Grant DuBose’s production as a receiver jumped off the box score from the Green Bay Packers’ preseason win over the Cleveland Browns, but it was his blocking that really put a bow on the standout performance.
DuBose caught five passes for 67 yards, including a conversion on fourth down and an explosive gain in the two-minute situation. He also won several reps as a blocker.
“Grant had a really good game the other day,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Monday. “Obviously he made some pretty clutch catches, but his effort blocking was excellent as well. I was really pleased with him. He had a really good game.”
DuBose, a 2023 seventh-round pick, is fighting to make the roster as the fifth or sixth receiver. Catching the football is always important for a receiver, but effort and execution as a blocker will put him over the top in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
According to passing game coordinator Jason Vrable, LaFleur showed a few of DuBose’s reps as a blocker vs. the Browns during a recent team meeting.
“There were a couple of blocks in that game if you watch the All-22 where he was putting DBs on the ground and finishing his blocks, so it was exciting to see that,” Vrable said, via Packers.com. “Matt showed a couple to the team about this is the effort and standard that it takes to win and play here.”
DuBose had key blocks both on the perimeter in front of the quick screen game and inside as an additional run blocker. On a jet sweep, DuBose’s prolonged block on the outside allowed Bo Melton to gather a fumble and gain positive yards. On Emanuel Wilson’s 5-yard touchdown run, DuBose motioned into an off-set position and delivered a block that helped clear Wilson’s way.
“He’s always had that physical mentality,” Vrable said. “If you ever knew about his backstory, where he came from, he has a chip on his shoulder, he plays that way all the time. He has a good frame on him, he uses his hands and plays with good technique.”
More about his backstory: College interest was lacking, so DuBose went to Division II Miles College out of high school. After the 2020 season at Miles was cancelled due to COVID-19, DuBose decided to transfer. He attended a tryout for Charlotte and made the team. Two years later, he left for the NFL after becoming one of the most productive receivers in school history.
Now, DuBose is back to fighting his way back onto the field. As a rookie, he missed most of the offseason and part of training camp while recovering from a back injury. The missed time meant missing out on the 53-man roster and spending his entire rookie season on the practice squad. He’s healthy to start Year 2 and ready to win a roster spot.
Big plays like the fourth down catch and toe-drag sideline catch will help that cause. So will winning with effort as a blocker. In the midst of a breakout summer campaign, DuBose looks well on his way to making the Packers roster.