CHTV_2022_DraftGuide

TREYLON

BURKS

WR, ARKANSAS

THE ONLY DRAFT GUIDE

FOR PACKERS FANS BY

PACKERS FANS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Meet the Draft Guide Team.............................................3

Letter from the Editor......................................................4

FEATURES:

About Jordan Love: It’s Time to Move On...................5

Brian Gutekunst—A Thompson Twin or Ted in

Wolf’s Clothing?.................................................................9

Matt LaFleur: Reflecting on the First Three Years

and What Lies Ahead........................................................12

Non-Power Five Hidden Gems.......................................16

Interview with Milt Hendrickson.................................23

Packers Big Board..............................................................25

2022 NFL Mock Draft........................................................26

Packers Draft Trivia.........................................................35

NFC North Team Needs....................................................37

Positional Analysis............................................................43

DRAKE LONDON (WR) USC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: "Jersey Al" Bracco

COPY EDITORS: Michelle Bruton, Matt Hendershott

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: James Zachman

All stats are from 2021 unless indicated otherwise. All

player measurements are from the NFL Combine or their

pro days unless the player did not participate, then they

were taken from his university’s website.

All highlight videos courtesy of YouTube.com. Player profile

photos courtesy of USA Today or the communications

departments at Arkasas and Georgia.

© Copyright Cheesehead TV 2022 All rights reserved

PROSPECT ANALYSIS:

Quarterback........................................................................50

Running Back.....................................................................60

Fullback/H-Back................................................................70

Wide Receiver.....................................................................78

Tight End..............................................................................88

Offensive Tackle.................................................................98

Interior Offensive Line....................................................108

Defensive Line....................................................................118

Edge.......................................................................................128

Inside Linebacker..............................................................138

Cornerback..........................................................................148

Safety.....................................................................................158

Kicker....................................................................................168

Punter...................................................................................176

Returner...............................................................................183

2022 Packers Mock Draft.................................................191

Click the CHTV logo to return to the Table of Contents.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM

2022 PRO FOOTBALL DRAFT GUIDE

2

MEET THE DRAFT GUIDE TEAM

TIM BACKES Team Needs: Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer

fan and has been writing for CheeseheadTV since January

2018. When not consumed by all things Packers, he spends

his time working in web marketing and copywriting, and

exploring local craft breweries.

MICHELLE BRUTON Co-editor: Michelle is a book editor at

sports book publisher Triumph Books and is a sports features

writer. She’s an alumna of CheeseheadTV and her work has

also appeared on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, Forbes

and more. You can follow her on Twitter @MichelleBruton.

ANDREW CZECH FB/H-Back: Andrew is a Packer fan from

day one who has contributed to the CheeseheadTV Draft Guide

since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @CzechMan89.

DAN DAHLKE RB, ILB: Dan Dahlke has experience covering

the Packers and NFL Draft at the FanSided blog LombardiAve.

com and is a former contributor to DraftBreakdown.com. He

also contributes draft content to CheeseheadTV and is a former

member of Dan Hatman’s Scouting Academy. After spending

the first 21 years of his life in Wisconsin, Dan currnetly teaches

English and coaches high school football in the Portland, OR

metropolitan area.

JOHN DINSE TE: John Dinse is the host of the Football First

Podcast and weekly guest on 1570 The Score (Appleton, WI).

He is a former college football coach and scouting intern for

the Buffalo Bills.

MARK ECKEL DL, Gutekunst Feature: Mark Eckel spent 32

years covering the NFL, primarily as a beat writer on the

Philadelphia Eagles, for The Trenton Times and nj.com . He

was also a correspondent for The Sporting News and Sports

Illustrated in that time. He retired after the 2016 season and

began writing about a team he actually likes, the Green Bay

Packers. He worked two years for Bob McGinn Football and

currently writes for Packer Report. Mark is also part of the

Pack-A-Day podcast team.

MATT HENDERSHOTT Co-editor: A former D1 athlete at

Bowling Green State University (speech and debate), Matt

Hendershott is a communication specialist and content creator

at ZoneCoverage.com. You can follow him on Twitter

@MattHendershott.

JASON B. HIRSCHHORN LaFleur Feature: Jason is an awardwinning

sports journalist and Pro Football Writers of America

member. He has covered the NFL and college football for

Sports Illustrated, NFL.com, SB Nation, and other national

outlets. He is also the co-founder of The Leap, a Green Bay

Packers newsletter.

MAGGIE LONEY Position Analysis: Maggie writes for

CheeseheadTV and podcasts for Pack’s What She Said &

Pack-A-Day Podcast. You can follow her work on Twitter

@MaggieJLoney.

BRIAN MAAFI K: Brian has been writing about the Packers

and the draft off and on since 2001. He has previously worked

with Matt Miller and RisenDraft. He currently writes for

ATBnetwork.com and has been contributing to the

cheeseheadTV Draft Guide since 2021. You can follow him on

Twitter at @bmaafi.

KENNEDY PAYNTER NFL Mock: Kennedy is the senior draft

analyst at Drafttek.com and a writer for HogsHaven.com. He

is a middle school teacher that coaches high school lacrosse.

He ranked 5th nationally for his Mock Draft in 2020 according

to The Huddle Report. He appears on ESPN Radio shows and

can be found on Twitter @Kennedy_Paynter.

NICK PENNISI CB, S: Nick, a resident of New Jersey, has been

a fan of the Green Bay Packers since he was 8 years old. He

has over 12 years of experience in the scouting industry,

working for Rutgers Football, USA Football, and providing

scouting combines for college bound football prospects. You

can follow these combines and more scouting analysis on his

Twitter page @ScoutNickP.

ROB REGER QB, Small School Sleepers: Rob has been the official

NFL Draft Analyst for The Drew Olson show on the Big 920 for

2 years and then transitioned as the Draft analyst for the Drew

and KB show on 97.3 The Game for the last 2 years. Rob has

also added his insights for 96.9 The Game in Orlando and was

a member of the live draftcast for CheeseheadTV. He has been

publishing his own personal Mock Drafts and sleeper/bust list

for 25+ years independently as well.

BRENNEN RUPP IDL: Brennen covers the NFL Draft for

Packerswire.com and has been a sports reporter at newspapers

in Montana, Colorado, Minnesota and South Dakota.

JAMES SIEBERS IOL: James is a life-long Packers fan and

NFL Draft enthusiast. He is a Senior Writer/Packers Analyst

at Drafttek.com. He can be found on Twitter @jsieb_.

PAT SIME P, KR: Pat is an avid draft nerd and lifelong Packers

fan. He is a CheeseheadTV Draft Guide contributor since 2022

and an admin for Matt Miller’s The Draft Scout. Pat can be

found, talking Draft and all things Packers, on Twitter

@patinmadison.

ROSS UGLEM Edge, WR, Rodgers/Love Feature, Big Board:

Ross Uglem is the Publisher of Packer Report for CBSi and

publishes Bison Report and Jays247 for 247Sports. Uglem is a

proud CHTV alum and is a Pack-A-Day podcast host.

AARON NAGLER Interview: Co-Founder of CheeseheadTV.

COREY BEHNKE Publisher: Co-Founder of CheeseheadTV.

JERSEY AL BRACCO OT, Packers Mock: Al is a minority

owner and Editor-In-Chief of CheeseheadTV.

JAMES ZACHMAN Creative Director: James is an awardwinning

Creative Director in the advertising industry and

has designed the CHTV draft guide since 2016.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


3

It’s NFL Draft Season again! For those of

you who are repeat subscribers to the

CheeseheadTV Draft Guide, welcome

back, and THANK YOU! If you’re here for

the first time, well, where have you

been? But seriously, we’re thrilled that

you chose to plunk down some hardearned

(or not) money to see what we’re

all about.

The last three years have seen some

remarkable events in the NFL, from

dealing with a pandemic with no fans

in the seats to watching marquee

players control where they want to play

(as per the NBA) to watching the Packers

evolve into “Team Drama.” These are

all things that would have seemed

virtually impossible three years ago,

and yet, here we are.

We are in year two of what we assume

will become (despite what the contract

says) an annual will-he-or-won’t-he-beback

“Rodgers watch.” Ah, we all have

such fond memories of “Favre watch,”

don’t we? And what about the evolution

of Aaron Rodgers and his public

persona? It’s not hard to remember when

his decided preference seemed to be

staying out of the limelight.

And then we have Davante Adams,

arguably the best wide receiver in all of

football, deciding he wants to be traded

and the Packers accommodating him, a

move helped along by their salary cap

situation.

On the bright side, the Adams trade did

allow the Packers to re-sign some key

defensive pieces and brought the Packers

more “draft capital,” as the Packers front

office likes to call it. The Packers’ total

of 11 potential draft picks seems to have

exponentially increased Packers fans’

interest in the upcoming draft. And

being obsessed with the draft, of course,

is why you and I are here.

So, what are we all about, you ask? Well,

we are about one thing—fanatical love

for the Green Bay Packers and needing

to know how and if our beloved team

can get better. For myself, this approach

goes back to when I was much younger.

Having seriously caught the Packers

fandom fever after the first Super Bowl,

every new year brought hopes of another

championship.

As you probably know, the ’70s and ’80s

were filled with mediocre Packers teams

with minimal hope of becoming NFL

champions. Only one thing brought a

glimmer of hope to fans like me—the

NFL Draft.

As a Packers fan living outside of

Wisconsin in the pre-internet days,

getting information about anything the

Packers did or might do was not easy. I

subscribed to Ray Nitschke’s Packer

Report, which would arrive

approximately 10 days after games had

been played or the draft had taken place.

And while you could buy some magazines

about college football and a few draft

guides existed, there was nothing of the

sort devoted specifically to the Green Bay

Packers and their needs.

When CheeseheadTV (and specifically

Brian Carriveau) had the idea to first do

this back in 2011, I called it a brilliant

idea, and thinking about it, I couldn’t

believe it had taken that long for

followers of ANY team to do such a thing.

I’ve been a contributor every year since

and this is my seventh after having

assumed the editor’s role in 2016.

The 2022 edition is the 12th iteration of

the CheeseheadTV Draft Guide, and it’s

our biggest and best ever. Back for his

seventh season with us is our fabulous

designer and Packers fan, James

Zachman. His work is outstanding, as

you can surely see. The copy editors on

this project are Michelle Bruton and

Matt Hendershott, without whom this

project could not have been completed

on time and with the quality you

deserve.

Every year we sprinkle in a few new

contributors and this year’s additions

have certainly raised the bar for anyone

looking to join the team. And of course,

none of this would be possible without

two close friends who decided on a whim

to create a Packers blog 15 years ago,

Corey Behnke and Aaron Nagler.

As Editor-in-Chief of this amazing

endeavor, I just want to express my

sincere thanks to you, the reader, for

supporting all involved by purchasing

this guide and frequenting Cheesehead-

TV.com. Without you, CheeseheadTV

would not exist and be thriving.

Our annual draft guide is one of the few

things we require you to pay for and,

frankly, our only financial goal is to be

able to pay the people who put in the

many hours of hard work. So if you’re

here reading this, our staff thanks you.

If you like the guide, please tell your

friends about it.

Our 12th edition is the best CHTV Draft

Guide yet, and I’m proud to present it to

the greatest fan base of the greatest

franchise in the NFL.

Enjoy it and Go Pack Go!

“JERSEY AL” BRACCO

Editor-in-Chief

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


4

FEATURE

ABOUT

JORDAN LOVE

It’s TIME

to Move ON

BY: ROSS UGLEM

Author’s note: There’s certainly a chance that by the time you’ve

read this, the Packers have indeed traded Jordan Love for some

sort of draft capital. In that case, read this piece as an

endorsement of what the Packers have done.

It’s a moment I’ll certainly never forget. I personally hate

when people tip picks, but we needed to be ready with coverage

at Packer Report as soon as possible. One of our writers sent

two simple letters through the Slack channel: “QB.” That was

followed up by the “gritted teeth” emoji and then met by a

series of four-letter words from just about everyone.

The staff, just like the rest of Cheesehead Nation, was run

through a number of emotions. Some were angry, some were

sad, some were confused, some even a bit despondent. Green

Bay had just finished a 13–3 season but was blown out in the

NFC Championship Game by the San Francisco 49ers.

Fans believed Green Bay needed to address their front seven

(run defense) or add a wide receiver to pair with Davante

Adams. Green Bay reportedly had significant interest in LSU’s

Justin Jefferson but was unable to jump in front of the

Minnesota Vikings, who selected him at 22. When the Packers

traded up to 26, there were still popular options available.

LSU linebacker Patrick Queen was on the board and considered

by many to be one of the top options available. Michael Pittman

Jr., Laviska Shenault, and Tee Higgins were available at wide

receiver. Popular defensive backs Xavier McKinney and

Antoine Winfield Jr. were on the board as well.

Instead, Green Bay drafted a player that almost certainly

wouldn’t impact the 2020 squad’s chances at reaching its

ultimate goal: Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. Not only

did they draft him, but they also traded up to draft him.

After collecting my thoughts, I penned this little 1,700-word

ditty for Packer Report: “This is not the same.”

If you’re able to click through the link, it’s an interesting read

two years later. If you’re not, or if you’d like to save time, I’ll

explain what I wrote. Drafting Aaron Rodgers to replace Brett

Favre was not the same as drafting Jordan Love to replace

Aaron Rodgers. In general, I didn’t like the pick, and I didn’t

understand the Packers’ line of thinking. It’s important to

keep in mind that I didn’t have a high opinion of Love heading

into the draft. If Justin Herbert had fallen, I’d have had a

different take. I’d have felt a lot better if Tua Tagovailoa was

available at that point, too, and I might have been wrong. I

didn’t think Love was the guy, and I didn’t understand drafting

a quarterback when you couldn’t use his inexpensive rookie

contract to create a “super roster.”

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


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> ABOUT JORDAN LOVE: IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON

Honestly, we’ve seen two more years of Aaron Rodgers, and

we’ve seen two more years of Jordan Love, and I don’t know

as though I’d change anything I wrote about either player.

Since Love’s selection, Rodgers has put together his best twoyear

stretch of football. Love has proven to be a project at best

and at worst a first-round whiff.

Now, especially in the wake of the Davante Adams trade, it’s

time to admit what the Love pick truly was—a mistake. It was

a mistake, and it’s fine that it was a mistake. Teams make

mistakes in the first round all the time. Look at the five picks

after the Packers selected Love. They’re all mistakes:

X JORDYN BROOKS

X PATRICK QUEEN

X ISAIAH WILSON

X NOAH IGBINOGHENE

X JEFF GLADNEY

Not only that, but this mistake, even though he won’t admit

it, likely enraged the quarterback to the point that he went

scorched earth on the entire NFL for two seasons. Rodgers,

as anyone reading this draft guide would know, is the twotime

defending NFL MVP. Rodgers hadn’t won one of those

since 2014 and was mired in above-average but not elite play

towards the end of the Mike McCarthy era. He has been

inarguably better since the Packers drafted Jordan Love.

Unfortunately for Green Bay, the quarterback carousel has

made almost a complete turn. A landing spot for Love at press

time seems murky at best. Atlanta seems content to roll with

a redemption tour for Marcus Mariota. Miami is loading up

for Tua. Matt Ryan heads to Indianapolis, which sent Carson

Wentz to Washington. Cleveland stirred up all sorts of

(deserved) trouble by acquiring Deshaun Watson. Russell

Wilson is off to Denver. Houston and Seattle appear set to see

what they have in Davis Mills and Drew Lock, respectively,

though that may not be the best idea. Carolina needs a

quarterback. Pittsburgh needs a quarterback, though they

appear ready for at least one dance with Mitchell Trubisky.

New Orleans appears content to give Jameis Winston one more

shot at their starting job.

The other issue the Packers have is that the same teams that

may kick the tires on Jordan Love can also kick the tires on

displaced starters Jimmy Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield. Green

Bay is not in a position of tremendous bargaining power. Love

also becomes less of an asset as time moves along. Right now,

Love is an interesting flier for a team that liked him before

the 2020 draft. He still has two cheap years left on his rookie

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


6


deal (and the Packers are on the hook for part of that), plus a

third year on a team option if things should go really well.

After this season, Love’s contract loses value, and, as such,

Love loses value in a trade.

A key question—if Love’s suitors are limited and his value is

depressed, how little do the

Packers need to get back for

Love to feel good about the

value? How much value does

Love actually provide to the

2022 Packers?

That last one is important

because all evidence points to

Green Bay being unwilling,

unable, or both to re-sign

Jordan Love after Love’s

rookie contract expires. The

Packers just made a very

public financial commitment

to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has

also made at least a two-year

commitment to the Packers,

though the language of the

contract says he’s tied to Green

Bay through 2026.

A lot of the discussion around

the Rodgers extension

revolves around the idea that Rodgers will finish his playing

career, however long that is, in Green Bay. That actually makes

Love’s value to Green Bay pretty clear: he’s a backup

quarterback. He’s not the future of the team, he’s a backup

quarterback. The Packers and Aaron Rodgers appear to be in

a relationship beyond the end of Love’s contract and quite

literally can’t afford to exercise Love’s fifth-year option, which

will likely cost right around $20 million.

Green Bay thought so little of Love’s value as a backup

quarterback in 2020 they decided to place Tim Boyle the

backup spot ahead.

I asked Packers fans on Twitter in late March how confident

they’d feel in a home game against an average NFL team with

Love at quarterback and then with current third quarterback

Kurt Benkert. Answers were all over the place. Ultimately,

folks felt like Love gave Green Bay between a 10 and 25 percent

better chance to win a game in that situation over Benkert.

If that’s truly the case, it’s time to move on, and it’s time to

move on for basically whatever an NFL team will give them.

If that’s a pick in the first three rounds, great. Incredible. If

not? It still might be time to move on.

Here’s the thing: if Rodgers misses significant time or is

unavailable for the postseason, Green Bay isn’t reaching their

goal either way. Not with Love, not with Benkert, not with

former Saginaw Valley State quarterback Matt LaFleur. If it’s

a game, or a stretch of three games, how much does Love really

change Green Bay’s chances of winning? The only thing that

really matters to Green Bay is whether or not Aaron Rodgers

is available to try and win

games in the playoffs.

Just because Love doesn’t have

a ton of value to the Packers

doesn’t mean he has no value

to the rest of the league One

NFC East executive told Packer

Report that he’d rank Love

ahead of all of the quarterback

prospects in the 2022 draft.

Teams will certainly spend

first-round picks on those

players. They’ll also get those

players for longer (and cheap),

but Love has to be an

interesting look-see for

somebody, right? Somebody

without a long-term answer at

quarterback should be

interested in a two (plus one)

year peek.

The Packers are no longer

right for Love, either. Rodgers hasn’t missed a game due to an

actual injury since the infamous Anthony Barr hit in 2017. If

all goes according to plan, Love won’t play this year or next,

then he’ll hit the market as a free agent. At that point, what

value is he supposed to claim he has? Tape from two more

(shortened) preseasons? Mop-up duty (let’s all pretend the

game against the Lions didn’t happen)?

Green Bay (as of this writing) also needs to rebuild its wide

receiver room. They could certainly use another top-120 pick

to do so, or as ammunition to move up and grab the one they

truly want. Imagine jumping New Orleans (are any of their

receivers good if Michael Thomas leaves?) Philadelphia (is

Reagor bad?), Pittsburgh (just lost JuJu Smith-Schuster), and

New England (need an outside weapon who isn’t Agholor) just

because they traded Love and then flipped that pick and 22?

They need that pick a lot more than they need Jordan Love to

back up Aaron Rodgers, especially with Benkert as experienced

in the offense as he is. The Packers are tight against the cap;

there’s no question about that. As much as Davante Adams

talks about his playing for the Raiders being a “lifelong

dream,, it’s hard to believe Green Bay wouldn’t have been

able to get something done if their finances hadn’t been a little

different.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


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That’s part of the burden of consistently acquiring good

players via the draft. It can be argued that Aaron Rodgers,

Davante Adams, Elgton Jenkins, David Bakhtiari, Jaire

Alexander, and even Kenny Clark all deserve or deserved

extensions at the very top of their positional markets. While

it’s commendable to acquire talent in that way, it’s nearly

impossible to pay that number to each of those players.

The Packers need young, cheap talent. They need that young,

cheap talent more than they need whatever improvement

there may (or may not) be in having Love be the backup

quarterback instead of Benkert (or a mid-to-late round pick)

for the next two years.

The Packers no longer have a realistic plan that includes

Jordan Love. Love’s best situation is almost certainly no longer

in Green Bay, and that’s fine. It’s not ideal. Would the Packers

have a Super Bowl win if they’d have taken Antoine Winfield

Jr. or Michael Pittman Jr. in that spot? Maybe. Do we know

that for sure? Absolutely not.

What is almost certain is that Love’s presence on the 2022 and

2023 Packers won’t be the difference between achieving Green

Bay’s ultimate goal or not. That means it’s time to move on.

It’s time to admit that Thursday night in April of 2020 was a

mistake. There are a number of teams who won’t get any value

at all out of their 2020 first-round picks. If the Packers get a

top-100 pick and two MVP seasons out of Rodgers for spending

a first and a fourth on Jordan Love, they’re doing just fine.

Green Bay isn’t right for Jordan Love. Jordan Love is no longer

right for Green Bay. It’s time to move on. For everyone.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


8

FEATURE

Brian

Gutekunst

A Thompson

Twin or Ted

in Wolf’s

Clothing?

BY: MARK ECKEL

Among those who know Brian Gutekunst, from either working

with and coming up the ranks with him in the Green Bay

Packers front office or being a fellow scout for an opponent

and seeing him on the road, there are a few popular opinions

about the Packers general manager.

One is that despite the fact Gutekunst worked under and

learned from his predecessor, the late Ted Thompson, he is

not Thompson when it comes to his philosophy in both the

draft and in building a roster.

The second is no matter how many good, or bad, draft picks

Gutekunst has made or will make in the draft, he will be

defined or remembered by his first-round selection in 2020—

quarterback Jordan Love of Utah State.

One current personnel director who worked with Gutekunst

says while Gutekunst shares some of Thompson’s traits as a

scout-first general manager, he is more like the man who hired

him as a scout back in 1998—Ron Wolf.

“It’s funny, I think when he got hired [as GM] a lot of people

thought they were getting Ted 2.0,’’ the personnel director

said. “That’s not who he is at all. He’s got some of the same

scouting tendencies as Ted, but that’s it. [Gutekunst] is much

more aggressive. I mean, look at how he tinkers with the roster

during the season, or how he’s willing to move up in the draft.

That’s not Ted. That’s Ron Wolf.”

In 2021, when injuries tore through the Packers roster,

Gutekunst showed that he wasn’t afraid to make moves outside

of the organization. When there was a need at cornerback, he

didn’t promote untested Kabion Ento from the practice squad;

he signed veteran Rasul Douglas from the Arizona Cardinals’

practice squad. That move turned out to be brilliant. He also

picked up veteran linebackers Whitney Mercilus, who was

cut by the Houston Texans, and Jaylon Smith, who was cut by

the Dallas Cowboys. One worked. One didn’t. But Gutekunst

tried.

During the 2019 offseason, with plenty of salary cap space,

Gutekunst hit the free agent market hard and came away with

four starters in linebackers Za’Darius and Preston Smith,

safety Adrian Amos, and tackle Billy Turner. Last offseason,

with precious little cap space, he still managed to use free

agency to sign linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who turned

in an All-Pro season, and backup tackle Dennis Kelly, who

provided veteran depth on the line.

Street free agency has been kind to Gutekunst as well. Over

his four years in charge of the roster, he’s found the likes of

wide receivers Allen Lazard and Malik Taylor, tight end

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


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> BRIAN GUTEKUNST—A THOMPSON TWIN OR TED IN WOLF’S CLOTHING?

Dominique Dafney, cornerback Chandon Sullivan, and safety

Will Redmond for next to nothing.

Like Thompson, however, the draft is where Gutekunst prides

himself. And the Packers, despite the free agent additions,

will always be a draft-and-develop team first. Unlike

Thompson, Gutekunst has maneuvered around the draft,

especially on the first night.

In his first four drafts, Gutekunst has moved up in the first

round three times (in 2018 he moved down and up). He’s also

moved up in the third round twice and in the fifth round once.

Under Thompson from 2005 to ’17, the Packers only moved up

once, to select linebacker Clay Matthews in 2009. Thompson

moved completely out of the first round twice, in 2008 and in

his final draft of 2017. Wolf, in his 10 drafts as Packers GM

from 1992 to 2001, moved up in 1993 for safety George Teague,

in 1994 for guard Aaron Taylor, and in 1998 for defensive

lineman Vonnie Holiday.

In Gutekunst’s first draft as general manager of the Packers

in 2018 he came armed with the 14th overall pick. When the

New Orleans Saints called and offered their 27th overall pick

and a first-round pick in 2019, the rookie GM couldn’t say no.

He moved down to No. 27, then moved back up to No. 18 in a

trade with the Seattle Seahawks and selected Louisville

cornerback Jaire Alexander, just four picks after his original

slot. No one will ever know for sure, but it’s safe to think

Alexander would have been the team’s selection had it stayed

at No. 14. Gutekunst got the player he wanted and a first-round

pick the following year as well.

With those two picks in 2019, Gutekunst wasn’t happy to just

sit at No. 12 and No. 30 overall. Actually, he was happy with

No. 12 and selected Rashan Gary, a 4-3 defensive lineman out

of Michigan who would be converted to a 3-4 linebacker. With

that 30th pick, he packaged a pair of fourth-rounders and

again traded up with Seattle, this time to No. 21, to select safety

Darnell Savage, of Maryland.

“Another thing, and I don’t know this for fact, because I’ve

never worked for him, but it seems as if he delegates more

than some other GMs, and especially Ted,’’ the personnel

director said. “It’s his show, but it’s not like he’s the only voice

in the room. He gets final say on things, but he’ll listen. He

trusts his people, especially Milt [Hendrickson, director of

football operations].’’

Gutekunst admitted in his pre-combine press briefing last

month that “this is the part of the job I love most.’’ A scout at

heart, he’s overseen a Packers roster that missed the playoffs

his first year in charge to one that has been to two NFC

Championship Games in three years and has been the NFC’s

top seed the past two years.

Four of his five first-round picks—Alexander, Gary, Savage

and 2021 pick Eric Stokes, of Georgia—are all entrenched as

starters and could be stars. Three of his four second-round

picks—offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins of Mississippi State,

running back A.J. Dillon of Boston College, and center Josh

Myers of Ohio State—look like big-time hits as well. His only

second-round miss was cornerback Josh Jackson, of Iowa,

whose lack of speed betrayed him in the NFL after a very good

career in the Big Ten.

Where Gutekunst has had his problems thus far is in the third

round. Call it the “Terrible Threes.” His first two third-round

picks, linebacker Oren Burks of Vanderbilt, who he traded up

to get, and tight end Jace Sternberger of Texas A&M, have been

busts. Burks has been nothing more than an average special

teams player in his four years with the team. Sternberger was

released early last season. His 2020 third-round pick, tight

end Josiah Deguara of Cincinnati, and his 2021 third-round

pick, wide receiver Amari Rodgers of Clemson, have not yet

distinguished themselves, but it’s obviously too early to give

up on either.

If Thompson had a penchant for players from the Pac 12, as

he showed with six first-round picks from the conference out

West, Gutekunst seems to lean toward the Southern

conferences. Sixteen of his 37 selections thus far have come

from the Southeast Conference or the Atlantic Coast

Conference, including seven of his 13 picks on Day 1 and Day

2 of the draft.

Of those 13 Day 1 and Day 2 picks, 11 have come from power

conferences the Big Ten (four), the SEC (four), and the ACC

(three). In all four of his drafts Gutekunst has only taken three

players (of his 37) from what would be considered “small

schools.’’ He selected linebacker Kendall Donnerson out of

Southeast Missouri with the third of three seventh-round

picks in 2018, cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman of Toledo in the

sixth round of 2019, and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles of

Appalachian State in the fifth round of 2021. Only Jean-Charles

remains on the current roster.

