The Green Bay Packers started mandatory minicamp this week after a couple of OTA weeks, and several players emerged as quiet standouts during the offseason program. Rookies earning first-team reps and veterans reclaiming old positions were part of the process, as battles across the roster project an intriguing training camp ahead. These five players may not generate the loudest headlines, but their development matters for Green Bay’s 2026 outlook.

Jager Burton, G/C

The fifth-round rookie arrived with the perception that he would slot in at center, but Burton has been far more versatile than that label suggests. Throughout the offseason program, he has played guard alongside his center work, including reps with the first team during OTAs at right guard and then at left guard during mandatory minicamp, filling in for Aaron Banks.

That versatility across all three interior spots is precisely why the Packers drafted him. Burton played multiple positions along the interior offensive line throughout his college career, and Green Bay values the flexibility he provides. If he continues earning first-team looks, Burton could carve out a meaningful role well before most fifth-round picks typically do.

Lukas Van Ness, EDGE

The former first-round pick had a strong showing in Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp practice, beating offensive tackle Jordan Morgan and making an impact on several plays. Green Bay needs Van Ness to be a dominant presence on the edge because Micah Parsons is expected to miss the first few games of the regular season.

That makes Van Ness the primary edge rusher to open the year. Even after Parsons returns to the lineup, the Packers need more production from complementary defenders upfront to sustain a consistent pass rush across an entire season. Van Ness delivering on his draft pedigree would change the math for the entire defense.

MarShawn Lloyd, RB

The story with Lloyd has always been about health rather than talent. He missed most of his first two seasons in the NFL, sitting out 35 of a potential 36 games because of multiple injuries. As both Lloyd and coach Matt LaFleur have acknowledged, the priority is proving he can stay on the field.

So far, the signs are encouraging. Lloyd has been healthy throughout the offseason program and looked explosive in practice. With a clear path to the backup running back job behind Josh Jacobs, Lloyd’s availability alone represents progress. If he stays healthy through training camp, he could lock down a role that has been waiting for him since he was drafted.

Bo Melton, WR

Melton is back at wide receiver after spending last season listed as a cornerback. Green Bay moved him to the defensive side during training camp in 2025, but even though he appeared on the depth chart at corner, he never actually played defense. His snaps came mostly on special teams with some work at receiver mixed in.

The Packers brought him back to the wide receiver room this offseason, and that is where he will stay. Melton is competing for a 53-man roster spot against several young players, but his special teams value and offensive versatility give him an edge. He has been productive in practice on offense, and he starts the summer as a player favored to make the final roster.

Chris McLellan, DT

The third-round pick cost the Packers extra draft capital to acquire via a trade up, and early returns suggest the investment was worthwhile. McLellan has practiced extensively with the first-team defense, taking snaps at both nose tackle and as a defensive tackle/defensive end in the 3-4 formation.

The increased usage of three interior defensive linemen is a scheme shift under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who favors more bodies on the interior with fewer off-ball linebackers on the field compared to the Jeff Hafley era. That schematic change has generated more opportunities for McLellan. Whether he earns a starting job or settles into a rotational role, the rookie is positioned to make a significant impact at a position Green Bay prioritized this offseason.