Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is currently concentrating on transitioning to a new position this offseason, setting aside ongoing contract negotiations for the time being. Jenkins expressed confidence in his abilities and dedication to improving the offensive line’s chemistry as he adapts to this shift.
Jenkins spoke candidly about the conversations between his agent and the Packers front office, emphasizing his priority on performance over finances right now.
“They had a conversation, and obviously the conversation was going on for a long period of time,”
Jenkins said.
“But right now where we’re at is focusing on the being the best player I can be. Been playing this game for 20-some years, seven years in the league. I’m very confident in my ability and what I can do. The financial side, I know that’s going to come. Right now, it’s just how can we build chemistry within the O-line to get better and as an offense.”
—Elgton Jenkins, Packers OL
While Jenkins is committed to proving himself in his new position, he also acknowledged some initial adjustment challenges during practice.
“There was definitely some rust that had to be knocked off,”
he said about his early days in the new role.
“I’m about to get the ins and outs of things, but I played it in college, got drafted here as a center. It’s not going to be anything different. I played it last year, played it a couple games early in my career, so it’s not going to be nothing crazy, and I feel like I’ll be a great center in this league.”
—Elgton Jenkins, Packers OL
Jenkins Sees Potential for Greater Success at Center
Jenkins has long considered a move to center later in his career, believing the transition will unlock even greater achievements. He is optimistic about the possibilities this change offers, aiming for recognition such as All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections.
According to reports, Jenkins informed the Packers last year of his preference to return to his college position at center, believing it would allow the team to field its best possible offensive line configuration. Jenkins shared a confident outlook on his potential at the position:
“I feel like the sky’s the limit, honestly. I can be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl. Same guy. Probably even better, honestly.”
—Ryan Wood, reporter
Strategic Testing of Rookies Shapes Bears’ Offensive Development
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams is undergoing rigorous testing in training camp under head coach Ben Johnson, who is challenging the rookie with complex scenarios early on to evaluate his capabilities. Johnson remains optimistic about Williams’ talent despite some early shortcomings typical of a first-year player.
“I saw a guy with immense potential. Every week he made throws that made you drop your jaw a little bit. Hell, I experienced it when I was standing on the sideline when he played against us,”
Johnson said.
“But what you also see is a lack of anticipation at times, which — that comes with reps — you gotta do things over and over again. That’s not abnormal for a rookie quarterback.”
—Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach
Johnson also noted areas requiring improvement, including presnap awareness and the ability to manage shifts and motions effectively. He added,
“There were times when his eyes weren’t quite in the right spot. Even though I hadn’t been in the building, you kind of know where he should be looking and it wasn’t that way. That’s where we’ve been pretty hard on him since we’ve been in the building.”
—Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach
Bears General Manager Ryan Poles elaborated on the team’s approach, indicating the staff is deliberately pushing Williams to absorb the complexities of their system at the line of scrimmage.
“Right now, Ben’s just testing to see, how much can I give this kid, what is the retention level, how much in the presnap operation can he handle in terms of the motions and making those calls at the line of scrimmage, the protections,”
Poles explained.
“Going back to last year, there’s some things he never did in college that’s a part of this game, that a lot of rookies have to go through. There’s a lot of verbiage, a lot of things at the line of scrimmage. It’s just getting those things down. This is a different system, but I’ve seen a huge improvement from last year to this year just in terms of the operation. Ben’s system, there’s a lot there. So I think it’s just overload him now, figure out what he can do, and go from there. And then build it year after year after year.”
—Ryan Poles, Bears General Manager
Veteran Guidance and Work Ethic Highlight Lions’ Coaching Support
The Detroit Lions benefit from the presence of former NFL coach Jon Gruden during their training camp, particularly in supporting offensive coordinator John Morton. Morton, a former Packers wide receiver under Gruden’s coaching, is reportedly leveraging that relationship to refine his coaching methods.
Gruden praised Morton’s dedication and energy:
“That’s what this business is all about, I had a lot of people help me,”
Gruden said.
“If he benefited by being around me a little bit I’m happy to hear it. He is a hard-working guy. For all the Detroit fans, what you don’t see is the work ethic. This guy is nuts. People thought I was nuts, this guy is nuts. He loves it, he’s a creative guy, he’s a great competitor. I can’t wait to see the Lions open the season.”
—Jon Gruden, Former NFL Coach
Vikings Bolster Running Back Corps With Dynamic Duo
The Minnesota Vikings have strengthened their running game by adding Jordan Mason to complement veteran Aaron Jones, following Mason’s trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed enthusiasm for the pairing, emphasizing the diverse skill sets both backs bring.
“We’ve got truly a combination that will cause a lot of problems,”
O’Connell said.
“Between having two great backs that are different body types, maybe different skill sets. But they’re complete backs. … There’s a lot of things schematically that we’re going to try. And then, as we get towards the season, what gives us advantages?”
—Kevin O’Connell, Vikings Head Coach
Aaron Jones echoed the collaborative spirit, affirming his willingness to support Mason and share snaps to elevate both players’ performances.
“I’m going to be his biggest cheerleader,”
Jones said.
“And I’m used to splitting snaps. When you do split snaps, it raises both guys’ games. It’s like, you see him do good and you hype him up, and then you’re like, ‘All right bro, watch what I do now.’ Or he’ll tell you, ‘Hey, now it’s your turn.’ I really don’t have a worry. Whoever’s number is called will be ready. I’m not a selfish player. So whatever it looks like, it looks like. As long as we come out with the victory, I’m happy. I’m chasing rings. I’m not really chasing stats.”
—Aaron Jones, Vikings RB
Potential Defensive Line Addition Discussed for Vikings
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was asked about the possibility of adding defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, with whom he worked previously in Miami. Flores indicated that while he has strong ties with Wilkins, personnel decisions are primarily handled by the general manager and staff.
“I have a lot of history with Christian. I kind of let Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah] and his staff handle that side. We’ve got a group we feel pretty good about D-line wise, but I don’t ‘mind adding more. But I let those guys handle that.”
—Brian Flores, Vikings Defensive Coordinator