After a rough start to training camp, Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford hopes to impress ... [+]
Jobs are on the line.
Futures hang in the balance.
And the picture for several Green Bay Packers will become clearer after they face the Cleveland Browns in their first preseason game Saturday.
Here are a handful of Packers to pay close attention to on Saturday.
SEAN CLIFFORD, QB
Green Bay’s backup quarterback had a strong preseason in 2023, completing 41-of-57 passes with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Clifford had a rough start to training camp this season, though, working with the No. 1 offense when starter Jordan Love missed time while getting a new contract finalized.
Clifford remains the favorite to be Love’s backup, but his stock could use a boost with a big performance in the three preseason games.
“I thought the first week just with everything going on and getting 1s reps and how fast the game was going, there was a lot of overthinking, there were a lot of thoughts from the OTA time and minicamp where I almost like saw a hitch in my arm of overthought,” Clifford said. “And now the last two weeks … I feel like I’m back and I feel like I’m able to spin the ball, really get the ball out quick, see the field really well, and I think it’s a big, big testament to these guys as well. A lot of trust in the wide receivers, the O-line, just kinda getting back in flow and excited to show that on Saturday.”
ANDRE DILLARD, KADEEM TELFORT, OT
Green Bay’s No. 3 tackle job is up in the air.
And while the Packers could very well call on rookie Jordan Morgan to fill that role if an injury strikes, their first round draft pick is currently playing right guard. So that leaves Dillard and Telfort as the favorites among the current players on the roster.
Dillard, a former first round draft pick, was released by Tennessee after allowing an NFL-high 12 sacks in 10 games last year. Green Bay signed Dillard to a one-year, $1.125 million contract in April that included no guaranteed money. So Dillard is operating on a “prove it” deal as he fights to stay in the league.
Through the first 2 ½ weeks of camp, though, Dillard has done little to prove he’s worth a roster spot.
Telfort, an undrafted free agent in 2023, spent last season on the practice squad. Telfort is big bodied and long-limbed, but struggles to bend and has been whipped at times this camp.
Both players need impressive showings to prove they deserve to stick around.
EMANUEL WILSON, RB
Wilson averaged 6.1 yards per rushing attempt last year, then had 12 carries in the postseason.
The Packers will almost certainly keep just three running backs, and Josh Jacobs and rookie third round pick Marshawn Lloyd are locks to stick. A.J. Dillon, Green Bay’s leading rusher last year, is also a good bet, but Wilson will have a chance to impress during the three preseason games.
“I’m just competing with myself, just make sure I’m learning the plays,” Wilson said. “We all help each other out with the plays and everything. But as far as myself, I’m just trying to make myself better each and every day as far as pass protection, holding onto the ball, making the right reads with the running and all that.”
ANDERS CARLSON/GREG JOSEPH, PK
Green Bay’s kicking competition has been arguably the most intriguing of camp.
Carlson was the Packers’ kicker a year ago and had a rough rookie season. Joseph spent the last three seasons with Minnesota, where he made 82.1% of his field goals.
So far this summer, Joseph is 46-of-53 (86.8%), while Carlson is 43-of-53 (81.1%). Their clash could be decided by whoever performs best in the three preseason games.
“I think I’ve always been pretty good about staying in my own lane, focused on myself and what I can do to get better,” Carlson said. “It’s great to have other people in the room, too. You both can benefit from it. It’s something you’ve got to embrace. I like staying in my own lane. It works out good.”
Added Joseph: “I just get into a rhythm where, I know it sounds easy to say, me versus me,” Joesph said. “But I believe that if I kick to the level that I'm capable of, it's me versus me and I'm going to put my best foot forward, make as many kicks as I can and the rest will take care of itself.”
BRENTON COX JR., DE
Cox, who went undrafted in 2023, was active for four games last year and saw limited action on defense and special teams. He’s taken a jump this summer, but winning a roster spot on a deep and gifted defensive line is an immense challenge.
Shining in the preseason games will be critical for Cox.
“I think he’s done a really nice job and it’ll be great to see him in a live game situation,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “He’ll get plenty of opportunities, plenty of reps and I think he’s grown as a football player and a person and he’s been definitely more consistent and more reliable.”
GRANT DUBOSE/MALIK HEATH, WR
The Packers’ top five receivers seem pretty cut and dry, with Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton set to gobble up most of the snaps.
If the Packers keep seven, Dubose and Heath are probably the frontrunners. If they keep just six, one will have to go.
DuBose, a seventh round draft choice in 2023, spent all of last season on Green Bay’s practice squad, but has made a big jump this summer.
“I really like what I’m seeing,” Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said of DuBose. “He plays with good speed. He’s a big target. He’s got good hands and he’s a willing blocker, too, in the run game. I’m liking what I’m seeing from Grant right now.”
Heath, an undrafted player in 2023, was one of the stars of training camp last summer, then caught 15 passes during the season. Heath averaged just 8.3 yards per catch, though, last year and hasn’t shined as bright this camp.
“Even though we’ve got the same guys as last year, we’re just going out there and getting each other better every day,” Heath said. “It was competitive last year, and I’d say it’s even more competitive now.”
JAVON BULLARD, S
This will be the first chance for most of Packer Nation to see arguably Green Bay’s most gifted rookie.
Bullard has had a terrific training camp and seems to have moved into a starting safety role opposite Xavier McKinney. Bullard can also play slot corner, and could see some time there.
While Bullard still has plenty to learn, the early signs have been extremely exciting for everyone.
“I really didn’t know what to expect, to be honest with you,” Bullard said Thursday. “I was just going to come in and work. But I feel like I transitioned well. Great group of guys. Great leadership. Excellent organization. Those guys helped me along the way. I feel like I transitioned pretty good.”