Gutekunst’s affection for the SEC and ACC could come from

the fact he served as the Packers Southeast regional scout

from 2001 to 2011, a big step in his career that began in 1997

as an intern with the Packers scouting department. After a

year as a full-time scout with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998,

he returned to Green Bay as the team’s East Coast scout in

1999, under Wolf. He switched to the Southeast two years later

and in 2012 was promoted to the director of college scouting

by Thompson. After four years in that role, he was promoted

again to director of player personnel in 2016. In 2018, with

Thompson’s health beginning to fail, he retired, and Gutekunst

moved to the big office at 1265 Lombardi Ave.

As with most general managers, Gutekunst has more of what

you might deem misses than hits on Day 3 (Rounds 4 through

7) of the draft, but his Day 3 record isn’t bad overall. Of the

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> BRIAN GUTEKUNST—A THOMPSON TWIN OR TED IN WOLF’S CLOTHING?

22 players he selected on Saturday afternoon, 12 have made

some contribution to the team, and 13 were still on the roster

at the end of the 2021 season. Three—wide receiver Marquez

Valdes-Scantling (2018, fifth round), offensive lineman Jon

Runyan Jr. (2020, sixth round), and offensive linemen Royce

Newman (2021, fourth round)—are all starters and look like

legitimate “hits.” Defensive lineman T.J. Slaton (2021, fifth

round) could make it four.

Heading back to the first round, there is the pick of Love in

2020 that sent a fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to

move up from No. 30 to No. 26. The selection sent Packers

Nation into a sense of shock in the same manner the selection

of Aaron Rodgers by Thompson did during the 2005 draft.

Three years later, it appears as if Love still won’t be a starting

quarterback—at least, not in Green Bay. Rodgers, you might

recall, didn’t start until his fourth year, either.

“He was always a good scout,” said another longtime scout

who has been on the road with Gutekunst for years. “I think

he’s done a nice job since he took over [as GM]. The Jordan

Love pick is the one that is going to define him, though. I

thought it was a good pick, a daring pick, when he made it,

and I still do.”

What if the Packers get over their final hump and win a Super

Bowl in a farewell to Aaron Rodgers? Then what?

“I mean, that would be great for [Gutekunst],’’ the scout said.

“But the Love pick, that’s his legacy. It’s all going to come down

to whether [Love] is legit. Go back in the team’s history, Ron

Wolf’s first big move was trading for [Brett] Favre. Ted

Thompson’s first draft pick was Rodgers. Love is Brian’s guy.

That’s how he’s going to be defined.”

Best and Worst of Gutekunst

5 BEST DRAFT PICKS

CB Jaire Alexander

OL Elgton Jenkins

LB Rashan Gary

OL Jon Runyan Jr.

1 2 3 4 5

2018 R1 (18)

2019 R2 (44)

2019 R1 (12)

2020 R6 (192)

CB Eric Stokes

2021 R1 (29)

CB Josh Jackson

WR J’Mon Moore

TE Jace Sternberger LB Oren Burks

1 2 3 4 5

2018 R2 (45)

2018 R4 (133)

2019 R3 (75)

2018 R3 (88)

OL Cole Madison

2018 R5 (138)

5 WORST DRAFT PICKS

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


11

FEATURE

MATT

LAFLEUR:

Reflecting

on the

First Three

Years and

What Lies

Ahead

BY: JASON B. HIRSCHHORN

A quiet and anxious Matt LaFleur sat between two of his new

colleagues. Wearing a gray suit and possibly the only green

tie in his wardrobe, the newly minted head coach of the Green

Bay Packers waited as his new boss, team president Mark

Murphy, spoke for nearly a quarter of an hour followed by

some short remarks from general manager Brian Gutekunst.

When LaFleur’s turn to speak finally arrived, his voice

quivered slightly.

“This is a little surreal for me right now,” LaFleur said, staring

downward.

LaFleur joined a franchise in need of a new direction. Almost

a decade earlier, the Packers reached the pinnacle of the sport,

toppling the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV and taking

home the Lombardi Trophy for the first time this century. That

championship kickstarted a remarkable run by quarterback

Aaron Rodgers, who went on to secure the Most Valuable Player

award the following season and did so again just a few years

later. Throughout it all, Green Bay consistently reached the

playoffs, punching its ticket in eight consecutive seasons.

But while few other teams could claim comparable success

over that span, the Packers endured diminishing returns. A

15–1 record in 2011 ended in a deflating Divisional Round loss

to the New York Giants. Upon returning to the NFC

Championship Game for the first time since winning the title,

Green Bay inexplicably blew a 12-point lead to the Seattle

Seahawks during the final minutes, one of the most infamous

meltdowns in NFL history. The Packers’ last gasp came in 2016

when Rodgers almost single-handedly dragged them back to

the conference title game only to suffer a humiliating defeat

to the Atlanta Falcons.

The next two seasons saw the Packers deliver back-to-back

losing seasons for the first time since the early 1990s. The

struggles splintered the already frayed relationship between

Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy. Green Bay fired

McCarthy hours after a December 2 loss to the Arizona

Cardinals, ending his 13-year tenure with the team and

opening the door for a fresh start.

***

LaFleur, a disciple of the en vogue offense popularized by

Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, walked through that door

with a mandate to turn around the Packers’ fortunes.

“I want to develop a championship culture that’s filled with

high-character people that are dedicated to becoming the best

versions of themselves,” LaFleur said during his introductory

press conference. “My philosophy is really to lead, teach, and

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> MATT LAFLEUR: REFLECTING ON THE FIRST THREE YEARS AND WHAT LIES AHEAD

inspire not only our football team but everybody in this

building. We are going to be process-driven, and we are going

to be process-driven in the pursuit of bringing a Lombardi

Trophy back home to Green Bay.”

Of course, in the broadest terms, the Packers tabbed LaFleur

as their new head coach to win another championship. But

the first and most important challenge facing him in his new

role had everything to do with the man under center. For

several seasons prior, Rodgers had not performed like a

perennial MVP candidate despite still possessing the requisite

physical skill and football IQ. As the quarterback’s relationship

with McCarthy atrophied, so did the cohesion of the offense

the two jointly operated. For LaFleur to win a title, first he

had to fix his star signal-caller.

That process took some time. While the Packers returned to

their winning ways during LaFleur’s first season at the helm,

Rodgers didn’t quite recapture the magic that made him one

of the all-time greats. The veteran QB didn’t play markedly

differently than during his final season under McCarthy, a

perception reflected by his largely similar numbers. The lack

of progress became one of multiple factors that led Gutekunst

to draft Jordan Love, a signal-caller out of Utah State, in the

first round the following offseason.

But after a full year to iron out wrinkles and build a strong

working relationship, LaFleur and Rodgers enjoyed a

transcendent year two together. The sputters that characterized

the Packers’ offense in 2019 dissipated as Rodgers roared back

to life, delivering one of his finest seasons. Green Bay rode

Rodgers’ dominance to a 13–3 record and the NFC’s No. 1

playoff seed, the team’s first top seeding in nearly a decade.

Rodgers secured his third MVP, effectively checking off

LaFleur’s primary directive.

Yet, despite guiding Rodgers back to his MVP form and

securing playoff byes in consecutive seasons, LaFleur and the

Packers didn’t return to the Super Bowl. The team fell at home

as favorites to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020 NFC

Championship Game, a tilt that saw LaFleur make the critical

mistake of calling for a field goal deep in the red zone with

just over two minutes left in regulation. That decision helped

sink Green Bay’s hopes of a comeback, beginning an offseason

of uncertainty for all the franchise’s major stakeholders.

Rodgers, fresh off an MVP season and in search of security

following the selection of Love, hoped to secure a new contract

that would allow him to take control of his future. When the

organization didn’t immediately offer him such a deal, it

sparked a months-long standoff that exploded onto the

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13


national stage during the 2021 NFL Draft. Unknown to the

public at the time, LaFleur campaigned within the walls of

1265 Lombardi Ave. to get the warring factions back on the

same page. His efforts helped pave the way for Rodgers to

report in time for training camp.

Another 13-win season followed with the Packers again

securing the top playoff seeding in the NFC. While not without

drama, Rodgers won the MVP again, becoming the first player

since Peyton Manning to win the honor in back-to-back years.

LaFleur’s team finally appeared on the precipice of reaching

the Super Bowl.

Instead, another disappointment followed, this time in the

form of a Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers

and LaFleur’s friend and mentor Shanahan. The early exit

ignited speculation that Rodgers might finally push his way

out of Green Bay and leave the Packers without a bona fide

franchise quarterback for the first time in three decades.

As before, LaFleur proved to be the glue that held the operation

together.

“I sat down and talked to Aaron today for quite some time,”

LaFleur said during his season-closing press conference. “You

know, I think we’re all a little numb to the situation right now.

And so I would say that what we talked about, I’m definitely

going to keep between him and myself. But we’re hopeful that

he’ll be back next year, obviously. I mean, this guy has done

so much for such a long period of time for this organization,

for the city, for this team. I want to be respectful of his process,

whatever he needs to go through to make the best decision

for himself. And certainly, we would love for him to be a

Packer and be a Packer until the day he decides to retire.”

Indeed, the approach proved effective. Rodgers announced

on March 8 that he would return for the 2022 season. The

same day, the Packers officially applied the franchise tag to

All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, Rodgers’ favorite target.

The two decisions effectively extended the team’s contention

window for at least another year, a prospect that seemed

utterly improbable less than a year earlier.

***

In many ways, LaFleur has delivered on his original promise.

Rodgers has put together the best two-year stretch of his

NFL career, and LaFleur played an integral role in keeping

the future Hall of Famer from departing over the past two

offseasons. Meanwhile, the Packers have genuinely

contended for a championship, winning 13 games in each

season with LaFleur at the controls and reaching consecutive

NFC title games.

Still, the Lombardi Trophy LaFleur promised at his

introductory press conference still eludes him, and now the

difficulty ramps up as new challenges face him and his team.

When a team achieves as much success as the Packers have

under LaFleur over an extended period, the rest of the NFL

eventually comes to pillage the spare parts. For decades, the

league tried to replicate the New England Patriots model by

hiring away one Bill Belichick assistant after another. More

recently, Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers staff as well as that

of McVay’s Los Angeles Rams have lost coaches to bigger

opportunities elsewhere. That list of departing assistants

includes LaFleur, who landed his first offensive coordinator

gig under McVay in 2017.

Now, the NFL has come for LaFleur’s assistants.

Earlier this year, the Denver Broncos hired Nathaniel Hackett,

LaFleur’s right-hand man on offense, as their new head coach.

As one of Hackett’s first orders of business, he tried to poach

another top assistant from the Packers to join him, requesting

permission to interview O-line coach and run-game

coordinator Adam Stenavich for the OC vacancy. LaFleur

effectively nixed the request by offering Stenavich Hackett’s

old post. Still, the Broncos did eventually attract a coach off

LaFleur’s staff, hiring tight-ends coach Justin Outten to serve

as offensive coordinator.

The Packers faced more defections as the weeks unfolded.

Luke Getsy, the team’s quarterbacks coach and passing game

coordinator, joined the division rival Chicago Bears for the

opportunity to call plays. On the other side of the ball, outside

linebackers coach Mike Smith opted to leave for the Minnesota

Vikings where he will work alongside Mike Pettine, himself

a former LaFleur assistant. And with Rodgers set to return for

at least another season, it seems fair to assume the NFL will

continue to pursue coaches from Green Bay next year as well.

How well LaFleur handles the coaching changes could well

determine whether the Packers take home the Lombardi

Trophy during his tenure.

So far, LaFleur has taken a different approach than his closest

peers. Faced with similar staff turnover, McVay and Shanahan

have often looked outside their organizations. The Rams

brought in Kevin O’Connell from Washington to serve as

offensive coordinator in 2020, a move that paid off with a win

in Super Bowl LVI. Earlier this year, Shanahan hired former

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn and retired

quarterback Brian Griese for senior assistant positions. None

of the hires had previously worked on a coaching staff with

either McVay or Shanahan previously.

Meanwhile, most of LaFleur’s biggest hires on offense and

defense this year have come in the form of internal promotions.

Stenavich, of course, replaced Hackett, but Getsy probably

would have instead if not for his opportunity with the Bears.

To backfill, LaFleur moved Luke Butkus to primary O-line

coach and gave the passing game coordinator title to Jason

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Vrable. Elsewhere, he shifted John Dunn, Connor Lewis, and

Ryan Mahaffey to different roles. Among the top assistants,

only quarterbacks coach Tom Clements and outside linebackers

coach Jason Rebrovich didn’t serve on the staff in 2021, and

the former came aboard largely at Rodgers’ behest.

Notably, LaFleur did look externally for a new special teams

coordinator, eventually landing former Las Vegas Raiders

interim head coach Rich Bisaccia. However, the move came

after LaFleur’s previous pick for the role—Maurice Drayton,

himself an internal promotion—flamed out in dramatic

fashion and effectively removed the possibility of promoting

someone already on the staff.

Will LaFleur’s efforts to stay in-house to fill coaching vacancies

deliver similar results to the approach of his contemporaries?

Can LaFleur keep the offense fresh without the aid of outside

voices and new perspectives? And, if the 2022 season proves

successful, how many assistants will LaFleur have to replace

next offseason?

Those questions do not yet have answers. LaFleur, who talked

up his “process-driven” approach when officially introduced

as head coach, now has three full years of data points from

which to assess his performance. The Packers have gone far

during that time, but they haven’t won the title. And with

resources stretched and the window to contend closing, every

decision LaFleur makes carries additional weight.

LaFleur’s process still matters. But now more than ever, the

results do as well.

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15

NON-POWER FIVE

HIDDEN GEMS

BY: ROB REGER

In today’s NFL, it is important for teams to look at many

different avenues and many different places to achieve ultimate

success. Long gone are the days when teams can simply rely

on top draft choices or overspend for free agents. All of the

successful franchises look to Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft and

take a shot on smaller school players to help fill in the gaps.

Many of these players might take a year or two to develop, but

given the right opportunity, they can flourish. This year’s Super

Bowl MVP, Cooper Kupp, was a third-round pick out of Eastern

Washington and started his career as a fourth-string receiver.

What follows is a breakdown of several potential targets of the

Packers, at positions of need. The focus will be on non-Power

Five conferences with players expected to be available in

Rounds 2 through 7. Also included is each player’s fit within

Matt LaFleur’s or Joe Barry’s scheme on offense or defense.

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> NON-POWER FIVE HIDDEN GEMS: OFFENSE

Bailey Zappe (QB)

Western Kentucky

Trey McBride (TE)

Colorado St

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 215 lbs.


Bailey Zappe is a guy who most fans and scouts alike didn’t

know heading into last season. However, in his one year as an

FBS starter, he broke Joe Burrow’s record for touchdown passes

and yards in a season with 62 and 5,967, respectively. When

watching Zappe, it is easy to see why he is successful, although

his physical traits will not wow anyone. Zappe has a lightningquick

delivery and excellent accuracy and anticipation with

the ball. He is decisive and throws a clean, tight spiral. He also

excels throwing into tight windows on time.

On the Packers, Zappe would replace Jordan Love as the

backup for Aaron Rodgers, assuming the former gets traded.

He has the intelligence and confidence to step right into that

role. In fact, his skill set is perfectly suited for the Matt

LaFleur offense. Zappe is skilled at play action and throws

well on the move. The only real knock on him is that he doesn’t

wow people with his arm strength, but he makes up for it in

other ways.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


It is very rare for a tight end to be considered the go-to guy

of a college offense. However, that is the best way to describe

the role Trey McBride had in the Colorado State offense. He

lined up in many different places to create mismatches, and

when he did, he simply made plays. It has been a long time

since a tight end had a dominant season like McBride’s 90

catches for 1,121 yards in 2021, which earned him the John

Mackey Award for the best tight end in the nation. As a

prospect, McBride has great hands and is excellent at making

tough catches in traffic. Very seldom does the ball move after

it hits his giant hands. He also is an excellent route runner

who uses his body to wall off defenders to make catches. He

is one of the most reliable players seen coming out at his

position in years.

For the Packers, Trey McBride would be a perfect third-andshort

receiver who is able to adjust to the ball and come down

with it. The Packers love play-action hits to the tight end and

McBride would fill that role perfectly. As a blocker, McBride

needs work on his technique but shows the willingness to

stick his nose in and block. His skill set is one that the Packers

have been missing for years outside of 2020 with Robert

Tonyan. McBride could easily learn for a year as a backup

and step into an effective starting role.

17


Isaiah Likely (TE)

Coastal Carolina

Alec Pierce (WR)

Cincinnati



The tight end position has changed significantly over the

years, morphing from a primarily blocking position to the

modern downfield weapon. Isaiah Likely falls into the

category of the new-age tight end. After coming to Coastal

Carolina as a lightly recruited player, Likely caught five

touchdowns as a freshman. He equaled those five touchdowns

in the next two seasons until he exploded for 12 touchdowns

as a senior, which made him a John Mackey Award

semifinalist. Likely is a player who can stretch the field but

still make the tough catch or the big block. He has soft hands

and catches the ball with ease. His best days as a football

player are likely ahead of him.

With the Packers, Likely would have a shot at breaking into

the lineup as a rookie. Robert Tonyan is back, but he is coming

off of a major injury. The team doesn’t have many options

behind him. Likely would be a mobile tight end who could

beat linebackers with his speed and wall off safeties with

his frame. What Aaron Rodgers would love about him is his

ability to get open downfield if a play breaks down and his

first reads are covered. Likely had five career touchdowns

of 50 yards or more.

Alec Pierce is a top-notch athlete who starred at Cincinnati

during the best year in program history. Pierce excels at

catching the ball cleanly through distress or contested balls.

He has excellent body control and has shown the ability to

adjust to balls either underthrown or thrown off-target and

still come down with the ball. Pierce led the Bearcats with

52 catches in 2021 and had a career-high eight touchdown

catches. What really wowed scouts and evaluators though

was his 9.62 Relative Athletic Score (out of 10), including a

blazing 4.41 40-yard dash and a 40.5” vertical jump, both in

the 92nd percentile or higher. At 6’3” and with his elite

vertical jump, Pierce can outrun and outjump his opponents.

A Packers fan favorite is Jordy Nelson, and Alec Pierce

possesses many Jordy-like qualities. With the Packers losing

Davante Adams, it will be crucial to find an experienced

replacement. While Pierce doesn’t quite have the lightningfast

feet that Adams has, he is strong and is able to fight off

press coverage as well as eat up turf quickly in a zone scheme

with his long strides. Pierce has a shot at outproducing his

impressive college stats in the NFL if drafted by the right team.

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Jalen Tolbert (WR)

Southern Alabama

Christian Watson (WR)

North Dakota St.



A smooth operator is the best way to describe Jalen Tolbert

as a receiver. At times, it looks like he is gliding down the field

instead of running. His foot quickness off the line and out of

breaks is top-notch, and he catches the ball easily as well.

Although he won’t wow people with any elite physical traits,

Tolbert seems to always be open, even against top-notch

competition. His 4.49 40 time is solid, and his 6’1” size is

certainly acceptable, but his production outpaces his physical

abilities. In both 2020 and 2021, Tolbert had more than 1,000

yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 64 and 82 balls,

respectively. His route-running is his best trait, including

great start and stop and acceleration in and out of breaks.

For the Packers, Tolbert would be an ideal selection. He could

be a chess piece Matt LaFleur covets. He is equally adept at

lining up in the slot or outside the numbers. He also has the

ability to get open quickly off the snap due to his foot speed,

thus allowing Aaron Rodgers to use him on short-yardage

plays. His hands are mostly reliable, although he did have a

couple of concentration-type drops in college. Overall, Tolbert

would play a similar role to the departed Davante Adams,

although, obviously, not at the same level initially.

Known as the Tampa Tornado, Christian Watson is an

explosive, game-breaking receiver with the size to match. In

fact, his Relative Athletic Score came in at a perfect 10.0, the

second-highest overall score in the history of extensive

athletic testing. Every athletic trait was in the 90th percentile

or better, with most in the 95th percentile or better. His 10-

yard and 20-yard splits are at 99.8 percent of all players timed.

All of this combined with his 6’4” height makes Watson a

dangerous prospect.

Watson is not the perfect player, but he is a very good football

player; he’s not just an athlete. At North Dakota State, Watson

had 18 total touchdowns and showed good hands and routerunning

skills. The knocks on him are few, with intricate

route running and contested catches being areas he needs to

work on. As for a fit on the Packers, Watson could slide right

into the deep threat role that MVS had. In that role, Green

Bay would be getting a faster, more athletic player than MVS

with better hands as well. This would be a home-run pick for

the Packers in the second round.

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Trevor Penning (OT)

Northern Iowa

Bernhard Raimann (OT)

Central Michigan



If a scientist ever designed the perfect offensive line prospect

in a lab, Trevor Penning would be the prototype. Penning is

blessed with outstanding size at 6’7” and 325 pounds, and he

wears it very well—he doesn’t look overweight at all.

However, Penning’s most impressive trait might be his

athleticism for his size. His 4.89 40 time wowed observers at

the combine, especially for a man his size. Also, at the Senior

Bowl, scouts raved about his foot quickness out of his stance

and his powerful punch that typically left defenders helpless.

With the release of Billy Turner and the possibility of Elgton

Jenkins either not being ready for the start of the season or

potentially moving back to the inside, Penning would be a

perfect addition to the right side of the line. He would be a

day one starter and has the right skillset and demeanor for

the Packers offense. His ability to move quickly would allow

the Packers to continue to excel in the outside run game and

on screens. He would be amongst the safest, most effective

draft picks for the Packers. The only knock is his level of

competition, but Penning showed everyone he belonged at

the Senior Bowl and the combine.

Although the level of competition could be considered

questionable, Bernard Raimann has all of the physical traits

to be a dominant offensive tackle for many years in the NFL.

As a pass-blocker, Raimann is quick out of his stance with

fluid movements. He rarely gets caught off balance. Originally

from Austria, Raimann started his college career as a

230-pound tight end. After two years and a 70-pound weight

increase, Raimann was able to transition effectively to the

offensive line. He is as quick as a cat out of his stance and is

fluid with his movements. His only knock is that power

rushers sometimes knock him off balance, but with a year

or two of continued development, he should be fine.

Due to his elite movement ability as an offensive lineman,

Raimann is best suited for a zone-blocking scheme run like

the one used by the Packers. He also can get out and lead on

screen passes, helping to spring running backs to big gains.

On the Packers, Raimann would project as a right tackle or

a swing tackle prospect. With continued technique work, the

sky is the limit for what he can achieve as a player. The

Packers would be wise to take a shot on him if he’s available

on Day 2.

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> NON-POWER FIVE HIDDEN GEMS: DEFENSE

Travis Jones (NT)

UCONN

Logan Hall (DE)

Houston



Travis Jones is a load on the interior of the defensive line—

there is no better way of describing him. Jones frequently

knocks offensive linemen several yards into the backfield

with raw power and strength. He appears immovable at

times. Although Jones had a standout career at UConn, where

he really shined was at the Senior Bowl. Not only did he

dominate in one-on-one matchups against centers and guards,

but he also ate up double teams with ease. At the combine,

Jones blew away scouts with his athleticism for his size. His

Relative Athletic Score ranked as a 9.65 out of 10, including

a 4.92 40-yard dash and a 7.33 3-cone drill. Both are elite

numbers for a man his size.

As a player, Jones is very difficult to move off his platform.

On the Packers, Jones would be a huge upgrade on running

and short-yardage downs and would be a great complement

to Kenny Clark and newly acquired Jarren Reed. He would

give the team the ability to rotate defensive linemen and

play effective situational football. With some technique

work, Jones could also turn himself into a solid pass-rusher

as a bonus.

One of the reasons fans love the NFL Draft is because of the

uncertainty that surrounds it. You never know 100 percent

which players are going to make the jump and be successful

and which players aren’t. One area to look at is improvement

over the course of a player’s career. Logan Hall falls squarely

in that category. As only a two-year starter, Hall didn’t really

make a name for himself until his senior year, when he was

disruptive at worst and unblockable at best. His 13 tackles

for loss and six sacks from the defensive tackle position

showed off what he was capable of. However, it really was

his week in Mobile for the Senior Bowl that caught the

attention of coaches and scouts alike. All Hall did was

dominate the entire week and then follow that up with a

blazing 4.88 40-yard dash at the combine.

As a player, Hall explodes off the ball with quickness and

power. He is relentless with his motor and frequently pushes

offensive linemen back into the quarterback. Although Hall

played defensive tackle at Houston, he would be an attacking

defensive end in Joe Barry’s scheme in Green Bay. With his

combination of quickness and power, Hall could make an

immediate impact.

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> NON-POWER FIVE HIDDEN GEMS: DEFENSE

Tariq Woolen (CB)

Texas San Antonio

Tycen Anderson (S)

Toledo



There is an adage in sports that you can’t teach size and you

can’t teach speed. Tariq Woolen is the living embodiment of

that adage. First, he is a 6’4” cornerback with long arms. He

also ran one of the best 40 times in history at 4.26 official.

His overall Relative Athletic Score is a perfect 10 compared

to other cornerbacks. He has the size and athleticism that

coaches dream about. However, he is certainly not the

finished product as a football player, and teams will be

drafting him for what he could potentially become, not what

he currently is.

Woolen is relatively new to cornerback, spending his first

three years in college at receiver. His instincts are below

average, and he lacks some of the short-area quickness that

is key to playing corner. His hands are also not great. However,

these are all things that can be improved upon, and he may

have to settle for guarding big receivers who are not as fluid.

On the Packers, Woolen would be an instant improvement

as a gunner on kick coverages. He would also be effective in

man coverage against a guy like DK Metcalf or other receivers

who are big, strong, and fast.

Tycen Anderson is a player with unique skills and would

probably be considered a higher prospect if he had gone to

a Big Ten or SEC school. However, whoever drafts him will

get a pleasant surprise. Anderson is a three-year starter and

first-team All-Conference player for the Rockets and was one

of their leaders on defense. Tycen is an elite athlete who ran

a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and had a 6.64 3-cone

drill. On tape, Anderson shows great range and burst to the

ball. He profiles as a dime safety with the ability to guard

tight ends and backs and support the run with his size.

On the Packers, Anderson could easily fit into a “big” safety

role. The Joe Berry defense often utilizes three safety sets,

and he would be great in that role. He would also be a top

special teams player, something the Packers are desperate

for. His biggest downsides are that, at times, he doesn’t stick

to receivers after the initial coverage, and he is susceptible

to double moves. He also sometimes has trouble with taking

proper tackling angles. Overall, he could be a strong midround

developmental player with the talent to eventually

start down the road.

Others to watch: Isaiah Weston, Troy Anderson, Calvin Austin, Jeffery Gunter, Khalil Shakur

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH

MILT

Hendrickson

– Packers

Director of

Football

Operations

BY: AARON NAGLER

How did you get your start in personnel? Was that always a

goal to move over from the coaching side or did it just sort of

happen?

I go back to how I’ve always viewed trying to find players

that you want to acquire. We don’t want to find guys who

like football. We don’t want to find guys who love football.

We want to find guys that need it, it defines who they are.

And since I was 8,9,10 years old, football has defined so much

of my family.

The coaching path, coming out of college, was just the best

avenue at the time. Brian [Gutekunst] and I met in the summer

of 1996 at UW–La Crosse. We just met sitting next to the coaching

staff. I didn’t have a plan from the jump where I wanted to get

into personnel, but I met Brian, and those avenues kind of

materialized. I still love coaching and still miss the hands-on

part of it. But I started to realize that you could make just as

much of a difference on the personnel side. Plus, wanting to

start a family, my wife and I, we just realized there was

potentially a little more stability on the personnel path.

You’re a Wisconsin native who got his foot in the door as an

intern with the Packers but then spent much of your career in

Baltimore with Ozzie Newsome. Did you always hope you’d make

it back to Green Bay?

Some of the best memories I have from growing up are my

dad talking about the Lombardi Packers. I’m the oldest of four

boys. We’d go to church at 9 o’clock, come home and make a

pile of food, and sit in front of the TV to watch the CBS pregame

at 11. Dad would take the phone off the hook and we’d watch

the Packers.

