The Packers proved on Monday that they aren’t content.
And I love that.
The Packers sent a seventh round pick to Tennessee for Malik Willis, who was drafted in the third round of 2022.
What does that mean? First it means that Sean Clifford is average at best. It means that the Packers got a little too excited by using a fifth round pick on the Penn State quarterback. He isn’t dynamic and his decision making needs a lot of work entering his second season.
The Packers are a team of developmental gurus. Their practice field is like a garden, because they just like to watch prospects grow. But Clifford hasn’t grown much since his rookie year and the Packers wanted to see more out of a potential backup.
Secondly, it means that the Packers are likely going to stash Michael Pratt on the practice squad. He flashed plenty of athleticism, but his inconsistency was why he won’t be a lock to be scooped up by another team.
A backup quarterback has a tough job. That person is always the opposing team’s quarterback in practice. They are supposed to torment the first team defense. Remember when Aaron Rodgers took so much pride in being an All-Universe practice player? That’s the omnipresent mindset that a backup has to maintain. Then after all that, that person needs to be able to come into a game and keep the offense rolling. The backup needs to be able to come into a game and still be productive. More importantly, that person needs to have the trust of the rest of the team.
Obviously, the toughest thing for Willis is that the preseason is over. His time is now very limited to form a bond with his offensive line and pass catchers. But now he just has to learn and continue to get better.
The Packers will have a backup that started three games in his career. Granted, he threw for less than 100 yards in each of those games and threw three picks, but having a guy that has actual starting experience as a backup is huge.
Put it this way, the Packers got better. And with a team that’s on the doorstep of being great, you want to keep ascending.
And with a team as good as this one, that’s really all you can ask for. I give credit to general manager Brian Gutekunst for being willing to part with a mistake and also for trying to fix it as soon as possible.
A seventh round pick is a small price to pay if Willis has to hold down the fort for a game or two.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on “Clubhouse Live” and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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