Projecting the Green Bay Packers practice squad 2019

Defensive Line

Candidates: James Looney, Fadol Brown, Deon Simon, Olive Sagapolu

Looney and Brown are the likeliest choices here. Brown is far more experienced in the NFL, but he has “veteran” status, and Looney is a Packers’ draft choice.

Inside Linebacker

Candidates: James Crawford, Brady Sheldon, Ty Summers

I’d guess that two of these three players will make the roster, and one will make the practice squad if they clear waivers. My prediction is Summers and Crawford on the roster, and Sheldon on the practice squad.

Edge Defender

Candidates: Reggie Gilbert, Markus Jones, Randy Ramsey, Greg Roberts, James Folston

If he gets cut but makes it through waivers, Gilbert would be an obvious choice. The rest are rookies, and Ramsey leads the way based on preseason playing time and performance.

Safety

Candidates: Natrell Jamerson, Tray Mathews

Jamerson has been pretty active when on the field for the Packers, so he’d be a smart selection. Matthews hasn’t done much notable in the preseason.

Cornerback

Candidates: Ka’Dar Hollman, Chandon Sullivan, Nydair Rouse, Jocquez Kalili, Kabion Ento

Sullivan and Hollman have both flashed at times in the preseason. Based on Hollman’s drafted status, he’s the better bet to make the team though, with Sullivan a leading practice squad candidate. Of the other three players, Ento has the best chance of making the practice squad or even sneaking onto the active roster.

Special Teams

Candidate: Sam Ficken

It would be a surprise if Ficken supplanted Mason Crosby at this point. If he doesn’t and he makes it through waivers (no guarantee), it would be intriguing to keep him on the practice squad.

PREDICTION

RB Dexter Williams, WR Allen Lazard, OL Cole Madison, OL Adam Pankey,  DL Fadol Brown, DL James Looney, ILB Brady Sheldon, EDGE Randy Ramsey, S Natrell Jamerson, CB Chandon Sullivan

It’s quite difficult to project a practice squad, given the variables at play: the initial 53-man roster, which players are sent to IR or waived/injured, any players picked up from or by other teams, the “veteran” distinction, etc. But this is my best educated guess.

Keep your eye on the practice squad as it takes shape on August 31 and as it evolves throughout the season. There’s a decent chance that one or more of the players on it will contribute down the line.