Working in the NFL is an absolute privilege, but for a kid

who grew up in a town that didn’t have a stoplight in

southwestern Wisconsin, who grew up loving the Packers,

the opportunity to come back to Green Bay—it’s not just a

privilege, it’s a real responsibility that I feel. From that

standpoint, you cherish every opportunity you get to walk

into that building.

You played baseball and football. Do you think having a

multisport background is important for guys coming into the

NFL? Things have gotten very specialized in youth sports.

I do think it’s important, for no other reason than it can be a

great teacher. Usually, that second or third sport you play,

you’re not as good at it. Playing multiple sports teaches you

how to be a teammate, to deal with some failure. It just creates

a more well-rounded individual. I just think it helps you to

grow as a person more than anything else.

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Personnel people often speak about the importance of seeing

guys in person rather than strictly relying on the tape. What do

you think seeing guys live gives you that watching them on tape

doesn’t?

I think you get a picture of these guys at their best. Pick a

school on a Tuesday in October; they’re not thinking about

the draft, they’re not worried about how they perform in a

certain drill. They’re just out there playing ball, practicing,

and you get the chance to see so many things the cameras

don’t pick up. How they interact with their teammates, how

they interact with the coaching staff, how they handle

criticism, how they respond to a really tough practice. I just

think those are the types of things that are so valuable, being

on the road, that don’t necessarily come through on tape.

As mentioned before, you spent fourteen years in Baltimore

working for Ozzie Newsome. What did you take away from your

time with one of the best modern-day general managers?

There are two things about Ozzie that always stick with me.

He’s the best listener I’ve ever been around, and he has

remarkable patience. All the stuff that swirls around you

during the whole draft calendar, he was so steady and

consistent. He just had that remarkable patience that allowed

him to make decisions with such clarity. I look back on it, as

I’ve moved forward in my career, I’ve tried to take that with

me. It’s very easy to be reactionary, to be impulsive, when the

best decision sometimes is the one you don’t make, and that

patience has allowed you to stay the course and make sure

that you see it from that 10,000-foot view to make sure that

whatever decision you’re coming to is one that you really need

to be doing. I recognize that in the world we’re in that doesn’t

always resonate, I understand that, but the ability to listen

and the ability to be patient in this business are two real assets.

Talking about the draft calendar, it’s obviously expanded quite

a bit over the years with the draft being pushed back. You’ve got

All-Star games, the combine, pro days, all this extra information

besides a prospect’s college career. How often do you find yourself

kind of retracing your steps, so to speak, back to the tape and

realizing you may have lost sight of what excited you about a

guy’s tape in the first place?

One hundred percent. I do it every year. There’s always a guy

or two like that. The thing is, for most guys, you watch the

tape and form your opinions, you go through the combine

and the pro days, and nine out of ten times throughout my

career, I come right back around to what I was thinking about

a guy in October when I was on a school visit.

The All-Star games, the combine, and the pro days, the

additional conversations you have with people on a school’s

staff, in a perfect world, it all ends up emphasizing what you

thought about a guy. But as Ozzie always used to say, you have

to let the tape take you to the grade. Those other pieces are

important because we’re figuring out these young men as

people too, but you have to let the tape take you to the grade.

If you do that, more often than not, you’re going to be on the

right side of that pick.

With all of that said, in today’s NFL, you have to scout the

person as well as the player. If your scouts know the player,

you’re extremely confident when it comes time to potentially

pull the card. I think our scouts in Green Bay do a phenomenal

job of developing relationships with players and coaches

throughout the years, where they’re circling back and having

multiple conversations with multiple people and getting to

know these kids.

There’s a great pride you have as a scout when you know these

guys and then you say, “This is a guy we want to bring to Green

Bay.” I think for our scouts, this isn’t a job, it’s a passion. It’s

been awesome in my short time in Green Bay, these three-plus

years now, what a good group of scouts we have. These guys

I get to work with every day— they get it.

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TOP 150

DRAFT

BOARD

BY: ROSS UGLEM

The Packers Big Board is a simple concept I developed at Cheesehead

TV that has made its way to Packer Report. This is the player I would

take if every player were available, and so on down the line. In its

simplest form, this list is my rankings skewed to what I believe the

Packers need on their roster in a post–Davante Adams world.

We’ve expanded the Packers Big Board to 150 this year as the Packers

have seven (!) picks in the top 140. So, if you like, as the draft whips

through you can cross players off this list.

01. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

02. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

03. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

04. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama

05. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

06. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State

07. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

08. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

09. Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State

10. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State

11. Drake London, WR, USC

12. Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

13. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

14. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

15. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

16. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

17. Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia

18. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

19. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

20. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

21. George Pickens, WR Georgia

22. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas

23. Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

24. Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia

25. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

26. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

27. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

28. Logan Hall, IDL, Houston

29. Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

30. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa

31. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

32. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

33. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington

34. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

35. Jalen Pitre CB/S, Baylor

36. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

37. Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama

38. Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, South Carolina

39. Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

40. David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan

41. Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

42. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

43. Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

44. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

45. Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State

46. Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati

47. Perrion Winfrey, IDL, Oklahoma

48. DeMarvin Leal, IDL, Texas A&M

49. Travis Jones, IDL, UConn

50. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

51. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

52. Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

53. Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

54. Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State

55. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

56. Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

57. Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

58. Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

59. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

60. Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State

61. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn

62. Sean Rhyan, G, UCLA

63. Phidarian Mathis, IDL, Alabama

64. Darian Kinnard, OT, Kentucky

65. Tariq Woolen, CB/S, UTSA

66. Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

67. Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

68. Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia

69. Cordell Volson, G, NDSU

70. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina

71. Chig Okonkwo, TE, Maryland

72. Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

73. Dylan Parham, G, Memphis

74. Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

75. Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

76. Isaiah Weston, WR, Northern Iowa

77. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Kentucky

78. Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati

79. Cade Otton, TE, Washington

80. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

81. Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky

82. Max Mitchell, G/T, Louisiana-Lafayette

83. Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga

84. Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia

85. Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma

86. Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech

87. David Bell, WR, Purdue

88. Quay Walker, LB, Cincinnati

89. Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis

90. Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

91. Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State

92. Dohnovan West, G, Arizona State

93. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State

94. JoJo Domann, LB, Nebraska

95. Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee

96. Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

97. Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana

98. Ed Ingram, G, LSU

99. Damone Clark, LB, LSU

100. Michael Clemons, EDGE, Texas A&M

101. Luke Fortner, C, Kentucky

102. Bubba Bolden, S, Miami

103. Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada

104. Nick Cross, S, Maryland

105. Luke Goedeke, G, Central Michigan

106. Jaivon Heiligh, WR, Coastal Carolina

107. Deangelo Malone, EDGE, WKU

108. Thomas Booker, IDL, Stanford

109. Matthew Butler, IDL, Tennessee

110. Noah Elliss, IDL, Idaho

111. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

112. Neil Farrell Jr., IDL, LSU

113. Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss

114. Marcus Jones, CB, Houston

115. Cade Mays, G, Tennessee

116. Justin Shaffer, G, Georgia

117. Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State

118. Kyle Phillips, WR, UCLA

119. Akayleb Evans, CB, Mizzou

120. Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon

121. Jesse Luketa, EDGE, Penn State

122. Cordale Flott, CB, LSU

123. Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin

124. D’Marco Jackson, LB, App State

125. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

126. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

127. Sam Howell, QB, UNC

128. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

129. Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

130. Zach Tom, OT, Wake Forest

131. Obinna Eze, OT, TCU

132. Zakoby McClain, LB, Auburn

133. Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor

134. Spencer Burford, G, UTSA

135. Tyreke Smith, EDGE, Ohio State

136. Zachary Carter, IDL, Florida

137. Thayer Munford, G, Ohio State

138. Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson

139. Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota

140. Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin

141. Otito Ogbonnia, IDL, UCLA

142. Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah

143. Jayden Peevy, IDL, Texas A&M

144. Haskell Garrett, IDL, Ohio State

145. Marquan McCall, IDL, Kentucky

146. Isaiah Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

147. Kevin Austin, WR, Notre Dame

148. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

149. Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU

150. Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

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2022 NFL MOCK DRAFT

BY: KENNEDY PAYNTER

DRAFT ORDER

01. Jacksonville Jaguars

09. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

17. Los Angeles Chargers

25. Buffalo Bills

02. Detroit Lions

10. New York Jets (via SEA)

18. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

26. Tennessee Titans

03. Houston Texans

11. Washington Commanders

19. New Orleans Saints (via PHI)

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

04. New York Jets

12. Minnesota Vikings

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

28. Green Bay Packers

05. New York Giants

13. Houston Texans (via CLE)

21. New England Patriots

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA)

06. Carolina Panthers

14. Baltimore Ravens

22. Green Bay Packers (via LV)

30. Kansas City Chiefs

07. New York Giants (via CHI)

15. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA)

23. Arizona Cardinals

31. Cincinnati Bengals

08. Atlanta Falcons

16. New Orleans Saints (via PHI)

24. Dallas Cowboys

32. Detroit Lions (via LAR)

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> 2022 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1 2 3 4

01. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: EDGE AIDAN HUTCHINSON, MICHIGAN

The definition of a blue-collar player, Aidan Hutchinson has EDGE prospect to pair opposite Josh Allen takes precedent

parlayed his exceptional motor and beyond-his-years over the luxury pick of another offensive lineman, especially

technique to vault himself into the top of draft boards despite now that the Jaguars are likely to lock up Cam Robinson longterm.

Hutchinson isn’t a home-run EDGE defender like the

his below-average measurables for the position. I am tempted

to slot a tackle here, as Doug Pederson cut his teeth with the Bosa brothers or Chase Young, but he is a “solid double” and

Eagles’ stellar offensive line, but I think the high-floor, “safe” has an extremely high floor.

02. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE TRAVON WALKER, GEORGIA

I’m going out on a limb with this pick, but hear me out. What

is the identity of the Dan Campbell–led Lions? Well, it’s eating

kneecaps of course! The Lions want to be a gritty, blue-collar,

high-motor team, and every transaction thus far in the

Campbell era has followed that blueprint. Travon Walker was

already a player who possessed not only tremendous upside

but also a motor that runs hot on every single down. Then, at

the NFL Combine, we found out Walker was also an elite tester

with a prototypical frame. Considering the questions

surrounding Kayvon Thibodeaux’s work ethic, Walker makes

more sense as the player to fill Detroit’s biggest nonquarterback

need.

03. HOUSTON TEXANS: OT IKEM EKWONU, NORTH CAROLIA STATE

The Texans are a true wild card in this draft. Now possessing “Ickey” Ekwonu and Evan Neal. While Evan Neal might be

two picks in the first round, one could tell me any combination the top OT in the draft, I’m slotting Ekwonu here because he

of players outside of kicker and punter for those two selections has both greater upside and the ability to play RT across from

and I wouldn’t be surprised. I would be surprised, however, LT Laremy Tunsil or slide into the guard spot, where he would

if one of the picks isn’t an offensive lineman. I believe that almost immediately be an elite player at the position.

two of the four blue-chip players in this draft are tackles

04. NEW YORK JETS: EDGE KAYVON THIBODEAUX, OREGON

I have been told that one, if not both, of the Jets’ two top-10 in 2021, and I’m sure the defensive-minded Saleh is itching

picks will be spent on an EDGE player. Kayvon Thibodeaux to add talent to that group. Thibodeaux is arguably the most

has some questions surrounding his motor and desire to play talented player in the draft, and if the Jets get the most out of

football, but if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s head him, he will be a steal at the fourth-overall pick in this draft.

coach Robert Saleh. The Jets defense was a disappointment

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5 6 7 8

05. NEW YORK GIANTS: OT EVAN NEAL, ALABAMA

The New York Giants have a bad roster and a quarterback that

the coach doesn’t want. Sure, the Mara ownership group has

been steadfast in their support of Daniel Jones, but Brian

Daboll’s comments and free-agency moves since he got the

job (signing Tyrod Taylor to the second-richest QB contract

this offseason) speak differently. While I do think Daboll

wants a new signal-caller, I don’t think it will happen this

year. Daboll will use the Buffalo model—initiate the culture

change, begin to reshape the roster in your vision, and then

go get your guy. Daboll will be thrilled to strengthen the

offensive line with Evan Neal, add some offensive weapons,

and know that he will likely be back in position to take a QB

next year.

06. CAROLINA PANTHERS: QB KENNY PICKETT, PITTSBURGH

This pick represents the biggest pivot-point in the first round. fire him, and gear up for a new head coach/QB combo in 2023.

Who is calling the shots? If it’s still Matt Rhule (and I doubt Having said that, Tepper knows that multiple swings are

it is), we might see a desperate trade-up for a high-end QB like required to find the answer at quarterback, and he will be

Malik Willis. My inclination is that after missing out on fine with taking a shot before his tanking year. Kenny Pickett

Deshaun Watson, David Tepper is ready to tank. He will keep is a B+ across-the-board prospect who might prove to be the

Rhule on until about a third of the way through the season, answer, but I wouldn’t bank on it in Carolina.

07. NEW YORK GIANTS (VIA CHI): CB SAUCE GARDENER, CINCINNATI

If I were a betting man, I would guess Brian Daboll doesn’t best player available, he doesn’t represent a high-positional

want to make this pick. With an eye on next year’s QB class, value. The next-best player available is CB Sauce Gardener,

Daboll would like to trade down and grab another first for and he happens to play one of the most valuable positions on

next year in order to possess the firepower needed to move the field. This pick becomes even more likely if the Giants

up in the 2023 draft. If the team stays, there are myriad ways move James Bradberry.

this pick could be used. While I think S Kyle Hamilton is the

08. ATLANTA FALCONS: WR GARRETT WILSON, OHIO STATE

Now that the Falcons have moved on from Matt Ryan, it will Mariota can run his offense effectively, but beyond Pitts, there

be interesting to see the direction the organization chooses are almost no weapons for his new QB. WR Garrett Wilson

to move in year two of the new regime. While Kyle Pitts looks represents the kind of explosive option that teams covet and

like he’s going to be a good player, I will not be convinced that could come in right away as an excellent number two next to

a WR/TE was worthy of the fourth overall pick in last year’s Kyle Pitts. If Mariota isn’t the answer, add Atlanta to the arms

draft. I do believe that Arthur Smith has faith that Marcus race for a rookie QB next offseason.

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9 10 11 12

09. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (VIA DEN): OT TREVOR PENNING, NORTHERN IOWA

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks draft differently than anyone

else in the league, and the first-round results tend to be…well…

bad. Between 2013 and now, the Seahawks have only selected

four players: Germain Ifedi, Rashaad Penny, LJ Collier, and

offensive tackle with this pick. Trevor Penning is a fine player,

and I believe he will be an immediate starter at RT, but I would

feel more comfortable drafting him in the late teens or

twenties. Either way, Pete will say they “got their guy,” and

Jordyn Brooks. In those drafts, each pick was at a glaring we will have to wait and see how it pans out.

position of need, which is why I see the team reaching for an

10. NEW YORK JETS (VIA SEA): WR DRAKE LONDON, USC

The Jets already signed the EDGE player they coveted, so what’s big-bodied playmaker like Drake London would represent a

next for Gang Green Nation? I believe Robert Saleh has his perfect security blanket. I would also not be surprised if this

eyes on help for second-year QB Zach Wilson. Jamison pick is an offensive lineman, especially considering questions

Crowder’s exit leaves the Jets with an even weaker group of surrounding Mekhi Becton’s weight and maturity, but I think

wideouts than the team fielded last year, so the addition of a London represents the best value at this pick.

11. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: S KYLE HAMILTON, NOTRE DAME

Kyle Hamilton is arguably the most talented player in the he would be a steal for the Commanders at 11. Landon Collins

2022 NFL Draft, but he plays a position that is continually refused a second pay cut and was released by the team in

de-valued in the modern NFL. While I align with teams’ March, leaving a hole at the “Buffalo nickel” position. This

assessment of the positional value of a run-of-the-mill starting pick will provide Jack Del Rio with a plethora of packages in

safety, I also understand there are few players with the nickel in which Kam Curl, Bobby McCain, and Hamilton can

versatility that Hamilton possesses, which is why I believe exchange positions freely.

12. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: CB DEREK STINGLEY JR., LSU

Each year, the balance of run/pass in the NFL continues to

move toward attacking through the air. Some front-office

execs expect the ratio to be 70/30 pass/run in a few years’

time. This, paired with the incredible run of WR talent

entering the NFL, makes corners one of the most valuable

positions in the NFL. Stingley Jr. was widely considered a

top-five pick entering the fall of 2021, but up-and-down play

(in only 10 games over the past two seasons) has made him

one of the more controversial prospects in the class. At his

best, Stingley Jr. is a lockdown corner in the mold of Stephon

Gilmore, something that would be welcomed in Minnesota

after a string of bad picks at CB.

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13 14 15 16

13. HOUSTON TEXANS (VIA CLE): EDGE JERMAINE JOHNSON II, FLORIDA STATE

Houston already selected a player with tremendous upside in run, but he has all the tools for Lovie Smith to mold into a

the offensive trenches, and now it’s time to snag one on the dominant pass-rusher. For a team with needs all over the field,

defensive side. EDGE Jermaine Johnson II possesses a massive landing two potential blue-chip players at premium positions

frame and immense length paired with an impressive motor. is a great start to the post-Deshaun Watson era.

He is inconsistent in both rushing the passer and against the

14. BALTIMORE RAVENS: C TYLER LINDERBAUM, IOWA

The Baltimore Ravens organization is one of the best-drafting

organizations in history. Unless they’re drafting a WR, this

team nails its picks year-in and year-out. The reason the

Ravens tend to have successful drafts? They draft core players

in the middle of the field. Baltimore’s strengths need to remain

a solid run-game and protection up front, so the addition of

Tyler Linderbaum makes sense in every facet. Guard Marshal

Yanda was a huge loss last year, and now that Bradley Bozeman

has moved on, the Ravens fill the void in the middle with a

high-floor (despite his short arms) prospect who should make

the calls at the line for a decade-plus.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (VIA MIA): CB TRENT MCDUFFIE, WASHINGTON

For the first time in history, a team will select three times the offensive and defensive lines. However, I think the

within five picks in the first round of the NFL Draft. Or at franchise’s biggest need is at cornerback, where the team has

least, they were scheduled to. I would be shocked if Philly had a dearth of talent since Asante Samuel and Co. left town.

actually used picks 15, 16, and 19 as they have been slotted, Trent McDuffie is the next Washington Husky CB prospect

and their recent trade with New Orleans was unsurprising. and should slide in as the team’s No. 3 corner immediately.

The team is reportedly focused on WR and the interior of both

16. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (VIA PHI): DT JORDAN DAVIS, GEORGIA

After making a perceived luxury pick in DT Sheldon Rankins at the combine with a 4.78 40-yard dash, but also put up a

at 12th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Saints thought they 32-inch vertical and a broad jump of over 10’. Davis reportedly

had solidified their defensive line for years to come. Rankins struggled to keep his weight under control at Georgia, which

struggled to stay healthy and the organization has since explains why he was used as a run-stuffer for just 37.9% of

moved on and rotated players on the defensive interior. New snaps. If the Saints can keep him at his combine weight of

Orleans historically invests heavily in the offensive and 341, he should both continue to be a dominant run-stuffer

defensive lines, and investing in DT Jordan Davis would be and begin to demonstrate the ability to push the pocket

a heavy investment. At 6’6”, 341 lbs, Davis shocked observers against the pass.

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17 18 19

20

17. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: OT CHARLES CROSS, MISSISSIPPI STATE

The Chargers have been lauded as a “winner” so far this the position. While Austin Ekeler will continue to be an

offseason, adding multiple blue-chip pieces to their roster important piece of the offense, I expect LAC to target a RB in

while keeping Mike Williams on a new contract. The top Round 2 or 3. If the Chargers can add a RT and a hammer RB

priority now, in my opinion, is to find a bookend tackle in the first three rounds, one would be hard-pressed to find

opposite Rashawn Slater. Luckily for Mr. Herbert, Charles a hole on this roster.

Cross is available and will step in immediately and start at

18. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (VIA NO): G KENYON GREEN, TEXAS A&M

Philadelphia has already added a CB and received an extra quite a find and has transitioned nicely from rugby, so why

2023 first-round pick from New Orleans, so, what’s next? While not add another mauler up front? Kenyon Green is a plug-andplay

guard who abuses interior defensive lineman in the run

WR is what many fans want, I don’t think the Eagles’ brass is

keen on spending first-round picks in three straight years at game. He isn’t quick enough to mirror at tackle, but he should

the position. If not WR, it’s time to go back to Howie Roseman’s be a fine pass protector at guard in the NFL.

blueprint: building both the trenches. OT Jordan Mailata was

19. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (VIA PHI): WR JAHAN DOTSON, PENN STATE

One of the best rosters in the NFL is also one of the most signing of Jameis Winston is a step in the right direction for

unbalanced. The Saints have a loaded defensive roster, but this organization, but he needs weapons. Many have Jahan

the offensive side was already lacking in talent before Terron Dotson going later in the round, but if we have learned

Armstead signed with the Dolphins. The only scary receiving anything over the past half-decade, it’s that speed raises NFL

option on the outside in New Orleans is Michael Thomas, and stock—and quickly. Dotson might be just the right flavor of

he hasn’t been a plus player in almost two years. The re-

juice this offense needs moving forward.

20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: QB MALIK WILLIS, LIBERTY

Mike Tomlin has not even attempted to hide his love for Malik Pittsburgh’s next QB, I think he will get it done as his parting

Willis. Not only has he had dinner with Malik multiple times, gift to the organization he has served for more than two

he’s even admitted in interviews that he loves the prospect decades. Malik Willis can sit behind Mitchell Trubisky,

but doesn’t “think he’ll be there for [the Steelers] at 20.” So, learning the new movement-based offense and preparing to

while a trade-up might be required for Kevin Colbert to find unleash his scary amalgam of skills in 2023.

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21 22 23 24

21. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: LB DEVIN LLOYD, UTAH

Who’s tougher to predict than Pete Carroll and the Seahawks?

Bill Belichick and the Patriots. It’s truly amazing that the

Patriots have remained as good as they have over the past 20

years when they’ve drafted so poorly over that span (well…

besides that one Brady guy). If I had to guess, I think Belichick

believes the offense will function just fine with Mac Jones at

the helm and that he needs to rebuild his once-vaunted Patriot

defense. That overhaul started with the trade for LB Mack

Wilson, but he is more of a weak-side LB on a roster that’s in

need of a Mike. Devin Lloyd could go in the top 10 of the draft,

so adding such a gifted MLB in the twenties would be a steal

for New England.

22. GREEN BAY PACKERS (VIA LV): WR CHRIS OLAVE, OHIO STATE

Aaron Rodgers finally made the decision to return to the target. Chris Olave would immediately become half of one of

Packers, mercifully putting an end to his self-serving antics the strongest QB-WR combinations in the league. He’s smart,

and reuniting him with Davante Adams. Well, at least for a a smooth route-runner, and can get over the top both with

few days. Apparently, Rodgers knew that Adams was likely speed and savvy. If he’s available, the Packers will be running

on the way out, but you better believe Rodgers’ return was this card to the commish.

contingent on a promise to add weapons to replace his top

23. ARIZONA CARDINALS: DT DEVONTE WYATT, GEORGIA

The Cardinals are a strange team. They have over-drafted Kingsbury thinks he can handle the O as it is. Devonte Wyatt

two linebackers over the past two offseasons, and they have is a disruptive DT that will help keep the aforementioned LBs

gone from having a dominant offense to an anemic one by clean in the future. As Kliff has figured out with his own

the end of the season two campaigns in a row. While most are offense, interior pressure is often more effective than pressure

predicting the Cards add to their offense, especially after from the edge in today’s quick-passing NFL, and Wyatt should

losing Christian Kirk (and this might be a spot you see the provide that presence immediately.

injured Jameson Williams come off the board), I believe Kliff

24. DALLAS COWBOYS: EDGE GEORGE KARLAFTIS, PURDUE

The Cowboys were elated to re-sign Randy Gregory and equally likely be more than comfortable taking the former Purdue

deflated when he flipped to the Broncos. I have been told the DE at 24. Maybe it’s scouting the helmet, but Karlaftis reminds

Cowboys are targeting an EDGE player and a player on the me of Ryan Kerrigan—a steady, high-floor EDGE defender

interior offensive line. The team is also interested in a WR who will be stout against the run and consistent, yet not

but believes it can find options later in the draft. EDGE George dominant, as a high-motor power-rusher from the outside.

Karlaftis has been mocked in the top 10, so the Cowboys would

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25 26 27 28

25. BUFFALO BILLS: WR TREYLON BURKS, ARKANSAS

The Bills’ top need is at corner, but I would love to see them

continue to build on what is already a scary good offense. The

one piece that this offense is missing is a Swiss Army knifetype

player that can be a bully on the outside as well as take

snaps/handoffs in the backfield. Treylon Burks is that big play

waiting to happen. While he might not possess the top-end

speed one might desire, he’s a build-up speed player who can

get on top of defenders quickly and has the frame to box out

defenders both over the middle and on jump balls. I’m not

sure if the Bills would make a luxury pick over a steady player

like CB Andrew Booth, but I would certainly enjoy seeing

Burks in Buffalo.

26. TENNESSEE TITANS: OT TYLER SMITH, TULSA

As I began to think about how to describe the Titans’

philosophy, the phrase that kept coming to mind was that

Mike Vrabel has built a team that’s going to “punch you in the

mouth.” Offensively, Tennessee doesn’t hide what it wants to

do, and what it wants to do is run you over and then do it

again. OL Tyler Smith is a perfect fit for this offense whether

he slots in at tackle or at guard. He’s a nasty finisher who

needs to learn to rely on technique rather than sheer power

and athleticism but with proper coaching should be an

absolutely dominant force on the interior of the line for

Derrick Henry and Co.

27. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: OG ZION JOHNSON, BOSTON COLLEGE

As Tom Brady waited in “retirement,” I’m sure he wasn’t happy new big-nasty up front. Zion Johnson isn’t the most athletic

to see Alex Cappa leave via free agency. In fact, I know for a of guards, but he is a “phone booth”–type interior offensive

fact he wasn’t happy, as he lobbied hard for the Pro Bowl guard lineman that will take care of his assignment in line with

to stay in Tampa for one more run. Considering the team is consistency. Considering Tom Brady has one of the quickest

also losing another Pro Bowl guard to retirement in Ali releases in the league, Johnson should step in immediately

Marpet, it seems pretty straightforward that TB12 needs a and start without much problem.

28. GREEN BAY PACKERS: EDGE BOYE MAFE, MINNESOTA

When the team signed Za’Darius Smith and drafted Rashan seems to make sense, and Boye Mafe is the perfect prospect to

Gary, the Packers envisioned a defensive front in which players do just that. Mafe flew up boards at the Senior Bowl because

could play inside and out in different packages. While Gary of his relentless motor, impressive power, and ability to play

came on in 2021, Smith couldn’t stay healthy and is now with both inside and out. The former Golden Gopher would be a

the Minnesota Vikings. Since Green Bay has already taken great fit in DC Joe Barry’s already solid defensive unit.

care of the WR spot for Ay-Ay-Ron, a replacement for Zeus Jr.

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29 30 31 32

29. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (VIA MIA): WR JAMESON WILLIAMS, ALABAMA

I am still trying to wrap my head around the Chiefs trading City already has on the roster. Make no mistake, this trade

Tyreek Hill, and all I can figure is that Andy Reid knows more makes KC markedly worse in a conference that has only gotten

than we do because well, he always does. Why did he trade stronger this offseason. What can turn the tables in their

Donovan McNabb inside the division?! Is he crazy!? Nope, he favor? Perhaps the playmaking WR Jameson Williams.

just knows when to let players go. In this case, however, I don’t Williams won’t be healthy until later in the season, but he

think we’re witnessing Reid’s genius—I think he didn’t have might prove to be the perfect injection of talent this team

another choice due to all of the high-priced players Kansas needs come November.

30. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: CB ANDREW BOOTH, CLEMSON

Another glaring hole that is keeping this defense from being even just their own division, at the powerful offenses and

whole (see what I did there?) is at cornerback, especially after dangerous weapons they will have to defend against if they

losing Charvarius Ward to the 49ers. Ward quietly had a strong are going to return to the AFC championship for the fifthstraight

year. Clemson’s Andrew Booth is a smooth, consistent

season for KC at an otherwise weak position group. While the

Chiefs have historically not invested significant assets in the off-coverage corner who should excel immediately in Steve

corner position, they have to look around the conference, or Spagnuolo’s zone schemes.

31. CINCINNATI BENGALS: LB NAKOBE DEAN, GEORGIA

After a 32-season drought, the Bengals finally won a playoff

game. Then they won another. And another, finding themselves

in a Super Bowl, perhaps a half-second of extra time away

from Joe Burrow finding Ja’Marr Chase for a game-leading

touchdown. The biggest problem area was obviously up front,

as Burrow was beaten to a pulp all season. Those needs have

been addressed with three new sought-after starters on the

line. It’s possible that the LG spot is filled here, but I think this

pick might come on the defensive side of the ball. The Bengals

have not been stout against the run, so targeting a DT would

be an option here. However, a stud linebacker like Nakobe

Dean isn’t available at 31 very often. No, I don’t think Dean

will be available this late, but off-ball linebackers often drop,

especially one with less-than-desirable measurables. A steal

for the reigning AFC Champs.

32. DETROIT LIONS (VIA LAR): QB MATT CORRAL, MISSISSIPPI

The Lions are tough to figure out. Yes, they are built on of players taken with the pick pan out. What is valuable about

nastiness and will always be a blue-collar outfit behind Dan the 32nd pick is the 5th-year option. So, why not take a swing

Campbell…but when are they going to pull the trigger at QB? at a talented signal-caller like Matt Corral? Though his play

Yes, I do believe them when they say they’re happy with Jared style and body frame don’t mix, I think he can succeed in an

Goff right now. The key there is right now. Eventually, the RPO-heavy system, a system the Lions are built to employ. If

Lions are going to need to take a swing at a QB. If you’re asking it doesn’t work, the Lions will be picking high again, readying

me, I think this is the perfect spot to do so. The last pick in the another swing.

first round isn’t particularly valuable, as less than 40 tpercent

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PACKERS

DRAFT TRIVIA

BY: “JERSEY AL” BRACCO

Answers on next page.

ONE

How many players from the 2014–2017 drafts are still with

the Packers? (The correct answer increases by one if Kevin

King is re-signed by the time you read this.)

A. 3 B. 2 C. 4 D. 1

As a Packers GM, Bart Starr twice ignored the advice of his

scouts, drafting Charles Johnson in 1979 and Rich Campbell

in 1981. Who were the Hall of Fame players the scouts wanted

Starr to draft?

A. KELLEN WINSLOW AND MIKE SINGLETARY B. RONNIE LOTT AND JOE MONTANA

SIX

C. DAN HAMPTON AND LAWRENCE TAYLOR D. HOWIE LONG AND JOE MONTANA

TWO

Former Packers tight end Paul Coffman caught 322 passes

and scored 39 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl

three times in his eight year NFL career. In what round was

Coffman drafted?

A. THIRD B. SIXTH

In Ted Thompson’s 13 years as Packers GM, how many firstround

defensive players did he draft?

A. 6 B. 7 C. 8 D. 9

SEVEN

C. EIGHTH D. HE WAS UNDRAFTED

THREE

Who is the first player EVER drafted by the Green Bay Packers?

A. BUD WILKINSON B. EDDIE JANKOWSKI

C. RUSS LETLOW D. CECIL ISBELL

In 1976, the Packers traded away John Hadl, Ken Ellis, and

a couple of draft picks for Lynn Dickey, an NFL backup

quarterback up until that point. Which AFC team did they

trade with?

A. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS B. CINCINNATI BENGALS

EIGHT

C. HOUSTON OILERS D. DENVER BRONCOS

FOUR

Before being selected in the 1984 NFL supplemental draft

by the Philadelphia Eagles, Reggie White played two seasons

in the USFL for which team?

A. HOUSTON GAMBLERS B. PHILADELPHIA STARS

C. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS D. WASHINGTON FEDERALS

In 1996, the Packers were all set to draft a future Hall of

Fame player, but another team traded up to the spot just

before them to steal away their pick. Who was the player

they missed out on?

A. RAY LEWIS B. JONATHAN OGDEN

NINE

C. BRIAN DAWKINS D. TERRELL OWENS

FIVE

In 1936, Don Hutson signed a contract with two teams. He

was awarded to the Packers because that contract was

postmarked first. What was the other team?

A. BROOKLYN DODGERS B. NEW YORK GIANTS

The Packers were awarded plenty of compensatory draft

picks in the Ted Thompson era. Which one of these players

was NOT drafted with a compensatory pick?

A. MIKE DANIELS B. JOSH SITTON

TEN

C. CHICAGO BEARS D. CHICAGO CARDINALS

C. MICAH HYDE D. DEAN LOWRY

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PACKERS

DRAFT TRIVIA

Answers

ONE

How many players from the 2014–2017 drafts are still with

the Packers? (The correct answer increases by one if Kevin

King is re-signed by the time you read this.)

A. 3 B. 2 C. 4 D. 1

As a Packers GM, Bart Starr twice ignored the advice of his

scouts, drafting Charles Johnson in 1979 and Rich Campbell

in 1981. Who were the Hall of Fame players the scouts wanted

Starr to draft?

A. KELLEN WINSLOW AND MIKE SINGLETARY B. RONNIE LOTT AND JOE MONTANA

SIX

C. DAN HAMPTON AND LAWRENCE TAYLOR D. HOWIE LONG AND JOE MONTANA

TWO

Former Packers tight end Paul Coffman caught 322 passes

and scored 39 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl

three times in his eight year NFL career. In what round was

Coffman drafted?

A. THIRD B. SIXTH

In Ted Thompson’s 13 years as Packers GM, how many firstround

defensive players did he draft?

A. 6 B. 7 C. 8 D. 9

SEVEN

C. EIGHTH D. HE WAS UNDRAFTED

THREE

Who is the first player EVER drafted by the Green Bay Packers?

A. BUD WILKINSON B. EDDIE JANKOWSKI

C. RUSS LETLOW D. CECIL ISBELL

In 1976, the Packers traded away John Hadl, Ken Ellis, and

a couple of draft picks for Lynn Dickey, an NFL backup

quarterback up until that point. Which AFC team did they

trade with?

A. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS B. CINCINNATI BENGALS

EIGHT

C. HOUSTON OILERS D. DENVER BRONCOS

FOUR

Before being selected in the 1984 NFL supplemental draft

by the Philadelphia Eagles, Reggie White played two seasons

in the USFL for which team?

A. HOUSTON GAMBLERS B. PHILADELPHIA STARS

C. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS D. WASHINGTON FEDERALS

In 1996, the Packers were all set to draft a future Hall of

Fame player, but another team traded up to the spot just

before them to steal away their pick. Who was the player

they missed out on?

A. RAY LEWIS B. JONATHAN OGDEN

NINE

C. BRIAN DAWKINS D. TERRELL OWENS

FIVE

In 1936, Don Hutson signed a contract with two teams. He

was awarded to the Packers because that contract was

postmarked first. What was the other team?

A. BROOKLYN DODGERS B. NEW YORK GIANTS

C. CHICAGO BEARS D. CHICAGO CARDINALS

The Packers were awarded plenty of compensatory draft

picks in the Ted Thompson era. Which one of these players

was NOT drafted with a compensatory pick?

A. MIKE DANIELS B. JOSH SITTON

C. MICAH HYDE D. DEAN LOWRY

TEN

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2022 NFC NORTH

TEAM NEEDS

BY: TIM BACKES

1

2

3

4

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Record: 13–4

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record: 8–9

CHICAGO BEARS

Record: 6–11

DETROIT LIONS

Record: 3–13-1

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> 2022 NFCN TEAM NEEDS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

2021 Record: 13-4

NFC NORTH CHAMPIONS

The 2021 season was the best roster the Packers have fielded

since 1997, besting even the high-quality 2020 roster that

came one game away from the Super Bowl. The inexplicable

collapse against the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs was

made worse by the fact that, given the Packers’ financial

situation, there was little to no chance the Packers would be

able to enter the 2022 season with a roster equally as talented.

While the Packers managed to keep some key pieces in place,

especially the back-to-back MVP at quarterback, they also

lost some big names. The Davante Adams trade to Las Vegas

earned the Packers extra first- and second-round picks but

was a stunning blow to a fan base that has grown used to

seeing the best quarterback and best receiver in the game

work their magic.

The Packers lost Za’Darius Smith in free agency to Minnesota.

While Smith isn’t exactly a “loss” in that he didn’t play for

basically the entire 2021 season, it still represents a loss in

the sense that he will not be returning to the team. However,

the loss of Billy Turner represents a major loss of experience

on the offensive line and a starter who was playing very highlevel

football. Speaking of the offensive line, it must be

remembered that Elgton Jenkins is unlikely to make the start

of the season with his ACL recovery.

The one main addition who wasn’t a re-signing is the addition

of defensive lineman Jarran Reed, who adds some muchneeded

veteran help to the Packers’ defensive front. That move

was enough to at least prevent the defensive line from being

the Packers’ top need.

Here’s a look at the Packers’ biggest needs entering the 2021

season.

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WIDE RECEIVER:

There’s really no ignoring this position anymore for the

Packers. They’re going to have to spend at least one of their

four picks in the first two rounds on this position. Adams is

gone and so is Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Even Equanimeous

St. Brown signed with Chicago. This means the team is left

with Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, and Juwann

Winfree as players who played any meaningful snaps in 2021,

and “meaningful” is a stretch for the latter two.

The Packers cannot delay any longer in finding a player at the

position they can develop into their next star pass catcher.

While there are some veteran additions the team can still

make (including Miami’s DeVante Parker), the team must also

use the draft to invest in the future of the position.

The Packers did not take a wide receiver in the first round in

2020 when it was widely expected they would do so, and many

fans excoriated the team for the perceived failure to address

a major need. If the Packers follow suit and do not use any

pick in the first two rounds on a receiver in 2022, it should be

considered football malpractice.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

David Bakhtiari will be back in 2022, and hopefully at full

strength, but he’s not getting any younger. Turner is gone,

and Jenkins will likely miss the start of the season. Lucas

Patrick is gone, and he’s played a lot of ball for the Packers at

multiple positions over the last few years. The Packers have

found some gems recently in center Josh Myers and guard Jon

Runyan Jr., who will be pieces for the team to build around.

Who will be the right tackle of the future? Could it be Yosh

Nijman, who filled in well on the left side for much of the latter

half of 2021 in the absence of Bakhtiari and Jenkins? Will the

Packers address the position in the draft and hope to solidify

that position for years to come?

Regardless, the Packers need to improve their depth on the

offensive line. We saw the importance of that depth in 2021.

In losing two starter-quality players, the Packers will likely

look to shore up the line early and may well double- or tripledip

at the position.

DEFENSIVE LINE:

The addition of Reed is a big help and prevents this from being

the Packers’ top need. The Packers were also greatly aided by

a strong year of football from Dean Lowry, who had been

replacement level for a couple of years before that.

But the Packers still badly need to get more help for Kenny

Clark. T.J. Slaton started to come on toward the end of the year,

but the Packers really need to bolster their depth along the

defensive front and find more guys with a tough attitude who

won’t be blown off the line of scrimmage.

EDGE RUSHER:

The Packers are in a great situation with both of their starters

at EDGE, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. Beyond them,

though, they need some backup. The team could opt to bring

back Whitney Mercilus on a cheap deal, which would certainly

help. But they need to get some more rotational players who

are capable of putting some pressure on the quarterback.

Smith and Gary can do a lot, but they shouldn’t have to

shoulder the entire pass rush.

SAFETY:

Both Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage will see their contracts

expire after the 2022 season. It is very unlikely both will be

back in the Green and Gold in 2023, and based on performance

last year, Amos probably has the better chance to see an

extension, even though he is older.

Savage did not make the big step forward in 2021 that many

expected. In fact, he consistently graded out as one of the

defense’s worst starters.

Behind the two of them, there’s not really much depth. The

Packers should consider drafting a safety this year as part of

a plan forward in 2023 and beyond because this could well

be it for one or both of the starters.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS

2021 Record: 8-9, 2nd in NFCN

2021 RECAP TEAM NEEDS

The Vikings continue their historical

trend of underachieving. Despite having

one of the league’s better rosters, the

Vikings missed the playoffs for the

second year in a row. The Vikings still

have strong skill position players on

offense, a quarterback who is

occasionally really good, and a defense

with playmakers at every level. They

added Za’Darius Smith in free agency

who, if healthy, can be a game-wrecker

at the EDGE position.

With a new, young offensively-minded

head coach and a new general manager,

the Vikings might just have the shot of

new energy they need to take advantage

of the talent they have.

Here are the team’s biggest needs in 2022.

CORNERBACK:

The cornerback position is loaded in this upcoming draft, and the Vikings could

definitely use some assistance at the position. After the fast descent of Xavier

Rhodes and the complete whiff on Jeff Gladney, the Vikings need someone to

solidify what has been a turbulent position, especially in a division that features

the best quarterback in the league. It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Vikings select

a cornerback with their first pick.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

The Vikings could use some help at the center and guard positions. Ezra Cleveland

appears to be a long-term starter on one side at the guard position, but the Vikings

could really use someone to solidify the other two interior line positions.

EDGE RUSHER:

Yes, the Vikings have both Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith bookending their

line. But both are coming off significant back injuries that kept them out of most

of the 2021 season. Hunter in particular has had a couple of years worth of bad

luck with injuries. If both play the entire season, then the Vikings will be in great

shape, but they would be foolish to count on that. Adding a rusher through the

draft would hedge their bets on Hunter and Smith and add a young player who

would be able to learn from two great pass rushers without much pressure, a la

Rashan Gary in his first couple years as a pro.

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CHICAGO BEARS

2021 Record: 6-11, 3rd in NFCN


Welcome to your every-three-years

rebuild for the Chicago Bears! It’s yet

another new general manager (Ryan

Poles out of Buffalo) and head coach

(Matt Eberflus out of Indianapolis), and

would-be franchise quarterback Justin

Fields will be getting his second offensive

system and coach in his second year in

the NFL. We’ll see what former Packers

quarterback coach Luke Getsy can do

with a Bears offense that hasn’t been a

danger to the league since the Truman

administration. Unfortunately for

Chicago, it does not have a first-round

pick to work with.

Here are the Bears’ biggest team needs

this offseason.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

When you’ve got a young quarterback you’re trying to build around, the absolute

best thing you can do is beef up the offensive line. And the Bears need it bad—

Fields, Andy Dalton, and Nick Foles were constantly running for their lives in

2021. The Bears brought in Lucas Patrick from the Packers, but they’re going to

need to make some significant additional investments in the draft to overhaul

what was one of their worst positional groups last season.

WIDE RECEIVER:

Malcontent wide receiver Allen Robinson finally got out of Chicago and will be

playing for the defending champion Los Angeles Rams in 2022. That leaves Darnell

Mooney as the Bears’ de facto No. 1 receiver. Mooney is an alright player, but the

fact that he’s the only legitimate option the Bears have at the moment ought to

terrify Chicago fans a bit. The Bears also brought in Equanimeous St. Brown from

Green Bay, but St. Brown never managed to achieve his full potential with the

Packers; there’s little reason to believe he’ll suddenly find his way with the Bears

of all teams. Expect the Bears to address this position in the draft early and often.

CORNERBACK:

The Bears need help at secondary in general but especially at cornerback. Jaylon

Johnson talked a good game in 2021, and his level of play was at least above

average. He could turn into a strong corner, but he’s only one player. The Bears

were burned numerous times by awful coverage and have a long way to go to

restore this unit to respectability. Cornerback is a premium position, and it would

make sense for them to hit it hard.

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DETROIT LIONS

2021 Record: 3-13-1, 4th in NFCN


The Lions have one of the worst rosters

in the NFL, so really you could pick their

biggest needs by chucking darts at a

depth chart. But hey, at least they had the

silver lining of having a memeable coach

who appeared to care about trying to

win, so that’s something.

Here are a few needs they need to

address.

EDGE RUSHER:

The Lions desperately need to be able to rush the quarterback to disguise their

awful pass defense in the secondary (more on that in a moment). They’re in a spot

where they could potentially snag Aidan Hutchinson out of Michigan, who is

potentially good enough to be a franchise-altering player. But right now, opposing

quarterbacks have far too much time to pick apart this Lions defense. Even just

one player who can consistently wreak havoc against opposing lines can make a

world of difference and open up opportunities for other guys on the line.

SECONDARY:

The Lions still need a lot of help at both cornerback and safety. They had one of

the league’s worst pass defenses in 2020 and 2021; continued investment in the

position is the only way that’s going to improve any time soon. First-round pick

in 2020 Jeff Okudah missed almost the entire season in 2021 with a ruptured

Achilles tendon, so the hope is Okudah can come back and progress as the team

hoped he would before the injury while also adding other pieces around him.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

The Lions got a hit with their first pick in the 2021 draft in Penai Sewell, but they

still have a long way to go to create an offensive line that actually resembles an

NFL unit. Jared Goff might not be the long-term answer for the Lions at quarterback,

but giving him some more protection up front will at least better set him up for

some moderate success.

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POSITIONAL ANALYSIS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

BY: MAGGIE LONEY

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> POSITIONAL ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS:

Aaron Rodgers did it again, winning Most Valuable Player

for the second consecutive season under head coach Matt

LaFleur. The now four-time MVP surprised many this

offseason when he declared he’d return to Green Bay for the

2022 season and beyond, making it seem likely that when he

does decide to hang up his cleats, he’ll do so as a lifelong

Packer. In his MVP-winning 2021 season, Rodgers played in

16 games and threw for 4,115 yards with 37 touchdowns and

only four interceptions.

His quarterback rating of 111.9 in 2021 was his lowest as far

as MVP numbers are concerned (122.5 in 2011, 121.5 in 2020,

and 112.2 in 2014) but was still the fourth-highest total in his

17 seasons with the Packers.

Behind Rodgers is 2020 first-round pick and backup Jordan

Love. He made one start against the Kansas City Chiefs during

the 2021 season, completing 19/34 attempts for 190 yards,

throwing his first NFL touchdown and one interception for

a rating of 69.5. While it seemed Love had a trade market

early in free agency, the quarterback shuffle around the NFL

quickly sorted itself out and Love by all accounts seems likely

to be the backup for Rodgers in 2022 while he’s still on his

rookie contract. Behind Rodgers and Love are Kurt Benkert

and Dan Etling, who round out the quarterback room.

RUNNING BACKS:

It may have been the surprise of the offseason that the Aaron

Jones and AJ Dillon provided an explosive one-two punch

for Green Bay’s backfield last season. Both backs eclipsed

1,000 scrimmage yards in 2021, becoming just the fourth

duo in Packers history to do so and the first pair since 1980

to meet that mark.

Jones played in 15 games for the Packers with 799 yards on

the ground and four touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per

carry. He also added an additional 391 receiving yards and

an impressive six receiving touchdowns, bringing his

scrimmage total to 1,190 yards.

Dillon was available for all 17 games for Green Bay,

accumulating 803 rushing yards and five touchdowns,

including a 50-yard long. Through the air, he added 313 yards

and an additional two scores for 1,116 total yards.

Behind the thunder and lightning, the Packers will return

two additional running backs from the 2021 roster in Patrick

Taylor and Kylin Hill. Taylor scored his first career touchdown

late in the season but had limited opportunities and only

finished the year with 89 rushing yards. Hill suffered an

unfortunate ACL injury early in the season and was lost for

the year. He not only provides a different wrinkle for the

offense but was a primary role player on special teams

(where the injury occurred) and should provide a boost for

new coordinator Rich Bisaccia’s unit when he’s back in the

lineup. With two promising running backs behind two

proven studs, this might be the most solidified position on

the roster heading into the 2022 season.

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WIDE RECEIVERS:

The stunner of the offseason occurred when the Packers traded

All-Pro receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders for a

first-round (No. 22) and second-round (No. 53) pick in this year’s

draft. Adams was coming off another Pro Bowl season, his fifth

consecutive honor. During the 2021 season, Adams set career

bests in 16 games with 123 receptions and 1,553 receiving yards.

He also finished with 11 touchdowns, his second straight season

with double-digit scores. The Adams trade saved the Packers

roughly $20 million in cap space, freeing them up to sign impact

players on the defensive side of the ball.

2018 draft pick Marquez Valdes-Scantling took his speed to

the AFC and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a threeyear,

$30 million deal while fellow 2018 selection Equanimeous

St. Brown moved just south to join the Chicago Bears.

With Adams and MVS departing, there are a ton of receptions

to replace at wide receiver. Restricted free agent Allen Lazard

returned to the team after hauling in eight touchdowns and 513

yards in 15 games. He’s joined by veteran Randall Cobb, who

took a pay cut to remain with the Packers. Cobb finished the

year playing in 12 games with 375 yards and four touchdowns.

Rounding out the position group is third-round draft pick

Amari Rodgers, Chris Blair, Rico Gafford, Juwann Winfree,

and exclusive rights free agent Malik Taylor. While Green Bay

could still trade for a receiver or sign a street free agent, expect

the Packers to get some wide receiver help early in this year’s

draft given the team has four picks inside the top 60.

TIGHT ENDS:

The tight end position took a hit in 2021 when Robert Tonyan

sustained an ACL injury midway through the season. After a

promising 2020 campaign where he had 11 touchdowns,

Tonyan was only able to play in eight games this past season,

accumulating 204 yards and two scores before his injury. A

free agent entering the offseason, Tonyan returned to the

Packers on a one-year deal, meaning he’ll stay in Green Bay

for the 2022 season. While he’s coming off a torn ACL, he

should be ready by the start of the season and looks to get

back to his 2020 numbers.

Marcedes Lewis is another mainstay at the position group,

and he’ll be returning for his fifth season in green and gold.

Known for his blocking prowess, Lewis didn’t score any

touchdowns in 2021, but he did post his highest targets (28),

receptions (23), yardage (214), and catch percentage (82.1%)

totals since becoming a Packer.

Behind Tonyan and Lewis is 2020 third-round draft pick Josiah

Deguara, who started to carve out a role for himself on offense

as the season progressed. He finished the year with 245 yards

and two touchdowns, including his longest reception of the

season, a 62-yarder he took to the house. Dominique Dafney,

Tyler Davis, and newly acquired Alizé Mack make up the rest

of the position group. Dafney struggled with a knee injury for

much of the season and never really got going on offense, and

Davis only had four receptions for 35 yards in 2021.

LaFleur utilizes the tight end position in a number of different

ways on offense, so expect the Packers to add a player in the

draft, especially knowing how long it can take tight ends to

acclimate to the NFL. With Tonyan on a one-year deal, Lewis

close to retirement, and the rest of the room largely unproven,

tight end is a position of need going into the draft.

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INTERIOR OFENSIVE LINE:

After losing All-Pro center Corey Linsley last offseason to the

Chargers, the Packers invested a second-round pick in the 2021

draft to acquire their center of the future in Josh Myers. While

Myers was only able to play in six games after dealing with

knee and thumb injuries, he looked solid in his limited action.

The Packers lost versatile guard/center Lucas Patrick in free

agency to the Chicago Bears, and most notably, will be without

Swiss Army knife Elgton Jenkins to start the season after he

suffered an ACL injury midway through the season. It’s

unclear where Jenkins will play when he’s cleared to return

to the lineup, as he’s played reliably at both left guard and

right tackle.

Jon Runyan Jr. is entering his third year with the Packers and

started 16 games for the team in 2021. He’s all but surely secured

a starting guard spot going into the 2022 season. Opposite him

could be 2021 fourth-round draft pick Royce Newman, who

also played in 16 games for the Packers last season. Both Runyan

Jr. and Newman have tackle experience from college, but both

have played guard since joining the Packers.

Jake Hanson and Michael Menet, both of who have center

experience, round out the position group. With Jenkins most

likely unavailable to start the season and Patrick departing in

free agency, versatility along the interior of the offensive line

becomes more important for the Packers going into the draft.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES:

David Bakhtiari, arguably the league’s best left tackle, was

only able to play in one game for the Packers in 2021 after

dealing with some lingering issues during his ACL recovery.

That said, the front office remains confident that he’ll be back

to 100 percent and ready to start the 2022 season at left tackle

for the Packers.

On the other side of the line, Green Bay released starting right

tackle Billy Turner after three seasons with the team. Turner

played in 13 games for the Packers in 2021 and rejoined former

offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in Denver after his

release. Turner had really played well after moving from

guard to tackle and his loss will be significant for Green Bay’s

offensive line.

Veteran Dennis Kelly is a free agent, and nothing has been

reported on any type of return to Green Bay. That said, we’ve

seen the Packers add veterans to the position group before even

after the draft, so the team still could make a move at some

point if the draft doesn’t fall their way. Promising undrafted

free agent Yosh Nijman is expected to be back with the team

in 2022, but he’s only taken snaps at left tackle. It’s possible he

gets most of camp to work at right tackle, but expect the Packers

to at least bring in competition for that starting spot.

Beyond Bakhtiari and Nijman, only sixth-round draft pick

Cole Van Lanen remains on the roster with a tackle designation.

While Royce Newman is listed as T/G on the team website,

he’ll likely secure one of the starting guard spots in 2022.

Whether Green Bay uses Nijman at right tackle, signs a veteran

free agent, or drafts a tackle early, the starting right tackle

spot is one of the largest questions remaining for this roster.

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DEFENSIVE LINE:

The defensive line is anchored by stud Kenny Clark, who

earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2021 after tallying

four sacks, one forced fumble, 48 total tackles, 28 pressures,

and 13 quarterback hits on the season. Opposite him, Dean

Lowry had his best statistical season as a Packer with five

sacks, four passes defensed, 42 total tackles, 16 pressures, and

nine quarterback hits. While Clark was healthy in 2021 and

played in 16 games for the Packers, Lowry has been a reliable

force on the defensive line and hasn’t missed a game since

his rookie season.

The duo should get a boost in 2022 with the addition of Jarran

Reed in free agency, a former second-round pick in 2016 (the

same draft year as Clark and Lowry). Reed most recently

played in Kansas City but had double-digit sacks in his time

with the Seahawks. He had a statistically down year in 2021,

with only 2.5 sacks, but those numbers should improve

significantly when Clark is next to him eating double teams.

Beyond Clark, Reed, and Lowry, the Packers have two secondyear

players in fifth-round draft pick T.J. Slaton and undrafted

free agent Jack Heflin. Slaton has one career sack under his

belt, and Heflin has one assisted tackle in four games, so the

inexperience is there. Nose tackle Tyler Lancaster is a free

agent this season and the Packers have yet to re-sign him, so

it’s likely he plays elsewhere in 2022. The Packers will look to

a combination of Reed, Slaton, Heflin, and likely a draft pick

to replace Lancaster’s 319 defensive snaps.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS / EDGE:

The Smith Bros went their separate ways this offseason. After

a down year in 2020, Preston Smith got things rolling and had

arguably his most impactful season as a Packer, tallying nine

sacks, two forced fumbles, 17 quarterback hits, and 28

pressures. It was enough to earn him a four-year extension to

keep him in Green Bay until 2026. The other Smith, Za’Darius,

only played in one regular-season game before going on injured

reserve with a back injury. While he was able to return for

one final sack in green and gold during the playoffs, knowing

the cap issues the Packers faced going into the offseason, it

made sense that Green Bay would only be able to keep one

Smith Bro. With Preston’s extension, Za’Darius swapped his

green for purple and joined the enemies to the north.

In Za’Darius’ absence from the lineup, Rashan Gary had an

explosive third season with the Packers. He played in 16 games

for Green Bay and had 9.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, two

forced fumbles, and an incredible 47 pressures. His arrow is

pointing straight up going into the 2022 season.

Behind Smith and Gary, however, there isn’t a lot of depth.

Don’t be surprised if the Packers take an edge rusher early.

Not only is it a pretty loaded draft class, but it’s also a position

Green Bay prioritizes. Tipa Galeai, Jonathan Garvin, La’Darius

Hamilton, and Randy Ramsey (who spent all of 2021 on injured

reserve) are the pass rushers left on the roster, but none really

capitalized on their opportunities.

