In conjunction with limiting 15-year veteran Julius Peppers' workload, Perry has been taking the bulk of the snaps with the No. 1 defense as the bookend pass rusher opposite Clay Matthews.

Prior to Thursday's practice, the third of camp and the first in pads, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he views Perry as a "prominent player" in the Packers' defense this season. Healthy enough to participate fully in an offseason program for the first time in his career, Perry "looks like a whole different player" heading into his fifth year.

Teammates have noticed, too. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga, a first-round pick two years prior to Perry who has gone head-to-head with him countless times in practice, sees a renewed, more seasoned Perry as well.

"I can just tell by his speed," Bulaga said. "He's always been very good with his hands, but I feel like he's really polished that up even more. He's obviously a strong guy, so he's got great power, too. I think he's going to have a good year.



"Obviously, we all have to stay healthy, myself included, but with Nick, you can definitely tell that he's improved big-time."

That's an eyebrow-raising thought, considering Perry's productivity when he has been on the field. Including playoffs, he has recorded 18½ sacks in just 51 career games.