, and you can trust he’ll be where he’s supposed to be in the timing of the play.” Wood
- Fantastic coverage again. This time Preston Smith has him for a [coverage] sack! Herman
- T. Brown breaks up a pass intended for T. Davis from Boyle. Herman
- Tony Brown is having a solid start to camp. He’s sticky as hell and keeps breaking things up. Nagler
- Darius Shepherd jet sweep, Chandon Sullivan continues his strong play and is there for the stop. Herman
- Hamilton blanket coverage on Lazard deep. Herman
- ESB with a great route against Jaire for a completion on a slant. Jawill Davis over Rouse, strong catch. Shepherd wins his route for a catch. Herman
- Kevin King wins an awesome battle w/ Kumerow for a pbu. Herman
- A great rep in WR/CB one-on-one drills by Kevin King against Jake Kumerow. Stayed with Kumerow on a double move, faking the fade and going to a dig. King broke up the pass. Example of what King can do when healthy, and why it’s so important for him to be on the field. Wood [Same play as above, but more detailed.]
Safety:
- Good coverage by Mike Tyson on Dexter in the flat. Herman
- AR to Davante Adams with Josh Jones in coverage. No Contest. That my own editorial take on a Matt Schneidman tweet with video attached.
- Will Redmond comes crashing in for a tackle inside. Redmond at safety which gives him more versatility. Herman
- "Again, versatility. Here's a guy [Raven Greene] that can play safety or we can drop him into the box and go dime and put him at linebacker. Smart football player. Takes smart players to be able to do that." Knows responsibilities, details of every play. Kruse
Linebackers:
- Really nice job setting the edge by Preston Smith, something that showed up frequently on tape. Herman
- Ty Summers nice run stop. Herman
- Oren Burks with a strong run fit. No gain for Jones. This front for Green Bay is going to be tough to run on. Herman
Kicker/STs:
- 15 minutes before practice Trevor Davis is out catching punts. The only person out on the field practicing. He’s done this all four days so far. Huge camp for him and he’s grinding, doing everything he can to make an impact. Herman
Offensive/Defensive Line:
- Reggie Gilbert bends around the edge for an easy sack of Wilkins. I believe de Beer was the OT. Herman
- Gary with a speed rush outside but Pankey does a nice job working him around the quarterback and Kizer’s able to step up for the completion to Shephard. Herman
- No man as big and strong as Rashan Gary should be able to move as fast as he does. It’s truly frightening to see it live. Nagler [Multiple tweets about Gary’s size/speed omitted – they were on unblocked stunts, etc., but the size/speed of Gary has been noted often by the observers.]
- In team drill, guard Billy Turner put a walloping trap block on OLB Preston Smith to open up a big hole for Aaron Jones. Silverstein
- This time Gary bends around Alex Light easily for a pressure but Kizer gets rid of the ball. Herman
- One-on-ones end with Rashan Gary at three tech beating Lane Taylor. Impressive strength Nagler [Same rep noted by long Herman tweet below.]
- Boyle gets hit in the pocket. I think it was Keke who powered his offensive lineman into Boyle. Boyle throws it away. Herman
- Rashan Gary, 4-1 in the 1-on-1 drill so far. Hodkiewicz
- Beautiful run by Aaron Jones to start team. Running behind Lane Taylor. Herman
- Nijman owns Gary on a rep. Za’Darius with an easy win vs Turner. Good reps by Sagapulu and Looney. Light beats Ramsey. Gary goes right through Lane Taylor. Cole Madison owns Lancaster in two 1x1’s. Lancaster not exactly known for his pass rush. Gilbert beats Bulaga. Adams smokes Jenkins in 1x1s. Better 2nd rep from Jenkins. Lowry good rep vs McCray. Good strength and hand usage. Nice rep by Alex Light vs Preston. Fackrell gets around de Beer. Herman
- Two really good reps from Cole Madison in one-on-one drills, standing up Tyler Lancaster twice. Madison’s first fully padded practice since stepping away from football last year. [Same two reps as Herman described, just more positive tone]. Wood
Overall/Miscellaneous:
- Today’s practice standouts: Trevor Davis!!! Aaron Rodgers Dexter Williams David Bakhtiari Davante Adams Kenny Clark Jake Kumerow Kevin King Cole Madison Kyler Fackrell. Herman
- “I [Mike Daniels] thank god that I got cut and I have an opportunity to play for a defensive genius,” he said. Timtwentyman, detroitlions.com
- Confirmed: Monday's meeting between owners and NFLPA leadership has been postponed. They'll meet the first week in August, and there are several dates set aside beyond the first week in August for meetings. Profootballtalk
The players get a day off on Monday, so the Roundup will return Tuesday.
