Packers might have an unexpected shot at filling key need with former Badger due to unusual college eligibility situation

Nyzier Fourqurean won't have college eligibility

Junior college (JUCO) players have already received a new NCAA policy exception, granting them extra year(s) of eligibility in relation to discounting their seasons played at the JUCO level. It seems the NCAA wanted to draw a line in the sand with Fourqurean's case. He will not be playing college football in 2025. And now, thanks to this precedent, Division II athletes will officially not be granted extra seasons of eligibility due to the "anticompetitive effects" of earnings potential at that level (the language involved in the JUCO cases).

Now, the case brings follow-up questions in regards to Fourqurean. The regular draft has passed, and the NFL announced that it won't hold an edition of the supplemental draft this year. That means he can immediately sign with any NFL team as an undrafted free agent.

Technically, he could wait a season for next year's draft, but he would likely go undrafted anyway. There would be a scenario where playing in other leagues, like the UFL or CFL, could be feasible—but the timing there isn't ideal. It all means that Fourqurean will probably look for NFL opportunities as soon as possible.

Good option for the Packers

Nyzier Fourqurean is the type of player the Packers could consider. He's 6-1, 188 pounds, and has shown positional versatility. Last season at Wisconsin, he played 422 snaps in the boundary, 141 in the slot, and 79 as box defender. In coverage, he allowed an 86.5 NFL passer rating when targeted, via PFF, with an interception and three pass breakups.

Green Bay trusts their starting trio with Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine. But there is a real battle behind them involving Kamal Hadden, Kalen King, and Micah Robinso, among others. Nyzier Fourqurean could enter that competition, and being at least a practice squad piece would absolutely be on the table for him.