3 Packers players who are turning heads at OTAs
![Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4957,h_2788,x_0,y_227/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/51/01hz5q2g0dmcfg2cf75s.jpg)
The Green Bay Packers are nearing the end of their organized team activities, and we have already learned a lot about this year's team. It's going to be exciting to watch this group improve as the season gets closer. The Packers have sky-high potential in 2024.
In the grand scheme of things, OTAs aren't the be-all and end-all. They play an important role in the process before training camp, but nothing is settled yet. Players' hopes of making the roster or landing a starting job aren't decided in May, but they can lay the groundwork for an impressive summer and show what they can do.
There's a long way to go before the Packers will make any final decisions on their roster or starting lineup, but these three players deserve credit for their performances on the practice field this spring.
These Packers have been turning heads during OTAs
QB Michael Pratt
We have a quarterback competition on our hands. No, not for the starting job, but the No. 2 spot. Sean Clifford made the most of his opportunities last year, both in preseason and during limited regular-season snaps.
But he now faces competition from seventh-round rookie Michael Pratt, who was expected to go much earlier in the draft. He's already proving why on the practice field.
It's early and important not to get carried away, but Pratt has made an impact so far. His most impressive moment came on a two-minute drill during Wednesday's practice. He helped the Packers' offense march down the field, with the drive only stalling because of a dropped catch and sack.
Michael Pratt can whip it. I have no idea if he can play QB at this level, but the kid can sling.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) May 29, 2024
His 2-minute drill ends with a dime to Grant DuBose in the end zone on fourth-and-10 from 17…that DuBose drops. Would’ve been tough catch in coverage, but Pratt put it there.
The Packers may end up having to keep three quarterbacks. Maybe they stick with just two. Either way, the battle for the backup job is going to be a lot of fun this summer.
WR Bo Melton
Everyone is excited about the potential of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontavyion Wicks, and understandably so. But don't forget about Bo Melton, who stepped up with 16 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown in the final four games of the regular season. He had only played two offensive snaps before Week 15 but made the most of his opportunity.
And Melton has made a strong start this offseason.
"Bo Melton had a really nice day. He caught everything his way, even in the individuals and the team drills," said Packer Report's Andy Herman. "He looks really, really good ... You look at him, and he looks comfortable, confident, and he looks very much in tune with what Matt LaFleur is trying to have this offense accomplish."
The Packers have one of the deepest receiving corps in the league, and Melton will have a role to play this season.
RB AJ Dillon
AJ Dillon has everything to prove this season. This summer, in fact. The Packers brought him back on the most team-friendly deal you will ever see, a four-year qualifying offer that allows them to release him and pay only $167,500 in dead money. Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs and drafted MarShawn Lloyd this offseason, potentially reducing Dillon's role in Matt LaFleur's offense.
In other words, it's a make-or-break year for Dillon. With competition for the No. 3 job from Emanuel Wilson, Dillon isn't even guaranteed to make the 53-man roster.
Dillon wanted to come back to Green Bay, and he has looked great at the start of OTAs.
Portraits from OTAs.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 30, 2024
It's a big summer for the former second-round pick. While it's likely he will make the roster, it's not guaranteed.
A strong performance this offseason and in training camp won't just end any concerns about his future with the team, but will also ensure he remains a key part of the running back rotation this season.
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