Sometimes, it's fair to wonder whether the O in OTAs stands for overreaction. But often, teams provide their first real clues about where players stand. These offseason workouts can signal a team's surprise interest in giving a player on the roster bubble more opportunities.
Yes, it's only OTAs, and the offseason program is young, but a new signing caught attention during the first Green Bay Packers session open to the media.
"Here's a guy to keep an eye on: CB Gregory Junior, a former sixth-round of the Jaguars who was signed last week, has been getting some work in the nickel with the No. 1 D," writes ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Junior getting first-team reps in a crowded position is notable. The Packers have Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Javon Bullard, and Kalen King as candidates to play significant snaps at nickel.
Let's take a step back. You might be wondering who Junior is, and that's fair. The Packers only signed him a matter of days ago.
But that's the beauty of OTAs. It's on the practice field in May where we often see forgotten players or new additions begin to make their mark — think Malik Heath. He went from undrafted rookie with seemingly no shot at making the roster to becoming a reliable contributor for several years. We first heard his name during OTAs in 2023.
Junior already receiving first-team reps doesn't mean he will replace a starter by Week 1, but it shows the Packers want to get a closer look at him. Maybe he is this year's Malik Heath.
Gregory Junior should be on Packers fans' radar after surprising role at OTAs
So, back to the question: Who is Gregory Junior?
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him in the sixth round three years ago, where he played 10 games and made one pass breakup. He has since spent time on various practice squads before arriving in Green Bay last week.
It's easy to see why the Packers want to give him a shot. He is only 25 years old, had an elite Relative Athletic Score of 8.87 coming out of college, and performed at the Senior Bowl. That will land you on the Packers' radar.
With Keisean Nixon likely to feature more on the outside, as he did last season, and free-agent acquisition Nate Hobbs rotating in the secondary, the Packers are smart to add more talent in the slot. That's where Junior played in Jacksonville and where he will get an opportunity to shine in Jeff Hafley's defense.
It's one practice. We're not ready to crown Junior the offseason champion or lock in his spot on the 53-man roster, but it's a name to remember.
Even if Jaire Alexander returns, the Packers have a young cornerback room without a ton of experience beyond the starters. There are opportunities to make an impact and earn a strong position on the depth chart.
The Packers clearly see something in Junior to give him first-team reps immediately. Stay tuned.