3 Packers rookies turning heads immediately at training camp
These Packers rookies are making a big impression right away at training camp and could be carving out a legitimate role for Green Bay in 2023.
The plot thickens at Green Bay Packers training camp as we start to wrap up the second week of practices. We’re seeing shuffling on the offensive line, Jordan Love and the offense start to take a more palatable form, and positive signs from a defense that desperately needs to take a step forward.
For the most part, the Packers veterans are getting plenty of headlines throughout training camp to this point. But what about the newcomers, the Packers rookies not only trying to earn their way onto the 53-man roster, but who are trying to carve out roles on either side of the ball?
While some players like Lukas Van Ness already have an obvious role and while some players have been solid but perhaps unspectacular, let’s take a look at three Packers rookies who are making a strong impression so far at training camp and could play a sizable role for Green Bay in the 2023 season.
Packers training camp: 3 rookies turning heads immediately in Green Bay
3. Luke Musgrave, TE
While Packers fans were sure to bemoan the fact that Brian Gutekunst, yet again, neglected to take a skill position player in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he made up for it on Day 2 by effectively limiting his draft pool to skill position players.
Former Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave was one of the big gets in that capacity, coming off of the board with the 42nd overall pick early in the second round. Though injuries limited him in his college career, the tape and his testing at the NFL Combine at 6-foot-6, 253 pounds (4.61-second 40, 36-inch vertical jump) made him a coveted prospect with major upside.
It’s taken under two weeks with Green Bay for Musgrave to show off the dangerous weapon he can be in the passing game.
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic (subscription required) highlighted Musgrave as a standout in passing drills, particularly one-on-ones, as a matchup nightmare. The Packers beat writer highlighted an impressive contested catch against veteran safety Darnell Savage as one big moment to note, but he has consistently been a problem with his combination of size and speed.
As of now, Musgrave could be the top tight end on the depth chart. He’s still coming along as a blocker, which was to be expected, but his pass-catching talent and athletic traits make him a weapon that could be highly valuable for Jordan Love’s development, particularly in the red zone. Look for him to continue impressing and start Week 1 with the first-team offense.