The third and final OTA practice open to reporters was held today on Ray Nitschke Field. It was a cool, breezy afternoon highlighted by hot and cold two minute drills and some spectacular catches.
The final team period was a two minute drive and 5th round draft choice Sean Clifford out of Penn State got the first possession with his fellow third stringers. Clifford went right to work, hitting Malik Heath on two fine sideline throws and routes. Another quick hit over the middle had the offense get into the red zone. Clifford missed on a third and three pass from the 8 yard line with :19 left. On 4th down, he went to the right sideline of the end zone where first year free agent Jeff Cotton rose up, plucked the ball and carried out a perfect toe tap for the touchdown. Cotton immediately broke out his “griddy” dance before getting mobbed by his offensive teammates. The former Idaho receiver has appeared in one NFL game since getting signed after the draft in 2020 by the Los Angeles Chargers. He got cut and was picked up by Jacksonville where he spent nearly the entire ’21 season on their practice squad, getting activated for the week 17 game against New England. He would get cut again and spent last season on the Arizona practice squad. Jeff knows full well what the numbers look like after Green Bay drafted three receivers in 2022 and three more this spring. He told me in the locker room after practice he just wants to make the most of any opportunity he gets in Green Bay. Made the most of a good one today.
The starting offense got next in the two minute period and after Jordan Love picked up a couple of first downs, he got greedy. Flushed out of the pocket and on the move to his right, Love admitted after practice he committed the mortal sin, throwing it late and down the middle. The pass hung up in the air toward Christian Watson at the goal line but safety Tarvarius Moore had a much better view of it coming down and easily made the pick. That was the last play of the practice.
During an earlier team period in the red zone, Love looked much better. The chemistry between Love and Romeo Doubs is starting to build. Over the course of the three practices I’ve watched, it appears Love is really focusing on getting the ball to Doubs. A vast majority of his 11 on 11 attempts are directed his way. It paid off handsomely as Love made a terrific toss on a corner fade route in the end zone and despite tight coverage from Innis Gaines, Doubs pulled it in for a touchdown. He made another terrific catch pulling in a low dart from Love who had to throw off balance under pressure. Rookie Carrington Valentine had apparently seen enough. On a subsequent series, the 7th round pick made a couple of physical break ups on balls heading toward Doubs.
Youngsters on the corner have gotten plenty of reps over the last three weeks as Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas have yet to make an appearance. It will likely cost them off-season workout bonuses but unless excused, they’ll be in town for next week’s mandatory mini-camp. The only other player yet to attend is Jonathan Garvin. In the one’s vs one’s 11 on 11 periods, Shemar Jean-Charles and Corey Ballentine opened at cornerback.
Players not taking part while rehabilitating injuries were veterans Rashan Gary, Eric Stokes, Jake Hanson and Dallin Leavitt. Two drafted receivers have missed most of the OTA’s. Head Coach Matt LaFleur said Dontayvion Wicks and Grant Dubose are falling behind.
The Packers announced the 22nd annual Family Night is set for Saturday, August 5 at Lambeau Field. One of the highlights of camp is the practice under the lights complete with pre-practice events on the field and the fireworks show afterwards. Tickets at $10.00 each go on sale June 29. They won’t last long.
