The Green Bay Packers will go on the road to play the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener on Saturday afternoon. While Matt LaFleur is planning to play his healthy veterans, including quarterback Jordan Love, the preseason provides a terrific opportunity for young players standing out in training camp to show what they can do in a live game environment.
Here are some ascending players to watch in Saturday’s preseason opener:
S Evan Williams
Williams, a fourth-round pick, has been one of the pleasant surprises of Packers training camp. He’s not only getting a ton of snaps with the No. 1 defense, but he leads the defense in interceptions so far in training camp. The former Oregon Duck is smart, instinctive and plays fast — drawing him comparisons to former Packers defensive back Micah Hyde.
S Javon Bullard
Both rookie safeties deserve the spotlight entering Saturday. At times, Bullard has looked like one of the best defensive players on the field for the Packers — including last Saturday at Family Night. The second-round pick is an explosive defensive back who likes to play downhill and hit. Expect to see him in the slot and at safety against the Browns.
DE Brenton Cox Jr.
The second-year edge rusher is really coming on over the last week of training camp. While buried in a deep position group, Cox continues to flash disruptive ability. His explosive first step is a good fit for the Packers’ new attacking style up front. This preseason could really be a showcase of his development, both in terms of playing downhill against the run and attacking the quarterback.
RB A.J. Dillon
The Packers used a third-round pick on MarShawn Lloyd, but Dillon is having a terrific training camp and looks entrenched as RB2. It’ll be interesting to see if he looks faster and more explosive in a game setting against live tackling. This is a big spot for Dillon; he could still be a big part of the Packers offense in 2024.
WR Grant DuBose
DuBose hardly had an opportunity to make a preseason impression after returning from a back injury as a rookie. DuBose has a nice combination of size and strength, and he’s made a bunch of catches during camp. Don’t be surprised if he’s a favorite target for Sean Clifford and Micheal Pratt this preseason.
CB Kalen King
The rookie cornerback has found the football a lot so far in training camp. He’s tough and competitive, and the Packers have experimented with playing him in the slot. King might give up a few catches this preseason, but it’s a good bet that he’ll make a few splash plays, too.
K Anders Carlson
Both Carlson and Greg Joseph had a rough day in gusty, windy conditions on Tuesday, but Carlson had a near perfect Family Night last weekend — his lone miss came on a 57-yarder with a bad snap — and he was a perfect 6-for-6 on Thursday. Can Carlson keep rolling in Cleveland? This competition is hitting a very important stage.
DL T.J. Slaton
Don’t forget to watch the interior of the defensive line. Devonte Wyatt is coming off a strong couple of days this week, but Slaton has been one of the consistent standouts of camp. The big guy has proved to the Packers that he has the get off to be a disruptive player in the new 4-3 front. Expect to see him as a starter up front against the Browns.
LB Eric Wilson
The veteran linebacker has impressed everyone — including Jeff Hafley — during the transition to the 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 figures to be an important defender early on for the 2024 Packers defense.
The Packers face the Browns at 3:25 p.m. on Saturday at Cleveland Browns Stadium.