Cleveland Browns at Packers: 3 key things to watch for

Rookies making their NFL debuts

Friday’s exhibition will mark the NFL debuts for a large rookie class. Top draft choice Corey Coleman’s NFL debut will be put on hold as he will be idle with a hamstring injury.

However, other rookies will get a taste of their first NFL games and look to impress the coaching staff and fight for playing time. Although Coleman will be sidelined, rookie wide receivers Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins will be making their respective debuts.

All three rookies bring unique skill sets to the receiving group and are in a tough position battle with other veteran receivers aiming to make the 53-man roster.

Louis, Payton and Higgins have all had positive days at camp and have made plays throughout the first few weeks. However, the with the lights coming on Friday night it is time to see if anyone can separate from the rest and emerge as a reliable target and contributor for the regular season.

Other rookies making their debuts to watch closely are second-round selection Emmanuel Ogbah and third-round selection Carl Nassib. Both players have generally had quiet training camps so far as they get acclimated to the speed of the NFL game.

Both players give the Browns potential to rush the passer and create pressure. With the season ending injury to Desmond Bryant, Ogbah has been exclusively working with the defensive ends.

Green Bay will present an opportunity for both to showcase their rushing potential and prove themselves to the coaching staff. With Bryant’s injury, the defensive line is looking for someone to step up to help fill the void of the proven veteran.

Other rookies include offensive tackles Shon Coleman and Spencer Drango, who are battling in an open competition for the starting right tackle position with veterans Alvin Bailey and Austin Pasztor.

Despite being selected in the fifth round, below Coleman who was drafted in the third round, Drango was listed on the first-team offense on the first depth chart released this week. Drango has been praised for great footwork and work ethic early in camp.

In addition, safety Derrick Kindred, quarterback Cody Kessler, and linebackers Joe Schobert and Scooby Wright will be making their debuts in Green Bay. Cornerback Trey Caldwell and tight end Seth DeValve are expected to sit after returning from injuries.

Next: Those fighting for a spot