Green Bay Packers players with most to prove in 2020 training camp
By Joe Kipp
4. Oren Burks, ILB
The Packers invested a third-round draft choice in Oren Burks back in 2018, but he has yet to show much promise. Even with the Packers lack of depth at inside linebacker last season, Burks barely saw the field, save for special teams duties; he has just 35 tackles in two seasons.
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One thing Burks has going for him at the moment is the fact that he’s not entering his first year with Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator. With a shortened training camp due to complications from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, some players may find it more difficult to adjust, especially players on new teams.
The good news for Burks is that he opened the first day of training camp as the other starting linebacker alongside Christian Kirksey in Green Bay’s base personnel defense. Of course, things could change rapidly, especially since it was only the first day, but Burks still could take a big leap forward.
The Packers need someone behind Kirskey to be a consistent backup. Blake Martinez departed for the New York Giants this past offseason. Kirksey was signed to a two-year deal and figures to be the team’s play-caller in the middle. It’s possible Burks could be a potential cut candidate if he doesn’t show major improvement during training camp.