The 2024 Green Bay Packers have Super Bowl aspirations following the surprisingly successful ’23 campaign that saw the league’s youngest team making a deep playoff run. This year’s training camp, therefore, is set to be an exhilarating period of intense competition and high stakes as players vie to make meaningful contributions. As the team gathers on Monday, July 22, fans will have their eyes glued to several key positional battles that could define the season. Among the most intriguing for me are the contests for backup quarterback, backup running back, and starting safety. Below I preview these crucial battles and predict the winners.
Backup Quarterback: Michael Pratt vs. Sean Clifford
Sean Clifford
Clifford is the incumbent QB2 and brings experience and a gunslinger’s moxie to the position. I really enjoyed watching Sean make big plays last preseason and his familiarity in the offense will put him ahead of the rookie Pratt as he gets up to speed.
Clifford’s ceiling might be lower than Pratt’s, however, due to his less dynamic playstyle. While he is a steady presence, he lacks the same level of athleticism and playmaking ability that Pratt offers. His deep ball accuracy is also a concern, which could limit the offensive playbook when he is under center.
Michael Pratt
Michael Pratt enters training camp following a strong college career at Tulane, where he demonstrated impressive poise, arm strength, and mobility. His ability to extend plays with his legs and his knack for making big throws under pressure are assets that make him a compelling candidate for the backup QB spot. Teammates all rave about his sky-high work ethic. This will serve him well.
Pratt’s transition to the NFL will not be without its challenges. His accuracy can be inconsistent, particularly on intermediate routes. I’ll be watching closely to see if he struggles with decision-making under duress. This was a problem in college for him. These issues could hinder his ability to adapt quickly to the Packers’ complex offensive schemes.
Prediction: Sean Clifford holds on to the QB2 role this year given his experience in the complex position. I think Pratt will be a real threat to him in 2025, however, due to his high work ethic and playmaking potential.
Backup Running Back: Marshawn Lloyd vs. AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon is a known quantity for Packers fans, with his bruising running style and key conversions in short-yardage situations. His experience and familiarity with the offensive system give him an edge in understanding playbook intricacies and situational football.
Dillon’s lack of explosiveness has been a concern, however. While Dillon excels in power running, he lacks breakaway speed and elusiveness, making him more predictable for opposing defenses.
Marshawn Lloyd
Marshawn Lloyd enters camp with a reputation as a hard-nosed runner with excellent vision and balance. Daniel Jeremiah’s ranked Lloyd RB1 in this year’s class and it’s not hard to see why. His college highlights are filled with explosive runs and impressive cuts, making him a potential game-changer in the backfield. Lloyd’s pass-catching ability also adds a valuable dimension to his game.
Working against him, Lloyd’s durability is a question mark. He dealt with a few injuries during his college career. Plus, his pass protection skills need refinement, which is crucial for earning playing time in the Packers’ offense.
Prediction: Marshawn Lloyd wins the backup running back battle, thanks to his explosive playmaking ability and versatility. Marshawn will provide a dynamic complement to the Josh Jacobs, who’s running style he closely matches. AJ was a disappointment last season which is why the Packers were able to resign him at such a low number. For such a beloved player, his star is clearly fading in Green Bay.
Safety Battle: Javon Bullard vs. Anthony Johnson Jr.
Anthony Johnson Jr.
Anthony Johnson Jr. made the 2023 packers after being drafted in the 7th round and found his way to solid contributor status. He played in 12 games and started 4. He offers a blend of athleticism and playmaking ability, which enabled him to break up 3 passes and obtain one interception last year.
Johnson’s physicality is a concern, as he sometimes struggles to shed blocks and can be inconsistent in run support. His decision-making in coverage needs to be more disciplined to avoid giving up big plays.
Javon Bullard
Javon Bullard brings a physical presence to the safety position with his aggressive tackling and strong coverage skills. His ability to play both in the box and deep makes him a versatile defensive asset. Bullard’s instincts and football IQ will be evident in his ability to read plays and react quickly.
Bullard’s aggressiveness can sometimes lead to over-pursuit and missed tackles, so this will bear watching in training camp. His coverage skills, while solid, can be inconsistent against faster receivers. Adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses could be a challenge for him initially.
Prediction: Javon Bullard will secure the starting safety position by leveraging his versatility, leadership ability, and physical presence to make a significant impact during training camp. The Packers clearly were not satisfied with leaving Johnson unchallenged at the position as they drafted 3 players at his position to see who they’d pair with the high-priced free agent acquisition, Xavier McKinney.
Conclusion
As the Green Bay Packers’ training camp kicks off, the battles for backup quarterback, running back, and starting safety will be pivotal in shaping the team’s roster and depth chart. While Sean Clifford, Marshawn Lloyd, and Javon Bullard are predicted to emerge as victors in their respective competitions, other players like running back Emmanuel Wilson and rookie safeties Kitan Oladapo and Evan Williams could also surprise and make a case for significant playing time. The excitement and intensity of these competitions are sure to captivate fans and set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
