GREEN BAY – With the Packers opening three of their OTA workouts to the public and media over the next three weeks – on May 21, May 29 and June 4 – here's a handful of things to keep an eye on as the offseason program rolls on.
1. Where are the new additions lining up on the offensive line?
Billy Turner was signed in free agency presumably to step into the open starting spot at right guard, but the Packers have been noncommittal about his position to this point. Second-round draft pick Elgton Jenkins played center his last two years in college, but the Packers have said they're going to look at him first at guard, which could mean a competition brewing with Lane Taylor. Last year's fifth-round pick, Cole Madison, is back after a year off and looking to see where he fits best.
2. Is Darnell Savage running with the No. 1 defense from the get-go?
Different coaching staffs have different approaches to these situations. It would appear Savage is in line to step in as an immediate rookie starter at safety opposite free-agent acquisition Adrian Amos. But will he have that spot from Day 1? Or will he work his way up more gradually as a late arrival to the offseason program, as all rookies are?
3. Is there an early read on the pecking order at wide receiver?
Last year, Geronimo Allison started the offseason as the No. 3 receiver and never let go of the spot. It appears the same for him with the No. 2 role this year, but then who's making the strongest first impression for No. 3? The three draft picks from last year are all candidates, but not the only ones.
4. How are the QB reps being divvied up?
Rodgers will get his share in 11-on-11 work, obviously, but how it breaks down for the rest of the QBs is less certain. DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle could be competing all spring and summer for the No. 2 job, and now undrafted rookie Manny Wilkins is in the mix, too. It can be difficult for a fourth QB to get much action in full team reps, so he'll have to make the most of any snaps.
5. In the end, don't read too much into anything.
All this said, OTAs are just that, OTAs. It's not full-contact work, and they're voluntary, so not everyone will be there every day. They give an idea of how some of the above topics will set up for training camp, but that's about it.
