Packers: Three takeaways from second training camp practice

1. A good start for Christian Kirksey

When the Packers signed Christian Kirksey, they hoped he could be an upgrade on Blake Martinez. While Martinez did make a lot of tackles and was solid but not great in run defense, an area he struggled was in coverage. Kirksey is a better player than Martinez in coverage, and it’s beginning to show in training camp.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kirksey picked off Aaron Rodgers at practice on Monday. Rodgers was looking for Davante Adams. It’s one play in one practice, but it’s an encouraging sign that Kirksey is in position to make plays like this. The Packers have desperately needed an inside linebacker who can cover receivers and tight ends and make plays on the football. Kirksey could be the answer.

Kirksey has two career interceptions, both of which were in 2018, and he also has 16 pass defenses in his career.

The Packers will be hoping Kirksey has better luck with injuries this year. If he’s on the field for all 16 games, he can be a key contributor in the middle of the defense.

It’s still early in training camp, but Kirksey making an interception is exactly the type of play Packers fans were hoping to hear about when he was signed.