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On Tuesday, the media had their first opportunity to observe the Packers’ Phase 3 organized team activities (OTAs). This provided significant insights into Green Bay’s early lineup rotations, details of which can be found in our practice news and notes.
Let’s delve into two key observations from Tuesday’s session. With Zach Tom, who the team believes has Hall-of-Fame potential at center, sidelined due to a biceps injury, Elgton Jenkins emerged as a surprising candidate for the center position. Jenkins, last season’s full-time left guard, rotated at center with returning starter Josh Myers during OTAs.
Previously, the coaching staff indicated that Myers would be one of the few linemen not cross-training at multiple positions this summer. Jenkins, however, has experience playing all five positions at the NFL level. If Myers is displaced from the starting lineup, either Jenkins or Tom is likely to take his spot. Given Tom’s expected absence until July training camp, Jenkins currently appears to be the primary contender for the center role.
This raises a strategic question: should Jenkins play at guard or center? If Jenkins shifts to center, the Packers will need replacements for both guard positions, especially since Jon Runyan Jr. left in free agency for a $10 million per year deal with the New York Giants. The current starting line in OTAs, excluding Jenkins at center, includes Rasheed Walker, Jenkins, Myers, Sean Rhyan, and Andre Dillard from left to right.
On defense, Jaire Alexander is a lock for one of the outside cornerback spots. Alexander entered the offseason as the highest-paid defensive back, a title now held by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Keisean Nixon is expected to maintain his role as the starting slot cornerback after a standout season and a new contract.
The main competition is for the outside cornerback position opposite Alexander. Contenders are former first-round pick Eric Stokes and 2023 breakout player Carrington Valentine. Stokes, fully participating in OTAs after recovering from multiple injuries, competed with the first-team defense on Tuesday, surpassing Valentine. Stokes played only three games last year due to injuries but started two of them. In contrast, rookie Valentine made 12 starts in 2023, a remarkable feat for a seventh-round pick.
Given these dynamics, who do you think should start at cornerback alongside Alexander? Share your thoughts in the comment section regarding this camp battle.
