Potential Practice Squad Candidates Heading Into Preseason Week 4

As the Packers prepare for their fourth and final preseason matchup, here are some practice squad-eligible candidates to keep an eye on. 

The Packers play their fourth and final preseason game at Lambeau Field Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, their second preseason opponent that they’ll also see in the regular season. 

Against the Raiders, 33 players were held out of the action. That number should be similar, or possibly even higher, against the Chiefs as the Packers use this final in-game opportunity to evaluate their roster. 

Not every player that doesn’t make the 53-man roster on cutdown day is practice squad eligible, which means the team will have some tough decisions to make as they begin trimming the roster. 

Here are some roster bubble names to keep an eye on. These players have shown flashes during the preseason and training camp, and could make a strong case for the practice squad if they’re released by Green Bay and clear waivers:

Chandon Sullivan 

Sullivan is a tricky prospect because he’s had a very steady training camp. His first preseason game was strong, his second was not, and then he flashed again last week against the Raiders, constantly finding himself in a position to make plays. Additionally, Sullivan is playing at one of the deepest positions on the team behind Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Josh Jackson, Tony Brown, Tramon Williams, and Ka’dar Hollman. If the Packers were to keep seven cornerbacks on the roster, Sullivan would likely be the seventh player. That seems like an unlikely scenario at this point, though, so Sullivan could find himself on the practice squad to start the season with an opportunity to join the 53 if any injuries strike. Through three preseason games, Sullivan has tallied one interception for 18 yards and 13 total tackles. 

Malcolm Johnson 

Johnson would have to have an astronomical performance on Thursday night against the Chiefs to warrant a spot on the 53. While the Packers do plan to utilize the fullback in Matt LaFleur’s offense, Danny Vitale has just about locked up that position in full (see what I did there). He is practice squad eligible, however, and has traits that are worth developing in Green Bay. He blocks well and has also taken plenty of snaps on special teams. He’s a solid depth player at a position the Packers like, so that might be his path to the practice squad. 

Cole Madison

Madison’s story is a touching one, and it was powerful to see him back at camp this season after taking a year away from football to focus on his health. With that said, he’s still taken a year away from football, and it showed some of the time regarding his consistency on the line. To his credit, he’s been asked to play just about everywhere to see where he fits the best, but that’s also a lot to handle for a player who’s been out of the game as long as Madison was before returning. Madison is an ideal candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t land on the 53 right away. He’s taken snaps at center, guard, and tackle, and he profiles the type of player the Packers typically like to keep in their locker room and develop long term. Given the history of injuries to the offensive line, the Packers will certainly keep at least a few big bodies on the practice squad to call up if necessary. 

Adam Pankey/Yosh Nijman/Gerhard de Beer

I cheated a little bit for this one because Pankey, Nijman, and de Beer all have traits that make them desirable practice squad candidates. They also all profile as NFL tackles, whereas Madison is more of an interior lineman. I don’t see the Packers keeping three tackles, either, when there are only 10 practice squad spots available, so that makes things more challenging. Pankey has been with Green Bay since 2017, spending time on both the practice squad and active roster while never registering a start in a game. Nijman is a 6-7 rookie with freak athleticism that still needs time to develop at the position. Finally, de Beer joined the team late in 2018 and has spent time on the practice squad. The South African prospect also has great measurables and is a champion-level discus thrower. While he’s still learning football, he has talent to back up the muscle. It’s unclear as to who has a leg up right now, but for what it’s worth, de Beer is listed as the backup right tackle behind Bryan Bulaga, with both Nijman and Pankey listed as third string players. 

James Looney

Looney finds himself in a crowded defensive linemen room, even after the departure of veteran Mike Daniels. Dean Lowry just got paid and Kenny Clark is due for a massive contract in the near future. Behind them, 2017 third-round draft pick Montravius Adams is expected to make a massive jump and contribute more in his third season. Additionally, the Packers drafted rookie Kingsley Keke in the fifth round of the draft this season to bolster their room further. With second-year holdovers Tyler Lancaster and Fadol Brown competing for the remaining one or two spots in the room, Looney could find himself starting the season on the practice squad once again. Looney was a seventh-round pick in the 2018 Draft. He was added to the active roster in November and played in three games for Green Bay to close out the season. 

