5 things learned at Packers training camp – July 25

GREEN BAY – The third practice of training camp took place Friday at Ray Nitschke Field ahead of an off day Saturday.

Here are five things learned from the workout.

1. LB Edgerrin Cooper hasn’t completely given up his favorite snack.

In putting on 10-12 pounds of lean muscle mass this offseason, the now 240-pound Cooper focused on both his diet and training heading into Year 2.

The hardest of the “bad foods” he had to give up?

“Nutter butters,” Cooper said. “I still sneak one in every now and then. Can’t change the routine too much.”

All joking aside, last year’s second-round pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate (he finished sixth in the voting despite missing three games) quickly developed into a formidable threat in coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme, and a lot of expectations have been piled upon him for 2025.

He’s doing his best to shove those aside and just focus on his game. He does notice a difference with the extra muscle he added.

“I’m stronger. I feel I’m able to hold my ground more,” he said. “Just those things I wish I had last year.

“Still same speed. I feel like I’m still moving around. I’m just ready to get after it.”

2. CB Carrington Valentine and WR Dontayvion Wicks made the plays of the day.

Valentine snagged his second interception in as many days against No. 2 QB Malik Willis, this one coming when WR Julian Hicks fell down on a stutter-go amidst contact at the line of scrimmage. Valentine ran under Willis’ lob and made the play.

He nearly had his third interception in the last two practices on a contested ball against rookie receiver Matthew Golden, who was running either an out or a comeback route. Neither player could come away with it.

“For me, I’ve always got the mindset to make those type of catches, so I feel like I should’ve came down with it,” Golden said.

Good play by Valentine, though?

“I’d definitely say good play, yeah.”

Valentine has been shifting back and forth between the No. 1 and 2 defenses based on the coverage packages. The primary nickel group with the first defense has featured CBs Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs outside, with S Javon Bullard in the slot. Valentine has rotated into that mix.

But when he’s with the second unit, he hasn’t changed his approach at all.

“I mean, he just plays aggressive,” receiver Jayden Reed said….