Green Bay Packers: Predicting the 16 Player Practice Squad
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Defense
Interior defensive line (2): Willington Previlon and Abdullah Anderson
Willington Previlon was on the practice squad last season and appears to have taken a step forward, flashing both on the defensive side of the ball as well as on special teams during training camp. Another year of development and another step forward could lead to a potential roster spot in 2022.
Abdullah Anderson was a very late preseason addition because the Green Bay Packers needed depth along the defensive front. However, he has some NFL experience, which is always valuable, and could help out against the run if needed. While he has nowhere near the playing time under his belt that Billy Winn did, perhaps this could be a similar late addition.
Edge rusher (1): Tipa Galeai
OLB coach Mike Smith spoke very highly of Tipa Galiea, saying that he could become a “damn good football player” if he figures out special teams and adds some weight. That statement alone is enough to keep him around.
Linebacker (1): Ray Wilborn
Ray Wilborn was one of the more impressive special teams players this preseason for the Green Bay Packers, taking the 10th most special teams snaps and finishing with the seventh-highest grade, according to PFF ($$). We also saw him flying around the field against Buffalo.
Cornerback (2): Kabion Ento and Stephen Denmark
I had Kabion Ento on my 53-man roster prediction as I thought he had made enough plays during the preseason and training camp to earn a spot. But ultimately, it was likely all of the missed tackles that kept him off the final roster. A healthy year on the practice squad should do him well, and hopefully, he can iron those mistakes out.
When it comes to Stephen Denmark, I’m just a big fan of his size. He’s listed at 6’3″ – 220 pounds, which is huge for a cornerback, and although it was a small sample size against Buffalo, he was a reliable tackler and allowed only three receptions for 20 on six targets.
Safety (2): Innis Gaines and Christian Uphoff
Like Kabion Ento, there is a lot to like about these two players, both of which flashed on defense as well as special teams over the summer. However, both Uphoff and Gaines need to improve as tackles and refine their games. Both players could very well carve out roles in the future.