The Packers did sign Whitney Mercilus during the season,

but he suffered a biceps injury after playing only four games

with the Packers. He was able to return for the playoffs and

looked good in limited action, so the Packers may consider

bringing him back on a one-year deal to bring added

experience as a rotational option to the room.

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INSIDE LINEBACKERS:

After years of searching, the Packers got their inside linebacker

when they signed De’Vondre Campbell right before training

camp. Typically the Robin to someone else’s Batman, Campbell

shined all season as the leading backer and put together a

year so good he won first-team All-Pro. Campbell made 146

total tackles and missed only four all season, giving him a

missed tackle percentage of 2.7. The signal-caller for Green

Bay’s defense earned himself a five-year contract and resigned

with the Packers this offseason, helping keep the

middle of Green Bay’s defense secure through the 2026 season.

While Campbell is certainly the biggest, most important

domino to fall at the position, behind him there are question

marks. Krys Barnes took the bulk of snaps opposite Campbell

and started 13 games for the Packers, so he’ll likely maintain

that role in 2022. Burnes is probably the only roster lock

behind Campbell, though. Isaiah McDuffie, Ty Summers, and

Ray Wilborn are the last inside linebackers on the roster, but

Summers and McDuffie played primarily on special teams,

and Wilborn didn’t take any snaps in 2021. With Oren Burks

departing in free agency for the 49ers, it makes sense for the

Packers to draft at least one inside linebacker this year to not

only have opportunities on defense but to take special teams

snaps, too.

CORNERBACKS:

After All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander suffered a shoulder injury

four games into the 2021 season, all hope seemed lost for the

secondary. Rookie cornerback Eric Stokes was thrust into a

starting role and exceeded expectations. He finished his

freshman season with one interception and 14 passes defensed,

which led the team.

Midway through the season, the Packers added veteran Rasul

Douglas to the lineup, plucking him from the Cardinals’

practice squad. Douglas made an immediate impact on defense

and finished the season leading the team with five

interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

Despite playing in only 12 games for the Packers, he finished

second on the team with 13 passes defensed. The Packers felt

so strongly about his 2021 campaign that they used part of

the cap savings from the Adams trade to sign Douglas to a

three-year contract.

The Packers have a promising trio of cornerbacks in Alexander,

Douglas, and Stokes. An Alexander extension should be coming

at some point this offseason, too, which should make Alexander

the highest-paid corner in the NFL.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry uses a significant amount of

nickel, and while he’s got three reliable cornerbacks now to

use in the slot, the Packers did lose Chandon Sullivan in free

agency to the Vikings. That means only Kabion Ento, Shemar

Jean-Charles, Kiondre Thomas, and Keisean Nixon (a special

teams ace under Bisaccia) are left to round out the room, with

Kevin King a free agent.

The Packers will likely draft at least one corner this year to

round out the unit. Considering what Alexander will cost to

extend, Green Bay will need young, cheap talent for as long

as possible to fill any potential position holes.

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SAFETIES:

Adrian Amos remains one of the most underrated safeties in

the NFL. In his third season with the Packers, he finished the

year with two interceptions, eight passes defensed, and 93

total tackles. He’s a great candidate for a contract extension

if the Packers want to move any additional money around this

offseason.

Darnell Savage complements Amos on the backend of the

defense and also snagged two interceptions in 2021. Both

Savage and Amos played in all 17 games for the Packers last

season, making them about as reliable as they come at the

safety position.

Beyond Amos and Savage, though, there isn’t a ton of depth.

Only Innis Gaines, Vernon Scott, and Shawn Davis are on the

roster, and none of them have much NFL experience. Safety

is a sneaky position of need for the Packers heading into the

draft, despite Barry not using dime packages nearly as much

as his predecessor Mike Pettine did. The group will have a

new position coach this season in Ryan Downard, though

Jerry Gray is still the defensive backs coach and defensive

passing game coordinator.

Amos and Savage have been healthy, but should something

happen to either of them, the safety cupboard is almost bare.

What’s more, Savage is entering his fourth season in the

league, and while he does have a fifth-year option given his

status as a first-round pick, it’s unclear at this point how the

Packers feel about him long term. Expect safety to be an early

selection for the Packers in this draft.

KICKER / PUNTER / LONG SNAPPER:

As is a recurring theme for Green Bay’s special teams, the

Packers moved on from special teams coordinator Maurice

Drayton after one season. The team brought in Rich Bisaccia,

most recently the interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders,

to replace him. Bisaccia has been in the NFL since 2002, where

he started as a special teams coordinator for the Tampa Bay

Buccaneers. Since then, he’s held a number of special teams

and assistant head coach positions across the league. The

Packers have to hope his wealth of experience can bring a

complete overhaul to one of the league’s worst units.

At the beginning of the 2021 season, it seemed as though the

Packers had found their punter of the future in Corey

Bojorquez, but Green Bay went in a different direction this

offseason instead and signed veteran punter Pat O’Donnell to

the roster. O’Donnell had been the Chicago Bears’ punter for

nine seasons, averaging 46.2 yards per punt with a long of 72.

While his numbers don’t jump off the page from a special

teams perspective, O’Donnell is an experienced vet with ample

practice kicking (and holding) in cold climates.

Kicker Mason Crosby had one of his statistically worst seasons

in 2021, but a large part of that can be attributed to the miscues

by the entire special teams unit. There were protection issues

early in the year that caused a number of blocked kicks, so

Crosby should bounce back in 2022 with a more experienced

holder and better overall unit. He’s set to return for his 16th

season with the Packers, the longest tenure for any nonquarterback

in team history.

Steven Wirtel finished the year as Green Bay’s long snapper and

is the only snapper currently on the roster, so he’ll likely start

the year at the position for the Packers unless Bisaccia makes

a change. The punt and kick return positions should be an open

competition at camp with Amari Rodgers and Kylin Hill the

most probable return candidates currently on the roster.

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QB

Position Analysis:

ROB REGER

DESMOND

RIDDER

QB, CINCINNATI

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 MALIK WILLIS

Liberty

02 MATT CORRAL

Ole Miss

03 KENNY PICKETT

Pittsburgh

04 SAM HOWELL

North Carolina

05 DESMOND RIDDER

Cincinnati

06 CARSON STRONG

Nevada

07 BAILEY ZAPPE

Western Kentucky

08 BROCK PURDY

Iowa St

09 JACK COAN

Notre Dame

10 DUSTIN CRUM

Kent State

11 EJ PERRY

Brown

12 SKYLAR THOMPSON

Kansas State

13 D’ERIQ KING

Miami

14 ERIC BARRIERE

Eastern Washington

15 COLE JOHNSON

James Madison

16 KALEB ELEBY

Western Michigan

17 COLE KELLEY

SE Louisiana

18 ANTHONY BROWN

Oregon

19 AQEEL GLASS

Alabama A&M

20 NICK STARKEL

San Jose State

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> QUARTERBACK

Malik Willis (rSR)

1

Liberty

RUSH PASS

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 219 lbs.

Hand Size: 9 ½”

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

DNP

2021 STATS:

207 of 339 (61.1%)

2,857 yards

27 TD

12 INT

197 carries

878 yards

13 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Malik Willis started his career at Auburn—after

leading his high school to a state championship—with a lot

of fanfare. However, after two years as a backup, Willis

decided to transfer to Liberty. At Liberty, Willis really took

off and was able to showcase the elite traits that he possessed.

Positional Skills: Blessed with an absolute howitzer for an arm

and speed to burn, Willis took off as the unquestioned leader

of the Liberty team in 2020. During that year, he led Liberty

to a 9–1 record in games he started and passed for 2,250 yards,

ran for 944 yards, and accounted for 34 touchdowns (20 passing

and 14 rushing). In 2021, expectations were sky high for Willis,

and although he did increase his touchdown total to 40 and

increase his passing yardage to 2,857, the season was viewed

as a step back for Willis, as evidenced by his 12 interceptions

and 8–5 record. Nonetheless, Willis showed off the immense

talent that scouts fell in love with.

As a prospect, Willis has few blatant flaws but needs some

projection. Far too many times, Willis falls in love with his

arm strength and either doesn’t use the proper touch or has

the tendency to overthrow receivers on deep routes. He will

have to learn to scale back on occasion. He also tends to go for

the big play instead of taking what the defense gives him.

However, the physical tools are what has evaluators and scouts

drooling. Put into the right system with the right coach, the

sky’s the limit for him, and he has a chance to be a true dualthreat

quarterback

BEST GAMES:

As a relative unknown around the country, Willis’ breakout

game for Liberty came against Southern Miss in 2020. In that

game, Willis threw for 345 yards and six touchdowns and ran

for 97 yards and another touchdown. That game caught the

attention of scouts throughout the country. Another game that

stood out for Willis was actually a game where his passing

was not great, but he showed leadership and grit to lead his

team to victory in the Cure Bowl versus Coastal Carolina. In

that game, Willis had zero touchdowns and two interceptions,

but Willis used his legs to rush for 137 yards and four

touchdowns to lead Liberty to an overtime victory over the

previously undefeated Coastal Carolina team. That game was

rated as the top bowl game of the season.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Now that Aaron Rodgers is signed for the next few years and

it looks like Jordan Love’s days in Green Bay may be numbered,

Malik Willis may be the perfect second heir apparent to the

future Hall of Fame signal-caller. Willis’ talent jumps off the

charts. A little refinement by Tom Clements and Matt LaFleur

may be exactly what he needs to realize his potential. In fact,

Willis has been compared favorably to Jordan Love in some

scouting circles. His ability to get outside the pocket and make

plays make him an intriguing prospect for the LaFleur offense

with two years of development and refinement. He would also

add an RPO option that the team currently is missing with

Rodgers. His arm strength would be conducive to the cold and

windy Green Bay winters.

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> QUARTERBACK

Matt Corral (rJR)

2

Ole Miss

RUSH PASS

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 212 lbs.

Hand Size: 9 5/8”

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

DNP

2021 STATS:

262 of 386 (68%)

3,349 yards

20 TD

5 INT

152 carries

614 yards

11 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: A dynamic playmaker with a lot of heart is the

best way to describe Matt Corral. Although he played all four

years he was at Ole Miss, his last two years are what drew

scouts and front office attention. As a redshirt sophomore,

Matt Corral led all FBS quarterbacks in total offense at 384

YPG and led his team to an Outback Bowl victory. Corral

followed that up by accounting for almost 4,000 total yards

and 31 touchdowns as a junior before declaring for the draft.

Positional Skills: Corral is one of the few quarterbacks we’ve

seen in the last couple of years to be an equal running and

throwing threat; his 614 rushing yards in 2021 and 11

touchdowns were a testament to that. Corral has a quick

release and above-average accuracy, but the threat of the

scramble is what truly makes him dangerous. He has no

problem pulling the ball down and taking off downfield if the

play isn’t there. He also garnered the respect of his teammates

by not being afraid of contact while running or standing in

and taking a hit as a passer. It really appeared that Corral

improved significantly every year he was at Ole Miss. He also

was able to get a lot of game experience against the top

competition of the SEC.

Although Corral has some intriguing physical skills, his

overall arm strength is not great. Even though he can make

the tough throws, sometimes it seems like he labors to get the

ball there. He also struggles at times when the design of the

play breaks down. Often, he resorts to taking off running if

the first read is not there. He needs work on progressions at

the next level.

BEST GAMES:

After opening the 2020 season with four losses in his first five

games, including an ugly six-interception performance against

Arkansas, Corral went on a two-game tear for the ages. First,

against Vanderbilt, Corral completed an incredible 91.2

percent of his passes en route to a 412-yard passing game with

six touchdowns and an Ole Miss victory. He followed up that

performance with 87.5 percent completion percentage, 513

yards passing, and five touchdowns in another win over South

Carolina. In 2021, Corral had many great games, but the game

that showed off his talent the most was during a victory at

Tennessee where he threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns

while running for a career-high 195 yards, showing off his

dual-threat versatility.


The Matt LaFleur offense is predicated on quick reads and

precise execution. From that perspective, Corral is a great fit

for the way MLF’s offense is meant to be run. Another

underrated trait in that offense is the ability to tuck the ball

and scramble when nobody is open to avoid negative plays.

Aaron Rodgers is the master at stepping up in the pocket to

avoid the rush and scramble for either a first down or a

touchdown. The one area of concern would be how adaptive

a guy like Corral would be to being a backup for the first two

to three years of his career while he learned from Rodgers.

Corral seems like the type of guy who wants the ball in his

hands and may not be as patient as his predecessor.

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> QUARTERBACK

Kenny Pickett (rSR)

3

Pittsburgh

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 217 lbs.

Hand Size: 8 ½”

40 Time: 4.73

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 33.5”

Broad: 121”

20 yd shuttle: 4.29

RUSH PASS

2021 STATS:

334 of 497 (67.2 %)

4,319 yards

42 TD

7 INT

98 carries

233 yards

5 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Even though he was a starter for four of his five

years at Pitt, Kenny Pickett was relatively unknown until

2021. However, the impressiveness of his 2021 season has him

in the conversation as a potential first-round pick. With the

recent failures of other one-year wonder quarterbacks

(Tribisky and Goff), teams will take a very close look at Pickett

before pulling the trigger.

Positional Skills: Pickett improved dramatically from one year

to the next, improving from throwing 13 touchdowns and

nine interceptions in 2020 to 42 touchdowns and just seven

interceptions in 2021. The reason most often given for this

tremendous improvement is confidence. Throughout Pickett’s

career, he seemed hesitant to throw into tight windows and

trust his arm talent. In 2021, things changed, and Pickett

improved his throwing mechanics, which also helped improve

his confidence and moxie. His accuracy also improved

dramatically. It is easy to see why people have referenced Joe

Burrow as a comp for him.

The question that NFL teams are surely going to ask is which

Kenny Pickett is going to show up in the NFL. On one hand, a

team can say that he is on the rise, and he put his issues behind

him. On the other hand, scouts could point to the weak nature

of ACC defenses as a reason for his improved stat line and

confidence. Also working against him is that he has smaller

hands (8 ½”) than any starting quarterback currently in the

NFL. Members of the media tend to make fun of this stat as a

negative, but the jury is still out on whether this will affect

him adversely. He did fumble 26 times in college, which could

fuel the fire for the naysayers.

BEST GAMES:

Kenny Pickett showed everyone a glimpse into the future in

his one and only start of his true freshman year, leading

Pittsburgh to an upset victory over Miami. In that game,

Pickett passed for 193 yards and a touchdown and also ran

for 60 yards and two touchdowns. This skill and talent

wouldn’t be displayed again at that level for a few more years.

In 2021, Pickett had several impressive games. He had six

touchdown passes against Western Michigan and then

followed that up with five touchdowns against New Hampshire

and four more the following week against Georgia Tech.

However, his impressive victory over a tough Clemson team

a few weeks later really catapulted Pickett into elite status.

In that game, Pickett passed for more than 300 yards while

being constantly under pressure from the Clemson rushers.


Kenny Pickett appears to be well-rounded and talented.

However, his upside is questionable. Sitting for two or three

years behind Aaron Rodgers would probably be a waste of

time for his development. He is also turning 24 this year. The

feeling is that the Packers would not want an heir apparent

that old if and when Rodgers decides to call it quits. From a

skill set standpoint, Pickett would be a great fit for the Packers

offense. He has well above average accuracy, a quick release,

and enough athleticism to be solid in their scheme. Had Aaron

Rodgers been traded rather than sign an extension, Kenny

Pickett would have probably been a better option to run Matt

LaFleur’s offense than even Jordan Love, which would have

been an intriguing competition.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


53

> QUARTERBACK

Sam Howell (rSO)

North Carolina

Desmond Ridder (rSR)

Cincinnati

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1”, Weight: 218 lbs., Hand Size: 9 1/8”, 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: DNP

2021 STATS: 217 of 347 (62.5%), 3,056 yards, 224 TD, 9 INT; 183 carries, 828 yards, 11 TD

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3”, Weight: 211 lbs., Hand Size: 10”, 40 Time: 4.52

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36”, Broad: 127 “, 3-cone: 7.15, 20-yd: 4.29

2021 STATS: 251 of 387 (64.9 %), 3,334 yards, 30 TD, 8 INT; 110 carries, 355 yards, 6 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: When evaluating accomplishments amongst

the quarterbacks entering the draft, Sam Howell stands alone

at the top. After a record-setting high school career resulting

in a North Carolina record 17,036 total yards, Sam Howell

stepped on the local campus with high expectations. Even as

a true freshman, Howell did not disappoint. Howell started

from day one and racked up an impressive 3,641 yards passing

and 38 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He followed

that performance up with 3,586 yards passing and 30

touchdowns as a sophomore. Entering Howell’s junior year,

expectations were sky high. Unfortunately, Howell’s

performance in 2021 did not equal his performance of the

previous two years despite a very respectable 3,056 yards

and 24 touchdowns.

Positional Skills: Howell is known for his toughness and moxie.

He routinely stands in and takes hits and is not afraid to put

his body on the line to win. He has a strong arm, but not a

cannon, and has above-average accuracy and touch. In

addition, Howell was able to show off his legs in 2021, evidenced

by his 828 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021.


If the Packers decide to move on from Jordan Love after only

two seasons, Howell could be the perfect replacement to Aaron

Rodgers down the road. Howell has been a winner and a leader

at every level and has the grit to be a great quarterback.

However, he could benefit from a couple of seasons behind

Aaron Rodgers to learn the nuances of the game. The sample

size is big, and the competition level is strong, but in today’s

NFL, talent trumps pretty much anything, and while

accomplished, scouts question his true upside.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: When it comes to the tools needed to play well

in the NFL, Desmond Ridder checks every box. He also has

one of the best resumes out of any quarterback prospect

coming out this year: he has a strong arm, he is mobile and

throws well on the run, and he’s an above-average scrambler.

He is a four-year starter and led his team into the playoffs as

the first non-Power Five team in history. It is impossible for

any scout to not be impressed with both his talent and his

achievements in college.

Positional Skills: There are still plenty of question marks in

Ridder’s game that may lead to him falling in the draft. At

times, Ridder has trouble with decision-making and often

throws to his first read, regardless of whether the target is

open. He also has an elongated delivery that will need to be

revamped to keep up with the speed of NFL defensive backs.

Finally, although the skills are there, Ridder tends to throw

when he should run and run when he should throw. His

accuracy is also inconsistent on both short and long throws.


Ridder would be a fine replacement for Jordan Love (if he is

traded) and could grow into an excellent NFL quarterback

with the right coaching. All the ingredients are there—they

just need to be prepared properly. With two or three years of

preparation behind Aaron Rodgers, Ridder might be the

perfect replacement. All the intangibles are there, including

work ethic and leadership. Desmond Ridder is a winner even

when the game doesn’t look pretty. Any team would benefit

by having him in the fold.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


54

> QUARTERBACK

Carson Strong (rJR)

Nevada

Bailey Zappe (SR)

Western Kentucky

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3”, Weight: 226 lbs., Hand Size: 9 1/8”, 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: DNP

2021 STATS: 366 of 522 (70.1%), 4,175 yards, 36 TD, 8 INT; 51 carries, -208 yards, 0 TD

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0 1/2”, Weight: 215 lbs., Hand Size: 9 ¾”, 40 Time: 4.88

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 30”, Broad: 109”, 3-cone 7.19, 20-yard: 4.4


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: As an NFL prospect, Carson Strong can run hot

or cold, depending on what a team is looking for. If a team is

looking for a pure pocket passer with the ability to sling the

ball all over the field with accuracy and touch, Strong would

be a great prospect. If a team is looking for a player to run

RPOs, roll outs, or to tuck the ball and run, Strong probably

isn’t the right fit. The reality is that Strong has enough

excellent traits to be a Day 2 pick in the draft.

Positional Skills: Strong was a three-year starter at Nevada

and was able to put-up eye-popping numbers, evidenced by

his 9,368 yards passing and 74 touchdowns. Strong was well

liked by coaches and teammates and embraced the role of

team leader; however, some reports have indicated that some

teams apparently were not impressed with his knowledge of

the game and film study. Strong also has had some severe

knee issues during his time at Nevada and has had surgery

in the past. The medicals will be an important factor in

Strong’s analysis.


It is tough to project Strong being effective in a Matt LaFleur

offense—his style does not seem to mesh with the way the

Packers like to use their quarterbacks. It is not a specific

indictment of Strong overall as a prospect, just simply his fit

within the Packers offense. The lack of mobility and running

threat is not something the coaches can simply coach him up

to overcome. He would be better off in an offense that utilizes

a pocket passer and does not demand any running or mobility.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: The term “video game numbers” is passed

around regarding a player who puts up numbers that are

hard to believe. For the most part, this term is a bit overused,

but in Bailey Zappe’s case, it may be an understatement. In

Zappe’s one year as an FBS starter, he set the all-time NCAA

record for touchdown passes and yards, beating Joe Burrow’s

record. This production was clearly a surprise based on his

pre-transfer career at Houston Baptist, although he did have

great stats as well. Nobody expected a record performance,

which opened scouts’ eyes to his potential at the next level.

Positional Skills: Skill-wise, Zappe is decisive with the football

and has a lightning-quick release and excellent accuracy.

Although on the smaller side for a quarterback, Zappe excels

finding passing windows and times his passes effectively.

He has above-average anticipation ability and delivers the

ball on time often. The only real knock on him is the fact that

he doesn’t have tremendous arm strength. Most of his passes

are of the short to medium depth variety. There are questions

about whether that lack of arm talent will hamper him in

the NFL.


If the Packers did not lock up Aaron Rodgers for the next

three to five, Zappe would be the perfect type of quarterback

for Matt LaFleur’s offense. The way the Packers’ offense

functions in its organic form is with short, accurate passes

delivered on time.That is Zappe to a T. Due to Rodgers’ skill

level, the offense doesn’t always resemble that, but it is how

it’s designed. Zappe would be a perfect compliment to Rodgers

and would benefit greatly by learning the game from a legend

while honing his skills.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


55

> QUARTERBACK

Brock Purdy (SR)

Iowa St

Jack Coan (SR)

Notre Dame

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1”, Weight: 212 lbs., Hand Size: 9 ¼”, 40 Time: 4.84

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 27”, 3-cone: 7.21, 20-yard: 4.45


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3”, Weight: 218 lbs., Hand Size: 9 ½”, 40 Time: 4.9

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 33”, Broad: 115”, 3-cone: 6.95, 20-yard: 4.39

2021 STATS: 253 of 386 (65.5%), 3,150 yards, 25 TD, 7 INT; 57 carries, -100 yards, 2 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Brock Purdy started as a true freshman at Iowa

State and started putting up outstanding numbers

immediately. He followed that up with a stellar sophomore

year, leading to some speculation that Purdy would be a

strong Heisman Trophy candidate as a junior. Unfortunately,

Purdy did not take the leap that most people expected, and

he leveled out in his last two years. However, Purdy did put

up some very impressive career numbers for the Cyclones.

His 12,171 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes are both

Iowa State all-time records. He also set 18 single-season

records throughout his career.

Positional Skills: From a skill set standpoint, there is a lot to

like about Purdy. He has a tight, quick release and aboveaverage

accuracy. He also has an innate feel for the game and

knows when to throw the ball and when to tuck it down and

run. His dual-threat capabilities make him dangerous in

short yardage and RPO opportunities. However, Purdy does

lack the arm strength that scouts are looking for. On several

of his throws, he has to labor his way through. The ball doesn’t

jump out of his hand.


Despite having a decorated college career, Brock Purdy

appears to have a limited upside as an NFL quarterback. It

seemed like he did not improve much throughout his last two

years of college, leaving scouts wondering what kind of a pro

he will be. With the Packers, Purdy may fit in strictly as a

backup. He may be effective as a backup as he is a quick study

and would be able to grasp even the most complicated offenses

based on his history and intelligence.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Following a three-year stint with the Wisconsin

Badgers that can best be described as bumpy, Jack Coan

decided he had had enough and transferred to Notre Dame.

At Notre Dame, Coan was able to display the passing skills

that he was once able to showcase as a top recruit coming

out of high school. In Coan’s only season with the Irish, he

was able to put together a solid season and gain redemption

after his career was basically left for dead.

Positional Skills: As a prospect, Coan profiles as a solid NFL

backup. He doesn’t do anything great, but he also doesn’t have

any weaknesses. He is a great leader and a hard worker who

spends more than enough time in the film room. His best trait

is his accuracy and his throwing mechanics. It is obvious that

he has been coached well and works at his craft. However,

his arm strength is below average, his mobility is below

average, and doesn’t show off any wow skills. All of that added

up leads to a career backup role, which every team needs.


Jack Coan simply does not possess enough upside potential

to be considered a solid backup option for the Packers. Coan

seems like a player who has capped out and will not continue

to show improvement due to his relatively weak arm. If the

Packers do take him in the draft, it will more than likely be

simply as a placeholder. The Packers history shows that they

love having smart backups that are students of the game, so

Coan may work out as a backup and spot starter if the Packers

do decide to move on from Jordan Love.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


56

> QUARTERBACK

Dustin Crum (SR)

Kent State

EJ Perry (SR)

Brown

10

11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1”, Weight: 210 lbs., Hand Size: 9 3/8”, 40 Time: 4.75

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 32.5”, Broad: 120”, 20-yard: 4.36

2021 STATS: 244 of 381 (64 %), 3,206 yards, 20 TD, 6 INT; 161 carries, 703 yards, 12 TD

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 211 lbs., Hand Size: 9”, 40 Time: 4.65

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 34.5”, Broad: 123”, 3-cone: 6.85, 20-yard: 4.18


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: In every draft, one or two guys emerge from a

mid-round draft pick and become solid NFL players. Dustin

Crum could be that guy in this draft class. As a three-year

starter, Crum accounted for more than 9,400 total yards and

79 touchdowns. He showed both the ability to pass with

success and run either on designed scrambles or when the

play breaks down. Crum is a guy who doesn’t necessarily

blow you away with his skills but always seems to do what

is necessary to be successful.

Positional Skills: From a talent standpoint, Crum falls below

some of the top prospects. He has a strange delivery that

causes a slow release point. This slow release causes Crum

to not take as many chances with the ball. His 12 career

interceptions seem impressive until the tape shows that he

often doesn’t throw unless a player is wide open. With that

said, Crum has a lot of “wiggle” to his game and is very

impressive as a runner. Overall, the consensus is that he

needs a lot of work, but with the right coach, the talent is

there to make an impact.


The good news is that the Packers are not going to need a

new starting quarterback for the immediate future. The bad

news is that if they draft Dustin Crum, they may need all

that time. In a Matt LaFleur offense, having a quick release

is imperative. One of the reasons Aaron Rodgers has been

so good is because he can get rid of the ball on time with

precision accuracy. Dustin Crum has the talent to do that

but must retool his throwing mechanics before he even has

a chance of being successful.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: A big part of the evaluation of a prospect is

projection. With EJ Perry, projection is the key. Playing at

Brown University did not give scouts the opportunity to see

him compete against top competition. He also did not have

a great supporting cast, which made evaluations even more

difficult. However, from a talent standpoint, Perry was a man

amongst boys in the Ivy League. He put up big stats on a losing

team and kept fighting. Those traits will bode well for Perry

as he embarks on a potential NFL career.

Positional Skills: Perry is a true dual-threat prospect,

showcased by a 4.65 40-yard dash and an elite 6.85 3-cone

score. He is one of the best scrambling quarterbacks to enter

the draft in several years. Combine that with his aboveaverage

arm talent and the potential is obvious. The best way

to describe a potential role for Perry is the one that Taysom

Hill has in the Saints offense. He is an elite runner with the

ability to pass if the situation calls for it.


Perry would look great in a Packers uniform. He is smart,

hardworking, and has some traits and skills of a solid NFL

player. He could carve a niche with the team. With the Packers

coaching staff being as good as it is on offense, Perry would

be an ideal backup for Rodgers with a Taysom Hill–like upside

to him down the road. It would be surprising if Perry doesn’t

have a long NFL career in some capacity.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


57

> QUARTERBACK

Skylar Thompson (rSR)

Kansas State

13 D’Eriq King (rSR)

Miami

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9”, Weight: 196 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

More of an athlete than a quarterback, King was a recordsetting

high school player who originally decided to stay

home and attend Houston. After four years at Houston, King

eventually decided to transfer to Miami to finish up his

eligibility. Unfortunately, both of his seasons with the

Hurricanes ended in injury.

