"Every receiver's dream is to catch passes from a quarterback (like Rodgers) who knows the system, and for me, it works out great," Kendricks said. "I'm coming into a system that's already established, and it's on me to pick it up and learn it. I'm definitely grateful to be here."

Kendricks had even greater incentive to track the Packers' progress last season after former Rams teammate Jared Cook signed with Green Bay in free agency.

Nine months later, Cook snapped his seven-year playoff drought when he helped lift the Packers to their eighth consecutive postseason appearance with 24 catches for 324 yards over the team's last seven games of the regular season.

Back in L.A., Kendricks put together a career year with 50 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. For the sixth time in his career, however, Kendricks' season would go no further than Week 17.

A few months later, Kendricks landed on the free-agent market for the first time in his career, and when the Packers came calling, he remembered what the experience appeared to do for Cook.

"I don't know if it's confidence, but he was more uplifted," said Kendricks of Cook. "I could tell he was more – there was more of a passion last year than the year before. I could tell it definitely affected him, being with a team like this."

A day after the Packers signed Bennett, Kendricks signed his deal to return to Green Bay. So far, the coaches like the trio forming at tight end with Bennett, Kendricks and Rodgers, whose rapport with Aaron Rodgers has benefited the entire room.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Mike McCarthy has praised the fresh outside perspective Bennett and Kendricks have brought to the locker room. With more than 200 NFL starts among them, the two new additions and Rodgers each bring something unique to the table.

A former second-round pick, Kendricks' versatile skill set has been on display through the first seven practices. Since the beginning, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound tight end's greatest strength has been his ability to line up inside, outside and even H-back.

"I love Lance; I've always loved him, watching his tapes and watching him grow up in the league," Bennett said. "I've always been a big fan of guys who can do multiple things.

"You know, he can be in the backfield. He can be out wide. He can be in the slot. He can be at the tight end spot, he can be off the ball. I think his ability to move and be a utility guy is what makes him special."

Bennett tends to draw most of the attention in the locker room as a former Pro Bowler and reigning Super Bowl champion, but Kendricks doesn't mind flying under the radar a couple lockers down.

Behind the scenes, his personality gradually has come out in meetings with his new teammates and coaches.

"I'm just a little more low-key, that's all," said Kendricks with a smile. "Marty, he just stands out a little more. But I have my jokes. I have a joke or two."

Now about to partake in his first Family Night practice inside Lambeau Field, Kendricks is excited about the opportunity in front of him.

The postseason aspirations have always been there since Kendricks first entered the league in 2011. Now, he feels he's found the right team to help him take that next step right back where it all began in Wisconsin.