Packers: 5 players to watch for in preseason games

4. Oren Burks

Like Martini, Oren Burks suddenly has a tremendous opportunity on his hands. Jake Ryan’s ACL tear doesn’t bode well for his long-term status with the Packers or in the NFL for that matter, giving Burks a real chance to step in and be the primary inside linebacker next to Blake Martinez.

Burks was intriguing enough for Green Bay to trade up to get him in the third round, but they will need to watch him closely and see what he can contribute to a defense in desperate need of competent linebackers.

Burks stood out because of his coverage skills at Vanderbilt, which became especially interesting for the Packers after they lost Joe Thomas to the Cowboys in free agency. Burks will have himself an interesting test this preseason as the Packers will face four different rushing attacks that feature physical running backs.

Against the Titans, Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis lead the way. The Raiders feature Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin, while the Steelers and Chiefs can roll out Le’Veon Bell and Kareem Hunt. It’s unlikely the Packers will face all four or even any of those running backs for more than a series, but Burks should get an opportunity to prove to the Packers that they don’t need to venture out and sign NaVorro Bowman or another veteran in free agency.

5. Josh Jackson

Jaire Alexander will get the most attention as the 18th pick in the draft, but the Packers need to see what type of player they are getting in Josh Jackson. The Iowa star led the nation in interceptions with eight this past year, but under-impressed at the combine with a 40-yard dash time of just 4.56 seconds. The Packers added plenty of speed to the secondary when they selected Alexander in the first round, but Jackson has some boom-or-bust in him.

Green Bay will quickly get a sense of whether or not Jackson’s ball skills translate to the NFL given the questions about his long speed. He’s strong, bulky, and difficult to separate from, but his speed is a legitimate red flag. Of course, this exact scouting report was very similar to Richard Sherman‘s coming out of Stanford.

The Packers’ first preseason game is on Thursday at 7 p.m. Central time.