Most scouts consider King a prospect as a potential receiver.

As a freshman and a sophomore, King spent time at wide

receiver and kick returner with a degree of success. His path

to the NFL might need to see a return to receiver. King is too

small to play quarterback at the next level, but he may thrive

in a “slash” role similar to Kordell Stewart.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 217 lbs., Hand Size: 8 5/8”, 40 Time: 4.91

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 31”, Broad: 112”, 3-cone: 7.00, 20-yd: 4.28


14 Eric Barriere (rSR)


Eastern Washington

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: For many years, Skylar Thompson has been

synonymous with Kansas State football. Since 2017, Thompson

has been the starting quarterback of the team, and he has

played in 45 games. His leadership and work ethic are

unquestioned. His talent, on the other hand, is what scouts

and front offices must evaluate as they decide on his NFL

future. Many analysts feel like he has a very low ceiling as

an NFL player and may have to settle for a backup role or a

position as a practice squad player.

Positional Skills: From a skills standpoint, Thompson does

check all the boxes. He has a good arm, good accuracy, and

sound mechanics. He can scramble out of the pocket and

deliver the ball on the run. He also has good size and speed.

He makes good decisions with the ball and very seldom makes

the wrong read. He also possesses above-average accuracy

and anticipation. His pre-snap reads are also strong. Finally,

his mechanics are strong. As an NFL player, he is as ready

made as it gets from an intelligence and mechanics standpoint.


The key for teams evaluating Thompson is that there is very

little mystery or intrigue. After five years starting in the

program, teams know what they are getting with Thompson.

He has the upside of an average backup, but not much

downside. For the Packers, Thompson would function

primarily as a backup with the ability to spot start if need

be, although if Rodgers were to miss a significant amount of

time and Thompson was the primary backup, the team would

be in severe trouble.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Eric Barriere is an intriguing prospect with a lot to like about

his game. Although he comes from the FCS, the skills that

he possesses are transferable. After all, football is football.

Barriere broke almost all of Eastern Washington’s passing

records and led his team deep into the playoffs. He has aboveaverage

arm strength and throws a nice ball on the run. He

is also adept at running the ball himself.

Barriere also takes great care of the ball, as evidenced by

his high touchdown to interception ratio. He has strong ball

placement skills and anticipation. He is also good at pre-snap

reads and throwing the ball to the right place.

15 Cole Johnson (SR)


James Madison

IN A NUTSHELL:

Cole Johnson is a name that is not familiar to most football

fans. Johnson was a two-year starter on a team that was

heavily reliant on the running game prior to 2021. However,

in 2021, things changed dramatically, and Johnson rose to

the occasion. During 2021, Johnson passed for a school-record

3,779 yards and 41 touchdowns with just four Interceptions.

Cole Johnson has all the raw tools any coach is looking for. He

has great size and an accurate, quick release to go along with

above-average mobility. The downside is that the sample size

is small and the competition is not top-notch. However, the

team that takes a shot with him may be pleasantly surprised.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


58

> QUARTERBACK

16 Kaleb Eleby (rJR) Western Michigan 17 Cole Kelley (SR)

SE Louisiana


IN A NUTSHELL:

One of Kaleb Eleby’s strong points is his ability to run an

effective RPO-style offense. Many NFL teams are

incorporating elements of the RPO, so he has a chance of

sticking with an NFL team. As a passer, Eleby is very limited.

His accuracy is below average, and his arm strength lacks

as well. He does throw well on the run and can extend plays

with his legs.

At times, Eleby did dominate the lesser competition of the

MAC and seemed to play his best versus his hardest

competition. There seems to be a lot of projection to his game,

which generally lends itself to a place on the practice squad

with an eye on becoming an NFL backup.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Quite simply, Cole Kelley is a massive individual at 6’7” and

almost 250 pounds. Kelley started his career at Arkansas

and played his freshman year for the Razorbacks. After a

disappointing sophomore year, he decided to transfer to SE

Louisiana, where his light started shining bright. Most people

would think that a man that big would be a statue, but Kelley

is far from that, as evidenced by his 33 rushing touchdowns

and almost 800 rushing yards.

The issue with Kelley is consistency. His throwing mechanics

and delivery are a work in progress. On one throw, he may

look great, but on the next, he could be wild. If he gets the

right coaching, he may have a shot at the next level.

18 Anthony Brown (SR) Oregon 19 Aqeel Glass (SR)

Alabama A&M



IN A NUTSHELL:

Anthony Brownhas played in several big games over the

years and held his own under duress. He was the Ducks’

starting quarterback and field general. At 6’3” and 226

pounds, Brown has the ideal size to be an effective NFL

quarterback. He also has an above average arm and is a

decent runner with the football.

The problem with Brown is that he is just okay with

everything and doesn’t have an elite trait of any kind.

Generally, for a quarterback to make it in the NFL, he needs

at least one stellar trait and the ability to develop other

aspects of his game. Brown projects to be a good USFL or XFL

quarterback.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Aqeel Glass is one of the most accomplished HBCU quarterbacks

to come out since Doug Williams. As a four-year starter, Glass

has played a lot of football and has thrived. In his final season

at Alabama A&M, Glass passed for an incredible 3,568 yards

and 36 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. Included

in this historic season was a run of 1,500 yards and 19

touchdowns with no interceptions over a four-game stretch.

Glass’ calling card is his size and strong arm. He can make

every throw necessary with ease and delivers the ball with

accuracy. The only real downside to him is the level of

competition. It would have been nice to see how he did

against an elite defense.

20 Nick Starkel (rSR)


San Jose State

IN A NUTSHELL:

Nick Starkel is a player who has made the rounds as a college

quarterback. He started out his career at Texas A&M, moved

to Arkansas, and finally settled at San Jose State. At San Jose

State, Starkel was a two-year starter and showed promise as

both a passer and a runner. However, his accuracy and arm

strength are not NFL quality

21 ZERRICK COOPER (rSR) Jacksonville State

22 CHRIS OLADOKUN (GRAD) South Dakota St.

23 TANNER MORGAN (rSR) Minnesota

24 CHASE GARBERS (rSR) California

25 LAYNE HATCHER (rSO) Arkansas St.

One of Starkel’s main positive traits is his leadership ability.

After he moved to San Jose State, he was the unquestioned

leader of that squad. He also has good size for the position

and has a decent arm. He is a player who has gotten the most

out of his talent and can be proud of his accomplishments.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


59

RB

Position Analysis:

Dan Dahlke

JAMES

COOK

RB, GEORGIA

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 ISAIAH SPILLER

Texas A&M

02 BREECE HALL

Iowa State

03 KENNETH WALKER III

Michigan State

04 RACHAAD WHITE

Arizona State

05 JEROME FORD

Cincinnati

06 PIERRE STRONG JR.

South Dakota State

07 JAMES COOK

Georgia

08 KEVIN HARRIS

South Carolina

09 ZAMIR WHITE

Georgia

10 TYLER BADIE

Missouri

11 DAMEON PIERCE

Florida

12 BRIAN ROBINSON JR.

Alabama

13 TY CHANDLER

North Carolina

14 ABRAM SMITH

Baylor

15 TY DAVIS-PRICE

LSU

16 TYLER ALLGEIER

BYU

17 HASSAN HASKINS

Michigan

18 D’VONTE PRICE

Florida International

19 KYREN WILLIAMS

Notre Dame

20 ZAQUANDRE WHITE

South Carolina

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


60

> RUNNING BACK

Isaiah Spiller (JR)

1

Texas A&M

RECEIVE RUSH

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’0’’

Weight: 217 lbs.

40 time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 30”

Broad: 114”

2021 STATS:

179 carries

1,011 yards (5.65 ypc)

6 TDs

25 receptions

189 yards

1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Isaiah Spiller was highly productive in his three

seasons as Texas A&M’s starting running back despite

regularly playing against stingy SEC defenses. Scoring 26

touchdowns in that time, Spiller averaged roughly 1,000

rushing yards and 200 yards receiving each season. Staying

relatively healthy, the All-SEC tailback was the focal point of

the Aggies offense in his 29 starts.

Positional Skills: Spiller’s outstanding vision and contact

balance separate him from the rest of the pack. With

tremendous patience at the line of scrimmage, Spiller can

quickly make defenses pay by waiting for openings and then

accelerating through the hole or hitting the cutback lane as

a zone runner. Spiller’s feel for when to shift gears is unrivaled

in this draft class. He also shows impressive strength and

agility when running through defenders or bouncing off of

weak tacklers and recovering his feet to keep plays alive.

Spiller also has the smooth footwork and wiggle out in space

to make defenders miss with a juke, spin move, or jump cut.

He is effective when turning the corner and making the first

defender miss in the open field. He can also make plays as a

receiver on swing, wheel, or angle routes. He is a complete

mismatch in coverage for less athletic linebackers or safeties.

While it is hard to find weaknesses in Spiller’s game, he does

lack top-end speed despite having very good short-area burst.

He can accelerate quickly, but defenders will catch him from

behind downfield because his straight-line speed is only

adequate, yet it’s still serviceable. Spiller could also improve

as a pass protector. When staying in the pocket, he is decent

at picking up blitzers, but he could be a little more consistent

with his footwork and technique in establishing a strong base.

41–38 WIN OVER FLORIDA (2020):

Despite having a solid freshman season, it wasn’t until Spiller’s

dominant performance against Florida in the third game of

his sophomore year that he really showed the nation what a

special talent he is. The Gators were the fourth-ranked team

in the country at the time, while the Aggies were ranked 21st.

With Texas A&M down 24–28 at the start of the fourth quarter,

Spiller scored a 19-yard rushing touchdown on a crucial 4thand-2,

bulldozing over a Gator linebacker to get in the endzone.

The touchdown not only put the Aggies up 31–28 in the fourth,

but it also capped off a night where Spiller rushed for 174

yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. He averaged 6.44

yards per carry against a tough Florida defense and helped

set up the go-ahead field goal in the final drive of the game

with crucial runs to gain first downs.


Spiller could fit with any NFL roster. He is a well-balanced

runner who blends agility, power, and vision. However, his

best fit is in a zone-running scheme similar to the system Matt

LaFleur runs in Green Bay. Primarily playing out of single

back or pistol at Texas A&M, Spiller does a tremendous job

exposing cutback lanes on zone runs, which is a trait the

Packers look for in their runners. With Spiller on the roster,

Green Bay’s backfield would certainly be crowded, but the

Texas A&M standout could give the Packers another dynamic

halfback to partner with AJ Dillon if the team moves on from

Aaron Jones in a couple of seasons.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


61

> RUNNING BACK

MEASURABLES:

Breece Hall (JR) Iowa State

Height: 5’11’’

2

RECEIVE RUSH

Weight: 217 lbs.

40 time: 4.39

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 40”

Broad: 126”

2021 STATS:

253 carries

1,472 yards (5.82 ypc)

20 TDs

36 receptions

302 yards

3 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: At times, there is a prospect who is the perfect

combination of eye-popping athletic testing and impressive

on-field production, and for the 2022 running back class, that

is Breece Hall. As a three-year starter for the Cyclones, Hall

rushed for 3,941 yards and 50 touchdowns while also recording

82 receptions for 734 yards and six touchdowns. The 220-pound

halfback led the Big 12 in rushing the past two seasons.

Positional Skills: Hall is much more than just another halfback

prospect with really good college production. He also

possesses all of the explosive athleticism and speed to be an

impact player at the next level. At the NFL Combine, among

the running back group, he recorded the highest vertical

(40”), the sixth fastest 40 time (4.39), and the fourth longest

broad jump (126”).

Built like a tank, Hall is the ideal blend of speed and power.

He can turn on the burners and break away in the open field,

but he is also physical at the contact point and will lower his

shoulder to run over defenders. The All-Big 12 tailback also

shows excellent balance and is difficult to knock off his feet.

He recovers and gathers quickly, and can reset his feet and

change direction after contact. He does a great job gaining

yards after contact. He is also nimble enough to juke defenders

or use a spin move in space to make tacklers miss.

The Kansas native is also reliable as a pass protector, and

he can be a true weapon as a receiver out of the backfield.

And while he doesn’t have the elite vision of Spiller or the

joystick agility of Walker, he is certainly not deficient in these

areas either.

48-14 WIN OVER TCU:

In his final game as a college athlete, Hall orchestrated a

dominant performance. While facing conference rival TCU,

Hall rushed for a career-high 242 yards and three touchdowns

on only 18 carries while also recording two receptions for 39

yards and a touchdown. He averaged an impressive 13.44

yards per carry in the game, while also breaking an NCAA

record for the most consecutive games with a rushing

touchdown (24). The contest demonstrated just what makes

Hall’s game so special. While starting a bit slow in the first

quarter, the junior tailback found his rhythm and began

gashing the defense for big gains. Hall gets better as games

progress, and he closed out the contest in convincing fashion,

finishing the night with 281 yards from scrimmage.


Hall’s game has elements of AJ Dillon. He is a strong, powerful

running back with some shiftiness and ability to make

defenders miss in space. He also has great hands and can be

a real weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. Hall would

give the Packers another physical back who can stay on the

field on third downs. His ability in the screen game and as a

checkdown option gives him versatility and would allow him

to find his way on the field as either a early-down physical

runner or as a single back in shotgun in hurry-up offense.

And as much as the Packers may use two-back sets next season,

having three dynamic tailbacks would give them depth and

the ability to create a healthy rotation throughout the season.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


62

> RUNNING BACK

Kenneth Walker III (JR)

3

Michigan State

RECEIVE RUSH

MEASURABLES:

Height: 5’9’’

Weight: 211 lbs.

40 time: 4.38

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 34”

Broad: 122”

2021 STATS:

263 carries

1,636 yards (6.22 ypc)

18 TDs

13 receptions

89 yards

1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kenneth Walker was one of the true breakout

players in the Big Ten last season. After primarily playing a

backup role at Wake Forest in his freshman and sophomore

seasons, Walker transferred to Michigan State as a junior and

led the Big Ten in rushing in his first year as a starter. To go

with 1,636 yards on the ground, Walker scored 19 touchdowns

and averaged 6.22 yards per carry.

Positional Skills: The dynamic halfback has blazing 4.38 speed

and elite agility, allowing him to cut quickly as holes open up

at the line of scrimmage, set up defenders in space, and

separate in the open field. Walker does a great job finding a

crease and then accelerating to get to the second level. He is

also physical at the contact point and shows good balance to

stay on his feet and run through arm tackles. According to

Pro Football Focus, Walker had an impressive 89 broken

tackles in 2021.

Walker has strong legs, which give him some power despite

being an average-sized tailback. He also has a sharp jump cut,

which helps him redirect and get out of tight spots. Walker is

a handful to stop because he is elusive in space and can quickly

change gears to separate from defenders, but he also doesn’t

shy away from contact and can be physical running downhill.

37-33 WIN OVER MICHIGAN:

In their eighth game of the 2021 season, No. 8 Michigan St.

hosted conference rival and No. 6 team in the country, the

Michigan Wolverines. While facing a stellar defense full of

potential NFL talent, Walker rushed for 197 yards and a

whopping five touchdowns on 23 carries. He averaged 8.57

yards per carry against one of the best defenses in the country.

He also scored a 23-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter

to put the Spartans up 37–33 with only five minutes left in the

game. Walker showed the nation just how big of a playmaker

he can be in clutch moments, regardless of the level of talent

that lines up on the other side of the ball.


Any team could use a playmaker on their roster like Walker,

and with only one full season as a starter under his belt, his

best football may still be ahead of him. Walker’s speed and

ability to make plays in space would allow the Packers to use

him as a jet motion player with Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon in

the backfield. With some time to improve in pass protection,

he could also be utilized more in the passing game than he

was in college. His elite speed would also make him an

explosive kick and punt returner—something the Packers

haven’t had in years.

Despite being one of the best runners in the class, Walker

needs more experience and development as a third-down

back. While he shows good hands and route-running ability,

he was rarely used in this aspect of the game. He also needs

to show more consistency in pass protection if he is going to

be a featured back in the NFL.

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63

> RUNNING BACK

Rachaad White (rSR)

Arizona State

Jerome Ford (rJR)

Cincinnati

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0’’, Weight: 214 lbs., 40 time: 4.48

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 38”, Broad: 125”

2021 STATS: 182 carries, 1,006 yards (5.53 ypc), 15 TDs; 43 receptions, 456 yards, 1 TD



2021 STATS: 215 carries, 1,320 yards (6.14 ypc), 19 TDs; 21 receptions, 220 yards, 1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: For two straight seasons, Rachaad White was

the centerpiece of the Sun Devils offense. In 2020, he led ASU

in both rushing and receiving, and then in his senior season,

he finished with 225 touches for 1,462 yards from scrimmage

to go with 16 touchdowns. The All-Pac 12 tailback is a versatile

offensive weapon who can make plays out in space with the

ball in his hands.

Positional Skills: White is a headache to tackle out in space.

He is shifty and can cut on a dime. He does a great job setting

up defenders and then using his jump cut and quick

acceleration to separate from the opposition. White also has

very good patience and vision at the line of scrimmage, which

when paired with his explosive burst makes him a potential

big-play threat anytime he lines up in the backfield.

White can also split out wide or motion to the slot. He is

effective running jet sweeps or catching the ball on bubble

screens. Granted, while speed and agility are the strengths

of White’s game, it would be misleading to label him a small,

shifty back. He has the size and strength to gain the tough

yards between the tackles and confront defenders in the hole.


White is a well-balanced runner who can do everything at the

position well. However, he would have a long way to go before

he would unseat Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon for playing time if

the Packers were to indeed select him. Instead, White could

make his presence felt as a rookie in the passing game. He could

be their jet motion player or their third-down back if Jones or

Dillon need a series or two off. White also has some experience

returning kicks and punts, so he could bolster Green Bay’s

special teams unit with some dynamic return ability.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jerome Ford is a compact runner with quick

burst and the agility to make defenders miss. He runs with

great pad level and a low-center of gravity, making him

difficult to tackle in traffic. As a one-year starter at Cincinnati,

Ford was dominant, with 1,320 yards and 19 touchdowns on

215 carries. The Florida native also factored in the passing

game and became a reliable checkdown option for quarterback

Desmond Ridder.

Positional Skills: Ford has good acceleration once he breaks

through the line of scrimmage, and he also has the speed to

separate from defenders in the open field. The 210-pound

halfback also shows good ankle bend and fluid hips to quickly

cut and change direction. Ford’s thick legs and strong lower

half allow him to run through arm tackles. He also does a

great job keeping his legs driving through contact and gaining

the extra tough yards.

While Ford is a polished runner, he does need to make

improvements in pass protection. Too frequently, he lowers

his shoulder, whiffing on the blitzer he’s trying to pick up

instead of establishing a square base and using his hands to

punch the defender’s chest.


Ford’s game is a nice blend between what the Packers have

in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. He can be an effective one-cut

zone runner, like Jones as well as factor in the screen game.

He can also play power football and make hay between the

tackles in the mold of a mini-Dillon. Ford would give the

Packers roster a versatile depth piece and is talented enough

to develop into a key contributor down the road if the Packers

were to lose Jones in a season or two.

64

> RUNNING BACK

Pierre Strong Jr. (rSR)

South Dakota State

James Cook (SR)

Georgia

6

7



2021 STATS: 240 carries, 1,686 yards (7.03 ypc), 18 TDs; 22 receptions, 150 yards



2021 STATS: 113 carries, 728 yards (6.44 ypc), 7 TDs; 27 receptions, 284 yards, 4 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Strong is a freak athlete and one of the most

talented running backs in this draft class, regardless of the

level of competition he regularly faced. Playing around 210

pounds, the redshirt-senior out of South Dakota State ran the

fastest 40 time (4.37) among all running backs at the NFL

Combine. He also had the sixth-highest vertical and the

seventh-longest broad jump at his position.

Positional Skills: The Arkansas native is an explosive downhill

runner who also possesses the wiggle necessary to make

defenders miss in space. Strong shows tremendous change

of direction and cutback ability, and when defenders do get

their hands on him, he is difficult to bring down. He has very

good contact balance and will fight for every yard. Strong

can also be a weapon in the passing game, whether it is

running wheel routes and flares out of the backfield or lining

up in the slot and running slants or seams.

Strong dominated the FCS, averaging over seven yards per

carry in his four years at SDSU. His league-leading 1,686

rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021 topped off an

impressive collegiate career.


Strong is a dynamic runner, but he might give the Packers

what they already have in AJ Dillon. Green Bay could select

the former first-team All-FCS halfback if they want to build

the depth of their backfield, but the rookie tailback may have

a limited role sitting behind two well-established veterans. If

the Packers are planning on moving on from Jones in a season

or two, then Strong could make sense for them. He is a complete

back that could develop into a very good three-down player.

He would be a great complement to Dillon in the backfield.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: While he never developed into a starter in his

four years at Georgia, James Cook might be one of the most

exciting running backs in this draft class. He has a lot of

untapped potential as a prospect, and his top-end speed and

acceleration make him a dynamic playmaker in space.

Positional Skills: Used primarily as the Bulldogs’ third-down

back, Cook’s ability as a route-runner and pass protector are

well developed. His athleticism and shiftiness in space also

make him an intriguing gadget player in an offense that could

utilize him in the slot, split out wide, or in the backfield as a

receiving threat. Cook’s versatility and ability to make defenders

miss in the open field make him a valuable player in the draft.

As a runner, Cook still needs some development. He does a

great job seeing the hole and using his speed to explode

through it. However, he doesn’t possess a lot of power, and

he won’t drive through tackles—at least not to the level a

complete three-down back would.

While only 230 career carries at Georgia reflect his

inexperience as a runner, the fact he doesn’t have a lot of

wear and tear yet could be a positive going into the NFL.


Cook would immediately give the Packers a dynamic gadget

player to feature in the slot or in the backfield in passing

situations. He could run jet sweeps, go in motion, or be a

dynamic threat in the screen game. The young rookie tailback

could also be a playmaking threat as a kick returner. He could

fill the Tyler Ervin role in Matt LaFleur’s offense and

eventually develop into a complete halfback as he learns the

nuances of the running game.

65

> RUNNING BACK

Kevin Harris (JR)

South Carolina

Zamir White (rJR)

Georgia

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’10’’, Weight: 221 lbs., 40 time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 38.5”, Broad: 126”, Bench: 21

2021 STATS: 152 carries, 657 yards (4.32 ypc), 4 TDs; 12 receptions, 95 yards


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 33.5”, Broad: 128”

2021 STATS: 160 carries, 856 yards (5.35 ypc), 11 TDs; 9 receptions, 75 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kevin Harris finished his collegiate career with

his strongest performance at South Carolina. In a 38–21 win

over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Harris rushed

for 182 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 31 carries.

The dominant performance sealed the bowl win for the

Gamecocks, but the game also showcased just how good

Harris can be as a featured back.

Positional Skills: Harris is a strong, compact tailback who

runs well behind his pads. He has the explosive burst and

short-area quickness to make defenders miss and allows him

to gain ground quickly on the second level. He also possesses

the top gear to turn on the burners and separate from

defenders once he gets into the open field. The former South

Carolina tailback also has a strong stiff arm and lower half,

which allows him to run through contact. Harris is a pile

pusher and will pack a punch when contested.

Harris shows good hands and route-running ability, but his

opportunities were limited in the Gamecocks offense.

Granted, he still shows consistent pass protection and can be

a reliable checkdown option as a receiver.


At only 21 years old, Harris is still a young prospect who has

all the athletic traits to be an explosive NFL tailback. With

some time to refine and mature his game, Harris’s best

football is still ahead of him. Because running back is not an

immediate need for Green Bay, Harris would have time to

develop behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Since the shelf

life of running backs is short in the NFL, the Packers might

be smart to draft another promising tailback to develop

behind their starters.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: As a pure runner, Zamir White may be one of

the most talented halfbacks in this draft class. However, the

young running back out of Georgia already suffered two torn

ACLs—one from his senior year of high school and another

in his first year at Georgia. Considering this, teams may have

medical concerns about the former Bulldogs running back.

Positional Skills: White also rarely contributed in the passing

game; teammate James Cook took a lot of the third-down

reps in the Georgia offense. White shows decent hands and

route-running ability, but with how little he was used in

this part of the offense, that could hinder his development

at the next level.

However, despite these few red flags, White possesses

explosive burst and blazing breakaway speed. He also shows

great vision, contact balance, and the agility to change

direction and find cutback lanes. White also knows how to

finish runs; he is not afraid to lower his shoulder and run

through tacklers. White has too much potential as a runner

to be limited to an early-down role in the NFL. However, he

will need to show growth as a receiver and pass protector in

order to be a complete player at the next level.


While the Packers may not need to take a running back in

the draft, White is one player who could make sense for them.

He is a year or two away from being a key contributor, but

he has a very high ceiling. He could develop behind Aaron

Jones and AJ Dillon for a season or two, giving him time to

grow in pass protection and route running. If Green Bay

decides to move on from Jones in a couple of seasons, they

would then have Dillon and White to feature in their backfield.

66

> RUNNING BACK

Tyler Badie (SR)

Missouri

Dameon Pierce (SR)

Florida

10

11





NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 34.5”, Broad: 119”, Bench: 21


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Tyler Badie’s one season as a starter at Missouri

was nothing short of impressive. His 1,604 yards on the

ground led the SEC, and he also added 54 receptions for 330

yards and 18 total touchdowns. There may have not been

another offense in the FBS so completely dependent on one

player, but it is easy to see why.

Positional Skills: Badie is an electric runner with breakaway

speed and big-play potential. He is shifty in the open field and

can bounce off weak tacklers when his elusiveness isn’t the

answer. He has decent power for a tailback of his size, and

he shows good patience and vision at the line of scrimmage.

Badie’s value as a slippery runner who can quickly change

gears should hold significant stock in the draft, despite

lacking ideal size for the position.

Badie’s ability in the passing game should also give him value

in the middle rounds of the draft. Strong hands and dynamic

ability to make defenders miss in space make him a real

weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. However, the

undersized tailback does need to make strides in pass

protection before he sees the field regularly on third downs

in the NFL.


Badie would give the Packers a shifty tailback who can make

plays in the passing game. He could rotate in on third downs

and be used as a receiver out of the backfield or as a jet motion

player out of the slot. Badie is also very effective in the screen

game, which could give them another playmaker in this

regard if Aaron Jones goes down with injury or needs a series

off. Badie could also be an electric kick returner for them,

which is something the Packers desperately need.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Dameon Pierce found some success splitting

carries with fellow Florida senior tailback Malik Davis. With

limited opportunities, Pierce still rushed for 574 yards and

13 touchdowns while also recording 216 yards and three

touchdowns in the passing game.

Positional Skills: Pierce has a short, stout build that packs a

punch at the contact point. With a strong lower half, Pierce

drives through arm tackles and can be very difficult for

defenders to take down. While the Florida product lacks

breakaway speed, he does show quick burst, which helps

him accelerate through the hole and gain ground. Pierce also

has tremendous contact balance and runs with low pad level.

He can quickly change direction, and his jump cut can get

him out of tough spots.

While Pierce never shouldered a full workload at Florida, he

does offer a complete game at the next level. He is a reliable

pass protector who can also make plays in space as a receiver.

He could find an immediate role in the NFL as a third-down

back. However, he is also gifted enough as a runner to

eventually develop into an every-down player. He just needs

to prove he can handle 20 touches a game for a full season.


Pierce would give the Packers another young running back

to develop on their roster. While it would be unlikely he

would unseat Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon in the backfield, he

could give them a third tailback to rotate in on offense. He

could also eventually develop into a player the Packers use

in a one-two punch with Dillon if Jones moves on in a year

or two. Pierce’s ability as a third-down back would

complement Dillon’s power-running style well.

