Practice Report: Jaire Alexander Shines on Day 1 of Packers Camp, Joined by Young Standouts in High-Intensity Opening Practice Session.

The Green Bay Packers officially opened 2025 training camp this week, and all eyes were on star cornerback Jaire Alexander. True to form, the veteran defensive back delivered a standout performance on Day 1 that energized fans, coaches, and teammates alike. The former All-Pro looked every bit the elite shutdown corner that the Packers will rely on as they attempt to make a serious push in the NFC North.

But Alexander wasn’t the only player making noise in the early going. Young talents—both rookies and rising second-year players—also turned heads during a high-energy session filled with competition, crisp execution, and intensity that set the tone for the weeks to come.

Here’s a full breakdown of what happened at Ray Nitschke Field on Day 1 of training camp.

Jaire Alexander Looks Locked In

Coming off a 2024 season that saw flashes of brilliance and a few injury setbacks, Alexander entered camp fully healthy and laser-focused. Early in team drills, he blanketed the Packers’ top wideout Christian Watson on two consecutive reps, breaking up one pass and nearly picking off another. His footwork was sharp, his confidence undeniable.

Position coach Greg Williams couldn’t stop praising the seventh-year pro.

“Jaire came in with a purpose. He’s leading by example—talking when needed, but mostly just showing guys what elite looks like.”

With Alexander leading the secondary and young safeties like Anthony Johnson Jr. stepping into bigger roles, the Packers’ defensive backfield could be one of the more underrated units in the NFL this year.

Jordan Love Begins Season as the Guy

Jordan Love opened his second season as the full-time starter with a solid showing. While the defense won most of the early reps in 7-on-7 drills, Love’s rhythm improved as practice wore on. He delivered a beautiful 30-yard strike to Romeo Doubs during a red zone period and showed command in his audibles and checks.

Love’s offseason training with several receivers in California seems to have improved his timing with young pass-catchers like Jayden Reed and rookie Luke Musgrave.

“He’s playing faster,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “And the confidence he’s showing with his reads is something that has really grown since last year.”

Rookie WR Javon Baker Impresses Early

Fourth-round rookie Javon Baker wasted no time making an impression on the coaching staff and his quarterback. The UCF product showcased crisp route running and soft hands during individual drills, then hauled in a contested catch on a slant route that drew loud cheers from the offensive sideline.

While the Packers are deep at wide receiver with Watson, Doubs, and Reed, Baker’s early chemistry with Love could earn him rotational snaps and even a role in special offensive packages.

“Javon plays with juice. He’s physical, he competes, and he’s not intimidated,” said head coach Matt LaFleur.

Standout Rookie on Defense: Edgerrin Cooper

The Packers’ second-round pick out of Texas A&M, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, looked like a natural fit in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s revamped scheme. Cooper’s speed popped during 11-on-11 work, where he flowed downhill to stop a run in the backfield and later blanketed tight end Tucker Kraft in coverage.

Green Bay hasn’t had consistent sideline-to-sideline speed at linebacker in years, but Cooper could finally change that.

“We drafted Edgerrin to be a difference-maker,” Hafley said. “He’s instinctual, fast, and he doesn’t shy away from contact. You saw that today.”

O-Line Battles Worth Watching

With longtime anchor David Bakhtiari no longer on the roster, all eyes were on the Packers’ offensive line shuffle. Rasheed Walker worked at left tackle with the first team, while Zach Tom manned right tackle. Rookie Jordan Morgan rotated in at guard and tackle, showing flashes but also committing a false start.

It’s clear the Packers are experimenting with different combinations, but the goal remains the same: protect Jordan Love and establish a run game.

Veteran RB Josh Jacobs Makes Quiet but Strong Debut

All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, who joined the Packers in free agency this offseason, looked smooth in his first official practice with the team. He didn’t take many reps, but the ones he did showed his vision and burst are still elite. Coaches are being cautious with his workload, knowing he’ll be a workhorse when the regular season arrives.

“Josh is a pro. He knows how to pace himself while still getting meaningful work,” said running backs coach Ben Sirmans.

Jacobs’ presence should help balance the offense and ease the pressure on Love.

Defensive Front Looks Ferocious

The Packers’ defensive line made life difficult for the offense in short-yardage drills. Devonte Wyatt recorded a would-be sack during 11-on-11, and second-year edge rusher Lukas Van Ness looked more polished with his hand usage.

Perhaps the most exciting sign? First-round pick Jer’Zhan Newton, returning from a pre-draft foot injury, took part in limited reps and showed flashes of why he was one of the most disruptive defenders in college football.

Special Teams Update

Kicker Anders Carlson had an up-and-down day, converting 5-of-7 field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder. His misses came from the right hash, raising some concern given last year’s inconsistency. Rookie punter James Burnip impressed with directional kicks and hang time.

What’s Next?

The Packers will continue with non-padded practices for the next two days before putting on the pads later this week. LaFleur emphasized the importance of stacking good days and keeping a competitive but controlled atmosphere.

“We had a great start. But that’s what it is—a start,” LaFleur said. “The energy was where we needed it, but now we have to keep building.”

Day 1 of Packers training camp provided a mix of expected dominance and pleasant surprises. Jaire Alexander is back and looking like an All-Pro. Jordan Love appears more settled in his leadership role. Rookies like Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Baker could end up being major contributors.

With plenty of position battles ahead, this camp promises to be one of the most pivotal in recent Packers memory. And if the energy and competition from Day 1 are any indication, Green Bay could be on the verge of something special in 2025.

Stay tuned for more practice reports, injury updates, and breakout alerts as the Packers march toward their preseason opener.