4 winners (and 3 losers) for Packers in preseason win over Browns

The undefeated season is still on. The Green Bay Packers kicked off preseason in style with a victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Matt LaFleur played the starting offense for a grand total of three plays—that's all it took for Jordan Love to throw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks. In came the backups, and LaFleur can walk away satisfied by the performance.

Green Bay found the end zone twice, Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph made all five kicks, and the defense forced a turnover. That works.

The Packers won, but the final score doesn't mean much in the preseason. Performances count for more, and there were several positives for LaFleur's team. However, it wasn't the perfect afternoon for everyone.

Winners and losers after Packers defeat Browns in preseason opener

Winner: Lukas Van Ness

Lukas Van Ness made a strong finish to his rookie season and is quickly building momentum this summer. The Packers' 2023 first-round pick has star potential, and we are seeing why. Van Ness couldn't stop making plays against the Browns, finishing with three tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit.

His stock is soaring after the preseason opener.

Loser: AJ Dillon

AJ Dillon didn't make the impact he hoped for against the Browns, rushing four times for two yards. He was stopped for no gain on a 4th-and-1 on the Packers' second drive, and his longest rush went for just two yards.

The Packers need Dillon to pick up yards after contract, especially in must-have short-yardage situations.

Winner: Emanuel Wilson

Dillon struggled, but former undrafted free agent Emanuel Wilson significantly improved his roster chances. Wilson put up 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He looked great.

If Wilson can show enough as a receiver and in pass protection, he has a chance to overtake Dillon on the depth chart.

Loser: Bo Melton

Bo Melton doesn't have to worry about his roster spot (yet), but he made the worst possible start to the preseason. He had multiple drops, catching only one of four targets for 12 yards. It was a surprise, as Melton had a great end to last season and has continued to play well this summer. He needs a bounce-back performance next week.

Winner: Grant DuBose

The Packers hit two home runs by drafting Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. Grant DuBose is on a mission to remind everyone that Green Bay drafted three receivers in 2023. He is having an excellent summer, and that continued on Saturday.

DuBose led the Packers in receiving with five catches for 66 yards. Don't be surprised if Green Bay finds room on the 53-man roster for the second-year receiver.

Loser: MarShawn Lloyd

MarShawn Lloyd missed the start of training camp due to a hip issue, and he could miss more time now after suffering a hamstring injury against the Browns. He had one carry for eight yards, but the concern is how long he will miss. Hamstring injuries are always difficult. Hopefully, it's only a short-term issue.

Winner: Evan Williams

Last year, the Packers hit a home run in the draft at wide receiver. This offseason, they may have done the same at safety. Evan Williams made an impact in his Packers debut, posting a team-high six solo tackles while forcing a fumble, the only turnover of the game.

The incredible part? Williams isn't even guaranteed to start due to how well Javon Bullard has played. Alongside free-agent addition Xavier McKinney, the Packers have significantly upgraded at safety.

More Packers news and analysis