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Packers: Five players to watch during preseason 2019

By Evan Siegel

COLLEGE STATION, TX - AUGUST 30: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 7 yard touchdown reception against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half of a football game at Kyle Field on August 30, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - AUGUST 30: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores on a 7 yard touchdown reception against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half of a football game at Kyle Field on August 30, 2018 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
JACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Corey Grant #30 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runshes past Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots during the game at TIAA Bank Field on September 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

3. Corey Grant

The Packers made an interesting move when they signed Corey Grant to a one-year contract at the end of July. Grant is one of the fastest running backs in the league and has a previous connection with new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

The Packers running game will finally feature Aaron Jones more than it ever did under Mike McCarthy and will mercifully phase Jamaal Williams out of the lineup. Sixth-round pick Dexter Williams figures to be a practice squad candidate.

Grant brings a unique ability as a gadget player. With incredibly quick feet and agile hips, Grant can maneuver around tacklers with ease. The Packers have been missing a player like Grant in their backfield since the days of Tony Canadeo. Finally, they have themselves a wildcard presence to their offense. Matt LaFleur can lean on Hackett to extract the best out of Grant, and allow Jones to become more of a bell cow runner than third-down specialist.

Grant will need to prove that he is still as athletically gifted as he proved to be in Jacksonville. He is a candidate to return kicks, but is also limited as a pass protector. Grant will have to show that there is a spot in the playbook for him that Dexter Williams hasn’t earned. Aaron Jones needs help, and Grant could be the answer.

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