As the Green Bay Packers analyze their roster before the 53-man cutdown date, any snap in preseason can make the difference for players on the bubble. In their first preseason game of 2024, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Cleveland Browns 23-10 in a dominant showing. Within the impressive team performance, there were a few underrated individual stand outs.
#3 | QB Michael Pratt Impresses In NFL Preseason Debut
Michael Pratt was drafted by the Green Bay Packers out of Tulane University in the seventh round of the 2024 draft. Pratt set the career passing yards and touchdowns for Tulane and was a respected prospect going into the stacked 2024 draft class. Suprisingly, he fell deep into the final round of the NFL draft, where the Packers picked him up for low risk depth.
In his first preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns, Michael Pratt managed to put together an impressive couple of drives. In seven passes Pratt counted nearly fifty yards through the air and landed on highlight reels for an impressive run block. His 83.6 pass rating placed him in the top four of rookies for week one of preseason.
Michael Pratt – 83.6 passing grade vs the Browns
The second highest among rookie QBs in Week 1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZpwFAUFhjI
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) August 14, 2024
Emanuel Wilson is a preseason god
(Michael Pratt block 😤😤)
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 10, 2024
Michael Pratt will get a full half of preseason play against the Denver Broncos, potentially keeping his name fresh within the rookie QB rankings.
#2 | Green Bay Packers Cornerback Robert Rochell Puts On Coverage Clinic
Robert Rochell was picked up by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Coming out of Shreveport, LA, Rochell grinded his way into Central Arkansas and an eventually the Packers roster. Standing at Six-foot 193lb, what rochell may lack in size he makes up for in hustle.
Against the Cleveland Browns, Rochell displayed that hustle.
How to make an NFL roster in 12 seconds pic.twitter.com/Yo9zf4o458
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 11, 2024
At gunner Rochell displayed his elite athleticm and grind, putting on a show for special teams coach Rich Bisaccia. At corner, Rochell made a key fourth down pass deflection to put a stop to a Browns comeback effort.
Highest-graded Packers in the preseason opener:
🥇 Julian Hicks – 84.9
🥈 Grant DuBose – 84.8
🥉 Michael Pratt – 84.5
🏅 Joel Wilson – 84.4
🏅 Robert Rochell – 80.5(min. 10 snaps) pic.twitter.com/OcYVYWrrlm
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) August 11, 2024
Rochell will be a long time Green Bay Packer if he consistently puts his hustle and athleticm on film in the NFL preseason.
#1 | Julian Hicks Makes His Name In The Wide Receiver Room
Among the Green Bay Packers highest rated performers in the Cleveland Browns preseason matchup, a mostly unknown wide receiver Julian Hicks. In 2023, Hicks had a standout season with Albany, accumulating 820 yards with an average of 16.4 yards per catch and 11 touchdowns. He landed on scouts radars with back to back games, racking up 162 yards against New Hampshire and 188 yards against Rhode Island.
With an already deep receiver corp, the Packers opted not to draft a wideout or initially sign any undrafted rookies. However, Hicks possesses key qualities the Packers value, including a 6’2″ frame, 201-pound build, and strong athletic testing.
With 702 career snaps as a run-blocker, according to PFF, Hicks brings valuable experience. To secure even a practice squad spot, he must demonstrate his ability to contribute to special teams. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has highlighted the importance of competition across every position for the Green Bay Packers. Hicks’ combination of size and speed adds intriguing potential to the back end of the Packers’ receiving group.
Against the Cleveland Browns, Hicks made a highlight catch as well as an impressive carry on a jet sweep, totaling 37 yards on two touches.
Michael Pratt to Julian Hicks for one of the prettiest plays of the game. pic.twitter.com/rwR59ajdRf
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 11, 2024
“Just a lot of adversity going through my career,” Hicks said to the Times Union. “Transferring schools, and like I said, being a walk-on, it was a lot. And then finally coming here to Albany and getting hurt, being out the whole season, it was tough for me. You know, I was going through a lot. So I’m just blessed to be able to be back out there. It was overwhelming at first because it’s just been so long. It was definitely a great feeling.”
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