With the Green Bay Packers set to play one more preseason game, there should be many players looking to fight to make the final roster. With two games played so far, some players have had the chance to make an impact and how they belong. Some players who didn’t have high expectations from fans have showed out while other players have not met those expectations. Here are some Green Bay Packers who should make the roster based off of their performances so far.
Emanuel Wilson – Running Back
Coming into the preseason, the Packers’ RB1 and RB2 spots were essentially filled up by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. That means there was a battle for the RB3 spot which didn’t feel like Wilson had the upper hand on to begin with. It seemed like it would belong to Patrick Taylor who held it last season and impressed when he had the opportunity. Even Tyler Goodson who’s performed in camp seem like he had a shot. After the first two preseason games, Emanuel Wilson has made a strong case for himself.
Wilson currently leads the NFL in rushing yards after the first two games with 174 rushing yards on 21 carries with an impressive 8.3 yards per carry. He made his mark against the Bengals where he finished with 111 yards on six carries and two touchdowns. It was evident how much impact he could make as his speed and burst was on full display.
The Fort Valley State University product followed up that performance with a solid effort finishing with 15 carries and 63 yards. Entering the preseason, many fans haven’t probably heard of Wilson but he’s definitely showing out and has a real shot to make the roster. He has one more game to prove he can make a real impact on the roster.
Malik Heath – Wide Receiver
Malik Heath, like Emanuel Wilson, is also another undrafted free agent who had an outside shot of making the final roster. Through two games, Heath has eight receptions to go along with 111 receiving yards. He has looked very impressive especially for a team with many receivers fighting to fill up the wide receiver depth.
With some of the receivers on the roster being drafted players, it gave them a slight upper hand going into preseason. Last game against New England, Heath looked very good and made some impressive catches. He finished with a game high five receptions and 75 yards to go along.
He’s a very physical and imposing receiver standing at 6’2, 213 lbs. βThey are looking for a goon, so Iβm going to try and fill that role. Iβm going to try to do anything to make this team”, said Heath. He’s very determined to fill one of the final roster spots and with the Green Bay Packers history of undrafted players making the team, Heath should have a real shot.
Carrington Valentine – Cornerback
Carrington Valentine, a 7th round pick, has made a name for himself immediately for the Green Bay Packers. He has looked good in camp and followed it up with an impressive showing against the Bengals where he also recorded an interception. That resulted in the rookie getting more time on the field the next game and playing more snaps.
His second game wasn’t perfect, but as a latte round pick you’re not expected to be perfect let alone always make the team. Being drafted helped his chances but not all 7th rounders are guaranteed a roster spot after preseason. Valentine has earned a spot and showed he could provide additional depth in Green Bay’s cornerback room.
He has a knack for the football and has flashed that ability thus far in the preseason. I wouldn’t say he has a spot locked up, but from the looks of it he definitely has one of the best chances to make the final roster. Another impressive showing against Seattle could definitely help his case as he’s also being used on special teams which is also a valuable asset.
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Javier Delgado is a lifelong Packers fan who is currently majoring in sports journalism at Arizona State University. He writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @javierrdelgadoo.
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