Predicting Packers' Breakout Players at 2023 OTAs, Minicamp

The Green Bay Packers' OTAs are just getting started, with two days already in the books. This is head coach Matt LaFleur's first chance to find out what he has on the roster.

It had become a yearly tradition for Aaron Rodgers not to be there for the Packers' early offseason workouts, but he isn't coming back this time. The Packers have officially started the Jordan Love era after trading Rodgers to the New York Jets in mid-April.

OTAs are simultaneously meaningful and meaningless. There are no trophies handed out for the teams that have the best offseason workouts. However, some players and units will lay the foundation for a successful season in these early stages of summer.

While the Packers won't be winning any games in the coming weeks, some players could start setting themselves up for big seasons. Young players who start generating some buzz now often end up having career seasons in the fall.

Here's a look at three players who could start generating some hype during OTAs and minicamps.

OL Zach Tom

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr

Green Bay Packers guard Zach Tom (50) blocks during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 23, 2022 in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Not listing Zach Tom as either a guard, tackle or center here is a conscious choice. He's an offensive lineman right now, and a promising one at that.

While at Wake Forest, Tom played both center and tackle. Generally speaking, if you were able to play both of those in college, you'll likely be able to slot in at guard as well.

Last year, Tom got some experience as a rookie at both left tackle and left guard with Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari sidelined by injuries. He gave up only one sack and was called for no penalties across 489 snaps, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 68.3.

This year, the coaching staff is switching Tom over to the right side.

"I know right now, Zach's going to compete a lot at right guard and right tackle and possibly some at center, just kind of see how that goes," offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said, per Bill Huber of Packer Central. "Getting those best five out there that gel the best and are the most physical, that's what I'm looking for."

Including center, Tom has now played or practiced at all five positions on the offensive line. That kind of adaptability makes him a coach's dream. As he continues to get more reps and coaching, he's only going to stand out more.

He should be a big winner of the offseason, and it won't be shocking to see him earn a starting spot.

WR Jayden Reed

Michael Owens/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Jayden Reed #11 of the Green Bay Packers poses for a portrait during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

In a lot of ways, the Packers offense will go through a reset throughout the summer. They not only have to find out what works best for Jordan Love, but who works best with him as well.

That's great news for Jayden Reed. The second-round wideout should get plenty of opportunities to develop chemistry with Love and potentially become one of his favorite targets.

Fellow wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs each have one year of NFL experience, but the latter was the perfect example of an OTA darling last season. He garnered a lot of hype as a fourth-round pick throughout the offseason, and he ended up making a real impact as a rookie.

With Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard no longer in Green Bay, the Packers receiving corps doesn't have much experience. They'll have to rely heavily on youth.

Reed is an explosive receiver in the slot. He's willing to go after contested catches and is a comfortable route-runner, which should make him a quarterback-friendly option early in his career.

He'll have plenty of chances to showcase that throughout minicamp and OTAs.

TE Luke Musgrave

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers' Luke Musgrave runs during an NFL football rookie mini camp practice session Friday, May 5, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Tucker Kraft might have the better season of the two Packers rookie tight ends. He isn't coming off an injury, and he seems to be the better blocker of the two.

However, Luke Musgrave is more likely to shine in OTAs and minicamps.

The Packers drafted Musgrave ahead of Tucker because of his projection and athleticism. The 6'6" 253-pounder played a lot in the slot at Oregon State and is a high-ceiling player as a receiver.

He's going to look great in shorts and a helmet when the focus is more on running routes and catching passes.

"In all, Musgrave's height, athletic tools and baseline blocking skills give him everything he needs to be a weapon. He can succeed as a field-stretching tight end who doesn't have to leave the field on run downs, which gives him access to aggressive play-action concepts to make use of his speed," B/R scout Derrik Klassen wrote of Musgrave before comparing him to New York Giants tight end Darren Waller.

The camp environment should accentuate Musgrave's strengths and afford him the opportunity to mask his areas for growth, which include playing through contact and blocking.

Expect Musgrave to get fans excited to see him in full pads.