Packers free-agent signing has made worst possible start to training camp

The Green Bay Packers' new-and-improved defense made a statement on Tuesday with a dominant practice performance. The offense is missing Jordan Love, who won't practice until he signs a new deal, but it may not have mattered.

Green Bay's offensive line reportedly struggled against the defensive front. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has shifted to a 4-3 system with a more aggressive scheme than predecessor Joe Barry.

Before the 2024 NFL Draft, the Packers signed veteran tackle Andre Dillard with the hope he could win the swing tackle job.

However, the former first-round pick has reportedly not made a great start to training camp.

Andre Dillard struggles in 'massive mismatch' at Packers training camp

Dillard struggled in pass protection last season, and his start to training camp hasn't exactly alleviated those concerns. He had the tough task of blocking Rashan Gary throughout Tuesday's practice, and the results were predictable.

"Andre Dillard has no shot at blocking Rashan Gary. Just a massive mismatch," writes Packer Report's Andy Herman.

Herman added that it has been a "tough start to camp" for the former Titans and Eagles lineman.

"Three sacks in four reps for Rashan Gary. Just sprinted around Andre Dillard to reach Sean Clifford," writes Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Per PFF, Dillard allowed a league-high 12 sacks with the Titans last year. Having lost David Bakhtiari and Yosh Nijman in the offseason, signing Dillard was an underwhelming move. He is a former first-round pick but is now on his third team in as many seasons.

With Zach Tom being eased back into action after recovering from a torn pec, Dillard has spent time with the first team during practice, but the Packers' free-agent signing hasn't made the best start.

Dillard will need to show improvements in the weeks ahead to have a shot at winning the swing tackle job. He could face competition from first-round pick Jordan Morgan, Caleb Jones, and Travis Glover. Dillard is easily the Packers' most experienced backup tackle, but he will need to improve to even make the 53-man roster.

The pressure is on.

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