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Comments (42)
Thegreatreynoldo
July 28, 2019 at 10:25 pm
I chose to use a photo of Trevor Davis as the standout player.
I also put in two editorial comments, including my own mea culpa on Danny Vitale and his chances of making the 53-man roster.
Turophile
July 29, 2019 at 03:11 am
I've been enjoying the practice reports so far, though I attach a bit more weight to any practice that is in pads.
I can't remember ever having read a more positive practice report, it gives the impression that this team has better strength in depth this year, than they have had for a long time.
Multiple good reps by guys like Kumerow, Davis, Vitale, Hollman and Madison will make cutdown day very difficult indeed.
Didn't read much about struggling players. Gus like CBs Brown and Hollman were beaten several times but the impression is that they are playing well, maybe Lane Taylor didn't have the best day.
dobber
July 29, 2019 at 10:01 am
Agreed! Until they start closing up practices, this is good stuff for those of us miles and miles away...
Keep it up! It's appreciated!
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 07:22 am
There seems to be a real sense of excitement about Hollman’s ability in press. He has even run with the ones. I don’t think they would kick him inside, but as a perimeter player he has surprised by all accounts.
flackcatcher
July 29, 2019 at 05:58 pm
I hope this is NOT a bad omen for CBA between owners and the NFLPA. On Vitale, you have nothing to apologize for TGR. Vitale is a good player who is caught in a NFL that is trying to phase out his position. That makes him expendable in a roster that is being increasingly driven by DB and WR. Question is will MLF go for another FB or Heavy RB to back up Vitale on the 53.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 07:28 am
Vitale is a really good pass catcher. As a full back he is far more versatile and athletic, if a little smaller, than the prototype in recent decades.
The question is, is he better than a TE, such that he might keep one off the roster, but also get on the field? Every way I look at that comes down to blocking. If he can lead block and pass block better, then his athleticism starts to argue for him over a TE. In that case, do we need a Lewis type? That may be the question. If he isn’t better as a run and blocker I at least, can’t see the value proposition.
Handsback
July 28, 2019 at 11:08 pm
Love hearing it! Remember the 2 week rule that has been discussed on this site and Packer Notes....don't get carried away with a player until he shows it beyond the initial 2 weeks. It's a defacto standard of performance in pro football. Heard it a long time ago by Don Capers, but reinforced many times.
dobber
July 29, 2019 at 10:03 am
Still, the development of confidence for these guys is very important, and starting off on the right foot helps. Spirited practices, build on the good, correct the bad.
dblbogey
July 28, 2019 at 11:35 pm
So, how long is Savage out from Wisdom tooth extraction? Seems to be dragging on a long time, he's missing much needed work. Maybe he should have had the teeth worked on a month ago?
JonathanSpader
July 29, 2019 at 08:37 am
Are you saying Savage is a bit long in the tooth?
MWendlandt
July 29, 2019 at 02:44 pm
They probably held him out until the day off. He'll likely be ready to go on Tuesday.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 07:30 am
Sounds like he was not expecting to have to have them removed. The surgery needs time to heal.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 29, 2019 at 01:13 am
My takes after reading the tweets about the first 4 days of practice:
The secondary has been providing very good coverage.
MLF wants his team to have a good pass-catching back on the roster. Vitale is being given every opportunity to make this team in terms of reps, and so far he has looked good. Could be another pass-catching back who makes it, like Theo Reddick if they acquire him, but someone who can catch is going to make this team.
None of the backup QBs has taken the bull by the horns. Manny Wilkins is setting himself up for PS consideration.
Davante (and Bakh) get quite a few tweets, but I omit most of them since we know they are ridiculously good. Kumerow, Trevor Davis, J'mon Moore, Shepard and Teo Redding have been consistently mentioned for nice plays.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 08:10 am
Good points. It is a shame that Williams is out, perhaps for a while, but until the pick up this week of Hall, Vitale seems to be the only blocking back option other than the other FB Johnson of whom I have heard nothing.
Vitale is an interesting specimen as his combine results show, his 40-yard dash (4.60 seconds), bench press (30 reps), vertical jump (38.5 inches), broad jump (10’3”), 20-yard shuttle (4.12 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (11.36 seconds) all ranked first among fullbacks. His 20-yard shuttle topped all running backs and tight ends, while his bench press reps best all running backs and tight ends besides.
