Training camp in 2024 is nothing like it was a generation or two ago.

Two-a-day practices have gone the way of the horse and buggy. The Green Bay Packers have just 16 practices, roughly one-third of what they had at the turn of the century.

Teams play just three preseason games now, half the number that they did in the days of Lombardi, Starr and Hornung.

So that means most teams know how the overwhelming majority of their 53-man roster — and how most starting positions — will look. There are fewer and fewer surprises every year.

As the Packers begin training camp, though, there are a few key positional battles that remain. Here are the top five.

KICKER

All eyes will be on second-year man Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph over the next month.

Carlson, a sixth round draft pick in 2023, finished his rookie season 29-of-36 on field goals (80.6%) and 41-of-47 on extra points (87.2%).

Carlson missed more extra points (six) and total kicks (13) than anyone in football in 2023. He also missed at least one kick in his final five games and 10 of his last 12 contests.

“He’s got to improve,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said of Carlson earlier this offseason. “That’s important … and competition is going to be part of that.”

Joseph, a five-year veteran, spent the last three seasons in Minnesota.

Joseph has connected on 100-of-121 field goals (82.6%) during his career, but made just 90.1% of his extra points (146-of-162). Joseph was 83-of-101 on field goals in Minnesota (82.2%) and 112-of-124 on extra points (90.3%).

“Some guys might thrive off watching other people kick,” Joseph said. “I thrive in being in my own world because that’s where I really learn it’s me vs. me and focus on what I do and to get better on what I do each and every day, because that’s the only thing I can control.

CORNERBACK

Veteran Eric Stokes and second-year man Carrington Valentine are expected to battle for the starting job opposite Jaire Alexander.

Stokes, Green Bay’s 2021 first round draft choice, played in just three games last year due to foot and hamstring injuries. He finished his second straight season on the injured reserve list due to his hamstring issues, but had a terrific spring and could be poised for a big year.

“Very hungry,” Stokes said of how he’s approaching 2024. “I’m just hungry to be back out there, hungry to be with my guys and with the team this year.”

Valentine, a seventh round draft pick in 2023, played in all 17 games as a rookie. He made 12 starts, recorded 42 tackles (32 solo), had nine passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

Valentine led the team in passes defensed and was ranked No. 7 in the NFL among rookie corners. He also started both postseason contests, where he recorded 12 tackles (nine solo).

Valentine could challenge Keisean Nixon for the slot corner job if he loses out to Stokes.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Zach Tom — who will miss the start of camp with a torn pectoral muscle — is the starting right tackle when he’s healthy. Elgton Jenkins is locked in at left guard and Josh Myers will almost certainly be the center.

That leaves third-year players Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan, along with rookie first round draft pick Jordan Morgan vying for two spots.

Walker was Green Bay’s primary left tackle a year ago when he allowed six sacks and had nine penalties in 851 snaps. Walker also grew into the position and didn’t allow a sack in either one of Green Bay’s playoff games.

Rhyan began the 2023 campaign as a reserve, but started platooning with former Packer Jon Runyan at midseason. From Week 9 on, Rhyan played 183 snaps at right guard, didn’t allow a sack and didn’t have a penalty. According to league data, Green Bay averaged 0.78 more yards per rushing attempt with Rhyan on the field versus when he wasn’t in the lineup.

Morgan, a terrific athlete, made it clear when he was drafted he saw himself as a left tackle. And he very well might end up there.

Throughout mini-camp and OTA’s, though, Morgan spent much of his time at right tackle for Tom. Morgan has the versatility to win a job from both Walker and Rhyan, or he could be spend his rookie season as the Packers’ swing tackle.

LINEBACKER

The Packers are switching to a 4-3 defensive front, but they’ll be in a 4-2-5 (nickel) most of the time. That means two linebackers will typically be on the field.

Third-year man Quay Walker is expected to anchor the group. Tough-as-nails Isaiah McDuffie and rookie second round draft pick Edgerrin Cooper are the frontrunners to play the most snaps next to Walker.

McDuffie played a career-high 513 snaps last season. And while he didn’t register a turnover play, he had 86 tackles, was extremely reliable and played with a ferocity the coaches appreciated.

“I would say there were some things (in 2023) I was proud of,” McDuffie said. “Going into this season, I’m holding my head high and I’m ready to continue on that path.”

Cooper (6-2, 230) was a two-year starter at weak-side linebacker at Texas A&M. Cooper had 8.0 sacks in 2023 and finished his A&M career with 204 tackles (30 ½ for loss), three forced fumbles, two picks and 10 passes defensed. He then ran the 40-yard dash in a sizzling 4.51 seconds at the NFL Combine in February.

Cooper scored just 11 on the 50-question Wonderlic test, though, so the mental part of the game will determine just how quickly he’s ready to play.

SAFETY

Rookie second round draft pick Javon Bullard is the overwhelming favorite to start opposite free agent acquisition Xavier McKinney.

The 5-foot-10 ½, 199-pound Bullard played mostly slot corner in 2022 when Georgia won the national championship. He had 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss that season, and was named Defensive MVP of the 2022 national championship game

The Bulldogs moved Bullard to safety in 2023 where he finished with career highs in tackles (56) and passes defensed (seven). He was also voted the top safety at the Senior Bowl.

Bullard ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds before the NFL Draft and had a terrific 20-yard shuttle time of 3.98 seconds.

“Just loved his tape,” first-year Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. “Loved the way he played.”

Second year man Anthony Johnson had an impressive spring and could factor in. So could rookie fourth round pick Evan Williams and veteran Zayne Anderson.

Barring a major surprise, though, look for Bullard to be lining up next to McKinney when the season begins.