Packers With Something to Prove: Players to Watch in Training Camp

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Mini-camp is not so much a time for evaluation as it is for installation. As the coaching staff attempts to make their installations to the offensive, defensive, and special teams systems, players are expected to first get a grasp in the classroom.

As Mike McCarthy continues to evolve his offense, Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers and staff are working vigorously at installing the 3-4 defense. New Special Teams Coordinator Shawn Slocum hopes to improve upon the Packers dismal display last year, ranking them last in the league in kick return yards.

With that being said, the offseason is quickly flowing by, and soon, training camp will be upon us. Then, it will be time to evaluate players based on their performance, as well as mental grasp of the playbook, while they strap on the pads and prove their worth.

This training camp, there are countless storylines and players for every Packer fan to keep an eye on. Here is a list of a few—out of many—who are either fighting for a spot on the roster, locked in a heated position battle, have plenty to prove, or will just be flat-out entertaining for any cheese-head to watch come August first:

Jeremy Thompson, OLB

Selected in the fourth round, 102nd overall in 2008, Jeremy Thompson enters his second season as the beneficiary of a system change that makes him a perfect fit. Originally an undersized defensive end, the Packers coaching staff asked him to gain weight following the 2008 season to make him more problematic for offensive tackles around the league and more durable.

Now, just a year later, Thompson has shed 10 pounds to fit his role as the outside linebacker opposite Aaron Kampman in the new 3-4 defense. The switch will call for him to use the athleticism that caught the Packers front office’s eye when he was coming out of Wake Forest.

Interestingly enough, Jeremy was the first player Packers General Manager Ted Thompson has traded up to draft in his entire career.

Thompson, who is leaner than ever, certainly has the athletic ability to get the job done. As of now, he has taken almost all of the reps with the first team defense and finds himself battling to maintain his role as a starter.

If he can keep the dinged up Clay Matthews at bay and prove that he can be more effective as an outside rusher than Brady Poppinga, then Jeremy Thompson may find himself as a starting linebacker for the Packers exciting defensive squad.

Brandon Jackson, RB

After injuries depleted Green Bay’s backfield in his rookie season, Brandon Jackson came into 2008 hoping to be the spell to Ryan Grant that the offense so desperately needed. With injuries hampering DeShawn Wynn since his rookie season, Jackson emerged as the solid number two halfback and also showed potential to become a prototypical third down RB.

He was fifth on the team in receptions, with 30 in 2008, and if he is able to continue to improve as a receiver, his role will take on higher importance in this offense.

Jackson is aware of this, stating that he looks to improve, “All around, blocking better, better zone reads and catching the ball.”

Jackson is also playing at 220lbs. now, his heaviest ever, and the results can be seen on the field. The extra weight should help him in pass protection situations, and Jackson looked much more difficult to bring to the turf at times in 2008.

He only carried the ball 45 times in 2008, but capped his season heading in the right direction, rushing for 113 yards in the season finale against Detroit.

If DeShawn Wynn can come back healthy, and last season's training camp, Kregg Lumpkin, can continue to improve, the backfield should be in good position to turn the ground game struggles around.

Mike McCarthy stated that it’s Ryan Grant’s group to lead, but loves the fact there is healthy competition behind him:

“[Grant] is the primary runner. But I think there is a lot of competition. I think Brandon Jackson did a lot of positive things for us last year with his opportunities. DeShawn Wynn jumped on the scene, had some production….You always plan to utilize all your players.”

If given the opportunities that McCarthy likely feels more inclined to give him, Jackson should emerge as a great asset for the offense. Keep an eye on the entire RB group come August, as the running game is one of the most obvious areas for improvement.

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