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- Mar 19, 2019
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3. The Packers like what they see in Kamal Martin.
The Packers' 2020 rookie class has made its presence felt in first week of training camp, whether it's second-day draftees such as AJ Dillon and Josiah Deguara or even third-day prospects Vernon Scott and Martin.
On Friday, inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti praised Martin for not only how quickly the rookie fifth-rounder picked up the playbook during the virtual offseason program but also how he's taken it "from a computer screen to the field."
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound inside linebacker has made a positive first impression on LaFleur, as well.
"The first thing that jumps out is he's a long, athletic guy," LaFleur said. "He's very intelligent, he works hard at it. It's going to come down to getting those reps and feeling comfortable in there and knowing what to do so he can go showcase that athleticism on Sundays."
4. The head coach still has a solid hard count.
With his Achilles tendon fully recovered, LaFleur has been stepping into drills with the defense this summer. On Saturday, he served as the quarterback in the one-on-one period between the offensive line and defensive front.
The former Saginaw Valley State QB wasn't shy about using the hard count, either, drawing a few defenders offside during the 10-minute period. And it wasn't to show off.
"Our guys on the defensive side of the ball got to get used to that hard count, and I know they're going against one of the best in the business (Rodgers), that can draw them offsides," LaFleur said, commenting on some of the sloppy moments in practice. "Conversely, on the offensive side of the ball, we had a couple fumbled snaps, and that's the stuff that can get you beat."
5. The Packers are entering perhaps their longest stretch of camp.
With no preseason games breaking up training camp this year, Saturday's 1-hour, 25-minute practice began a stretch of eight practices in nine days for the Packers.
Green Bay is scheduled to practice four days in a row (with Tuesday's practice to be held inside Lambeau Field) before an off day for players on Wednesday. They'll then return to the field Thursday for four more consecutive practices, finishing the stretch with a third trip inside Lambeau next Sunday.
"Anytime you're stringing together four days of practice, you'd better be mindful of what you're asking your guys to do," LaFleur said. "Certainly we know we're at our best when we have everybody healthy and fresh. This week is going to be a little bit of a grind on our guys and then we'll adjust accordingly as we move forward."
Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams returned to practice Saturday after sustaining a lower-body injury Wednesday. Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith, tackle Rick Wagner and defensive tackle Montravius Adams attended practice but did not participate.