Randy Ramsey

Like Looney, Ramsey finds himself at one of the most loaded positions on the roster. During free agency, GM Brian Gutekunst brought in two big-name free agents at the outside linebacker position in Za’Darius and Preston Smith. Then, the team spent their first, first-round draft pick on OLB Rashan Gary. With Kyler Fackrell posting a 10.5-sack season in 2018, he likely has the best shot at sticking as the team’s fourth edge rusher. That leaves players like “Rambo” on the bubble. The 6-3 linebacker had 106 total tackles for the Arkansas Razorbacks during his collegiate career with 19.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. In his first three preseason games, he’s tallied four total tackles and one sack. He’s a physical tackler that the coaching staff has noticed. He’d be a solid addition to the practice squad. 

Tra Carson

Finally, the running back position is relatively up in the air heading into the final preseason matchup. It’s worth noting that Carson does come in on the depth chart ahead of rookie sixth-round draft pick Dexter Williams, but I have a hard time believing the Packers will subject their talented draft pick with high upside to waivers. Because of that, Carson seems like a lock for the practice squad if he isn’t picked up himself. I don’t see the Packers carrying four running backs and one fullback, so Carson would likely be the odd man out in that scenario. That said, Carson does have one of the best shots at the 53-man roster, so calling him a practice squad candidate could be a wash altogether. Carson has seen a lot of action this preseason with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams both sitting out. He also has scored the team’s lone rushing touchdown of the preseason. He looks good in the Packers offense and would offer security should the running back room encounter more injury issues in 2019. Carson was elevated from Green Bay’s practice squad in October of the 2018 season before ending his year on injured reserve.

 

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Maggie Loney is a writer for Cheesehead TV and podcaster for the Pack-A-Day Podcast and Pack's What She Said. Find her on Twitter at @MaggieJLoney.

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6 points
 

Comments (63)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Roadrunner23's picture

August 27, 2019 at 03:40 pm

Good picks Maggie and I would agree with most of these.
I would also add to the list:

Evan Baylis TE who has been impressive even #12 gave him some love

Manny Wilkins QB who showed good mobility and an accurate arm

Kabion Ento CB who is worth developing

Darius Shepherd WR/KR if the numbers at WR don’t work out in his favor

Thank you

That is all...

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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2019 at 04:58 pm

Shepherd should make the roster. If he doesn’t, an attempt to get him on the PS should be first priority.

Regardless of Shepherd,Lazard should be a priority PS candidate as well. If Shepherd makes the 53, Moore gets a berth on upside.

I don’t see Sullivan cracking the roster. He has some spark, but the depth is too great and he is boom or bust at this point.

If Ento is healthy, he should be the first priority DB signed, however. He has significant upside in my opinion.

As to the tackles, Pankey is depth, but with Light and McCray emerging and likely on the roster, do we need that? I would pick potential here. De Beer is an athlete but has never shown acumen at tackle. He was a revolving door this pre season. He has a long way to go: Nijman is has equal physical traits and looks more natural if still raw. Nijman would be my PS choice if we can’t squeeze him on roster. If not, has de Beer showed enough growth to justify a spot over Pankey’s versatility? That’s a tough one.

Madison is a no brainer. I think he was done a disservice by being made to learn center so they could have Jenkins and Taylor compete. He is the guard.

We need a second FB, Malcolm Johnson has good hands, can block and knows our system. It makes sense.

As for running back, I think the most likely candidate is Dexter Williams. They have made it pretty clear that they like his upside but aren’t confident putting him in games at this point. Since I do not believe they will keep 4 RBs, he gets the invite. Carson may be the third back going into the season, but if they can do better, I think he doesn’t have the upside for the PS.

Ramsey doesn’t strike me as all that special, sorry. However we will need a LB on the PS. Part of me wonders if that person is on the 90 at this point.

I think Looney depends on Fadol Brown. If Brown is healthy, does he even make the roster? If Looney is behind him, I’m not sure he makes the PS unless Brown makes the opening Roster.

Finally, I am assuming ILB Brady Sheldon makes the team to start the season after the recent injuries. I think he will be a OS candidate if not. I also think a safety prospect may be brought in.

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greengold's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:11 pm

Agree with a lot of this Coldworld.

I really like Kabion Ento. He is a player with skills and speed. Oh, I forgot HOPS!!!!

Thought Brady Sheldon played well enough to be on this 53, but with Burks returning soon, I wonder if he isn't PS bound.

I do like Markus Jones at OLB, and would like to see more of him with the Packers. I'm thinking he might be a surprise keep on the 53. He's got uncanny ST abilities to block kicks. Might be worth the roster spot.

