GREEN BAY, Wis. — One thing you notice immediately when you watch a Packers Organized Team Activities (OTA) practice. There are currently three kickers the Packers are looking at.
Incumbent Anders Carlson missed an NFL-high 13 kicks last season as a rookie. He had five straight games and 10 out of 12 with a missed kick. His made field goal percentage of almost 82% was 26th in the NFL. His 87% for extra points was last in the league.
In the 40-49 yard field goal range where kickers have to be consistent, Carlson was less than 50%. He was four for nine on the season in that range, connecting on just one of his last four.
As a result, the Packers have brought in some competition for Carlson. For now, its former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph and former Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny.
Carlson is pragmatic about kicking to keep his job. “There’s competition, no matter whether you see it or not,” said Carlson. “So, it’s all about competing every day, whether it’s in this locker room or not, and just embracing the journey and enjoying it as well.”
There’s also competition on the Packers offensive line. Both tackles and one of the starting guard spots are up for grabs. Rasheed Walker was at left tackle down the stretch last season and now David Bakhtiari is no longer on the roster. Right guard Jon Runyan signed with the Giants in free agency. Zach Tom has shown his versatility and ability, but is currently dealing with a pectoral muscle injury. Sean Rhyan is vying for a starting guard spot. For now, first round draft pick Jordan Morgan is seeing time at both left tackle and right tackle.
“I mean, everybody’s friendly, everybody’s nice,” said Morgan.”It feels like a family here.”
“For starters, I feel like I learned a lot from playing a lot last year,” said Walker. “Just from a game experience, that I feel like is needed in player development.”
“Guys play everywhere here,” offered Rhyan. “You’re not just going to be a right guard, left guard, left tackle.”
Meanwhile, no one questions the talent of Packers wide receiver Christian Watson. It’s staying healthy that’s the challenge, especially for a hamstring issue.
“I’m just trying to stay in the best spot, mentally and physically, each and every day,” said Watson. “I’ve been feeling really good. I got to continue to continue to build on that, get that strength up and just keep on going.”
Watson spent some time in Madison during the offseason, meeting with medical officials there about preventing injuries.