First impressions matter. They always have, and in the NFL, they carry even more weight than fans like to admit. That’s why preseason games, those August nights everyone claims, “don’t count,” do. They’re the league’s annual reminder that the first look at a team can shape everything that follows.
Preseason is the first time the league sees who these players really are. Not in shorts. Not in controlled drills. Not in the safe, curated world of practice. Under lights. Under pressure. Against someone who doesn’t care about their story, their draft slot, or their potential. That first impression becomes the foundation of how coaches talk about them, how teammates trust them, and how front offices evaluate them.
For rookies, preseason is the first real test of translation, can the traits that popped on college tape survive NFL speed? Can they process fast enough? Can they stay composed with a bigger crowd, and stadium than maybe they’ve ever played in? A rookie who flashes in preseason doesn’t just earn snaps; he earns belief. And belief is currency in the NFL.
Look no further than Brandon Cisse, the Packers 2nd round pick of the 2026 NFL Draft had all eyes on him. The way he practices, and the first glimpse of game action matches with what his evaluation was, stated by General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
It isn’t a huge sample to look at, but certain moments present themselves and you see how a newcomer might react to it. Cisse was challenged with just that in the beginning of the 2nd quarter. A touchdown-saving tackle, something Packer defensive backs haven’t shown much will to do in regular season games.
Trey Smack would also rise to the occasion as well. Essentially finishing the night 4/4, making from 58, 38 & 37. In his first NFL action, nerves without a doubt played a part, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell.
For newcomers, especially those arriving from other teams or leagues, preseason is the first chance to prove they belong in this system, with this coaching staff, and this locker room. First impressions stick, and newcomers know it.
How about Benjamin St. Juste. Added this offseason and was active for preseason week 1, and playing for a reason. No better reflected than a single play that symbolized the meaning behind this article. Nothing to do with skill, everything to do with effort.
Benjamin St-Juste would run down Steelers WR Kaden Wetjen at the end of a 74-yard catch. St-Juste began the play on the back side and essentially was out of the picture. Running nearly 80+ yards to save a touchdown in the preseason, does not go unnoticed.
Any time a team sets foot on a field, competing against competitors and challenging their skill at the highest level, it never is meaningless.
It was a loss that won’t count against anyone’s record, but there were plays and situations that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
We've all seen Keisean Nixon's "attempt" to talk Germie Bernard. Here's the 73-yard completion in which Jaylin Simpson (right slot) falls. Benjamin St-Juste is the corner at the top of the screen. pic.twitter.com/CgS36d4PMh
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 14, 2026
Edge on the defense's right side here. Cisse saved the TD pic.twitter.com/18KOx5Pjck
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) August 14, 2026
Trey Smack in his first NFL game:
3/3 FG (4/4 unofficially)
58 yard lomgest make (x2)
100% kicking percentage
PERFECT NIGHT FROM THE ROOKIE 💯 pic.twitter.com/pomEoGUHlx
— SleeperPackers (@SleeperPackers) August 14, 2026
Zaire Franklin's second snap as a Packer...
Dawg. pic.twitter.com/IZB0hSe2c0
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 14, 2026
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Luke Leavitt is a Contributor for Cheesehead TV, covering the Green Bay Packers. A Manchester by the Sea, Massachussetts native. Luke is a lifelong Packer fan, and 16-year shareholder. Keep up with Luke on X @LukeLeavitt7