Deon Simon impressed me in the preseason games I've watched. Might be worth keeping him on the PS if he doesn't make the 53. I like him better than Looney, and Fadol Brown has been out all preseason.

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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:40 pm

Good point on Markus Jones. He is interesting and I overlooked him. He is a player I would also like to see on Thursday.

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hobowilly's picture

August 28, 2019 at 08:57 am

GG, "Thought Brady Sheldon played well enough to be on this 53, but with Burks returning soon, I wonder if he isn't PS bound"; i only used this quote to make a point: why is everyone so high and fascinated with Burks? Is he injury prone, thus making him another Perry sort of player? The only thing he hasn't done is wear clubs. Until he becomes activated (is that a month from now, 5 sept or for the Lion Monday night game-still love how GB keeps quiet) plays and plays decent, he's on the road to becoming another has been. But, let's keep this in mind, he is one of Gutey's guys, right? Truth is I wish him and the complexity of naming the 53 goes well.

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jannes bjornson's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:39 pm

IR Equan for the year and slide Shepherd on board. Maybe somebody gets moved in a trade?

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:47 am

Good points oh famed predictor! I completely agree about Manny Wilkins. He's the guy that screams "Gute wants to stash" to me. I've referred to him as a "poor-man's Wilson/Mayfield/Murray. Every time I watch him, I see a guy with a great arm, excellent movement skills, smart decision-making, and leadership/moxie. I think he's the most under-the-radar guy on this team. I'm interested in seeing if he gets much if any time this week; I wouldn't be shocked to see him hardly get any exposure, and then see him signed to the PS.

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greengold's picture

August 28, 2019 at 01:00 pm

No doubt!

The only good glimpse I got to see of Manny Wilkins with the Packers was during the Family Night scrimmage, and holy balls, that guy has a presence and a calmness to him in the huddle, very self assured.

Being an Arizona State Alum, I can vouch for him. He's a very accurate passer. I believe his completion rate in play action alone was 61%. And, the dude can run, lights out.

I was just disappointed he didn't get a fair shot with the 1s and 2s. He was only given about 3 minutes of garbage time in our preseason games with HOU & BAL, if not less, with the 3rd, 4th and 5th stringers. Can't fairly evaluate his true talent when he's running for his life back there, and guys are dropping easy balls.

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jannes bjornson's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:04 pm

Somebody tossed the ball to N'Keal Harry. He is a player.

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RWood832's picture

August 27, 2019 at 03:51 pm

Well done Maggie. I commend your courage in putting Cole Madison on this list. So many comments on these boards have him making the 53. I don't think he has earned his place there yet. I thought Pankey had done enough in the preseason games to warrant a place on the 53 but McCray and Patrick have shown just a bit more and their versatility and regular season game experience edged him out IMO.
I don't think Carson makes the PS. I think BG will find a RB on the waiver wire, or trades for someone. This makes Tra expendable.
I think Shep makes the 53 which makes Moore and Lazard the two WRs on the PS.
I agree with Nostradonus's choices of Ento and Williams. I would like to see Baylis on the PS but if they carry 4 TEs on the roster, I don't think they have room for one on the PS.

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Turophile's picture

August 27, 2019 at 03:54 pm

Lazard is another guy that has a good chance of the PS. I'm not sure about his development, but he is 6'5" with some ability, and worth giving a chance to develop further.

The WR room is so full of potential this year, i don't how he makes the final cut. I'm guessing at six receivers making the 53
(in fact 7 make it if ESB goes on IR, allowing another to be kept)

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hobowilly's picture

August 28, 2019 at 09:06 am

heartily agree sir! Those fans calling for a WR draft aren't clued in to GB's corrale of WR talent....and, with this new offense let's just watch how the ball gets distributed. I have a lot of faith in the new coaches as well. MLF seems to be a clever individual who is smart enough to use his assistant coaches to have their inputs/schemes/talent be incorporated. Admitedly, i became rather sour on MM since the 2014 fiasco and it's a curiosity to me just how much MM used his staff, particularly in late game mgmt; i'm certainly willing to give the new group a couple years to bring GB back to prominence. Optimistically, visualizing GB just gets into the playoffs this very year and moves forward in 2020 as well. Gutey has done an exceptional job with all the misses TT had in the draft and lack of FA activity.

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greengold's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:01 pm

Seems to me that both Yosh Nijman and Cole Madison would not last 5 minutes on our PS... just saying. Too much talent and athleticism with those two players to just give to another team outright.

