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Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots: Week 1 Preseason Preview

By Erik Lambert

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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Tavon Wilson (27) against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Players Who Need Big Games

Packers:  Jared Abbrederis

Few teams invest so heavily during every draft at wide receiver like the Green Bay Packers do.  That makes it difficult for young players to stick on the roster because of such steep competition.  Former 5th round pick Jared Abbrederis faces that reality.

Though a star at Wisconsin with tons of production to show he could play, his pro career got off on the wrong foot when he tore his ACL during training camp.  It didn’t get any better this year as his camp once again was derailed, this time by a concussion.  His opportunity to stick on the roster is fading fast.  Only a standout preseason showing may save him.

Patriots:  Tavon Wilson

Even the New England Patriots have their issues when it comes to the NFL draft.  One of them over the years has been a series of notable misses on defensive backs with high picks.  Among them include Ras-I Dowling, Eugene Wilson, and Darius Butler.  Now Tavon Wilson, their 2nd round pick from 2012, is facing that same reality.

With Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung firmly entrenched ahead of him, he’s in a battle with five other safeties for what will likely be just two remaining roster spots.  Given his lack of playmaking skill over the past two years (1 INT in 29 games), the best chance he may have is finding a way to stick out on special teams.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 Offenses In 2015

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