The Green Bay Packers sandwiched convincing victories over the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener and Baltimore Ravens in the preseason finale with a lopsided and disappointing result on the road against the Denver Broncos over three exhibition games ahead of the 2024 season.
With joint practices against both the Broncos and Ravens, coach Matt LaFleur decided to sit most of his most valuable players in each of the final two preseason games. The result was a mostly injury-free preseason and an excellent evaluation opportunity for others on the roster. Some players took full advantage.
Here are the stars of the preseason for the Packers in 2024:
WR Dontayvion Wicks
Let’s start with the man who kicked off the preseason with a bang. Was this the best preseason performance of all-time? One snap, one catch, one touchdown. Wicks won a slot fade and caught a 65-yard score from Jordan Love on the third play from scrimmage in Cleveland and didn’t play again. On just one snap played, Wicks was the highest-graded wide receiver during the 2024 preseason at Pro Football Focus.
RB Emanuel Wilson
Wilson, the 2023 preseason champ, finished third among all players in rushing yards and second among running backs with 160 rushing yards on 37 attempts. According to PFF, he forced 10 missed tackles (second most), gained 132 yards after first contact (first) and produced four runs of at least 10 yards (tied for first). He also pass-blocked well (eight pass-blocking snaps, zero pressures allowed) and caught three passes for 37 yards, including a 20-yarder.
LB Kristian Welch
The Wisconsin native produced three takeaways, including a pair of interceptions. He dropped what could have been a third pick. Welch also finished with 16 total tackles without a miss and eight total stops, tied for the 11th most among all players this preseason. He combined takeaways with sure tackling and contributions on special teams (two tackles). Welch ended up as one of five players with two interceptions this preseason.
DE Arron Mosby
In the finale, Mosby delivered a strip-sack (resulting in a touchdown) and an interception on back-to-back possessions. He also deflected on a pass on fourth down in the opener and finished with four total pressures. For much of the summer, Mosby was a menacing player playing opposite Brenton Cox Jr.
WR Malik Heath
Heath led the Packers with nine catches for 83 yards. His lone touchdown was a clutch contested catch on fourth down in the finale. Lost in the numbers are two missed deep shots that could have been big plays in Denver, including a likely touchdown on the first series vs. starters. Six of his nine catches created first downs or touchdowns. He also blocked well in each game.
DL Colby Wooden
On many of his preseason snaps, he looked like a second-year fourth-round pick playing against backups and third-stringers. Wooden produced four pressures and six stops, including a pair of tackles for loss against the run. His sack was a cleanup after a pressure from a teammate. He also disrupted a screen pass attempt in Denver.
