NFL Preseason: Cleveland Browns Players to Watch Vs. Green Bay Packers

The Cleveland Browns face the Packers in Green Bay this Saturday night in the first preseason matchup for either team.

In the first preseason game, the first unit usually only plays two or three drives of the first quarter before giving way to the second team until halftime.

The second half mostly features the third team and players who are on the bubble for a roster spot.

Here are 10 Browns players who are already hovering over that roster bubble. Keep an eye on them because the coaches will be too.

David Veikune, Inside Linebacker

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 15: David Veikune #57 of the Cleveland Browns looks looks onl against the Green Bay Packers during the preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 15, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Veikune, a second-round pick of the Browns in 2009, is a former college defensive end who was considered too small to play that position in the NFL, especially in the Browns' 3-4 defense.

So head coach Eric Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan moved Veikune to outside linebacker to be a pass rusher.

After hardly seeing the football field during his rookie season, Veikune's conversion to linebacker seemed to have failed. But during the 2010 offseason, the coaches moved Veikune to inside linebacker during his second season.

In practices, Veikune runs with the third teamers. He seems to get caught up in traffic in the middle of the field rather than making plays. Though he is on the bubble now, he can change that with a good outing against the Packers.

Chris Jennings, Running Back

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BEREA, OH - AUGUST 04: Chris Jennings #34 of the Cleveland Browns tries to escape a tackle during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on August 4, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Late in 2009, Jennings came on strong to become the backup to Jerome Harrison, but with the additions of Montario Hardesty, Peyton Hillis, and a healthy James Davis, Jennings has his work cut out for him.

With the Browns focusing on a strong running attack, Jennings may not be a roster casualty. Hardesty and Harrison both have durability issues and you can never have enough running backs on your roster.

James Davis, Running Back

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CLEVELAND - AUGUST 22: James Davis #28 of the Cleveland Browns runs throught the Detroit Lions defense for a touchdown during the third quarter of their NFL game in Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/G

Davis was the hottest rookie in preseason one year ago, and then he got injured and missed most of his rookie season.

This year's camp is "take two" for Davis, who once again is showing his ability to run with power and speed so far.

Davis is likely to make the cut in the end, but he is still a player to watch as he returns from injury against the Pack.

Gerard Lawson, Cornerback

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DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Gerard Lawson #30 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammates following a turnover late in the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 22, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions came from behind to defeat th

This past weekend, Lawson put his roster spot in doubt after a night of partying led to his arrest for hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

What was Lawson thinking?

He should be focusing on football until his roster spot is secure, then celebrating.

The Browns added veteran corner Sheldon Brown and rookie Joe Haden this offseason, so Lawson's bubble may burst soon unless he can make up for it on the field.

Kwaku Danso, Defensive Tackle

Danso, a 28-year-old rookie from Africa, is a very raw player who has only played the game of football for three years.

Though you may think his inexperience counteracts his older age, it may also be a crutch, since he just may not get it at all.

He has not been a standout during camp,but a defensive tackle in the 3-4 scheme does not get attention as a playmaker; his job to plug the holes the offensive line tries to create.

Rob Ryan likes the Danso, so he may find room for him on the practice squad if he doesn't make the team.

Joel Reinders, Offensive Tackle

Reinders was discovered by the Browns on YouTube.

He, too, is a bit raw and inexperienced.

Reinders may join Danso on the practice squad to hone his abilities as a blocker.

His size and potential alone will give him an advantage over others on the bubble. It will be interesting to see him play against the Packers' backups.

Robert Royal, Tight End

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 11: Robert Royal #84 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a break in NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. The Browns defeated the Bills 6-3. (Photo

Every Browns fan knows of Royal's struggles to catch the ball in 2009, especially when it hit him right in the hands.

He has been seen dropping more passes in camp, too.

Though he may be a strong blocking tight end, Mangini loves versatility in his players. When Royal comes into the game, the defense will assume the next play will be a run.

With the emergence of second-year tight end Evan Moore, who catches everything and is steadily improving as a blocker, Royal will have to step up his game.

Jonathan Haggerty, Wide Receiver

Mangini keeps a close eye on this group of wide receivers since there are so many question marks after Mohamed Massaquoi, No. 1 on the depth chart.

Haggerty, an undrafted rookie, has made plays and improved his game since the start of camp.

Will it be enough to make the final roster? Or will he be placed on the practice squad too?

Haggerty should get many looks from third-string quarterback Colt McCoy in the second half of the Packers game.

Carlton Mitchell, Wide Receiver

Mitchell was projected by some as a third- or fourth-round pick, yet he fell to the Browns in the sixth round. He is another young and raw talent on the roster.

Haggerty has made more plays and received more press so far, but Mitchell can get some attention with his play against the Packers.

Mangini and the Browns will find it tough to keep both Mitchell and Haggerty, but never say never in the NFL.

Bobby Engram, Wide Receiver

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 21: Bobby Engram #84 of the Seattle Seahawks carries the ball during the game against the New York Jets on December 21, 2008 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Jets 13-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Ima

Engram was a late offseason addition, signing right before the start of training camp.

Holmgren wanted a veteran leader in camp to provide a professional influence to the Browns' many young receivers.

Engram has been doing that job well. Hopefully it will translates into better play from the wideouts this season, because someone needs to step up besides Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs.

Even though he played for Holmgren in Seattle, the 37-year-old Engram will face plenty of competition for a roster spot from all the young receivers on the roster now.

Many Others to Watch

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CLEVELAND - AUGUST 29: Coye Francies #25 of the Cleveland Browns breaks up a pass to Paul Williams #11 of the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 29, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Many other Browns players could easily make this list, like second-year cornerback Coye Francies, who had a decent preseason one year ago.

Francies is currently on the PUP list along with defensive lineman Shaun Rogers and C.J. Mosley, so fans have no clue whether Francies will be better in year two.

Missing all of training camp so far does not help his cause. Neither will missing the game versus the Packers.

(Daniel Wolf is exclusively covering the Browns training camp for both Bleacher Report and Blog" href="http://www.dawgscooper.net" target="_blank">Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog.)