We have a Packer game to watch this weekend. Finally.
For some, it’s just a tease. Perhaps we’ll see some starters for a few snaps. Mostly, we’ll see players whose NFL dreams will end in a few weeks. For others, there is no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow as the team begins its three-game march toward the regular season.
Put me in the latter category. I can’t wait to watch.
Below are the 10 things I’m most interested in seeing, in no particular order.
1. The starters
Matt LaFleur has been coy about how much he’ll give his starters, but if you read between the lines, it sounds like most of them will take the field for at least a series or two. Maybe the fact that Aaron Glenn announced he’ll play his starters factors in, giving the Pack a chance to see ones on ones.
Injuries are always a concern, but it sounds like there’s data showing the risk in the preseason outweighs potential early-season injuries, due at least in part to keeping players in mothballs in the preseason.
2. Matthew Golden
This is the most obvious one on the list. Who isn’t excited to see the Pack’s new speed merchant take the field for the first time? He’s been turning heads in training camp, and not just because of his blazing speed. His route running, strong hands, and quick twitch in and out of breaks have caught everyone’s attention.
I’m still not excited that he’s rocking No. 22, but I figure he’ll switch to No. 2 next season, once Malik Willis moves on.
3. Jordan Morgan at LT
With Rasheed Walker working his way back from injury, we should get a good glimpse at Morgan’s long-shot attempt to steal the job away. Facing the Jets’ fearsome pass rushers will provide a strong test immediately. I still think Morgan has a better chance at pushing Sean Rhyan at RG, but if he handles his business, maybe he makes things interesting for Walker.
4. Bo Melton at CB
His odds were long to stick at WR, so he figured if his brother could do it, so can he. Those watching him closely at camp have been amazed at his progress and how natural he looks at corner. With the Pack sure to limit the snaps of their two healthy outside starters, Nixon and Valentine, Melton figures to get a ton of work, since the guys he’s competing with have played the same number of snaps on defense he has: zero.
Melton’s true worth will be on special teams this season, but it will be interesting to see if he separates himself from Hadden, King, Robinson, and Ballentine.
5. Back-end WR Battle
We likely won’t see much of Doubs, Reed, and Golden, and Wicks is nursing a calf injury. Those four appear to be locks, and third-round pick Savion Williams is No. 5. That leaves one or maybe two spots available, with Christian Watson likely headed to PUP or IR.
The contenders should get plenty of work over the next few weeks. Right now, you have to believe Mecole Hardman’s experience, big play return ability, and three Super Bowl rings (including a game-winning TD) make him the favorite. LaFleur has singled him out for his daily splash plays.
Guys like Malik Heath, Julian Hicks, and Will Sheppard must force the front office into a tough decision by showing out in these preseason games.
6. Who will carry the rock?
The Pack’s top three guys will see little to no action. Maybe Josh Jacobs plays the first series. MarShawn Lloyd is still banged up (shocker), and Emanuel Wilson wants to play but has missed most of camp. That opens up an opportunity for Chris Brooks to show why he deserves to be back.
Recent waiver pickup Israel Abanikanda, a fan favorite on Hard Knocks a couple of seasons ago, will get plenty of snaps, and Tucker Kraft’s former Jackrabbits teammate Amar Johnson has an intriguing skillset. Will someone step up?
7. Is Omar Brown for real?
He faces an uphill climb to crack the safety group, with five guys ahead of him. Maybe Zayne Anderson is a guy he could beat out, if he shows he can be a big-time special teams player like Zayne. He’s been the defense’s top playmaker in camp, with five interceptions, including three on Family Night. He has three opportunities to show the team that they can’t afford not to find a place for him.
8. The Reclamation Project: Isaiah Simmons
His physical tools are undeniable, but the former No. 8 pick has yet to see his career take off with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. Can Jeff Hafley unlock that ability? In the past, Simmons has been asked to be a bit of a unicorn, playing all over the defense and trying to master multiple roles.
The Pack have settled on him as a linebacker, and he’s giving off De’Vondre Campbell vibes — a journeyman linebacker who found a home and new life in Green Bay a few years ago.
9. Nazir Stackhouse
Every training camp report you read seems to mention the undrafted former Georgia Bulldog, known as “Big Sleepy,” because he deals with narcolepsy and occasionally fell asleep during games in college. It’s a great story, and he’s a very large human who has a shot to fill the T.J. Slaton role, a big run-stuffing space-eater. The Packers don’t really have a guy his size on the roster, and he’s looking like the annual undrafted guy who finds his way onto the 53-man roster.
10. QB darkhorse Taylor Elgersma
The dude showed up at Packers minicamp as a tryout player after showing out at the Senior Bowl and immediately caught LaFleur and the offensive staff’s attention. He won Canada’s version of the Heisman and famously started playing the game in 10th grade, having grown up playing hockey. I don’t know how much run he’ll get in this first game, but I can’t wait to see if he can push Sean Clifford. It’s not unrealistic that one of them will be Love’s backup next season.