Kevin King missed all of OTAs because of the NFL graduation rule. He finally got on the field for the final phase of the offseason program, working on fundamentals and learning the Packers’ way of doing things. He was held out of team periods to avoid injury. That being said, King is expected to be an important part of the Packers’ secondary in 2017. Josh Jones has impressed the Packers during OTAs with his intensity and effort in the non-padded practices. Jones was flying all over the field at both safety and linebacker. He closed well on the ball and was in on several pass breakups. Green Bay plans on having more than two safeties on the field in 2017 and Jones is in the conversation. Montravius Adams hadn’t signed his rookie contract as of press time but has still participated in rookie mini-camp and OTAs. Adams will compete for the starting nose tackle job because of his size, athletic ability, quickness, and explosiveness. He can be a factor in any front or scheme. Vince Biegel suffered a hand injury his first NFL practice, then underwent foot surgery that was related to his foot injury at Wisconsin. Biegel missed all of OTAs and mandatory mini-camp. He may start the season on PUP. The Packers were counting on Biegel to contribute to their pass rush after the loss of Julius Peppers and Datone Jones. Jamaal Williams left BYU as the Cougars’ all-time leading rusher and with Eddie Lacy and James Starks gone, the inside slasher has a chance to back up starter Ty Montgomery. Williams has a leg up on a lot of rookies by playing in former Packers’ Ty Detmer’s BYU offensive scheme. Breaks short yardage and goal-line tackles. Has good hands. DeAngelo Yancey impressed the Packers during OTAs with his confidence, size, and hand strength. His faster than advertised speed didn’t hurt him either. He is working on his hand placement in camp and his release versus press coverage. He has future starter talent. Aaron Jones was the all-time leading rusher at UTEP and will compete for a backup role. Jones ran between the tackles well and had some long runs at a lower level of competition. He has soft hands, runs good routes, and is shifty in the open field. Quicker than fast, Jones will have to hold up as a blocker to make the 53-man roster. Kofi Amichia received reps at guard, center, and left tackle in camp. He will be in the competition to fill in for the departed TJ Lang. His value to the Packers will be his ability to back up three positions. Running back Devante Mays had a strong junior year for the Aggies after transferring from two years in junior college. As a senior he was not healthy for the six games he played. Pro day numbers: 5103, 230, 4.53/40, 22/BP, 40.5/VJ, 10-9/BJ, 4.53/SS, and 7.43/3 cone. Malachi Dupre was more of a track guy playing receiver at LSU, but his athletic ability is undeniable. The former big time high school recruit has shown flashes in camp. The Packers develop at least one rookie wide receiver every year and Dupre may be the guy in 2017. He has untapped potential as a receiver but will need to upgrade his blocking skills to get on the field. GRADE: GOOD.
FREE AGENCY: General Manager Ted Thompson annually takes care of his own, but this year signed former Patriot Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks to shore up a weak tight end position. Former Packer cornerback Davon House was brought back. Veteran Jahri Evans will compete for TJ Lang’s vacant right guard position. Others added were Ricky Jean-Francois (DT) and current Packers Jay Elliott (OB), Don Barclay (RG), and Jordan Tripp (IB).
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: Adam Pankey (West Virginia) OG, Cody Heiman (Washburn) IB, Lenzy Pipkins (Oklahoma State) CB, Taysom Hill (BYU) QB, and Justin Vogel (Miami) PT.
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