Green Bay Packers: 5 Players who impressed at OTAs, minicamp
By Joe Kipp
5. ILB Oren Burks
After struggling for much of his rookie season in 2018, inside linebacker Oren Burks looks headed for a big leap in his sophomore year in the NFL. In fact, fellow linebacker Blake Martinez took notice this offseason. Martinez says Burks has been one of the most improved players on the entire defense during OTAs and minicamp, which should carry on through training camp.
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"“It’s going to keep growing from there. Once we get the pads on, those plays will become reality. It won’t be projected anymore. I think he’ll show up,” Martinez said, via Packers.com."
Burks is one of the most athletic players on the entire Packers roster and could probably play safety if he really had to. His biggest weakness last year was shedding blockers in the running game, which may be due to a combination of lack of experience and overall strength.
With an offseason of NFL weight training and conditioning under his belt, Burks appears to be bigger and faster than ever. If the game starts to slow down for him, much like it does for many second- and third-year players, Martinez could be right; Burks may be the defense’s most improved player in 2019.