Green Bay Packers: 6 Players & 6 Positional Battles to Watch v. Houston
By Paul Bretl
The RB Position: Kylin Hill/Patrick Taylor/ Dexter Williams
The RB3 battle was one of the intriguing positional matchups heading into camp—although, at this point, I think it’s safe to say that Kylin Hill is the leader in the clubhouse.
But, of course, the true litmus test for these running backs is the preseason. Like Hill, Patrick Taylor is an excellent fit for this Matt LaFleur offense with his added ability as a pass-catcher and a blocker. LaFleur would add that Taylor is “extremely intelligent” and “really in tune to what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Even if Hill does remain as RB3, Taylor has the opportunity to make LaFleur think long and hard about keeping a fourth running back in the 53-man roster—which they did do in 2020.
Dexter Williams is the third running back, and admittedly, he has an uphill battle to catch Hill and Taylor. The pass-catch and blocking abilities that those two have shown are two big areas that Williams has struggled with during his career. He also doesn’t bring the same special teams upside—although as LaFleur notes, Williams is going to have plenty of opportunities to prove himself:
"“I think there’s great competition for that third spot,” LaFleur said via the Wisconsin State Journal. “Kylin has done an outstanding job; (he’s) a rookie that has a lot of athleticism (and) he’s very explosive. It’s great to get Patrick Taylor out there. He brings a lot to the table in terms of, he’s one of the more intelligent players I’ve ever been around. You should see the way this guy takes notes, how detailed he is. He’s got a good understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish. And then Dexter, he’s another guy who has come so far. He’s one of the hardest workers we have on this football team. So there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for those three guys in particular in the preseason to get a lot of carries.”"
The final CB Spot: Kabion Ento and Josh Jackson
If the Green Bay Packers keep six cornerbacks like they did a year ago, then there is really only one spot up for grabs. While someone like Ka’dar Hollman could throw his name into the mix for that final roster spot, at this time, it’s likely going to come down to either Josh Jackson or Kabion Ento.
Jackson has made a few plays here and there throughout camp but has still largely been inconsistent with the same issues that have plagued him over his career. Meanwhile, Ento had one of the better performances during Green Bay’s Family Night scrimmage, recording two pass breakups. Not to mention that he’s seen some reps with the starting defense as well.
The real kicker for Ento is that it looks like he has the special teams edge over Jackson. Ento has been one of the team’s gunners during practice, while Jackson was a healthy scratch last season because the Green Bay Packers didn’t feel that he could contribute to special teams.
The 6th WR: Equanimeous St. Brown, Devin Funchess, Malik Taylor, Reggie Begelton, and Juwann Winfree (maybe)
Between the five receivers that we already know are going to be on this roster, coupled with the tight ends, as well as AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones, it’s not as if the Green Bay Packers lack pass-catchers for Aaron Rodgers. Meaning, for one of these players to make the final roster, what they do on special teams may be more important than what they do on offense.
When asked by reporters how special teams play was going to factor into these final roster decisions at receiver, LaFleur replied, “I think I that’s going to be a big part of it.”
Funchess and St. Brown have very little special teams experience during their careers. Begelton and Winfree — who has been injured — have little experience as well but are willing. Their lack of experience is more so due to a lack of opportunities. Taylor, meanwhile, took 210 special teams snaps in 2020, according to PFF ($$).