Confessions of a Polluted Mindset – Valentine’s Day is Coming.

This is the time of year when you pick “your guys.” Players you think will surprise most people and become bigger contributors than expected. Last week I went with Bo Melton, the de-facto “sleeper” among the Packers WR group. This week, I’m going with Carrington Valentine. Now, you could make the argument a guy that started 12 games last season can’t be a “sleeper.” However, he was thrust into a starting role due to injuries and with first round pick Eric Stokes healthy and returning to the team, most people would assume Stokes will win the starting outside corner role opposite Jaire Alexander. Ironically, like Valentine, Stokes was also thrust into starting role as a rookie due to Jaire Alexander’s injury.

This shapes up to be a camp battle to watch, with the 1st round pick Stokes favored to win the job. I personally feel Valentine will make it very hard for the Packers to keep him on the sideline and at the very least, earn some type of rotation role during games. But I’ll go one further – I think he can win the job outright. His confidence and aggressive nature are a perfect fit for the new defensive attitude that blew into town with the arrival of Jeff Hafley. He’s bigger and stronger and the difference has been noticed by Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ WRs in practice, and Valentine himself.

Also remember that the Packers declined to invoke the fifth year contract option for Stokes even as they already knew he was healthy again. I think Valentine’s Day is coming.

NOTE: After writing this, I listened to Lafleur’s interview from mini-camp and he singled out Valentine as someone who has “stood out” and said “he’s got a really bright future.” So maybe I’m on to something.

The number of Packers players saying how much they like Jeff Hafley, his system, how he coaches and teaches, etc. is striking. They all stop short of saying “it wasn’t like this under Barry,” but we know that’s what they’re saying.

Because three is not enough, the Packers are interested in taking a look-see at 2024 All-UFL kicker Jake Bates. In college, he was just a kickoff specialist but found his placekicking groove in the UFL.This is just Gutey turning over every stone and some other teams are interested as well, so stay tuned on this one.

Tucker Kraft was out of his arm sling today and is progressing as expected.

Jordan Love’s contract is coming soon. Love stated he was optimistic it would get done before the start of training camp. When asked why he was optimistic, Love simply replied, “it’s just what I’ve heard.” Sounds like he’s not too worried about it.

Hoe cool was it that we got Brian Gutekunst to come on Packer Transplants? Big day for CheeseheadTV! 

Just under six weeks until training camp starts (July 22nd) and we do this thing all over again…

Go Pack Go!