Green Bay Packers: Predicting the 16 Player Practice Squad

Green Bay Packers Offense

Quarterback (1): Kurt Benkert

This is an easy decision to make–that is, if Kurt Benkert isn’t claimed by another team before we get to this point. Benkert is a developmental quarterback but flashed plenty of upside — especially against the New York Jets — this preseason, completing nearly 69 percent of his passes for 300 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions, and some impressive throws.

With Aaron Rodgers’ future beyond 2021 unknown, having Benkert on the practice squad for a season will give him the opportunity to continue developing and learning the Matt LaFleur offense so that he can potentially step into a backup role in 2022.

Running back (1): Patrick Taylor

The way this shook out for me, I only kept one running back and chose Patrick Taylor over Dexter Williams. While Williams made positive strides this summer, at this point, I think we know who he is as a running back. Taylor brings more upside and is a great fit for this system.

Wide receiver (2): Juwann Winfree and Reggie Begelton

Juwann Winfree was making a case for himself on the 53-man roster with his performances during mini-camp and the beginning of training camp, but unfortunately, an injury derailed all of that. However, based on what we saw before that point where Winfree was making a big catch or two seemingly every practice, I imagine that getting him back on the practice squad is a high priority for the Green Bay Packers.

Then there is Reggie Begelton, who had a quiet start to the summer but continued to stand out more and more as the weeks went on, and it culminated with an impressive performance against the Buffalo Bills starting defense that included four receptions for 51 yards. It’s also his second season in the LaFleur system, which is valuable.

Both players also provide special teams help — which is very important — if either ends up on the active roster at any point.

Tight end (1): Bronson Kaufusi

Bronson Kaufusi is a former third-round pick at defensive end trying to convert to the tight end position. The transition from a college tight end to an NFL tight end is an extremely difficult one as-is and can take two or three years for a player to gain traction. So I’m sure you can imagine how tall of a task this is for Kaufusi.

The Green Bay Packers know he needs time, and as we’ve seen from them in the past, they will provide players with that.

Offensive line (3): Ben Braden, Cole Van Lanen, and Jacob Capra

While many are wondering if Kurt Benkert will clear waivers, Green Bay Packers fans should have similar concerns about Ben Braden, who was competing for one of the starting guard openings and held his own at right tackle. He certainly could end up on someone else’s 53-man roster. But if he’s not, then bringing him back to the practice squad is an easy decision.

Bringing back Cole Van Lanen is also an easy decision to make. As a sixth-round pick, Van Lanen could benefit from a year on the practice squad, refining his pass-pro skill-set and adding strength. However, keep your eyes on Dennis Kelly, who could be placed on IR. If that’s the case, then Van Lanen is a candidate to be called up to the 53-man roster for Week 1.

Jacob Capra brings versatility — which we know the Green Bay Packers’ covet — playing both guard positions and both tackle positions in college. He also looked fairly comfortable in his limited snaps during the preseason. He’s someone worth developing.