The Packers secured several promising young players for their practice squad, but lost Tyrell Sutton in the process.

Sutton, an undrafted free-agent from Northwester, looked poised to crack the 53-man roster after an impressive preseason,. But on cut day, the Packers opted to keep only three running backs, sending Sutton to the waiver wire. Sutton's strong performance in the preseason made it highly unlikely that the back would go unclaimed off waivers, and sure enough, he was claimed by the Carolina Panthers this morning.

Although the Packers didn't land Sutton, they did manage to keep several promising young players as part of the organization. I'll give my thoughts on each one of them after the jump.

Green Bay's 2009 Practice Squad

• Brian Brohm (QB)- Placing Brohm, a second round pick of two years ago, on the practice squad was an ideal move for the Packers. For one, it sends a wake-up call to the young man, telling him that he needs to elevate his game to make it in this league. Additionally, it doesn't waste a roster spot on a player that probably had no shot of seeing the field this year (although there may be special rules for #3 QBs and 53 man limit, I can't remember). That being said, if a serious injury should befell Aaron Rodgers or Matt Flynn, the Pack can activate Brohm from the practice squad and have a young quarterback with two years experience in their system at their disposal. The bottom line is this: Brohm is a talented passer who has struggled to adapt to the NFL. Giving him some more time on the practice squad is exactly what the doctor ordered.
• Kregg Lumpkin (RB)- Last year, Kregg Lumpkin shined in the preseason to beat out veterans Vernard Morency and Noah Herron, landing a spot on the Packers 53 man roster as an undrafted free-agent. However, this preseason saw Lumpkin falter, including a fumbling problem in games and practice. Clearly, Lumpkin has some NFL potential. He's a powerful, north-south runner, the type Mike McCarthy loves. Landing him on the practice squad was another success story for the Packers' management. Should Brandon Jackson fail to recover from his ankle injury in a timely fashion, the Pack can turn to Lumpkin.
• Jake Allen (WR)- In July, Jake Allen was the talk of training camp. The 6'4 receiver had drawn some attention to himself after making a series of spectacular catches, demonstrating some impressive athleticism. But Allen's play in practice did not translate to the playing field, as he failed to make a mark in any of the preseason games. Meanwhile, Brett Swain impressed coaches with his steady improvement and contributions on special teams. With Swain's ascension, Allen's odds of making the team were long. However, his play-making potential certainly warranted another look, and thus, the Packers made the right decision and brought him back for another year on the practice squad.
• Jamon Meredith (OT)- Meredith is the only member of the Packers' 2009 draft class not to make the 53 man roster.  However, this certainly isn't for a lack of talent. Coming out of South Carolina, the athletic lineman was projected as high as the second round. Character issues apparently pushed him all the way back to the fifth, where he was selected by Green Bay. In camp and in preseason games, Meredith had impressive moments, but he remained very raw. Like Breno Giacomin a year before him, Ted Thompson decided a year on the practice squad would serve Meredith well. The kid has a ton of potential and, with some work on his technique, could serve as a candidate for Chad Clifton's replacement.
• Ronald Talley (DE)- Talley, an undrafted free agent out of Deleware, has ideal size for a 3-4 end. His work in off-season try-outs and training camp practices clearly led the staff to believe he would be a good fit for the Packers new defense. However, the 3-4 is certainly a double-edged sword in this regard: while Talley fit the scheme, fewer linemen are kept. As a result, Talley's chances at making the roster were not good. Stowing him on the practice squad was a great move by the Pack, as he'll get another opportunity to compete for a spot next summer, while also waiting in the wings should an injury strike.
• Anthony Toribio (NT)- Toribio has been fairly impressive this preseason. His 304 pound, 6'1 frame makes him a solid nose tackle. However, much like in Talley's case, there just weren't enough spots on the roster for him. His performance thus far has given him another year on the practice squad, and allow him another opportunity to make the team next year.
• Cyril Obiozor (OLB)- "Obe," as he is known around Green Bay, is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker, in the mold of a Demarcus Ware. He has excellent size, strength, explosion, and a ton of potential. These traits were clearly recognized by coach Kevin Greene, who made Obiozor his "special project" throughout training camp. However, when it came time to set the 53 man roster, Obiozor remained too raw and the Packers too deep at linebacker. There were concerns about him not making it through waivers to the practice squad, but fortunately they went unrealized. Obiozor is a great addition to this squad and certainly has the ability to be a force as a pass-rusher. It may just take some more time and development, which is exactly what he'll get on the practice squad.
• Trevor Ford (CB)- Ford appeared to have a very poor preseason, especially after an embarrassing performance against the Titans in the finale. However, he is just a rookie, and the Packers are willing to give him a second chance, albeit on the practice squad.

All in all, I am extremely pleased with our practice squad. While it was unfortunate that we couldn't hang on to Sutton, we managed to keep some very promising rookies, including Meredith and Obiozor. Additionally, we'll be able to give Brohm and Lumpkin one last chance to prove themselves, while also keeping them around in case they need to be activated. Excellent work by Thompson and the rest of the gang.