The Green Bay Packers will hit the road to play the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener on Saturday afternoon. While Matt LaFleur plans to field his fit veterans, including quarterback Jordan Love, the preseason provides a great opportunity for adolescent players who excelled in training camp to show what they can do in a live game environment.
Here are some players to watch in Saturday’s season opener:
S. Evan Williams
Williams, a fourth-round pick, has been one of the pleasant surprises of Packers training camp. Not only is he getting plenty of play against the No. 1 defense, he leads the defense in interceptions so far in training camp. The former Oregon Ducks tight end is intelligent, instinctive and plays rapid — drawing comparisons to former Packers defensive quarterback Micah Hyde.
S Javon Bullard
Both rookies at safety deserve attention entering Saturday. At times, Bullard looked like one of the best defensive players on the field for the Packers — including last Saturday on Family Night. The second-round pick is an explosive defensive back who likes to play uphill and blitz. Expect to see him at slot and safety against the Browns.
Brenton Cox Jr.
The sophomore has really come into his own in the final week of training camp. While he’s deep in the position group, Cox still flashes his ability to be disruptive. His explosive first step fits in well with the Packers’ recent style of offense on offense. This offseason could be a real showcase for his development, both in terms of playing uphill against the run and attacking the quarterback.
Running AJ Dillon
The Packers used a third-round pick on MarShawn Lloyd, but Dillon has had a great training camp and looks entrenched as an RB2. It will be engaging to see if he looks quicker and more explosive against live tackles. That’s a huge spot for Dillon; he could still be a huge part of the Packers’ offense in 2024.
WR Grant DuBose
DuBose has not had a chance to make an impact in the preseason since returning from a back injury as a rookie. DuBose has a nice combination of size and strength and has made a number of catches in camp. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a favorite target of Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt this preseason.
CB Kalen King
The rookie cornerback has played a lot of football so far in training camp. He’s tough and competitive, and the Packers have experimented with playing him in the slot. King could give up a few balls this preseason, but you can bet he’ll make some flashy plays, too.
K. Anders Carlson
Both Carlson and Greg Joseph had a tough day in gusty, windy conditions Tuesday, but Carlson had a nearly perfect Family Night last weekend — his only missed attempt came for 57 yards on a bad snap — and was a perfect 6-for-6 on Thursday. Will Carlson keep his streak alive in Cleveland? This rivalry is entering a very essential phase.
DL TJ Slaton
Don’t forget to watch the interior of the defensive line. Devonte Wyatt has had a couple of mighty days this week, but Slaton has been one of the standouts of camp. The huge man has proven to the Packers that he has the chops to be a disruptor in their recent 4-3 formation. Expect to see him as the starter on offense against the Browns.
LB Eric Wilson
The veteran linebacker impressed everyone — including Jeff Hafley — during the transition to a 4-3. The Packers will likely be without rookies Edgerrin Cooper (hip) and Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle) against the Browns, so Wilson has a chance to really cement his status as a starter. While Cooper and Hopper are the future, Wilson projects to be a big-time contributor early on in the Packers’ defense in 2024.
On Saturday at 3:25 p.m. at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Packers will face the Browns.