Rarely do you get a chance to sign a pure LT/RT with Nijman's measurables, as well as his experience going against the ACC talent he faced through 4 years, as a UDFA no less. Let's put it this way, he allowed ZERO sacks to Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Josh Allen and Brian Burns last season. ZERO.

You do not put that kind of talent on the PS. Every one of those guys were selected in the 1st Round of this last draft, #17 or higher. He stoned them all. Nijman gave up ONE sack the entire year in 2018, to Ximines on a busted play.

Does he need work on his technique at the NFL level? Of course. Very few rookie OTs do not... Let Yosh Nijman work on his technique here, to protect Aaron Rodgers for years.

As for Cole Madison, the guy is incredibly versatile, and really surprised me with his showing thus far at OG, after an entire year out of football. While he projected to OG in the NFL, and had some work at C, he also played as a 4 year starter at RT at Washington State. That versatility is what teams covet.

Pankey, deBeer, McCray? I think they all would be safe on the PS, looking to stash OL.

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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2019 at 04:57 pm

I am not sure McCray has remaining eligibility.

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jannes bjornson's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:30 pm

Madison over Patrick or McCray, that will be the discussion. Where does Nijman fit if they keep nine for the O line?

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:42 am

As long as Madison is not back up center. Jenkins should have been prepared for that. The difference between Taylor and Jenkins is clearly not large at this point. The difference between Linsley and Madison is. Patrick is a lot better as a second Center if Jenkins is otherwise occupied. In that circumstance I would take Patrick over Madison.

2 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

August 27, 2019 at 07:20 pm

In order to grab a guy off the Packers practice squad, teams will have to sign them to the roster and both those guys are far, far from being ready to contribute to a team. Every team has their own developmental guys. Very doubtful someone grabs either one of these guys just on athletic talent alone, when they've have to sign them to the 53.

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Rak43's picture

August 27, 2019 at 09:06 pm

There are quite a few teams out there just looking for serviceable backups on the offensive line. Madison, Nijman, Pankey, and Patrick would all have eyes on them if cut. It wouldn't be a surprise to see any if not all claimed after cutdowns next week if they don't make it.

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:44 am

Left tackle is perhaps the hardest position other than QB at which to find real prospects. Plenty of teams will hold a LT prospect on their roster if they see real potential.

2 points
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dobber's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:46 am

<cough> <cough> Jason Spriggs <cough> <cough>

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:33 am

I think his is a case of potential past it’s expiration date. Can’t be said of Nijman.

Spriggs is still on the Packers IR, which suggests that he is some way from being healthy enough to sign.

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jannes bjornson's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:06 pm

Maybe they keep Pankey over McCray.

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Rak43's picture

August 27, 2019 at 09:03 pm

Nijman has played well, is athletic and versatile. He is my under the radar sleeper pick to make the 53. I agree with you that Nijman wouldn't even make it to the PS without getting claimed. It really just depends on how much potential Gute and the staff see in him.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:38 am

"Rarely do you get a chance to sign a pure LT/RT with Nijman's measurables, as well as his experience going against the ACC talent he faced through 4 years, as a UDFA no less."

And yet EVERY team had the chance to draft him and EVERY team had the chance to lure him in on a UDFA contract. He's been exactly what he was billed to be coming out of college: an unrefined OT who gets by on traits but is sloppy and lacks technique and footwork.

TT always used to say that you can't have enough good big bodies, but I don't think Nijman's good, yet. If there was a preliminary cutdown date (like there used to be) I suspect he would have been a bubble player at that point. I think we're overestimating his value on the open market if he gets cut.

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:48 am

It really depends, to Rak’s point, what they and others see on tape. Nijman was knocked for a suspicion that he wouldn’t take coaching. If the Packers disagree, they keep him. If the tape suggests he is learning technique other teams will want him.

I see some raw ability, notably in the run game he looks good, but I lack the expertise to determine the answer to the above.

P.S.
Here is a pretty typical scout summary:

“Yosh Nijman might be the best-looking tackle in this entire class. He's got a proportionate frame from head to toe that checks every box the NFL will have. He's powerful, athletic and has the natural ability that can't be developed. Major technical flaws in his game won't be hard for an NFL team to identify, but they will take time to fix. Nijman will be best-served to spend a year on a practice squad, but the foundation for a dominant player might just be underneath the surface.” (Categorized as priority FA)

It’s going to take more expertise than I have to determine if this is indeed correctable and progressing, but with the number of teams struggling to find starting tackles I don’t like the odds of keeping him on the PS.

