The Green Bay Packers kick off their preseason slate against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field on Saturday, Aug. 9. The next two weekends include contests against the Indianapolis Colts and the Seattle Seahawks.
While the appeal of preseason football pales in comparison to regular-season games, there are plenty of key storylines to keep an eye on in Titletown.
New Packers
Each offseason, football fans experience a wave of optimism following the introduction of new players through the NFL draft and free agency. The Packers introduced eight players in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed several players in free agency. Many of these new additions project to be key contributors for a 2025 Packers team with Super Bowl aspirations.
WR Matthew Golden
The Packers drafted a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time since 2002. Enter Matthew Golden, a WR from the University of Texas with blazing speed, evidenced by his 4.29 40-yard dash time at the 2025 NFL combine.
Golden was drafted to become the WR1 that media critics and star running back, Josh Jacobs, insisted Green Bay was lacking. The preseason offers fans their first look at the highly touted receiver. Keep an eye out for the 22-year-old to become a favorite of quarterback Jordan Love.
CB Nate Hobbs
Cornerback Nate Hobbs signed a multi-year deal with the Packers after playing four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Head Coach Matt Lafluer has been forced to address Hobbs’ practice field conduct following a series of questionable hits. Hobbs brings an intensity to the Packers defense that should have fans excited, provided he can control it on the practice field.
Hobbs may not see many repetitions during the preseason due to his veteran status. However, exhibition games present an opportunity for Packers fans to see how Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley utilizes the former Raider.
LB/S Isaiah Simmons
Hobbs isn’t the only addition to the Packers’ defense that Hafley will need to creatively employ. Brian Gutekunst initiated the latest career revival project in Green Bay by signing former top-10 pick, Isaiah Simmons. Simmons is a hybrid safety-linebacker joining his third team as he enters his sixth year in the NFL.
The talented defender has a reputation for his athleticism and versatility that dates back to his time at Clemson University. Simmons is armed with the physical tools to stand out, such as a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 39-inch vertical leap. Packers fans should be glued to their TV to see how Simmons fits into the team’s defensive strategy.
Position Battles
Preseason activities often shape NFL rosters through fierce competition. The Packers need clarity at safety, offensive line, and RB2, while several players fight for roster spots before the regular season.
Safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are vying for the starting safety spot opposite 2024 First Team All-Pro Xavier McKinney. Jordan Morgan will compete to secure a starting role on the offensive line in his second season. Emanuel Wilson and Marshawn Lloyd will fight to be first relief to Josh Jacobs.
Green Bay must reduce their densely populated WR group prior to the Aug. 26 deadline to cut rosters to 53 active players. The Packers currently have twelve WRs on their roster — they kept only six on the 2024 active roster. Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs are seemingly locks to make the team, while Savion Williams, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Heath highlight the leading candidates for the remaining roster spots.
Bo Melton Transition
Former wide receiver Bo Melton opted to avoid competition by taking his talents to the defense. The third year Packer will transition to cornerback after garnering only 41 total targets in Green Bay in two seasons.
Melton hasn’t played cornerback since his early years at Rutgers, but there is reason to believe he can be successful. Melton follows in the footsteps of his brother, Max Melton, who plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals. Bo Melton’s transition offers a unique storyline for Packers fans to embrace as the preseason develops.
Final Countdown
Green Bay’s Week 1 bout with the Detroit Lions at Lambeau field is still over a month away. Packers fans can turn their attention to the NFL preseason as an appetizer for what looks to be a fulfilling regular season.
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