The strength is obvious, but the 20 yard shuttle is a measure of ability to change direction, which is key to breaking extra yards. As a comparison, Sternberger ran a 4.31 to Vitale’s 4.12 and bench pressed 17 as opposed to 30.
Since Sternberger is currently more a receiving option than an inline blocker, the shuttle is particularly interesting. Vitale ran 4.60 as opposed to 4.75 in the 40 yard dash. Add those together and, unlike most FBs, he should be able to break extra yards based on athleticism not just strength, but that too.
This is not to knock Sternberger, but rather to illustrate that Vitale is more than just a dump off option, he might actually be a weapon. Moreover, his 40 time compares well with many of the combine RBs times. Jones ran a 4.56 and Jamaal Williams 4.59!
I have always though of Vitale as depending on blocking to justify offensive limitations. The more I read, the more I see him as more of a legitimate if I conventional offensive threat in the passing game. He is sort of a supersized running back/ short and powerful TE hybrid. He isn’t an RB though. He hardly ever ran the ball in college. In part that’s why we have him I suspect. He doesn’t easily fit into a conventional role.
I think I have just made myself a lot more intrigued by Vitale. Still hope that he proves to be a really good blocker though.
Rak43
July 30, 2019 at 04:16 am
I hate to get off topic on your thread TGR but I found some comments by Daniel's interesting reading. I thought fans on the thread may be interested as well. Sounds like he doesn't like Mike Pettine very much and has some Beef with him. Some Quotes from Daniels.
"I thank God that I got cut and I have an opportunity to play with a defensive genius."
"He called Patricia a coach who "does things the right way" and said he's excited "to have an opportunity to play football with a competent and smart coach."
"He’s just a genius," Daniels said. "He really is. He understands the game of football and he knows what it takes, so to be able to play for a coach like that, that means everything. That means everything."
Man that sure sounds to me like he doesn't like Pettine in the least. I wonder if he's felt this way for a while or is he just bitter Pettine didn't want him?
NickPerry
July 29, 2019 at 06:15 am
Only one way to handle that... Make sure the interior of the Packers D-Line shuts down Daniels and the Offense pits up 35 EACH time.
Also since Daniels has ALWAYS been a "Trash Talker", seems he's just doing what Mike does. Didn't Davante Adams say he loved Mike BUT sometimes his mouth is a little too much...
Lare
July 29, 2019 at 08:51 am
Also sounds like Daniels was a bit of a distraction in the locker room.
Addition by subtraction.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 08:43 am
It could explain part of it: that the new coach wasn’t as high on Daniels or that perhaps they butted heads. Daniels is a character with strong self belief: that’s how he forced his way to where he is. It also could mean he will struggle to adapt to any decline when one occurs. Hope that didn’t color the assessment of his current abilities.
carlos
July 29, 2019 at 09:04 am
Maybe one more reason he was released. We just don’t really know.
carlos
July 29, 2019 at 09:05 am
He should be professional and just move on even though I can understand his resentment.
dobber
July 29, 2019 at 10:06 am
Being over here in Lions territory, I can say that it was Daniels being Daniels. What else do you say when you've just been released from your previous team where you were a productive player and are now the new guy coming over from a rival and they're jamming a microphone in your face from every angle?
Those statements are mostly hyperbole. Nothing to see here.
IceBowl
July 29, 2019 at 04:09 pm
dobber,
No kidding. What else can he be expected to say to a flaming media wanting to fire up the off season? And, you know, that is a very short time to figure out someone/anyone is a genius.
He's playing for a new contact, and is talented enough to get one.
So, yeah, he's going to say his new coach is average and doesn't know how to use him? LOL. He only has one path.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 29, 2019 at 08:34 pm
Off-topic or on-topic doesn't bother me in the least. Stuff sometimes happens. If something is happening or is interesting, by all means, tell the rest of us about it. No worries.
Rak43
July 30, 2019 at 04:15 am
Thanks TGR!
PoizNgun
July 29, 2019 at 04:32 am
Trevor Davis.. who would've thought.. here I saw most fans talking about either Alison, MVS or EQ breaking out and it's looking like Davis so far. Also, if Hollman/KeKe/both does happen to be a sneaky steal and end up being productive and makes his way onto the field.. you can't tell me Gute shouldnt be in consideration for GM of the year, especially if GB makes it past round 1 of the playoffs. Don't even mention the way Gary is supposedly looking so far.. idk if it's the off season rust that has me feeling this way, but I genuinely can't remember seeing so many good reports out of training camp like this. Everyone seems to be playing their ass off. You see one guy lose a rep, but see he did much better on the next, more often IMO as well.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 29, 2019 at 08:46 pm
The offense was being smothered by the defense for the first few days. I thought that wasn't unusual, myself. Andy Herman and Ross Uglem noted that there might have been an impromptu practice for the offense organized by the veteran players after day three, IIRC.
