The Green Bay Packers' 53-man roster reveal was just as exciting for Cheeseheads as it was nerve-inducing. This is a very good team, don't get me wrong, but in a Super Bowl-contending window, the Packers must know that their metaphorical chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
And this Green Bay roster isn't without some screws to tighten and loose ends to tie up with just over a week until the 2026 NFL season officially kicks off. It may feel like pickings are slim on the open market, and that's true, and nobody wants to make a significant trade at this juncture.
But Brian Gutekunst could cleverly scour the 31 other practice squads around the NFL and sign any player that he pleases to the Packers' active roster. With that in mind, here are six such players who may represent an upgrade over what Green Bay currently has in the building.
Six potential upgrades Packers could find on other NFL practice squads
J'Mari Taylor, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Obviously, the Packers could use more help in the running back department, and Taylor may just fit the bill. He didn't have the best production with Jacksonville this preseason, but Taylor still forced six missed tackles and broke three rushes of 10 or more yards, also finding the end zone. He's compact, runs hard and is tough as nails, and with the right coaching, Taylor could definitely contribute.
Kaimon Rucker, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
Rucker was a monster up front for the Ravens in the three-game exhibition slate to the tune of six pressures, a sack, and a quarterback hit. Although he missed two tackles, Rucker made five run stops in three games and has the ability to play that 'buck' linebacker role and drop into coverage as well. He's not a polished player, but he's got promising tools and improved a ton this preseason.
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Brent Austin, CB, Denver Broncos
Let's not fault a player too much for failing to earn a spot in the Broncos' cornerback room. Their scraps could feed an entire other NFL secondary. And Austin was very good this preseason, both playing out wide and occasionally sliding into the box or playing the slot. Unfortunately, he had his worst game against the Packers, but Austin was solid in coverage, is a willing tackler and got a lot of exposure on different special teams units this summer in Denver. Plus, Cal DBs tend to pan out.
Nick Leverett, IOL, Dallas Cowboys
What's better than taking from America's Team? Leverett was squeezed out of a very strong Cowboys offensive line room that is particularly adept on the interior, but he could be a key depth piece in Green Bay. He can play center and both guard spots and made impeccable strides as a pass-blocker this preseason in Dallas to match his prowess as a run-game mover. Leverett is a rosterable player.
Fred Davis II, CB, Washington Commanders
Davis II had a good preseason in Washington but was edged out of a sneakily strong Commanders cornerback room. This preseason, he allowed a QB rating of just 53.3 when targeted, and he made several plays in the run game as well. His versatility on special teams also makes him a candidate for the bottom of the roster, and like Austin, he can move around on the back end on defense.
Dean Connors, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Connors isn't going to churn out yards on the ground necessarily, but he demonstrated a pass-catching skill set this preseason in Los Angeles that the Packers just don't have in the running back room. Connors isn't a zero on the ground, but he caught seven passes for 53 yards and three touchdowns this preseason. He's downright dangerous in space after the catch. That'd be a nice component to add to this offense, and Connors also showed that he can return kicks this preseason.
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