Packers: Rico Gafford impressing at camp after position change

The position the Green Bay Packers are most concerned with is wide receiver. The position they are arguably the deepest at is cornerback.

It is rare to see one player change positions from offense to defense, especially if it is a change from a position that needs more depth and talent to a position that has exactly that.

This is what Rico Gafford is attempting to do for the Packers.

The former undrafted free agent is trying to make the final 53-man roster after switching from wide receiver to cornerback.

The former Wyoming star is already one of the most versatile pieces on Green Bay’s roster but also one of the longest-traveled players too.

Gafford has played for six different teams in five years (Tennessee Titans, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers).

His best stint came with the Raiders, where he spent three seasons from 2018-20. He has two career receptions for 66 yards, which both came for the Raiders. He did catch a 49-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr in 2019 with the Raiders.

The former All-Mountain West performer will now be looking to find more success covering his old position.

Rico Gafford spoke about what Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told him earlier this offseason about possibly switching situations.

"“Coach LaFleur came up to me, he was like, ‘The receiver room is pretty stacked right now. Your best bet honestly to make the team is to go back to defense,'” Gafford said. – according to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com."

Gafford has a history with LaFleur. As an undrafted rookie, he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2018, where a young LaFleur was the offensive coordinator.

It appears as though the Iowa native is taking advantage of LaFleur’s advice. He is reportedly making plays at training camp.

If he continues on his current trend, he could play a pivotal role backing up the likes of Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes at the cornerback position.