The Green Bay Packers endured the most embarrassing of preseason openers imaginable. But beyond a humiliating first rehearsal, the loss provided some clarity on the team's upcoming roster decisions.
It could signal the end for free-agent addition Mecole Hardman, whose stock had risen in the opening weeks of camp but plummeted to zero on Saturday night. Hardman's disastrous debut included a drop and a fumble, potentially sealing his Packers exit.
Wide receivers not named Matthew Golden left Lambeau in disappointment, but Hardman's roster chances suffered the most significant hit. His potential departure is among several changes to the projected 53 after the preseason's opening act.
Packers move on from Mecole Hardman in 53-man roster prediction following the preseason opener
Quarterbacks (2): Jordan Love, Malik Willis
Neither quarterback looked great, combining for five completions on 14 attempts, but they received little help from dropped passes and poor pass protection. Still, Jordan Love and Malik Willis played like it was the preseason opener.
Running backs (4): Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, Emanuel Wilson
Remember the name: Amar Johnson.
The undrafted rookie stole the show late in the preseason opener, and he came so close to making the 53 in these projections. It's still a little early for that, given the Packers' depth at the position, but if he wows again next week, look out.
Green Bay has an embarrassment of riches at running back, but MarShawn Lloyd has struggled to stay healthy. It makes sense to keep additional depth, and Johnson could put Emanuel Wilson on notice if he continues to stack success.
Wide receivers (5): Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams
PUP: Christian Watson
New (pre)season, same problems. Romeo Doubs, Mecole Hardman, and Malik Heath each had dropped passes. Hardman's failure on special teams could cost him a roster spot, leaving the Packers with only five receivers on the initial 53.
Fortunately, Matthew Golden stepped up when the others didn't, showing his strong hands on a seven-yard reception before beating All-Pro Sauce Gardner to draw a pass-interference penalty. Golden could quickly become the WR1 in this offense.
Tight ends (3): Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick
Green Bay's top two tight ends barely played, but John Fitzpatrick pulled ahead in the TE3 race with a strong showing as a blocker while hauling in a 17-yard pass. Ben Sims also made one catch for 17 yards and provides the biggest competition, but it's becoming FitzPatrick's job to lose.
Offensive line (9): Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, Anthony Belton, Donovan Jennings, Kadeem Telfort
PUP: John Williams; IR: Travis Glover
The good news is that Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton played flawlessly at tackle. Per PFF, neither player allowed a single pressure. That's a huge win.
Unfortunately, the interior positions endured chaos. Sean Rhyan allowed two pressures and a sack, as did second-year Jacob Monk, who also drew three flags. Not great. The Packers have strong depth on the outside, but it's a far gloomier outlook behind the starters at the interior positions. Green Bay may need to look for outside help.
Defensive tackles (6): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson
Colby Wooden desperately needed a strong preseason performance with his grip on a roster spot fading, and he sure provided one. Only Ty'Ron Hopper made more tackles than Wooden's four, and he also batted down a pass. PFF credited the former fourth-rounder with four defensive stops.
He needed it badly. Nazir Stackhouse also stepped up, increasing the likelihood that the Packers find room for six interior linemen.
Defensive ends (6): Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., Collin Oliver
For a zero-sack performance, the Packers' pass rush sure showed promise. Rookie Barryn Sorrell caused consistent problems and earned an elite 87.9 PFF pass-rush grade. Kingsley Enagbare wasn't far behind, making two pressures and a hit.
Lukas Van Ness continued his rise with an impressive showing against the run. He still needs to build pass-rush consistency, but the early signs are encouraging this summer.
Linebackers (4): Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper
Free-agent signing Isaiah Simmons may have played his way off the roster after getting burned in coverage. He has work to do. For now, we have the Packers keeping only four linebackers, but they'll need to add depth in free agency or via practice-squad moves.
Ty'Ron Hopper quietly had a strong game, making eight tackles. He also allowed next to nothing in coverage. The former third-rounder is a player to watch.
Cornerbacks (6): Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton, Corey Ballentine, Micah Robinson
Bo Melton is effectively a roster lock based on his lack of preseason playing time. The Packers continue to show confidence in him, which is truly remarkable as he learns a new position. The only question is how high he sits on the depth chart. There's every chance Melton is currently Green Bay's CB4.
Safeties (5): Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson, Omar Brown
Xavier McKinney may miss the rest of the preseason due to injury. In the meantime, camp standout Omar Brown is competing with Kitan Oladapo. Brown stole the show with three picks at Family Night, and he almost had another in the preseason opener.
For now, we have Brown slightly ahead of Oladapo for the final spot.
Specialists (3): Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
The fact we're not talking about the specialists is good news. Daniel Whelan deserves a shoutout, though, after booting a 63-yard punt and averaging 52 yards on the night.