Since the team is practicing against itself, it is a bit of a zero-sum game. Still, if any young player beats an established NFL player (if Gary were to beat Bakh/Linsley/Bulaga) that is particularly noteworthy. I omitted some tweets about Davante beating Jaire like a drum, but maybe I shouldn't have.
Madison stymied Lancaster twice: what to make of that? I am hoping Lancaster develops some juice, but so far no such reports. OTOH, I am happy that Madison won his first two 1 on 1 reps.
There is a description of Kumerow hauling in a back-shoulder pass right at the sideline, getting his hands up at the last possible second, and getting his feet in-bounds. The tweet suggested it couldn't be defended. Reminded me of AR to Jordy, and it made me very happy.
greengold
July 29, 2019 at 04:51 am
I've been saying Vitale makes this 53 for a while. Solid player, and essential FB in LaFleur's system. Great ST player too.
Encouraging to hear Yosh Nijman performed well. Been wanting to hear more about him. Yosh could be a real godsend for this team should we suffer an injury at OT. Dexter Williams looking like a steal, as well as Yosh. Great job of talent acquisition by Gutekunst.
Gary, ZaDarius and Montravius all sound like they are on their game, as do King and Hollman. Nice.
Freezn
July 29, 2019 at 10:00 am
It will be fun watching our defenses feed on offenses this year.
Freezn
July 29, 2019 at 10:00 am
It will be fun watching our defenses feed on offenses this year.
dobber
July 29, 2019 at 10:08 am
It's a long road to the 53 for Nijman.
PS material, IMO.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 29, 2019 at 08:50 pm
Lots of nice tweets about Dexter. I view LaFleur's comments as encouragement or prodding a promising youngster, but that's just my interpretation.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 08:18 am
I agree, there is definitely no doubt that they emphasize his talent but also the size of the step he has to take to be ready. If the season started today I would guess he would be on the PS.
Rick1
July 29, 2019 at 06:56 am
The padded practices and preseason games are huge factors in evaluating players . The players must be sharp in the classroom and carry it to the field. Positions coaches teaching and fixing their groups mistakes is the biggest factor to being successful. Then you start to build your team and depth charts. The flexibility and physical style of this team is apparent.
MLF Is starting to use the strengths of his offense to give Rodgers endless options.
Roadrunner23
July 29, 2019 at 07:29 am
Terrific work James
Thank you
Packer Dave
July 29, 2019 at 07:38 am
You have to like all the pieces in place except for one spot... backup OT.
It doesn't seem reasonable to expect Bulaga to be there a full season. There also doesn't seem to be any indication that Spriggs is going to take the bull by the horns.
Having Mercedes will go a long way to shutting down Mack, but man, OT seems like it could end up being the weak link in the chain should injury strike.
Coldworld
July 30, 2019 at 08:24 am
Spriggs had a good day before he dropped out. Nijman has flashed at times but it seems to be Light that is behind Spriggs with McCray playing every position along the line.
Ultimately, I won’t trust any backup tackle based upon practices. Need to show in games. The good news is I don’t see any major negatives on the above players: that you can get if they are continually whipped in practice.
Since'61
July 29, 2019 at 08:44 am
Great work again TGR! Looking forward to Savage getting on the field. Is he even at the practices or is he recovering off site? Thanks, Since ‘61
Thegreatreynoldo
July 29, 2019 at 08:48 pm
Savage is at practice.
ShooterMcGee
July 29, 2019 at 09:15 am
Thanks for the recaps. Sounds like so many players are ascending. It will be interesting to see the practices against the Texans.
Freezn
July 29, 2019 at 09:58 am
I think Mike will have the defense eating up the apposing offenses. Quarterbacks will have their heads on a swivel as they will not know who is coming from where. going to be fun watching our outside linebackers feasting on apposing quarterbacks
Jack_Vainisi
July 29, 2019 at 01:00 pm
WHOA! Best I can glean from this euphoria is that there is lots of good competion in camp. Snippets are fun but we really know a player only from sustained periods of play which come from pre-season games. But I'm feeling pretty good from what I'm hearing. And the team is overall quite young.
Freezn
July 30, 2019 at 11:36 am
It sounds like Mr. Gary is in fantastic shape and is a real handful for the offensive line. I believe we are all going to enjoy a great defense that will allow Aron and the offense to do their thing which I believe will surprise a lot of defenses