Spriggs is still on the Packers IR, suggesting he is not close to being fit, if he were I would not be shocked to see him picked up post settlement.

3 points
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greengold's picture

August 28, 2019 at 01:17 pm

There were a lot of factors involved that kept teams away. Unknowns.

1. He had metal rods inserted in both lower legs early on, when his body mass outgrew his bone structure's ability to withstand the weight. That clearly has not hindered his athleticism, as he is the only player outside of both Gary and Summers to have an ELITE rating in RAS from the 2019 draft class in GB. Yosh Nijman further owned the Combine for OL, earning the highest overall grade in his draft class.

2. Nijman worked exclusively from a 2 pt. stance in Virginia Tech's system under Frank Beamer.

3. His overall technique in both hand usage and footwork needs development. This is a very big dude, 6-7 324. There is a lot of leverage work he needs to hone at the pro level starting from a 3 pt stance.

To me, his going undrafted was a gift, especially so his signing with GB as a UDFA. Being a pure OT proficient on both sides of the ball, a 4 year starter no less, against stiff competition in the ACC, well, how can you not take a flyer for a year to see how he develops? You are charged with protecting arguably the #1 player in the NFL, and you're just going to let him walk? Solid LT/RTs are very, very hard to find, and LT is the 2nd most important position on any team. He's proficient on both sides, LT and RT. He dropped in our laps. Why should we give him to some other team to develop?

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Rak43's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:10 pm

I think we see it the same way. Nijman has a lot of potential and would hate to lose him to another team. He has played well when in games I just haven't seen him much. I wonder if they're trying to limit his exposure to other teams? He reminds me of Jason Peters. If he develops anywhere near Peters level the Packers will have struck gold.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:44 am

Best argument for Yosh I’ve seen. My Question marks with him 1) coming back from injury he was put at RT so his college coaches likely saw his replacement as an upgrade 2) off the chart measureables + Undrafted = the pro scouts see some major issues, not just run of the mill development issues 3) the only tape of him I found online was against BC and it was mediocre at best 4) last preseason game put me to sleep, but I saw Yosh give up a sack with bad footwork against a career fringe guy who clocks in at 230 lbs. I’m not saying he will never amount to anything, but I am saying what I said a month or more ago - he will have a hard time making the 53. Frankly I just see a guy who will probably always struggle to put it together.

4 points
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hobowilly's picture

August 28, 2019 at 09:13 am

nice. Appreciate knowing more about Nijian and your optimism about Madison. Many coaches & GM's realize big men who are athletic and can learn to play @ the NFL level are hard to come by. Nijian did his stuff @ the college level so how well he can work into playing in the NFL is yet to be seen. Thx. One wild card here that we need to consider though is how well the new O line coach is doing--Campen was a favorite of mine and left substantial shoes to fill IMHO.

1 points
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Rudedawg67's picture

August 28, 2019 at 11:21 am

I agree Nijman and probably Madison wouldn’t last. Nijman is freak, needs a little time to develop but with the right mentorship could be a steal. In college he started out as a DE before he was moved to left tackle.

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:00 pm

Yeah, I wasn't sure about that...

Is McCray worth more than what may turn out to be a starting RT or LT? I don't think it is even close. We have depth at C with Elgton Jenkins.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:33 am

McCray is a valuable game-day piece in that he's experienced and can back up 4 positions on the OL. With Light being the de facto backup swing tackle and Turner having the ability to bump outside to RT if needed, I don't think they carry an extra T-only. McCray's played well this preseason. I think he's a virtual lock.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 08:02 am

McCray is interesting. It seems the top backups are:

G: Jenkins/Taylor
C: Jenkins
RT: Turner
LT: Light

If Turner kicked out to RT, I’m assuming that, if Jenkins were starting, Taylor would be next up. If Linsley is out, Jenkins to C and Taylor in.

That assumes that Jenkins is ready. Yet they have focused him on Guard. Is he ready for C duties in this scheme? If not, while both McCray and Patrick have played C, Patrick seems to be the better C and G to me.

In that circumstance, do I really need a third Center/G and emergency Tackle? Remember Taylor played decently at LT for a game when injuries forced it. Would you need McCray active? I don’t think so, there is enough coverage without him even if one starter is down.

Overall, I think that in these circumstances, McCray is likely surplus to requirements and Nijman is able to take the last slot with an eye to the future.

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fthisJack's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:23 am

didn't McCray grade out very well in the snaps he got last year. if i remember right, he did and you don't let a guy like that with his versatility go.

