Packers: Four standout performers in the preseason

Four standout performers for the Green Bay Packers in preseason.

Green Bay failed to win a preseason game, which one could argue was due to lack of regulars getting snaps.

The Packers used this as an opportunity to get extended looks at players from each and every position group. The additional snaps gives the team plenty of film to sort through when making roster decisions on the margins.

Despite the lack of success on the field, there were several players that stood out and helped their standing on the depth chart. Today we take a look at the Packers’ standouts from the 2021 preseason.

Kylin Hill

The days of Kylin Hill competing to be the team’s RB3 seem to be a distant memory at this point. Hill has been impressing since he set foot on the field in mini-camp and has only bolstered his stock in the preseason.

Hill looked explosive with the ball in his hands and made players miss (credited with forcing six missed tackles as a runner). He looked good catching the ball out of the backfield and showed that he’s capable of being a three-down back in the NFL. His patience with the ball and his suddenness are things that really stand out about his game – his role within the offense will only grow with time.

The Packers’ front office might just have gotten a difference maker in Round 7.

Royce Newman

This year’s fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss was in a tough spot entering camp. There were a number of more experienced players in front of him vying for time, and he didn’t have a permanent home (he still might not). But for now, he’s found one at right guard – where it would appear he’s going to be the starter entering week one.

Newman spent his entire pre-season at right guard and showed real promise as a run blocker.

Newman received an 8.72 RAS coming out of college and has all the athletic measurables the team covets. This was a somewhat unexpected development, but one the Packers are no doubt thrilled to see.

Yosh Nijman

Yosh Nijman has been a slow burn for the Packers, as this is his third season with the team after going undrafted out of Virginia Tech. The team has put a lot of time and effort in his development, and for good reason. Nijman’s RAS score coming out of college was an astounding 9.8, which is the kind of sheer athleticism you can’t teach – especially in someone his size.

Many, myself included, were all but ready to write him off – which would have proved to be a mistake. Sometimes it takes a little longer for things to click when athletes possess the raw athletic ability that he has, refinement and technique were the issue. It took great patience and resilience from both player and front office to get to this point. Now, both parties are in position to finally reap the rewards.

Nijman had a great showing in the preseason and looks the part of the swing-tackle the Packers were always hoping he would become. He played himself into a job, one that Packers should be happy to give him.

Henry Black

Few players helped their stock more than second-year safety Henry Black. Black was far from a guarantee to make the 53, but with the loss of Will Redmond, could have risen all the way to the third safety spot due to his consistent play.

Black registered 12 tackles in the preseason, and most importantly no missed tackles. That kind of reliable tackling is what will help Black see the field in 2021.

On top of his strong showing on defense, he was one of the Packers’ top performers on special teams. This was always going to be Black’s meal ticket to a roster spot, making him a logical replacement for Will Redmond as the team’s new special-teams ace.

Honorable mentions: Jack Heflin, Malik Taylor, Christian Uphoff