After weeks of battling each other in training camp, the Green Bay Packers will finally face new competition in Saturday’s preseason matchup against the New York Jets.
While the starters are expected to knock some of the rust off, this is mostly a chance for players vying for a roster spot to make a strong impression. Even if they don’t stick in Green Bay, guys are still auditioning for 31 other teams, meaning every rep counts.
In the lead-up to Saturday’s matchup, we are highlighting three intriguing storylines worth following when the Packers kick off their 2025 preseason.
Is the Matthew Golden hype real?
Could Golden be one of Love’s top targets as a rookie? It’s not out of the question.
The 23rd overall selection has been one of the most talked-about players in training camp, with Jordan Love telling ESPN’s Kevin Clark in a recent sitdown, “He’s gonna be a stud.”
Golden has lived up to his first-round billing thus far, flashing his polish, sure-handedness, and big-play potential. In practice, Golden has looked really good during 1-on-1s and has consistently made plays against the starting defense.
Now it’s time for him to show what he can do against a different defense. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn also said he plans to play his starters on Saturday, so this will be a good opportunity for Golden to show off his skillset, even if he plays only a series or two.
The latest undrafted rookie gem?
Defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse has been hard to miss — literally and figuratively. The 6-4, 327-pound run-stuffer has impressed so much that he’s earned reps with the starting defense.
A 42-game starter at Georgia, Stackhouse went undrafted but was among 10 rookies signed by the Packers. Green Bay has had at least one UDFA on its initial 53-man roster every year since 2005, and Stackhouse is making a strong case to keep that streak alive.
With T.J. Slaton leaving in free agency, there’s a massive opening in the middle of the defensive line — and Stackhouse is doing his best to fill it.
Can Bo Melton stick around as a cornerback?
Melton has surprised his coaches and even himself with how well he’s done in his first training camp since switching from wide receiver to cornerback.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting to make tons of plays,” Melton said. “I ain’t made a million of them, but I’ve made some plays I was like, ‘Oh snap, like OK.’ So, I did surprise myself with the skills I brought to the table, I would say, but it definitely was fun just getting out there with the boys.”
Last week, LaFleur praised Melton’s progress, saying, “He’s done a nice job.” While Melton hasn’t been perfect in practice, he’s been surprisingly consistent for someone brand new to the position.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley recently said, “It’s one of the hardest positions physically to play,” but Melton has held his own so far, even intercepting Sean Clifford while competing during one-on-ones on Thursday.
Injuries allowed Melton to run with the ones on Thursday, though he has mostly been out there with the second unit. Knowing he should get a lot of playing time on Saturday, this weekend’s matchup will be a big test for Melton and his quest to make the team.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Three intriguing storylines heading into Packers’ preseason opener vs. Jets
Reporting by Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