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:58 am

I like McCray. I don’t see him as a preferred starter anywhere now or in the future though. He is not the preferred back up at any position either. I do not think he makes the field even with injuries unless there is a run of them.

The best argument I can see is as a game day active he could fill in anywhere. But Patrick and Jenkins are better Centers, Taylor, Jenkins and probably Patrick are better Guards and Turner and Light would start ahead of him at Tackle. If Nijman is assessed as having real potential, I would therefore give the last spot to Nijman if there is one.

If I am wrong about Patrick being a better Center or Guard
(My perception from preseason), then keep McCray over Patrick and apply the same rationale to Patrick.

0 points
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greengold's picture

August 28, 2019 at 01:20 pm

I agree completely. Lucas Patrick is the better, more versatile player to keep over McCray.

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:46 am

I think Jenkins is the future at C. He is just so dang good it is hard to not put him on the field now at G.

2 points
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stockholder's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:24 pm

Cut them loose. Pick up new!

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fthisJack's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:24 am

sure... pull some guys off the street. no problemo!

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ricky's picture

August 27, 2019 at 05:50 pm

If Chandon Sullivan doesn't make the PS, then who is the team going to add when Kevin King goes on IR? This is not a hope, but a prediction. He's ended up there the first two years, and with that history, it's hard to bet against it happening again.

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Fire_Gute's picture

August 27, 2019 at 07:37 pm

Yeah I'm not sure how corner is deep, and Kevin King shouldn't be considered when counting the numbers at CB because he's not going to be around long. You're basically committing to keeping an extra CB by keeping King. Is anyone convinced he's going to be on the field week one?

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 08:10 am

Brown
Jackson
Hollman
Williams
King
Alexander

Seems like a decent depth list to me.

Brown and Hollman can play outside. Someone will be backing up at FS, likely Redmond, who was a corner.

Overall that’s 7 DBs not counting SS Greene, Campbell or Savage and Amos.

Seems like good depth to me: better than I recall for a very long time. None of those are scrubs and behind that, Ento will make the PS I believe and Sullivan most likely will.

1 points
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fthisJack's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:27 am

Kabian! my man! PS bound along with Sullivan.

1 points
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greengold's picture

August 28, 2019 at 01:36 pm

Hell yes, ricky.

Kevin King has just been ripped up and down by Packer fans. Ted drafted him after coming off shoulder surgery. He then injured the opposite shoulder as a rookie, which crushed him. Kevin King is a competitor.

His second season he had both groin and hamstring injuries, and he tried to play through those before the medical staff shut him down.

King's initial shoulder injury, a torn labrum, was something he incurred as a Freshman at UWashington. He played through that, with a torn labrum while starting all 4 years. King is tougher than you know.

Consider that when you readily dismiss him. Kevin King is a very tough, gifted 6-3 200 CB, one who plays tough vs. both run and pass coverage. He's a willing tackler. Great ball skills. Why are many fans so completely impatient and inconsiderate?

King wanted to be out there practicing and playing preseason games, and the medical staff directed him to sit as a precautionary measure when he tweaked his hammy early in TC. Nothing serious. Give the guy a break.

Man, I hope like hell he shows everyone throwing shade at him wrong this season...

1 points
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GatorJason's picture

August 27, 2019 at 06:38 pm

Maggie, I like your list. These are my 10:
QB: M Wilkins
RB: T. Carson or D. Williams
FB: M. Johnson
WR: A. Lazard
OG: C. Madison
OT: Y. Nijman
DT: J. Looney or F. Brown
LB: B. Sheldon or Randy Ramsey
CB: E. Ento
CB: C. Sullivan

I see Packers keeping Boyle over Kizer and Deshone leaves town. Carson and D Williams may make the team. Lazard may go elsewhere if not on Pack 53. At LB, the Packers may also try to cut UDFA Bolton and sneak him onto PS until he heals. I don't know why but I really like converted WR Ento at CB. He has good skills and length, just lacking experience. Similarly, the others have some development to do but have flashed enough to believe they could eventually become solid players.

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stockholder's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:35 am

The biggest problem: The list hasn't shown enough against 2nd and 3rd stringers. Their just not good enough. While Williams and T Carson may make your list. Veterans will be cut, and D. Williams must improve. I'd much rather pick up a veteran at RB. Lazard may belong. But the Wrs are constantly turning over everywhere. The OL: Stunk in preseason. We have Jenkins pushing Taylor. And Spriggs should not be the reason we keep these guys around. We must keep drafting interior Lineman that show up the first time!

