The Green Bay Packers' road to training camp reaches its final stop. It's the last opportunity for players to impress the coaches and gain valuable reps before the serious work begins next month.
While the work on the practice field will be a continuation from OTAs, which the Packers completed last week, there is a key difference. Minicamp is mandatory, whereas the previous practices were voluntary. The Packers will expect full attendance from the entire roster for two important days of practice, as Matt LaFleur usually skips the final session to take the players on a team-building activity.
What can we expect from minicamp, and what are the biggest storylines this week?
5. Which quarterback has the advantage in backup competition?
The Packers have two candidates to back up Jordan Love this season. With a year of experience under his belt, Sean Clifford leads the way, but he faces serious competition from rookie Michael Pratt.
Pratt was one of the standout performers during OTAs, putting his name firmly in the conversation for the backup quarterback job. But that counts for nothing if he can't build on it. As Mike McCarthy used to say, it's about stacking success.
Clifford has put enough good play on tape not to panic about Pratt's arrival. The former Penn State quarterback exceeded expectations in the preseason last summer, making the most of every opportunity that came his way.
Pratt's advantage is that many viewed him as a potential mid-round pick in the draft despite falling to the seventh. He has the talent and potential to become a quality backup. That alone could solidify a roster spot. After impressing during OTAs, Pratt has a chance to overtake Clifford on the depth chart. However, Clifford has a better understanding of the offense, having spent the past year working alongside Jordan Love.
The race for the backup job promises to be a good one in the months ahead and likely won't be settled until the preseason. But every practice counts, and both quarterbacks will want to finish the offseason program on a positive note.
4. Who takes the lead in the kicking competition before training camp?
The three-way competition at kicker is also must-watch. Green Bay is making second-year Anders Carlson earn a roster spot this summer by bringing in Jack Podlesny and veteran Greg Joseph. There's no denying Carlson's upside—he has a big leg and can make kicks from any distance—but that means nothing without consistency.
It's impossible to replicate the pressure of a real NFL game on the practice field, but the warning signs were there last summer. Carlson struggled for consistency throughout training camp. So far, he has taken a step to changing that.
The pressure is on all three kickers at minicamp. The Athletic's Matt Schneidman reported that they went 11 of 12 during a practice last week.
3. How does the defense look under Jeff Hafley?
Green Bay's defense is undergoing significant changes under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. It is already evident how quickly the players have bought into his aggressive system, including starting nickel corner Keisean Nixon.
"He's competitive as hell. He goes at Matt LaFleur," cornerback Keisean Nixon told Up & Adams. "He brings the best out of us and we like playing for him, so his defense is ready to go."
Nixon added that Hafley isn't afraid to bring the heat against LaFleur's offense at practice, including an increase of blitzes on third down.
More pressure is a notable change we can expect to see under Hafley. It's good news for just about everyone in the starting lineup, including rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who made eight sacks as a blitzer in his final season at Texas A&M.
Other areas to watch include the rotation of the defensive backs, the preferred starting lineup, and the development of second-year players like Lukas Van Ness and Karl Brooks. The Packers' defense could take a massive step forward under Hafley, and this side of the ball is must-watch throughout minicamp.
2. How do the Packers rotate the offensive line?
The Packers have prioritized versatility and athleticism along the offensive line. The good news is it gives Matt LaFleur almost endless options. The bad news is that he has to somehow figure out the best starting five.
Zach Tom remains sidelined with a pec injury, which will give first-round pick Jordan Morgan more opportunities to prove himself at tackle. Can he squash any concerns about his arm length and show why he can play at either tackle position? Will a move inside help bring the best out of Morgan?
Is Sean Rhyan the frontrunner at right guard? Will the Packers create competition for Josh Myers at center? There are countless questions and a lot of uncertainty along the offensive line, but that's a good thing. It highlights Green Bay's improved depth and versatility. LaFleur has options.
The Packers won't make any final decisions during minicamp, but the work this week is an important part of the process.
1. Are the Packers any closer to Jordan Love contract extension?
The wait for Jordan Love's contract extension goes on. Less than six weeks separates the end of minicamp and the Packers' opening training camp practice. General manager Brian Gutekunst said he wants to get a new deal with Love finalized before then. Time is ticking.
There's no reason to believe the extension won't be done by then. It's in the best interest of both sides to make an agreement.
This article partly proves why. Love's contract is the Packers' No. 1 storyline at minicamp. That's the reality, and it will continue until it's done. If training camp opens and Love has no deal, we all know what the first question Love, Gutekunst, and LaFleur will be asked when they talk to reporters.
The Packers don't want the lack of a new deal to become a distraction once training camp begins. Hopefully, Gutekunst will give us an update at minicamp.