It could be easy to lose track of a seventh-round pick, especially one at a position loaded with veterans, in a 13-player draft class, but Green Bay Packers rookie cornerback Carrington Valentine is making sure he’s not a forgotten man to open training camp.
The rookie jumped a pass from Danny Etling during an 11-on-11 team drill on Monday and likely would have scored a defensive touchdown in an actual game scenario.
On the play, Carrington diagnosed the route concept, sat on the flat route and made a perfect break for the ball when Etling, who made an errant throw, tried to hit rookie Malik Heath.
Consistency is the name of the game in the NFL, and rookies are often the most inconsistent players, but “wow” moments can even the playing field. Through the first week of practices, Valentine looks like he belongs.
“Good length, can see his athleticism on the field. Comfortable being on his own in man coverage,” Packers Wire contributor Paul Bretl said.
The 232nd overall pick, Valentine has been the second-team boundary cornerback throughout training camp, per Bretl. He’s behind Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Keisean Nixon, but the rookie is well on his way to earning a 53-man roster spot as a backup at a premium position.
Valentine looks like one of the “must watch” players of the preseason. He should play a ton of snaps over the three games. Can the seventh-round pick keep makes plays and showcasing sticky coverage when the lights come on?