Your 2019 Green Bay Packers OTA Look

I am going to start off with a quote from OLB Coach Mike Smith. “I have never seen size and athleticism like Rashan Gary, and I have been in the league for 11 years.” He stated Gary was a combination of Dee Ford and Justin Houston, that’s quite an endorsement. On draft night he came running down the hall way at 1265 when Gary was available at pick #12. The Packers had him somewhere in the top six most likely.

We heard from Mike Pettine that the defense will have many looks, with many different faces. At times you may see 4 OLB’s on the field at the same time. The next play you might see what looks like a 4-5 man front, it’s going to be a fluid defense with multiple moving parts. Pettine is very excited about the talent added to his side of the ball both through free agency and the draft. Darnell Savage is already showing his upside of speed both on the field and off. Tramon Williams said Savage is learning the defense faster than most rookies and asking for more. The Defensive Back room is unified this season, not split as in years past. This staff demands continuity and accountability.

It looks like we may see more Mo Adams this season, with the anticipation that Daniels may move on after 2019. Mo has length and strength which was evident toward the end of last season when injuries hit the D-line. He can overpower an O-lineman at the point of attack and occupy double teams. Combine Adams with Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels or Dean Lowery with Za’Darius Smith, Blake Martinez, Oren Burks and Preston Smith at LBers and you have a fearsome front 7.

Lest not forget about the other side of the ball with that Rodgers kid! It looks like the only changes on offense will be Danny Vitale at FB and Billy Turner at RG. Expect the WR corps to be more competetive and more unified with Aaron this season. We already know Davante Adams is a star and ESB, MVS and Moore have length and speed, a deadly combination. The Packers young receivers have a year under their belt where they gained valuable experience. At the running back position the trio of Aaron Jones, Jamal Williams and Dexter Williams should strike fear in any defense. The offensive line has depth which should make Aaron feel a little safer this year. It will be interesting to see what the TE position will deliver for the Packers this season. Beyond Jimmy Graham it’s not even certain who will fill out the TE position. The candidates are Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan and Rookie Jake Sternberger (unsigned as of 5-23).

It’s exciting to hear Matt LaFleur describe how motivated and energetic the team is thus far. They are grasping his system quickly and enjoying doing so. I believe this will translate to a fast start by the Packers, but I do have them losing LaFleur’s debut at Soldier Field to the Bears. Revenge will come later at Lambeau. My all too early prediction is 12-4, NFC North Champs. I’ll let it go at that……just make the playoffs BABY!!!!!!