67

> RUNNING BACK

Brian Robinson Jr. (rSR)

Alabama

13 Ty Chandler (SR)

North Carolina

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11’’, Weight: 204 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Ty Chandler made an immediate impact in the Tar Heels’

offense as their featured back. The senior tailback’s blazing

4.38 speed is evident when he separates from defenders in

the open field. Chandler is an elusive runner who shows

good patience at the line of scrimmage. He picks his spots to

burst through the hole and turn on the jets. He also has a

great jump cut that allows him to squeak out of tight spots.

On 182 carries, he ran for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns

while also recording 15 receptions for 216 yards and a

touchdown in his senior season. As a smaller tailback,

Chandler doesn’t offer much power in his game, but he is

still a dynamic playmaker out in space and can also be a

factor in the passing game.



2021 STATS: 271 carries, 1,343 yards (4.96 ypc), 14 TDs; 35 receptions, 296 yards, 2 TDs

14 Abram Smith (rSR)


Baylor

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: After spending two seasons behind former firstround

pick, Najee Harris, Brian Robinson was finally given

the opportunity to be Alabama’s featured running back.

While he may not be the dynamic playmaker of Harris’s

caliber, Robinson was highly productive for the Crimson

Tide. He tied for the lead in the SEC in rushing touchdowns

with 14, and he finished third in the conference in rushing

yards (1,343).

Positional Skills: Built in the mold of former Alabama tailback

T.J. Yeldon, Robinson is a physical, downhill running back

with decent straight-line speed. While his change of direction

is a bit stiff, Robinson wins with power and physicality at

the contact point. He does a tremendous job lowering his

shoulder and challenging defenders on the second level.

Robinson has decent vision, hands, and balance, but he is

also not outstanding in these areas either, which keeps him

from being in the top tiers of the running back class. Instead

of finding the cutback lanes, Robinson will try to run over

defenders. He also doesn’t possess the elusiveness or agility

to be a dynamic player in space. Robinson’s best fit is as an

early-down tailback who can gain the tough yards and wear

down defense between the tackles.


On Green Bay’s roster, Robinson would serve a similar role as

AJ Dillon, and while he may not be the best fit for the Packers,

he could give them another physical running back to have at

the position. If Green Bay turns to relying more on their ground

game this upcoming season, Robinson could provide depth

behind Aaron Jones and Dillon, especially if Kylin Hill is not

ready to return from injury by the start of the season.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


IN A NUTSHELL:

Abram Smith is a physical, downhill runner who is at his

best putting defenders on their heels with his quick burst

and open field speed. Smith can be a handful to bring down

once he gets a full head of steam. He also possesses effective

juke and jump-cut moves, showing a good blend of power

and agility. After playing very little as a freshman and

sophomore because of a knee injury, Smith made the switch

to linebacker as a junior. However, Smith moved back to

running back as a senior and led the Big 12 in rushing with

1,601 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith has great tools as a

runner, but he still needs to improve his vision and pass

protection. He also turns 24 this fall, which could hurt his

draft stock.

15 Ty Davis-Price (JR)


LSU

IN A NUTSHELL:

Ty Davis-Price burst on the scene in 2021 as LSU’s starting

tailback, rushing for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. The

Baton Rouge native runs behind his pads well and is explosive

coming through the hole. He will challenge defenders on the

second level by lowering his shoulder and driving his legs

through contact. And while he is a compact, powerful runner,

he has some wiggle to his game and will make defenders

miss in space. Davis-Price still needs to grow as a receiver

and pass protector before he sees extensive time in a NFL

backfield, but the young halfback shows a lot of promise and

has a high ceiling as a pro prospect. He could be a great find

on the third day of the draft.

68

> RUNNING BACK

16 Tyler Allgeier (rJR) BYU 17 Hassan Haskins (rJR)

Michigan


IN A NUTSHELL:

Tyler Allgeier was simply dominant as a runner last season.

The redshirt junior rushed for 1,606 yards and a FBS-leading

23 touchdowns on 276 carries. The highly productive tailback

shows good patience and vision at the line of scrimmage. He

also has impressive lower body strength, which allows him

to run through contact and gain the tough yards. However,

while the BYU product is a smooth, natural runner, he does

lack the top-gear and explosiveness to be a real game-changer

at the next level. Allgeier could certainly compete for playing

time in the NFL, but his average agility and lack of burst could

limit his impact and big-play opportunities. While Allgeier

demonstrates decent hands as a receiver, he may not offer

much dynamic playmaking ability in space.


IN A NUTSHELL:

It is unfortunate an ankle injury prevented Hassan Haskins

from testing at the NFL Combine and Michigan pro day, as

doubts still remain if the highly-productive tailback out of

Michigan has the speed or agility to see similar success in

the NFL. Haskins does a lot at the position very well. He is a

patient runner who doesn’t shy away from contact. He also

has adequate size, burst, and agility; there’s a reason he ran

for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns this past fall. Still, there

aren’t any outstanding traits in Haskins’ game, which could

push him to the later rounds of the draft. He also needs to

improve in pass protection if he wants to be more than just

an early-down runner in the NFL.

18 D’Vonte Price (SR) Florida International 19 Aqeel Glass (rSO)

Notre Dame



IN A NUTSHELL:

D’Vonte Price is an explosive runner with top-end speed and

impressive cutback ability. He can change gears quickly and

offers some dynamic playmaking ability out in space.

However, despite the exciting athletic traits, Price’s game

still remains a bit raw. He needs to improve as a receiver

and pass protector to stay on the field on third downs. His

vision and instincts at the line of scrimmage could also

improve if he wants to be a regular contributor in a NFL

backfield. This is primarily why his production was limited

at Florida International. He only ran for 682 yards and

recorded 10 receptions his senior season, which were both

career-high marks. A team may take Price on Day 3 with the

belief that his best football is still ahead of him.

20 ZaQuandre White (rSR)


South Carolina

IN A NUTSHELL:

ZaQuandre White is a shifty ball carrier with the wheels to

make big plays with the ball in his hands out in space. While

the converted linebacker never fully emerged as a starter in

the South Carolina offense, the elusive back can certainly

carve out a role for himself as a gadget player in the NFL. He

is effective as a jet motion player who can line up in the

backfield or in the slot, and while he may never be a bellcow

tailback, he could be a versatile piece to use in a creative

offense. With 106 touches in 2021, White gained 779 yards

from scrimmage and five touchdowns. He could also get some

looks as a dynamic punt or kick returner at the next level.

IN A NUTSHELL:

There is not a lot that is flashy about Kyren Williams’ game,

but the former Notre Dame halfback is very solid in every

aspect of the position. He is a great pass protector with

reliable hands as a receiver, and he can also gain the tough

yards as a runner. While Williams saw good production in

college—rushing for more than 1,000 yards and gaining over

300 yards receiving each of the last two seasons as a starter—

the well-balanced tailback doesn’t possess any elite traits.

He shows average speed and burst, which can limit his

playmaking ability at the next level. He won’t be able to turn

the corner and outrun NFL defenders. Williams best fit going

forward is as a reliable third-down back and rotational

player on early downs.

21 KENNEDY BROOKS (rSR) Oklahoma

22 ZONOVAN KNIGHT (JR) NC State

23 AYLEN WARREN (rSR) Oklahoma St.

24 ISIAH PACHECO (SR) Rutgers

25 KEAONTAY INGRAM (SR) USC

26 JERRION EALY (JR) Ole Miss

27 TYLER GOODSON (JR) Iowa

28 CJ VERDELL (rSR) Oregon

29 SNOOP CONNER (JR) Ole Miss

30 SINCERE MCCORMICK (JR) Texas–San Antonio

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


69

HB/FB

Position Analysis:

Andrew Czech

CONNOR

HEYWARD

FB, MICHIGAN STATE

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 CHIGOZIEM OKONKWO

Maryland

02 CONNOR HEYWARD

Michigan State

03 JEREMIAH HALL

Oklahoma

04 CLINT RATKOVICH

Northern Illinois

05 ZANDER HORVATH

Purdue

06 JOHN CHENAL

Wisconsin

07 CODY RUDY

Ball State

08 JOEY KENNY

Rhode Island

09 CHRIS ELMORE

Syracuse

10 CLAY MOSS

Weber State

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


70

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

Chigoziem Okonkwo (SR)

1

Maryland

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 238 lbs.

Arm: 32.7”

Hand: 9.7”

40-yard: 4.52

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 35.5”

2021 STATS:

52 receptions

447 yards

5 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Chigoziem Okonkwo was a four-year starter at

Maryland who played primarily as a do-it-all move tight end.

Okonkwo missed the 2020 season due to myocarditis but made

an impactful return to the field in 2021, producing the secondmost

receptions on the team and tied for the lead in receiving

touchdowns.

Positional Skills: Okonkwo’s best current attribute might just

be his strong hand catching ability, routinely using his hands

to attack and snatch the ball away from his body before it has

the chance of deflecting off of his pads or a defender’s hands.

At Maryland, Okonkwo was utilized in a number of roles. He

was often a split-flow target in the passing game and an

underneath target in the flats, set up as a screen target for

run after catch opportunities, and he was also used to

routinely attack the middle of the field both vertically and

between zone defenders underneath. Okonkwo showed a solid

understanding of the defender’s leverage, often finding

openings in the defense by sitting down between zones and

looking back to present a target for his quarterback, or

continuing horizontally or vertically when man coverage

presented itself. He showed the speed to routinely run past

or away from linebackers, the strength and density to be a

power mismatch to break tackles against defensive backs,

and requisite agility to out-leverage defenders, forcing missed

tackles and creating yards after the catch.

Okonkwo will need to continue his development as a blocker.

His willingness to block in the run game is apparent, but he

isn’t refined in his technique and loses his base too often in

one-on-one engagements. He’s best used as an insert/angle

blocker currently, and he simply wasn’t utilized much in pass

protection at Maryland.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


SHRINE BOWL STAND OUT:

Okonkwo was one of the standout players from the 2022 East-

West Shrine Bowl, earning all-around praise from scouts and

media in attendance for his broad skill set. Pro Football

Network summarized Okonkwo’s play as follows: “Snagging

a one-handed grab during one-on-ones…was dominant on

Day 3…He made multiple plays during the one-on-ones as well

as team drills, and he was unrecoverable by linebackers. They

utilized him all over the formation and from a number of

alignments—and he won all the same... Okonkwo runs like a

gazelle and has sure hands at the catch point. He’s difficult to

cover and also showed promise in the run game.” Okonkwo’s

promising skill set is evident in his Maryland game tape, and

to have his explosiveness on display against some of the best

competition in the country at the Shrine Bowl confirms he is

an enticing offensive prospect in the 2022 NFL draft.


Okonkwo profiles as a more sure-handed and explosive

version of Josiah Deguara, the current Packer most suited to

the do-it-all move tight end/fullback/H-back role in Matt

LaFleur’s offense. Okonkwo and Deguara are nearly identical

in their height/weight/body measurements, but Okonkwo has

the upper hand in the speed department (4.52 versus 4.72 in

the 40-yard dash) and most importantly, Okonkwo’s speed

advantage is noticeable where it truly matters: on the field

against defenders. Okonkwo’s skill set would not be wasted

in the Matt LaFleur offense. The role he excelled at for

Maryland would translate very well to the NFL, providing a

versatile receiving option who could line up in various

positions anywhere from the backfield out to the slot. Simply

put, Okonkwo would be featured as a speed mismatch against

most linebackers and a size mismatch against most defensive

backs. Packers fans would love his skill set.

71

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

Connor Heyward (rSR)

2

Michigan State

MEASURABLES:

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 233 lbs.

Arm: 31.8”

Hand: 9.5”

40-yard: 4.72

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 32.5”

2021 STATS:

1 carry

7 yards

35 receptions

326 yards

2 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Truly a do-it-all player at Michigan State, Connor

Heyward was utilized as a running back his first four seasons,

where 97 percent of his touches came on the ground—rushing

the ball 210 times compared to 61 receptions. However, after

making the switch to tight end in his senior year, 97 perfect

of his touches came through the air, rushing only once,

compared to a career high 35 receptions. This unique

combination of rushing and receiving experience and

production makes Heyward an intriguing fullback/H-back/

move tight end prospect for teams that utilize players with a

varied skill set.

Positional Skills: As a rusher, Heyward doesn’t shy away from

contact and will lower his shoulder to deliver a blow to the

defender, running through first contact and often requiring

multiple defenders to bring him down. He showed a decent

blend of vision, adequate lateral agility, and enough

acceleration to take well-blocked runs for a decent gain. While

not a home run hitter, he gets north/south quickly and attacks

open grass. A natural hands catcher, he will snatch the ball

out of the air away from his body effectively. He showed the

ability to adjust and contort his body as required when a pass

was thrown late, behind, or low. While having decent speed

for the position, he does not possess a top-end burst to outrun

defenders down the field. As a route runner, Heyward is still

relatively raw, and his NFL calling card will not be from

creating his own separation. In run blocking, he is most

comfortable when taking angles to defenders. He does not

possess the power required to anchor against larger defenders

one-on-one. He shows promise in pass protection, identifying

pressure and using his squat frame to stun rushers on their

way to the quarterback.

FOOTBALL FAMILY AND WELL-ROUNDED GAME:

A football pedigree certainly runs in the Heyward family.

Connor’s father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, played college

football at Pittsburg before spending 11 years in the NFL and

he was a Pro Bowl selection in ‘95. Connor is also the brother

of former first-round draft choice Cameron Heyward, who

has been a stalwart on the Steelers defensive line for a decade,

earning Pro Bowl honors four times and All-Pro accolades

twice. At Michigan State, Connor compiled 211 rushing

attempts for 825 yards and five touchdowns. He also produced

a total of 96 receptions for 711 yards and six touchdowns,

showing he could be a valuable piece in the passing offense.

Connor also contributed to the kick return game as a freshman

and sophomore, returning 33 kickoffs for a total of 723 yards,

averaging nearly 22 yards per return.


Connor Heyward’s running style is reminiscent of former

Packer fan-favorite Jamaal Williams. This isn’t to say Heyward

compares athletically to Williams, but rather in the way he

stays alive as a ball carrier while churning his legs, spinning

off of would-be tacklers, and keeping his pads low when he

nears contact. Heyward be a similar sure-handed safety valve

in Green Bay. He could also be used in split-flow play action

as a target from misdirection. A number of times, Heyward

ran a vertical stem from the backfield, something that Matt

LaFleur often utilizes when creating vertical concepts from

multiple-back formations. Heyard also looked comfortable

running vertically from the tight end alignment in his senior

year off of play action concepts, able to turn his head while

maintaining speed and direction down the field. Heyward’s

varied skill set as a rusher and receiver would find a nice

home in the Green Bay offense.

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72

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

Jeremiah Hall (rSR)

3

Oklahoma

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 239 lbs.

Arm: 31.6”

Hand: 10.5”

40-yard: 4.96

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 29”

Broad: 9’3”

20-yd: 4.62

3-cone: 7.43

Bench: 19 reps

2021 STATS:

6 carries

25 yards

1 TD

32 receptions

334 yards

4 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jeremiah Hall played primarily as an all-overthe-formation

fullback/H-back at Oklahoma. His best season

was in 2021, when he produced career highs in both receptions,

total yards, and total touchdowns.

Positional Skills: At Oklahoma, Hall was used as both a

receiving threat and blocker. On play-action passes, Hall was

often sent to the flat as a safe target or to the intermediate

level to look for openings between zone defenders. He was

used in various misdirection plays, including endarounds

and shovel passes. Multiple times in the 2021 season, a powerrun

play-action fake with a pulling guard created an opening

for Hall to sneak vertically past the linebackers keying on the

run for an open touchdown. Used often as a blocking decoy

then leaking out into the flats as the first play-action read,

many of Hall’s receiving touchdowns over his career came

from this type of misdirection. Hall’s production in the NFL

will come from his specific role in the offense as a player who

is schemed open with play action and misdirection; he is not

going to make big plays on his own, but rather within the

opportunities schemed up for him.

At Oklahoma, Hall was asked to run the ball a total of 13 times,

and his rushing production in the NFL will likely be very

limited. As a blocker, Hall would often come across the

formation and seal off backside defenders. He would also trail

behind a pulling guard as a secondary blocker on power runs,

using his reduced split alignment as a leverage advantage in

blocking edge defenders. While Hall is not a massive physically

imposing blocker, he does well in positioning himself to cut

off defenders. Hall’s blocking relies on leverage and angles

as opposed to overpowering defenders.

CAREER AS A SOONER:

Over his career as a Sooner, Hall would continually see his

production increase each year. Following his minimal playing

time in 2018 as a freshman, Hall started 10 regular season

games in 2019 as a sophomore, accumulating 176 yards and

three total touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big 12

honors. In 2020, Hall accumulated 218 yards and five total

touchdowns, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. In 2021,

Hall accumulated a career-best 359 yards and five total

touchdowns, again earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. Not

only a smart player on the field, Hall earned first-team

Academic All-Big 12 honors in his redshirt freshman season,

and he would earn that same accolade in all four of his playing

seasons as well. Hall had earned a 4.8 GPA and graduated

early from high school, so his academic acumen and

intelligence is in no way a question mark.


Hall’s role as a Sooner was very similar to the role former

Green Bay Packer fullback Aaron Ripkowski played while at

Oklahoma. With Hall’s multiple years of experience in this

role, he would be used similarly in Green Bay. With a body

composition and build similar to that of both Dominique

Dafney and Josiah Deguara, the Packers players who most

frequently performed this type of role for the offense in 2021,

Hall would not look out of place to Packer fans who have seen

this type of role in the offense over the last few seasons.

However, Hall is noticeably slower and not nearly as explosive

an athlete comparitively, based on his athletic testing profile

and game tape. While Hall is not a game changing athlete, he

certainly can execute his varied roles at a functional level

and would be a useful and versatile addition to the Packers’

fullback/H-back room.

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73

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

Clint Ratkovich (rSR)

Northern Illinois

Zander Horvath (rSR)

Purdue

4

5


PRO DAY: 4.63 40-yd, Vertical: 34”, Broad: 10.2”, 20-yd: 4.32, 3-cone, 7.18, Bench 31

2021 STATS: 105 carries, 461 yards, 13 TD; 15 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 232 lbs., Arm: 32.0”, Hand: 8.7”

PRO DAY: 4.61 40-yd, Vertical: 35.5”, Broad: 10.25”, 20-yd: 4.25, 3-cone, 6.75, Bench 31

2021 STATS: 91 carries, 320 yards, 3 TD; 17 receptions, 100 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: After transferring from Western Illinois to

Northern Illinois as a senior, Clint Ratkovich was a touchdown

maniac, scoring a total of 15 touchdowns—13 on the ground

and two through the air. As Northern Illinois’ second-leading

rusher, his powerful running style earned him an invitation

to the East-West Shrine Bowl. At the Shrine Bowl practices

and game, Ratkovich showed his versatility on offense and

special teams in roles where he’ll likely have to make a name

for himself doing the “dirty work” early in his NFL career.

Positional Skills: Ratkovich’s best traits include his balance

upon contact, relatively soft hands, and his understanding of

the intended running lane to gain positive yardage. He has

enough power and bulk in his upper body to challenge

defenders, often pushing forward in a pile for additional

yardage. As a blocker, Ratkovich showed out well in the Shrine

Bowl from the fullback alignment, sealing out edge defenders.

Ratkovich is not an overly explosive or elusive player, and his

most likely role in the NFL will be as a versatile player who

can catch passes out of the backfield, carry the ball in short

yardage, and be a high-effort special teams player.


Ratkovich’s role in the Packers offense would be very limited,

if he found a role at all. Any short yardage runs would go to

both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon before Ratkovich would see

the field. His limited play as a fullback in college makes him

a relative unknown there, even though he shows promise.

His soft hands could allow him to see the field if injuries were

to hit and Green Bay needed an emergency H-back.

Realistically, his most likely fit would be as a special teams

addition, using his mix of power, size, and speed on that unit.

We all know the Packers need help on special teams.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Zander (Alexander) Horvath was a productive

role player for the Purdue Boilermakers, eclipsing 79 rushing

attempts and 17 receptions in each of his final three seasons

on the team along with a total of nine career touchdowns.

His 91 rushing attempts in 2021 represent his career high.

Positional Skills: Horvath does best as a power-scheme runner

where he can run behind pullers and lead blockers. He has

shown some skill as a pass-catcher in short yardage situations.

He also displays enough elusiveness to force the occasional

run-by from defenders, and he utilizes a nicely timed hurdle

every now and then. However, he won’t force many missed

tackles at the NFL level. Horvath has moderate speed but is

limited in his explosiveness and agility. He will likely have

a difficult time of creating chunk plays that aren’t schemed

open for him by design or disguise. He lost six fumbles on

336 total career touches—a fumble rate of one in every 56

touches—which doesn’t inspire confidence in his ball security.

Horvath has the body composition to be an effective pass

protector from the backfield in spot-duty.


Horvath would not likely have much of a role on the Packers

roster. Horvath’s reliance on a power-running scheme works

against him since the Packers mix zone and gap concepts but

require their rushers and H-backs to be more versatile..

Because he essentially played exclusively as a running back

in college, Horvath’s projection as a fullback/H-back to the

NFL is a difficult one. The roles Horvath has excelled at are

almost exclusively given to the featured running backs in

Green Bay. To make the Packers roster, Horvath would have

to impress as a special teams player and spot-duty H-back

used as a runner and receiver as opposed to a lead blocker.

74

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

John Chenal (SR)

Wisconsin

Cody Rudy (rSR)

Ball State

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 256 lbs., 40-yard: 4.76 (Pro Day)

PRO DAY: Vertical: 37.0”, Broad: 118.0”, 20-yd: 4.17, 3-cone: 7.05, Bench: 29 reps

2021 STATS: 32 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD; 7 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD



2021 STATS: 16 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Chenal played in 41 games as a fullback for the

Wisconsin Badgers, accumulating 58 rushing attempts for

214 yards and four touchdowns in addition to eight receptions

for 38 yards and one touchdown. The older brother of standout

UW linebacker Leo Chenal, John was the recipient of the 2021

Tom Wiesner Award, which is presented annually to a

Wisconsin-born student-athlete whose loyalty, hard work,

spirit, and dedication are unselfishly directed to the success

of the team.

Positional Skills: John Chenal is truly the embodiment of what

a Wisconsin Badgers fullback is meant to be. His main role

at UW was to smash into linebackers and clear a path on

running plays, which he did well thanks to his prototypical

size and strength. He showed good pad level when blocking

and, on the occasional rushing attempt, would churn his legs

through contact. While the longest rush of his career went

for a nice 43-yard gain, outside of that run his next-longest

went for only 11 yards. Chenal is an old-school fullback in

every sense of the word, and if the offense needs a couple

yards, he’ll probably get those yards but not much more.


Chenal’s role in the Packers offense would be limited to that

of a lead blocker. Realistically, his most likely fit would be as

a special teams addition as competition in training camp,

using his mix of power and size to compete. The roles Chenal

executed at UW are already filled in Green Bay by players

that are more versatile and explosive athletically than Chenal.

To make the Packers roster, Chenal would have to impress

as a special teams player and spot-duty as a lead blocker.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Cody Rudy played in 30 games for the Ball State

Cardinals, doing most of his damage as a blocker and

receiving option. He accumulated 32 receptions for 224 yards

and one touchdown. While he is never going to be a player

who makes defenders miss or run past the defense, he does

make defenders pay at the point of contact, and they have to

earn their tackles against him. Rudy showed good contact

balance, fighting for yards with surprisingly nimble feet for

a player of his dense body type. He was used occasionally on

swing passes out to the slot and flats, with decent catching

technique. Rudy blocked well from various alignments,

looking for work in the open field, driving his feet upon

engagement and producing a few pancake blocks to his credit.

Used his angles well to seal off defenders and showed the

requisite strength to displace edge defenders from a tight

end alignment. Rudy’s skill set provides more than just a

blocker, with a bit of upside to be a check-down option on

play action run fakes.


Rudy has enough of a well-rounded skill set that he could be

worth bringing into Green Bay, even if just to add some depth

and training camp competition to their fullback/H-back room.

Even with his ability as a checkdown receiving option, the

upside of a player like Rudy is limited, realistically. The

versatility he shows on tape is a plus, but his traits aren’t

likely to make him much of a priority for the Packers.

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75

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

Joey Kenny (rSR)

Rhode Island

Chris Elmore (rSR)

Syracuse

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 253 lbs., 40-yard: N/A


NFL COMBINE: N/A

NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 7 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD

2021 STATS: 1 reception, 10 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Joey Kenny played in 46 career games for the

Rhode Island Rams, with most of his usage being as a blocker.

He compiled 23 receptions for 256 yards and three

touchdowns, along with eight rushes for 14 yards. His ideal

frame for the fullback position is a positive, and he has been

described as a hard-nosed blocker. With a tenacious attitude,

he’ll be required to use every bit of toughness he has in order

to find a role in the NFL.


Likely to only be used as a blocker, Kenny would have to fight

for any kind of role on the Packers roster. As with other

limited fullbacks, his most likely fit would be to fill out the

training camp roster for competition purposes. Because

Kenny was used so sparingly outside of being a blocker, the

Packers aren’t likely to prioritize him.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Chris Elmore was used sparingly as a runner

or receiver at Syracuse, as he only touched the ball a total of

31 times combined (rushing and receiving) with 86 total

yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Originally a

defensive tackle out of high school, Elmore played fullback,

defensive line, and tight end before once again being used

as fullback as a senior. Elmore’s considerable mass for the

fullback position helped him to be an effective lead blocker,

overpowering defenders as a blocker in the running game.

However, due to his frame, Elmore is likely limited to a

fullback role only, and his athletic upside as a receiver or

rusher is minimal.


Because he is perhaps the most limited of all the fullback

prospects when it comes to his total skill set and collegiate

resume, Elmore is unlikely to ever make the Packers roster.

Green Bay has especially prioritized highly athletic prospects

at all positions, and by default that limits the fullbacks/H-Backs

they would even consider for the team. Elmore is not likely

to ever have any kind of fit on the roster.

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76

> FULLBACK, H-BACK

Clay Moss (SR)

Weber State

10


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 7 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 8 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Clay Moss played in 47 career games at Weber

State, with 66 rushing attempts for 265 yards and three

touchdowns, along with 21 receptions and 174 yards. While

smaller than most fullback prospects, Moss is a physical

blocker who initiates contact well as a lead blocker. As a

former linebacker, he possesses a tough nastiness that teams

look for in a fullback. His likely role is simply as a blocker,

and perhaps the occasional reception from a dump-off pass

or short yardage rush here and there.


Simply due to his frame and size limitations, Moss would

need to add a significant amount of muscle mass just to play

at the NFL level. His toughness aside, it is difficult to see Green

Bay using a roster spot on a relatively undersized fullback/H-

Back that didn’t produce at a high level and/or wasn’t a focal

point of the Weber State offense.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


77

WR

Position Analysis:

ROSS UGLEM

CHRIS

OLAVE

WR, OHIO STATE

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 CHRIS OLAVE

Ohio State

02 CHRISTIAN WATSON

North Dakota State

03 DRAKE LONDON

USC

04 GARRETT WILSON

Ohio State

05 JAMESON WILLIAMS

Alabama

06 GEORGE PICKENS

Georgia

07 JOHN METCHIE

Alabama

08 TREYLON BURKS

Arkansas

09 SKYY MOORE

Western Michigan

10 JALEN TOLBERT

South Alabama

11 JAHAN DOTSON

Penn State

12 KHALIL SHAKIR

Boise State

13 ALEC PIERCE

Cincinnati

14 JUSTYN ROSS

Clemson

15 ISAIAH WESTON

Northern Iowa

16 WAN’DALE ROBINSON

Kentucky

17 DAVID BELL

Purdue

18 CALVIN AUSTIN

Memphis

19 ROMEO DOUBS

Nevada

20 JAIVON HEILIGH

Coastal Carolina

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78

> WIDE RECEIVER

Chris Olave (SR)

1

Ohio State

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 187 lbs.

40 Time: 4.39

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 32”

Broad: 124”

20-yd: N/A

3-cone: N/A

Bench: N/A

2021 STATS:

65 rec

936 yards (14.4 ypr)

13 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Olave brings one word to mind—smooth. Olave

is considered by many the best route runner in this class, but

there were concerns about his athleticism. While we may not

have full agility numbers, there was a definite buzz in

Indianapolis surrounding Olave’s 4.39-second 40-yard dash.

