The Green Bay Packers have several players that are competing for spots in their lineup come the regular season. This week will be the first time that players will have a chance to separate themselves from the competition in live settings.
The Packers are set to have a joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals before playing against them in their first preseason game of the year. This is a big opportunity for guys on the team to make an impression on the coaching staff and hopefully earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Who has been setting the tone thus far in training camp? The Packers have a few players who have been excelling and watching their stock increase thus far. In the trenches offensively, Sean Rhyan is someone who has been catching the attention of people.
A 2022 third-round pick, Ryhan has been surpassed by his draftmate, fourth-rounder Zach Tom, which wasn’t a good look for him. He played one special team snap all season and was suspended for the final six games of the season to wrap up a disastrous rookie campaign.
Knowing his roster spot could be on the line, he has responded with a strong start to camp. His best rep was against Devonte Wyatt on Family Night. Wyatt has been a terror along the defensive line and earned himself a spot as someone trending upward as well.
A 2022 first-round pick out of Georgia, Wyatt got an extended look near the end of the regular season when Dean Lowry suffered an injury. He made the most of his opportunity and has carried that momentum over into this year. His role is set to expand immensely as a key contributor along with Kenny Clark.
Speaking of Tom, his stock is also trending up as he looks to have locked down a starting spot along the offensive line. Where that will be is anyone’s guess as he has taken first-team reps at right tackle and center.
The competition to watch is between Josh Myers and Yosh Nijman. One of them will be starting alongside David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Jon Runyan Jr. and Tom. The first unofficial depth chart of training camp has Myers holding down the starting center spot with Tom at right tackle and Nijman as the backup left tackle.
Speaking of the depth chart, rookie tight end Luke Musgrave is listed as the starter right now as well. Josiah Deguara is listed as the starting fullback, which gives a hint at what kind of offense the Packers are planning to run in 2023 as heavy sets are likely.
Musgrave’s athleticism is something that the Packers are going to look to take advantage of early and often. A big-time playmaker in the passing game, if Musgrave can steadily improve as a blocker, he is going to be a mainstay on the field.
Another interesting tidbit from the depth chart is that rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed wasn’t listed as a starter. That designation went to Samori Toure, with Reed as his backup. But, don’t let that fool you; Reed has been a standout all offseason for the Packers.
He has seemingly cracked the top three despite what the unofficial depth chart says. His quickness has been on display daily, as he consistently wins from the slot. After years of having Randall Cobb as a standout there, it looks like Reed will be taking over as the next big thing in the slot.
Last, but not least, quarterback Sean Clifford has seen his stock rise as well. While his play has been so-so on the field, he wasn’t the first quarterback that was cut.
The Packers released Danny Etling last week, which moves the fifth-round rookie one step closer to claiming the No. 2 job behind Jordan Love. USFL MVP Alex McGough is now all that keeps Clifford from locking down the backup job unless the Packers opt to bring in someone with more experience behind Love.
