Football is back. Even if it’s just preseason football, it’s always electrifying when the calendar turns to August. The Green Bay Packers kick off their preseason schedule Saturday against the Cleveland Browns.
Here are six players to watch throughout the game:
Javon Bullard, DB
Bullard is expected to start alongside Xavier McKinney in the backfield of Green Bay’s defense. The versatile rookie linebacker put together an impressive training camp and made several plays with the ball during Green Bay’s Family Night.
It seems like every practice Bullard has done something impressive, showing why Brian Gutekunst and company were so high on the versatile defensive back. The former Georgia Bulldogs standout will be closely watched when he takes the field in Cleveland on Saturday.
Evan Williams, DB
Williams is pushing Bullard to replicate playing alongside McKinney. Williams has been at the center of the action throughout his college career, which has been the case so far this training camp. The fourth-round draft pick has already seen plenty of action on the practice field, and his playmaking ability could force Jeff Hafley to put him on the field more often than not.
Marshawn Lloyd, RB
Immediate offense. The former track and field athlete is a spark and finished last season at USC with 24 carries for 10 yards and an average of over seven yards per carry. Both Brian Gutekunst and Adam Stenavich raved about his speed and explosiveness. It will be fascinating to see how much work the rookie running back gets Saturday, but he may not need many touches to make an impact.
Lukas Van Ness, DE
Van Ness’ season begins Saturday. The 13th overall pick last year ended his rookie season with a bang. Over his last eight games, Van Ness has four sacks and 13 pressures. If Van Ness can continue to build on that success entering his second year, the Packers could have the makings of a pass rush threat.
Ty’Ron Hopper, defenseman
Hopper appeared on the injury report (ankle) during Thursday’s practice and may not play Saturday. If cleared to play, the third-round rookie could see a fair amount of action. Hopper showed the fluidity and quickness to handle the task and the reach from sideline to sideline to become an impact player in Jeff Hafley’s defense.
Sean Rhyan, OL
With Jordan Morgan sidelined with a shoulder injury, Rhyan has a chance to show why he should still be considered for the right guard position. Given his past as an offensive playmaker (at UCLA) and the apparent lack of depth in Green Bay behind Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former Bruin get some reps away from the Browns.