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fthisJack's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:32 am

Wilkins got switched from QB to G? i missed that one.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 27, 2019 at 11:17 pm

As to Bolton, a team can't cut a player who is injured. GB can put him on the IR (he is gone for the year), waive him with an injury designation (that generally ends the player's time in GB) or keep him on the 53.

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GatorJason's picture

August 28, 2019 at 03:08 pm

Ah, thanks for clarification. I know the Packers tried to sign someone off another team's PS last year but didn't because he failed their physical. It sounds like that team tried to game the system by putting someone on PS until they were fully healthy and got caught! Oops!

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dobber's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:42 am

I think Ento is the kind of CB prospect that the PS is made to help. I think Sullivan will get picked up if cut, but Ento is unlikely to attract a lot of attention when cut. Ento has flashed and needs time and reps. They're going to need another CB at some point, and Ento might be someone who can help later on.

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fthisJack's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:35 am

i agree completely. just hope he makes it to the PS. he would be insurance for King getting hurt again which is highly likely.

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John Galt's picture

August 27, 2019 at 07:41 pm

Just watched the ESPN High school games - all 7 of them. Three of the announcers said the tackling was better than the NFL. It was, and not even close. My son, was a BCS football team captain and he agreed.

The NFL has problems. Oh, the kids didn't kneel during the national anthem and they all shook hands afterwards.

High School and college football is away better

Packer Shareholder and veteran.

>

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GLM's picture

August 27, 2019 at 08:25 pm

QB - I'll take Boyle over Kizer. Despite his slow start, I see more finesse in his game than I see with Kizer. We'll know, for sure, after this week.

RB - I see Carson ahead of Dexter, at this point. Tra is more polished as a blocker, and has shown enough juice to make the team. I'm a big fan of of DW, but I think he sticks on the PS, where Carson might get picked up by someone else.

FB - Gotta' love Vitale. Johnson makes a good case, but I think he goes to PS.

WR- Sheppard has to make the team. Not only is he making plays, but he can share return duties with Davis, who should also make the team. With the top 4 locked, that makes 6 receivers. If the team only goes with 6, those are my guys. At 7, I would definitely put Lazard there. If not, hope he sticks on the PS. Moore hasn't progressed, and should be cut. He'll need a monster game on Thursday to make the team. Would I like to see that? Sure, but I don't see it happening.

OL - Madison should go to the PS. I'd like to see him develop for one more year, and be available, if needed. I don't know enough of the others to say one way, or another.

TE - I guess the only question is do we keep 3, or 4? Graham and Tonyan are locks. Sternberger has to stick. I guess, his concussion weighs big on this. I don't know how that plays out. Maybe short-term IR, or PUP? Maybe he's just fine, and picks up where he left off. Can't put him on the PS, that's for sure. Lewis should make the team...looks like 4 guys to me.

DL - Hard to say, among the backups, who makes it. I really like our starters there. Team is about as solid as they can be, assuming they stay healthy.

OLB - Same as above. I really like this group.

ILB - You have to think the team will be working hard to find another player here.

CB - Another solid group. I am concerned about King, and his ability to stay on the field. That said, there is enough depth there to field an impressive unit. Tony Brown is a lock. The biggest battle is between Sullivan, Ento, and Hollman for the last 2 or 3 spots.

S - Starters are looking real good, and Greene makes a solid #3. The team should be looking to upgrade the 4 spot.

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Guam's picture

August 27, 2019 at 09:26 pm

I would like to see Moore on the PS as well. He has not shown well enough to make the 53, but the potential is there if he can gain some confidence in his hands. He has shown ability to catch the ball with his hands, but too often seems to prefer to trap the ball against his body. That should be a solvable problem.

We might lose him to another team, but Moore has put so little positive film out there in two years that I suspect he will clear waivers and make it to the PS. Even Josh Jones has played more that Moore and Jones is now a free agent.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:48 am

25: QB: Rodgers, Boyle, WR: Adams, Valdes-Scantling, Allison, Kumerow, Davis, Shepherd, RB: Jones, J Williams, Vitale, FREE AGENT, TE: Graham, Tonyan, Sternberger, OL: Bahktiari, Bulaga, Linsley, Turner, Jenkins, Taylor, McCray, Light, Nijman, Patrick
25: DL: Clark, Adams, Lowery, Keke, Lancaster, Looney, LB: Z Smith, P Smith, Fackrell, Gary, Martinez, Summers, Burks, Bolton, DB: King, Alexander, Savage, Amos, Brown, Greene, T Williams, Hollman, Jackson, Sullivan, Campbell
3: ST: Crosby, Scott, Bradley

10: PS: M Wilkins, A Lazard, D Williams, C Madison, A Pankey, B Sheldon, R Ramsey, K Ento, FREE AGENT, FREE AGENT

IR: E Brown

CUT: D Kizer, M Lewis, R Gilbert, F Brown, J Crawford

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 08:16 am

I can’t see 3 RBs. Not only are 2 RB sets a possibility, but Vitale has his own role.

