Packers: Three pleasant surprises from training camp so far

Josh Jackson

The pressure was on Josh Jackson entering training camp, but so far, he’s delivered. The former second-round pick needs to make an impact this year after two disappointing seasons, but he’s made exactly the start to training camp he needed.

“He’s done a good job,” defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said on Friday. “He came in here with the right mentality, and I think maybe before we asked a lot of him.”

And that’s an important note. It never seemed like Jackson found his position in Green Bay’s defense, but Pettine said that he has been playing “exclusively outside” this summer. Giving him one role on defense, rather than being asked to play at multiple positions, could be the best move entering 2020.

If Jackson’s play can match his potential this season, it’ll be great news for the Packers defense. The team had high hopes when they drafted him in the second round. If he steps up this season, a top-four depth chart of Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, Chandon Sullivan, and Jackson would give the Packers the depth they need at the position. And Pettine is expecting a good season from Jackson:

“We have big expectations for Josh and he’s going to be a big part of what we do this year,” Pettine said.