The Green Bay Packers cut their roster down to 53 players – actually, all the way to 52, but new punter Corey Bojorquez is on the way – on Tuesday afternoon.
While 27 players were cut, a good chunk of them will return to the Packers on the practice squad. All players waived Tuesday cut must first pass through waivers on Wednesday before agreeing to sign back on the practice squad.
Here’s an attempt to build out the ideal 16-player practice squad. Note, assumptions must be made about clearing waivers and also the players actually wanting to return on the practice squad. A player might also want to pursue a better opportunity on a different practice squad.
Offense
QB Kurt Benkert: Ideal third quarterback to stash on the practice squad.
RB Patrick Taylor: Strong all-around skillset. Worth developing.
WR Juwann Winfree: Offseason workout program star just needs to get healthy.
WR Reggie Begelton: Former CFL all-star earned another year in Green Bay with a strong summer.
TE Bronson Kaufusi: Still learning to play tight end, but a strong run blocker.
OL Ben Braden: Might get claimed. Has valuable guard-tackle versatility.
OL Cole Van Lanen: Needs to find a position (right tackle?) but has good, quick feet.
OL Coy Cronk: Experienced collegiate left tackle with traits to develop.
Defense
DL Anderson Abdullah: Experienced interior lineman with size and pass-rushing potential.
OLB Tipa Galeai: Explosive mover but needs to get bigger and stronger.
ILB Ray Wilborn: Flew around the field all summer. Coverage potential.
CB Kabion Ento: Just needs to become a better tackler.
CB Stephen Denmark: Team probably wants a longer look after strong debut in Buffalo.
S Christian Uphoff: Big, and athletic. Just needs time to develop.
S Innis Gaines: Can run and hit, but needs to learn to play under control.
Special teams
K JJ Molson: Good idea to stash a kicker in case anything happens to the soon-to-be 37-year-old Mason Crosby.
[listicle id=61136]