Grant DuBose’s production at wide receiver was evident in the stats of the Green Bay Packers’ preseason win over the Cleveland Browns, but it was his blocking that truly highlighted this standout performance.
DuBose caught five passes for 67 yards, including a fourth-down conversion and an explosive gain in a two-minute situation. He also won several reps as a blocker.
“Grant had a really good game last time,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Monday. “Obviously he made some really key catches, but his blocking effort was also excellent. I was really pleased with him. He had a really good game.”
DuBose, a seventh-round pick in 2023, is fighting for a spot on the roster as a fifth or sixth quarterback. Catching the ball is always essential for a quarterback, but his effort and execution as a blocker will give him an edge in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
According to passing game coordinator Jason Vrable, LaFleur showed off some of DuBose’s plays as a blocker against the Browns during a recent team meeting.
“If you watch All-22, there were a couple of blocks in that game where he was putting defenders on the ground and finishing blocks, so it was exciting to see that,” Vrable said. via Packers.com“Matt showed a few guys on the team what it takes to win and play here.”
DuBose had key blocks both on the perimeter against a fast-paced screen play and inside as an additional run blocker. On the jet sweep, DuBose’s extended block to the outside allowed Bo Melton to collect a fumble and gain positive yards. On Emanuel Wilson’s 5-yard touchdown run, DuBose gestured to an offset position and made a block that helped clear the path for Wilson.
“He’s always had that physical mentality,” Vrable said. “If you ever knew about his background, where he came from, he has something to say, he plays that way all the time. He’s got a good physique, he uses his hands and he plays with good technique.”
More on his story: Lacking interest in college, DuBose went to Division II Miles College after high school. After Miles’ 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, DuBose decided to transfer. He tried out for Charlotte and made the team. Two years later, he left for the NFL, becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in school history.
Now, DuBose is back in the hunt for a return to the field. As a rookie, he missed most of the offseason and part of training camp while recovering from a back injury. The missed time meant he wasn’t named to the 53-man roster and spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad. He’s hearty for his sophomore year and ready to earn a spot on the roster.
Big plays like the fourth-down catch and the toe-drag catch will support that cause. As will winning with effort as a blocker. Coming off a breakout summer campaign, DuBose looks to be on track to make the Packers’ roster.
