ESPN Names 2022 Offseason Standout Players

Let’s take a look at the rest of the NFC North’s surprise standouts, shall we?

Courtney Cronin tabbed Bears tackle Braxton Jones, saying the fifth-round pick “quickly emerged with the first-team offensive line at left tackle during spring practices and supplanted Teven Jenkins, who moved to right tackle with the second-team unit.

Jones admitted he was “a little bit surprised” he was competing with the 1s this early but understands the importance of the reps he has gotten, which have helped him create a pre-snap process, learn different cadences and move faster.

In Detroit, Eric Woodyard spotlighted wide receiver Trinity Benson.

After last season, Benson approached [Head Coach] Dan Campbell directly during his exit meeting to ask for advice on how to come back better. So far, he has taken all of that advice as Campbell praised him during minicamp as one of the guys who is “having a hell of a spring.” Benson has learned the playbook and elevated his confidence by adding speed to his skill set. He’ll still have fight for a spot among a competitive receiving corps that has added talent.

And finally, Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky said outside linebacker Rashan Gary has garnered lots of well-deserved attention.

In an offseason in which the Packers did almost no full-speed 11-on-11 work, no one was given much of an opportunity to stand out. Gary, however, had as good a spring as anyone. He looked lean and muscular coming off a career-best season with 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits. And he was one of the few starters who stuck around through the end of OTAs, saying, “I’m just here trying to get better.”