It certainly doesn’t seem like Lewis is going anywhere. Just got heavily praised. If he did, I suspect you would see a FB 2.

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dobber's picture

August 28, 2019 at 08:33 am

Offense (26)--
QB (2): Rodgers, Boyle
RB (4): Jones, J. Williams, D. Williams, Vitale
TE (4): Graham, Tonyan, Lewis, Sternberger
OL (9): Bakhtiari, Taylor, Linsley, Turner, Bulaga, Light, McCray, Jenkins, Patrick
WR (7): Adams, Allison, MVS, Kumerow, Davis, ESB, Shepherd

Defense (24)--
DL (6): Adams, Clark, KeKe, Lowry, Brown, Lancaster
OLB (4): Smith, Smith, Fackrell, Gary
ILB (4): Martinez, Summers, Burks, Bolton
CB (7): King, Alexander, Jackson, Williams, Brown, Hollman, Sullivan
S (3): Amos, Savage, Green

Specialists (3)--
K: Crosby
P: Scott
LS: Bradley

PUP: Campbell, Roberts

I think they keep ESB on the 53 and potentially move him to IR after the cutdown, allowing them to resign a player on the defensive side of the ball (likely a LB--maybe Crawford, Sheldon or Gilbert). Still one more PS game to go and we can't rule out the possibility that one or more of these depth pieces will get hurt or someone will play himself on to (or off) the roster.

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Slim11's picture

August 28, 2019 at 09:54 am

I like this roster.

I agree with the move putting EQ on IR then signing another LB. Personally, I think it will be an ILB not currently on the roster. If they can't find an ILB they like, then one of Gilbert, Crawford or Sheldon would be re-signed to the PS.

As much as I like him, Lazard will likely be picked up by another team. He reminds me of Ruvell Martin in many ways.

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fthisJack's picture

August 28, 2019 at 10:54 am

this looks almost exactly like my thoughts on the 53. especially the 7 WR and then putting EQ on IR and maybe bringing back Lazard if he clears waivers and gets to the PS.

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Coldworld's picture

August 28, 2019 at 11:27 am

Not going to rehash the above, but I don’t think we can carry two injured ILBs into the opening roster and operate with three safeties, the third of which is also covering the hybrid role as a starter. I think you can lose McCray or Patrick to make space or Sullivan to the PS. I also think they may reduce the DL number because of Z and Gary.

4 OLBs, two of whom will play as much with hands down is not going to make me comfortable. I could make an argument for carrying 6, 5 at a minimum. I would probably opt for 5 given the depth we have: Gilbert or Markus Jones if he shows tomorrow.

ESB is interesting. Given the depth and where he was, will they look to play the roster she’ll game in order to bring him back this year? It would take a number of injuries before I think he would get playing time I think.

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greengold's picture

August 28, 2019 at 02:10 pm

Something I had not considered in all of this is that Cole Madison is a very honorable person. He told the Packers that he would do anything for them knowing how the team stuck by him unwaveringly during his year out, when he really needed that kind of support.

Is it possible they discuss the possibility of stashing him on our PS, with some guarantees from Cole that he won't go to another team, with a like promise to bring him back into the 53 when there is an opening later in the season?

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Demon's picture

August 28, 2019 at 07:04 pm

I would like to agree with you , but when theres money involved more than likely its going to be: "sayonara Green Bay, thanks"

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greengold's picture

August 29, 2019 at 03:41 pm

Agree with that being the norm, Demon. I was thinking more out of the box with it, and that would be one hell of a good will gesture on Cole Madison's part, to help Gutekunst save one his players from the waiver wire.

Both Madison and the team seem to have a good, reciprocal honor between them based on their actions and comments.

Figure, it would help Gutekunst sign a player to the 53, knowing he's destined for the IR. Then they could bring Madison back. I think he really wants to be here too, and they want him on this Packers team based on their handling of his situation last season.. Not even sure if that scenario would be a possibility. Anybody know?

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