Packers rookie CBs take in allure of first training camp

-- Things aren't going to come easy for the two top picks of the Green Bay Packers' rookie class this summer.

On the first day of training camp, both Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson ran with the second-team defense, while Kevin King, Tramon Williams and Davon House began the first training camp practice of the year as the primary starters.

Even so, Alexander -- drafted No. 18 overall in April -- was probably the most energetic of the bunch, still managing to inject his infectious personality into fans before and after practice.

"It was a pretty cool experience, just seeing that and the atmosphere," Alexander told Packers.com on Thursday. "It’s just a practice and you’ve got all the fans out there watching and cheering us on."

Alexander will more than likely see extended looks with the first-team defense as camp goes on, but veterans tend to have the most seniority when it comes to earning their place at the start of any camp. No jobs are automatically gifted to first-timers.

Jackson took in the allure of his first professional training camp as well, and while Alexander referred to the setting as something similar to a "college atmosphere," Jackson already felt as if he was preparing for his first exhibition game.

"It felt like a mini-game," Jackson said. "Any time there’s a crowd out there, you want to be able to bring it and show your teammates that you’re ready to go, so that was the main thing.

"It was fun to be out there practicing in front of all those people and having them cheer for you, so it shows you how great Green Bay Packers fans are."

Both rookies have their own aspirations, and under a defensive coordinator such as Mike Pettine, it helps that they'll both be learning a new defensive scheme along with the rest of their defensive teammates.

In this sense, nobody is left behind, nobody is distracted. Everyone can be on the same page in terms of grasping Pettine's teachings.

"I’m just looking forward to competing," Alexander said. "Going out and trying to win a Super Bowl, because we need to bring the title back and that’s definitely something I want to bring to this team and help in any way I can."

It shouldn't take much for Pettine to be able to not only instill confidence in his two newest rookie cornerbacks but offer them every outlet to succeed. So far, his first impressions with players, fellow coaches and fans have garnished relatively positive reviews.

Even quarterback Aaron Rodgers called the speech Pettine gave to the defense the day before the start of camp an "all-timer." One could imagine the everlasting impact a speech from a veteran coach and current well-respected defensive coordinator could have on a roster of angsty defensive players eager to rid the general perception of their unit.

"It was a good speech," Alexander said. "It was very well-needed for everyone here, just to understand the expectations of the defense in a defensive-minded game. It was definitely something we needed to hear."

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (8)

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TKWorldWide's picture

July 27, 2018 at 11:15 am

I think a sprig of parsley makes a relatively positive garnish.

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Rebecca's picture

July 27, 2018 at 01:32 pm

my hero! :)

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Chuck Farley's picture

July 27, 2018 at 11:20 am

Does this D look at all different that Capers at this point?
I know mental mike is hell bent that mathews be a pass rusher and not in the middle.
Got to be tough to be defensive coach whos head coach tells you what to do.

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RCPackerFan's picture

July 27, 2018 at 11:24 am

"Does this D look at all different that Capers at this point?"

After one day of training camp practice I think its fair to make assertions on the team.

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TarynsEyes's picture

July 27, 2018 at 11:28 am

"Does this defense look at all different than Capers at this point?

Capers wasn't on the field and other than the normality of seeing new players, what exactly were you expecting on the first day.

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TKWorldWide's picture

July 27, 2018 at 11:21 am

PS Walter Mathau, Jack Lemmon, and Burgess Meredith were awesome in “Angsty Old Men”, and be sure to watch the outtakes at the end featuring Burgess’s remarks regarding “looks like Chuck’s....” (the rest is withheld; not family friendly. But REALLY funny.)

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Bearmeat's picture

July 27, 2018 at 11:48 am

The first time I watched that movie, I was 12. I didn't get the jokes then, but I knew they were funny because everyone else in the theater was laughing. Now... yeah. That was funny!

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Rebecca's picture

July 27, 2018 at 06:09 pm

Superbowl here we come!

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