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Green Bay Packers: Five players to watch in preseason opener vs. Cleveland Browns

By Freddie Boston

May 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers receiver Geronimo Allison during rookie minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK
May 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers receiver Geronimo Allison during rookie minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Sep 3, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back John Crockett (38) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back John Crockett (38) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

John Crockett, RB

Leapfrogging Eddie Lacy or James Starks on the depth chart is an unattainable goal for John Crockett, but he is on a mission to make the third spot his own.

And to him, that doesn’t just mean a backup role. Crockett wants to complement the Packers’ 1-2 backfield punch as a useful change-of-pace back.

Crockett was set for a heavy workload in the Hall of Fame Game, but the game cancellation saw a vital opportunity go up in smoke. Lacy and Starks will be used sparsely against Cleveland, allowing the second-year back to finally get a chance to prove himself.

The Packers need to see more consistency from the undrafted back. Crockett is an energetic runner with a fidgety style. The trouble is he’s as likely to fly into a pileup for a minimal gain as he is to break one out into the open field. Crockett needs to display maturity, with the Packers trying to bottle his talent without the inconsistencies.

He’ll get his shot against Cleveland. Crockett’s aim isn’t to only beat out the challengers for the third spot on the depth chart, but also carve out his own niche in the Packers offense. Preseason offers an opportunity to show what he can do.

Next: Rookie to be relied on

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