3 early overreactions from Packers mandatory minicamp

As the Green Bay Packers placed a bow on their offseason program, head coach Matt LaFleur was satisfied with what they had achieved.

LaFleur called it an "outstanding" offseason. He said they are "further ahead" than in previous years when it comes to conditioning.

The real work begins at training camp next month, and it's important not to get too carried away from OTAs and minicamp. But that's no fun. So we're going to do exactly that.

To celebrate the end of the Packers' offseason program, it's time for three overreactions.

3. Anders Carlson will have a better season than Mason Crosby

Mason Crosby had a solid 2022 season, but he struggled for power at times, especially on kickoffs. That could be part of the reason why the Packers decided to make a change at the kicker position.

It's impossible to know how well Anders Carlson will play until the regular season begins. Only then does the real pressure begin.

However, he has made a solid impression so far. According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Carlson converted 11 of his 12 field goal attempts during minicamp.

Paul Bretl of Packers Wire noted that Carlson's "power was on display" and that "things seemed pretty effortless" on kicks of 50+ yards.

Carlson has a big leg. If he can find consistency on his kicks, he is set for a solid rookie season in Green Bay, and potentially a better year than Crosby would've had if the Packers re-signed him.

2. Malik Heath will make Packers roster ahead of draft pick Grant DuBose

One of the surprise standouts of the offseason was undrafted rookie Malik Heath. If the Packers had to finalize their 53-man roster today, there's a good chance Heath would be ahead of seventh-round draft pick Grant DuBose, who has missed OTAs and minicamp due to injury.

Every year, there are a few surprises at training camp. It doesn't begin until late July, but Heath has made a good start in the offseason program. If he can build on that when training camp and the preseason gets underway, he could make the 53-man roster.

At just about every practice, there has been a tweet like this one from Andy Herman:

All Heath can do is keep making plays every day on the practice field and maximize his opportunities. So far, that's exactly what he has done.

Heath is likely competing for the WR6 job. He will need to beat rookie Grant DuBose for the spot. DuBose was a seventh-round draft pick but missed OTAs and minicamp, so he will need to catch up when training camp begins.

With DuBose missing valuable reps on the practice field and Heath impressing when he's had an opportunity, it's entirely possible Heath secures a roster spot ahead of DuBose.

1. Romeo Doubs is Packers WR1, not Christian Watson

This has less to do with Christian Watson, who has received rave reviews for his work in the offseason program, and more to do with the Jordan Love-Romeo Doubs connection.

Every quarterback has a go-to receiver. A player they trust to make a big play when they need it the most. It may be early, but Doubs is already looking like that receiver for Love.

Love and Doubs have been connecting throughout the offseason program, and that continued against All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander at minicamp.

Beating Alexander is one way to earn the trust of your quarterback and coaching staff.

"We see it on a daily basis. I think that Rome has done a nice job of really making that next step," head coach Matt LaFleur said. "He's doing a great job of really getting his feet in the ground, running violent routes, violent cuts, being aggressive with his hands."

Christian Watson has a huge role to play this season. His ability to stress defenses with his speed deep downfield will lead to some massive plays. But it will also create opportunities underneath for the other pass-catchers.

Doubs has shown breakout potential and is poised to make a second-year jump. Love keeps throwing him the ball, and it won't be surprising if he is the Packers' leading receiver this season.

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