Olave has considerable juice. In a wide receiver class that

doesn’t possess a clear No. 1 option like Amari Cooper in 2015

or Sammy Watkins the year before him (though Mike Evans

and OBJ were drafted immediately after Watkins, so what did

we know in 2014?), Olave’s ability to get open paired with his

raw timed speed earns him the top spot in these rankings.

Positional Skills: He’ll route you up, period. Olave possesses

precise footwork and pairs that with the ability to sink his

hips. Olave consistently “sells” defensive backs the exact

opposite of what his real plan is, and boy, do they buy it. He’s

in the aforementioned Amari Cooper’s “always open club.”

Olave doesn’t make contested catches because he’s wide-thehell

open. His release package is fine but isn’t elite. He fits as

a slot or a “Z” at the next level where he can get cleaner releases

because after he’s free, he’s a tremendous problem. Olave

tracks the ball well down the field and plucks the ball fine.

He’s not a dominant player at the catch point or in the run

game as a blocker. Think Emmanuel Sanders with maybe a

little more juice. He’s a big-play machine. Olave is a true

receiver and unlikely to help on special teams in a big way or

exceed as a “gadget” player taking handoffs or catching

multiple screens in one game plan.

BEST GAME:

Olave showed his entire repertoire in his final matchup

against Michigan State in 2021. In just 29 offensive snaps (the

game was a 56–7 romp in favor of the Buckeyes) Olave

decimated the Spartans. Olave caught all seven of his targets

for 140 yards and two touchdowns, both in the first quarter.

Ohio State ended the game quickly and without mercy, and

Olave was a major, major part of that. He showed just how

smooth he can be. Route after route, Olave created separation,

plucked the ball out of the air, and won the rep. All three levels

were on display—short, intermediate, and, certainly, deep.

By the third quarter, Olave found himself a nice seat on the

bench. It was a rest well earned.


All of a sudden, Olave goes from the perfect complement to

Davante Adams to the potential bedrock of a rebuilt wide

receiver room. Barring a significant trade, Olave would be

the best receiver on the Packers roster the day he stepped into

the building. Green Bay would likely end up using Olave in a

very similar way as they did Davante Adams, moving him

around the formation to find the best matchup. Olave is a

versatile enough player to win from the slot and to beat

defenders outside. His skill set as a true deep threat with

route-running chops meshes perfectly with big-bodied

possession stud Allen Lazard. Olave won’t be Davante Adams

in year one, and not likely ever, but he’ll be a part of the

solution to replace the Packers Hall of Famer.

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79

> WIDE RECEIVER

MEASURABLES:

Christian Watson (rSR) North Dakota State

Height: 6’4”

2

Weight: 208 lbs.

40 Time: 4.36

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 38.5”

Broad: 136”

20-yd: N/A

3-cone: N/A

Bench: N/A

RECEIVE

RUSH

2021 STATS:

43 rec

801 yards (18.6 ypr)

7 TD

15 carries

114 yards

1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Watson is an alien. A freak. Not from around

here. Whatever hyperbolic term you want to use for a 6’4”,

208-pound athlete who runs, nay, glides past defenders like

they’re running in mud. He’s the ultimate height/weight/speed

candidate for an NFL team. He boasts a Relative Athletic Score

(RAS) in the top-five all time at receiver. Before the pre-draft

process, some folks thought that was all he had. North Dakota

State doesn’t ask much of their receivers from a volume

standpoint. They’re usually up a ton, and wide receivers are

run-blocking more often than not. Watson’s performance at

the Senior Bowl opened plenty of eyes. He was voted the

toughest receiver to cover in practice by the opposing defensive

backs and dominated the “higher level of competition” all

week long.

Positional Skills: Watson is a blazer in every sense of the word.

He’s obviously tall and fast (everyone’s favorite combination),

but he marries that to an excellent ability to track the deep

ball. Watson excels at creating separation, though he often

doesn’t need it due to his ability to high-point the football

and compete at the catch point. Concentration drops are a

legitimate concern for Watson as he did have 16 drops on 180

career targets. Still, he consistently extends and attacks the

football away from his frame. He’s not a body-catcher. Unlike

most tall “speed” receivers, Watson brings a Deebo Samuel–

like versatility to the position. He was an All-American at the

all-purpose position and as a returner. Watson boasts 392

career rushing yards on 49 attempts as well as 686 kickoff

return yards and two touchdowns in that capacity. “C Dub”

is truly a unique talent. He’s also an absolute menace as a

run blocker.

POSTSEASON GAME:

In Fargo, North Dakota State’s 2019 national semifinal game

against Montana State (quarterbacked by current San

Francisco 49er Trey Lance) is known simply as “the Christian

Watson game.” On consecutive offensive plays (Montana State

went three-and-out in between), Watson caught a 75-yard

touchdown pass from Lance followed by a 70-yard touchdown

on a jet sweep. The sweep was particularly striking, as Watson

erased pursuit angles and seemed to glide past MSU defenders

like they were all nose tackles. After Watson’s second

touchdown and a two-point conversion, the score of the game

was 22–7, and NDSU never looked back. Watson broke the

Bobcats with two offensive touches. The Bisons finished off

Watson’s breakout 2019 season with an undefeated record

and another FCS National Championship.


Watson is an excellent fit with the Packers, especially with

the departure of deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Watson can do all the things Scantling did with the added

versatility of being able to take hand-offs and return kicks.

He’s also a broader, stronger athlete and a better run-blocker.

Watson would accomplish Green Bay’s goals in slightly

different ways than Olave, but he’s still an ideal player to pair

with Lazard, the slot receivers, and any outside veteran Green

Bay might add. Green Bay has shown tremendous interest in

“freak” athletes in the past, and Watson certainly qualifies

as that. Watson could be the next in a line of North Dakota

State guys who’ve made their way from the Frozen Tundra of

Fargo to the regular Frozen Tundra.

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80

> WIDE RECEIVER

Drake London (JR)

3

USC

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 219 lbs.

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

N/A

2021 STATS:

88 rec

1,084 yards (12.2 ypr)

7 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Drake London is a very interesting study. Put

simply, if he’s Mike Evans, it’s amazing. If he’s Laquon

Treadwell, it’s less amazing. London is an unquestioned master

of the contested catch. Of course, the question becomes, “Why

are the defenders always there to contest in the first place?”

Can London not separate? Can he not get open? Does it matter?

Answering that specific question is the key to London being

a big-time difference-maker or another cautionary tale of

popular draft prospects “Mossing” college defensive backs

only to learn they can’t do that against the guys in the NFL.

Positional Skills: London is an ideal “X” receiver in that he’s

very strong throughout his upper body and only the biggest

and best in the NFL are going to be able to press him. His

quicks in the release package are surprisingly impressive for

a receiver of his size. At the top of the route, London doesn’t

possess a ton of “sink” and, as has been discussed, doesn’t

consistently create tremendous separation between himself

and the defender. He’s not stuck vertically, though he does

possess deep speed once a defensive back is stacked. His ball

skills and hands may be the best in this class. He plays the

contested catch situation better than any player in this class.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) credited London with just 10 drops

on 216 career targets over the course of his three-year USC

career. London shows an adequate understanding of where

to break off his route or “sit down” against zone coverages.

His ability to make plays after the catch is also surprising for

a wide receiver with his size. He’ll also run-block well enough

for the Packers to consider him.

BACKGROUND:

London was an unbelievable two-sport athlete in high school

at Moorpark High School in California. He actually committed

to USC as a two-sport athlete. According to 247Sports, London

was the No. 9 shooting guard in his class as well as a top-50

wide receiver in the national rankings. London played one

year of basketball for the Trojans, grabbing three total

rebounds and committing two fouls but failing to score a

point. He did not fail to score for the football team, though.

London was the 2021 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.


The big question Packers fans have is whether or not London

is too similar to current WR2 Allen Lazard. It’s probably not

the right question to ask. London profiles as a legitimate

featured receiver who can stress a defense in ways Mike Evans

can. While both are big receivers, they are certainly not the

same. At this point, Lazard is more of a “big slot” or detached

tight end lauded for his run blocking and his toughness on

third down. Lazard is a great complementary piece. London

is the type of player you select as your featured player then

build your receiving corps working off of his strengths. He

also has the size and the interest to run block, which will

always be important to this offense. Ted Thompson loved

multisport athletes, especially from the Pac-12. London just

might be their guy.

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81

> WIDE RECEIVER

Garrett Wilson (JR)

Ohio State

Jameson Williams (JR)

Alabama

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0”, Weight: 183 lbs., 40 Time: 4.38

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36”, Broad: 123”, 20-yd: 4.36, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A

2021 STATS: 70 rec, 1,058 yards (15.1 ypr), 12 TD, 4 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1”, Weight: 179 lbs., 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 9 rec, 1,572 yards, 19.9 ypr, 15 TD, 3 car, 23 yds

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Wilson is a somewhat mercurial candidate in

that some are convinced he’s the best receiver in the class

while others wonder what he’ll do well at the NFL level. He’s

not particularly big or particularly smooth, but he sure is

electric with the football in his hands. That ability, in addition

to his impressive timed speed in Indianapolis, offer a floor

as a high-level slot receiver/gadget player and a ceiling as a

movable “Z” outside who can win vertically.

Positional Skills: Wilson doesn’t have the sweet, sweet, release

package that would allow him to win on the outside repeatedly,

especially against press coverage. He struggles to consistently

work into the “stack” position with the defensive back. If he

does get open, though, lookout. Wilson is absolutely electric

with the ball in his hands. His burst is elite and the timed

long-speed is certainly adequate. Wilson is an excellent

catcher of the football but is not an elite high-point player. He

will not be a contested-catch player at the next level, at least

not consistently. The key to winning with Garrett Wilson is

going to be getting the ball in his hands in open spaces, either

via the downfield passing game or with manufactured touches.


Wilson’s fit with Green Bay isn’t seamless unless he succeeds

more than most expect he will on the outside or the Packers

become disinterested quickly with last year’s third-round

pick Amari Rodgers. As a slot/gadget type, the Packers may

not be that interested. Still, if Matt LaFleur believes he can

scheme Wilson open, he’s likely to continue to be a problem

in the open field in the National Football League. Pairing

Wilson with a bigger featured receiver like Christian Watson

or George Pickens could provide the Packers with a new vibe

in the receiver room.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Williams is a bit of a one-hit-wonder after

transferring from Ohio State, but had he not torn his ACL in

the CFP National Championship Game he would be battling

Chris Olave for WR1 status. Williams was fluid, explosive,

and extremely productive catching passes from Heisman

Trophy winner Bryce Young. He’s reportedly ahead of

schedule rehab-wise, but teams will still have to weigh

whether or not to use a big-time draft choice on someone who

might not help them this year.

Positional Skills: Williams has, in scouting terms, twitch.

He’s twitched up. He’s sudden. Williams consistently snaps

off clean routes in the short, intermediate, and deep areas

of the field. He separates consistently. He might not quite be

in the “always open” club, but he’s sure close. Williams’

release package is and continues to be quickness-based. He

will not win with strength at his size, but he won’t likely

need to. He’s an angle-eraser with the ball in his hand and

can make defenders miss in the open field if needed. He

tracks the deep ball well but could improve in traffic and in

contested catch situations. He’s pretty slight to be a major

factor as a run-blocker.


Williams is a very intriguing fit with the Packers because of

his injury situation and the plethora of picks Green Bay now

has thanks to the Davante Adams trade. Williams is a likely

top-12 pick without the knee injury. He might not be ready

to contribute in 2022, but the Packers have the “extra” pick

to take a potentially elite player on a “redshirt” season. If the

Packers stay put and take four players in the first two rounds

(and seven in the top 140), it would certainly be alright if one

of them had to sit out.

82

> WIDE RECEIVER

George Pickens (JR)

Georgia

John Metchie (JR)

Alabama

6

7



NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 33”, Broad: 125”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A

NFL COMBINE: N/A (ACL tear)

2021 STATS: 5 rec, 107 yards 0 TD

2021 STATS: 96 rec, 1,142 yards, 8 TD, 1 carry 8 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Pickens is another injury risk, having played in

just four games and catching just five balls in 2021 after tearing

his ACL during spring football. Pickens returned to the Georgia

Bulldogs in just 249 days, considered a medical marvel. He’s

a perimeter threat who loves to dog people in the run game.

He’s a long, thin-framed player with just 24 games of college

football under his belt, but the highs are high, and someone’s

going to pull the trigger on those highs early.

Positional Skills: You might see his height and think he’s a

player that excels at the line of scrimmage, but he needs to

add upper body strength to beat press more consistently. For

a 6’3” player, he is fluid and excels at the top of the route. His

ball skills are tremendous. He tracks the deep ball, highpoints

the football, and shows strong hands through the

catch. Pickens is an excellent deep threat with the ability to

be developed into more than that. He’s probably a strictly

outside receiver.


Pickens is an ideal fit for the Packers because he’s an outside

receiver to pair with slot options Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb,

and Amari Rodgers. More than that, just with the position he

plays, Pickens fills a lot of needs. Marquez Valdes-Scantling

is gone. Pickens is a legitimate deep threat. The Packers love

wide receivers who are competitive and who run block. Do

yourself a favor and watch what Pickens does to Michigan

defensive back Daxton Hill in the College Football Playoffs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Metchie is another Alabama ACL victim,

suffering his injury in early December. Before that, he was

a high-volume playmaker in an impressive Crimson Tide

offense. Metchie is a smaller receiver but one with enough

strength and thickness to play multiple positions. He’s the

classic RAC monster.

Positional Skills: Metchie has a deep bag of tricks in his release

package, arguably the top in this class. He also possesses

enough hand and upper body strength to get off press coverage.

He uses quick-twitch athleticism to win at the top of routes

and is consistently separated from defensive backs. As

mentioned before, Metchie is an elite player after the catch.

His ball skills are simply adequate, not elite. Metchie

occasionally struggles to track the deep ball and doesn’t

always extend his hands away from his body to pluck incoming

passes. Many players his size struggle at the catch point, but

he specifically struggles because of that lack of extension.

Once the ball is in his hands, though, watch out. Metchie is

also a willing, scrappy run blocker for a player of his size.


Metchie would be a fine addition to Green Bay as an outside

“Z” receiver who can occasionally fill in in the slot. The

Packers will want to add a bigger outside body to split reps

with Lazard, but Metchie can play all over the formation.

He’s another player Green Bay will just want to get the football

any way they can. Green Bay’s play-action and waggle/levels

concepts would be an ideal way to get the football in Metchie’s

hands. He may never be a true number one receiver but

profiles as an ideal secondary option.

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83

> WIDE RECEIVER

Treylon Burks (JR)

Arkansas

Skyy Moore (JR)

Western Michigan

8

9


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 33”, Broad: 122”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: 7.28, Bench: N/A

2021 STATS: 66 rec, 1,104 yards, 11 TD, 14 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 34.5”, Broad: 125”, 20-yd: 4.32, 3-cone: 7.13, Bench: N/A

2021 STATS: 95 rec, 1,292 yards, 10 TD, 1 rush, 10 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: At first glance, you want to believe that Treylon

Burks is a bigger Deebo Samuel. Burks lined up all over the

Arkansas offense as a three-year starter and beat up the SEC.

Unfortunately for Burks, he did not test athletically in a way

that would support that thesis. While most will point to

Burks’ mediocre 4.55-second 40-yard dash, his explosive

numbers were poor, and his agility numbers were borderline

horrendous. Things did not improve in a huge way at

Arkansas’ pro day, either. Burks is a classic tape versus

testing prospect.

Positional Skills: Burks was largely a slot receiver for

Arkansas, not exhibiting an advanced release package

(because one wasn’t necessary). As a route runner, he’s a bit

of an unknown work in progress, often working in space

against slot corners, safeties, and linebackers. Burks has

strong hands and a low drop rate. He doesn’t separate from

man coverage consistently. All that said, Burks was a

productive playmaker. After the catch, Burks runs through

arm tackle consistently, as his 225-pound weight may suggest.

Burks also dominates at the catch point with strong hands

and an attacking attitude towards the football. He’s a versatile

football player.


Burks can line up all across the formation, much in the same

way Davante Adams did, but he’d have to win in completely

different ways. A route-you-up maestro, Burks is not. As

mentioned before, Deebo Samuel’s role in Kyle Shanahan’s

offense is the blueprint for Matt LaFleur and Treylon Burks.

The big question is whether or not Burks is athletic enough

to do it. He’ll also need to run block with more effort to fit in

in Green Bay.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Moore is a tremendously productive MAC

product. He was productive from the beginning, as he was

named first-team All-MAC as a true freshman. Due to his size,

he may be pigeonholed into a slot role at the NFL level. Still,

Moore was used more than twice as often on the perimeter

as he was from the slot at WMU. His ability to either stick

outside or be a versatile option that can move around will

have a significant effect on his value. It’s a little concerning

that his least impressive game was against Michigan, a

perceived step up in competition from the MAC.

Positional Skills: Moore lined up plenty outside and did show

an impressive variety in his releases. He paired that with

excellent sink and footwork at the top of the route. He ran

the entire tree from both inside and out for the Broncos. He’s

not a true burner; Moore is more dangerous in the quick

game and the intermediate areas of the field. After the catch,

Moore has adequate wiggle and impressive balance through

contact. He blocks his ass off for a player his size, which Green

Bay will love.


The fit here is the problem, both in what Green Bay usually

drafts and what Green Bay’s receiver room is currently

composed of. He’s shorter than 5’10”, which is usually a no-go

for Green Bay unless you play the position the team apparently

made up for Amari Rodgers. His agility numbers are also not

great, which is generally something the Packers care about.

Green Bay also doesn’t really need another slot option, if

that’s where Moore ends up in the NFL.

84

> WIDE RECEIVER

Jalen Tolbert (rSR)

South Alabama

Jahan Dotson (SR)

Penn State

10

11



2021 STATS: 82 rec, 1,474 yards, 8 TD



2021 STATS: 91 rec, 1,182 yards (13.0 ypr), 12 TD, 6 carries, 18 yards, 1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Tolbert is a productive receiver with well over

3,000 collegiate yards and 20-plus touchdowns at South

Alabama. He has ideal size for an outside receiver. A late

bloomer, Tolbert is a fifth-year player who really broke out

in 2020 and continued his strong play in a dominant way in

2021, but the level of competition is a concern.

Positional Skills: Tolbert is strong enough in the upper body

to rip through press coverage and quick enough with his

feet to win that way, too. Tolbert was so much better than

most of the defensive backs in the Sun Belt that, while he

was an effective route runner, he didn’t need to be an

incredibly detailed one. He’s a twitchy player with the ability

to separate on short and intermediate routes. Tolbert

possesses adequate, if not elite, long speed. He’s spectacular

with the ball in the air and makes tough catches in traffic

consistently. Concentration drops do exist. Tolbert wins from

multiple alignments. He’s a high-effort run blocker with

decent size as well.


Tolbert is a great fit with Green Bay. His Relative Athletic

Score is north of 8.5, and while the Packers don’t likely check

RAS scores themselves, almost all of the outside receivers

they draft are above the 85th percentile. Tolbert is also

versatile positionally and can help be a part of the package

that attempts to replace Davante Adams. His effort in the

run game will not go unnoticed by MLF and the offensive

coaching staff.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Dotson would be described as a “faller” in the

pre-draft process. Often thought of as a slam-dunk top-50

player, Dotson’s size and athleticism have called into question

where he might win at the next level. Short (5’10½”) and slight

(178 pounds), Dotson is unlikely to win on the outside at the

NFL level. His poor 7.28 3-cone time certainly calls into

question his agility and ability to win from the slot. On the

plus side, Dotson is a productive Big Ten receiver with 4.43

deep speed. That can’t be discounted.

Positional Skills: Dotson’s release package is fine but nothing

to write home about. His ability to separate comes from highlevel

footwork at the top of the route and an understanding

of where to cut routes off against zone coverage. Dotson sinks

his hips and changes directions well throughout the route

tree. Dotson possesses strong, excellent hands. He’s not a

body catcher. Dotson is fine after the catch, but he’s not the

joystick/jitterbug you’d want from a smaller receiver. He

competes in the run-block game. He’s a slot-sized receiver

who lined up outside almost exclusively.


It’s very, very unlikely that Green Bay is going to be interested

in Doston. He’s not thick enough to be considered an Amari

Rodgers replacement. If Dotson’s not an Amari Rodgers

replacement, then the Packers have to be evaluating him as

a true wide receiver. Historically, he’s not tall enough, heavy

enough, or agile enough to draw Green Bay’s eye. If he did

end up with the Packers, it would likely be as a smaller outside

receiver, not a play-in, play-out slot weapon.

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85

> WIDE RECEIVER

Khalil Shakir (SR)

Boise State

13 Alec Pierce (SR)

Cincinnati

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

Pierce is a certified freak show. His Relative Athletic Score

checks in north of 9.8 and is actually dragged down by

another poor agility score from Indianapolis. If Pierce

improved that number at Cincy’s pro day, he checks about

every box for Green Bay. Pierce was productive for a very

successful squad in the AAC. He reminds folks of Jordy Nelson

a bit with his work on the sideline. Pierce rarely drops the

football and routinely makes highlight catches. He’s likely

a big slot or a traditional “X” at the next level. He doesn’t

have a ton of wiggle with the ball in his hands. It’s unlikely

he’ll be a huge YAC player at the next level.



2021 STATS: 77 rec, 1,117 yards (14.5 yards per rec), 21 rush, 130 yds

14 Justyn Ross (rJR)


Clemson

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Shakir is a blazer with elite speed and the ability

to stretch the geometry of the offense. Best utilized as a

vertical option, Shakir could use a little nuance to his game,

but he has past production to back up that 40 time. Shakir

is a two-time first-team All-Mountain West performer for

Boise State.

Positional Skills: Shakir’s release game is adequate, nothing

more. His route running is also adequate. His ball skills are

elite. He tracks the ball well with excellent body control while

making adjustments to the flight of the football. He also

extends his hands away from his frame to secure the ball.

Shakir’s ability to run after the catch is very real and might

be his most impressive trait. Boise State used this ability

while getting Shakir the ball on slants and screens. He ran

most of his routes from the slot, though he possesses the size

to pitch in outside. Shakir also helped out on punt return

with 24 career runbacks.


Shakir’s fit with Green Bay likely depends on two things. Can

he help outside and can he improve that 3-cone time at Boise

State’s pro day? Agility numbers were awful across the board

in Indianapolis, which was allegedly due to poor scheduling

for the skill position players. Other than that, from a height,

weight, and speed perspective, Shakir is the kind of player

Green Bay adds all the time. If he can help out with an awful

special teams unit, that’s all the better.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

Ross looked to be well on his way to a future in the top 10

picks in the first round after a 1,000-yard season as a true

freshman for the Clemson Tigers playing with future No. 1

overall choice Trevor Lawrence. After surgery to correct a

spinal condition, Ross never quite regained his form for the

Tigers. He didn’t test very well at Clemson’s pro day, either.

Anyone betting on Ross is hoping he’s still on his way back

to peak form and will stay that way at least through one

rookie contract. Ross’ elite ball skills are his calling card.

He high points the football and possesses a tremendous catch

radius. That’s going to come in handy if he can’t regain some

of that lost athleticism.

15 Isaiah Weston (rSR)


Northern Iowa

IN A NUTSHELL:

A sixth-year player at Northern Iowa, Weston turned plenty

of heads with an impressive performance in Indianapolis.

Anyone running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at 6’3½” and

214 pounds is worth a second look. Weston (though we don’t

have agility scores) is a historically good athlete. His testing

numbers are inside the top 10 all time as a composite score

at the wide receiver position. Weston was tremendously

productive in the MVFC despite spotty quarterback play.

He’s also an older prospect, redshirting in 2016 and taking

a medical redshirt in 2018. He will turn 25 in October of his

rookie season, and he’s competing for a roster spot against

a lot of players 21 or younger who’ll be viewed as having

more “potential.”

86

> WIDE RECEIVER

16 Wan’Dale Robinson (JR) Kentucky 17 David Bell (JR)

Purdue


IN A NUTSHELL:

Due to his height, Robinson is incredibly unlikely to be a

Green Bay Packer, but boy is he fun to watch. He’s also plenty

fast. Robinson profiles as an interesting slot weapon in the

NFL after moving from Nebraska to Kentucky and producing

at a high level in the SEC. He’s not an overly technical route

runner but he possesses tremendous hands and is plenty

shifty in the open field. Despite Robinson’s impressive 40-

yard dash time, it’s his change of direction, not his long

speed, that shows up repeatedly on tape. Some team will be

happy with Robinson as long as it has a role in mind; it just

probably won’t be the Packers.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Bell looked to be one of the top options at wide receiver in

this draft class until his showing in Indianapolis. Bell put

forth a borderline disqualifying performance, putting

together a sub-4 Relative Athletic Score with a 4.65-second

40-yard dash as well as very poor agility and explosive

scores. His 4.57 short shuttle time was particularly damaging.

Bell would have to be the exception, not the rule to carve

out a long-term role in the NFL athletically. On the field, he

was highly productive for Purdue in the Big Ten, so there’s

hope that his performance in Indianapolis was an aberration.

Purdue’s pro day in late March will have been tremendously

important for Bell.

18 Calvin Austin (rSR) Memphis 19 Romeo Doubs (SR)

Nevada



IN A NUTSHELL:

Calvin Austin is short. Short-short. He’s sub-5’8” short. Still,

he’s electric on film and a legitimate freak athlete. His height

and weight drag down his Relative Athletic Score in a big

way, and it’s still north of 9. He possesses elite speed, elite

explosiveness, and elite agility. He’s been productive, too.

Austin has two receiving seasons with more than 1,000 yards,

22 receiving touchdowns, and three touchdowns on the

ground. He’s also an elite punt returner. It’s difficult to

compare Austin to another player quite his size, but if he

can overcome that he could be a devastating weapon. He’ll

have to be the exception.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Doubs finished an excellent career at Nevada with back-toback

1,000-yard seasons. His athletic testing is a mystery as

he sustained a knee injury at the NFL Combine. At this point,

he’s a dynamic athlete on film (especially speed-wise) with

some work to do in the finer points of playing the receiver

position. His speed is evident on film. Doubs does an excellent

job getting stacked and getting open down the field but

struggles to shake defenders in the short and intermediate

areas. He’s very competitive at the catch point. Doubs was

an adequate run blocker, but you’d like to see a little more

attitude from a receiver with his size.

20 Jaivon Heiligh (SR)


Coastal Carolina

IN A NUTSHELL:

Heileigh was viewed as an NFL Combine snub by many, but

his pro day testing laid bare some considerable concerns,

namely his 4.63 40 speed. His agility numbers were poor as

well. Take those numbers, in addition to the lack of any top

competition in the Sun Belt, and Heiligh is in a bit of a free

fall stock-wise. Still, he’s a versatile piece with significant

college production. He’s a sure-handed threat who

understands how to get open and where to hang out in zone

coverage. Unfortunately, those athletic numbers will point

many teams in the other direction. The Packers are likely to

be one of the teams that look the other way.

21 KYLE PHILLIPS (rJR) UCLA

22 KEVIN AUSTIN (JR) Notre Dame

23 DAI’JEAN DIXON (SR) Nicholls State

24 TYQUAN THORNTON (SR) Baylor

25 SAMOURI TOURE (SR) Nebraska

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


87

TE

Position Analysis:

JOHN DINSE

IS A I A H

LIKELY

TE, COASTAL CAROLINA

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 TREY MCBRIDE

Colorado State

02 ISAIAH LIKELY

Coastal Carolina

03 JALEN WYDERMYER

Texas A&M

04 JEREMY RUCKERT

Ohio State

05 CHARLIE KOLAR

Iowa State

06 CADE OTTON

Washington

07 COLE TURNER

Nevada

08 JAKE FERGUSON

Wisconsin

09 JELANI WOODS

Virginia

10 GREG DULCICH

UCLA

11 DANIEL BELLINGER

San Diego State

12 DERRICK DEESE JR.

San Jose State

13 NICK MUSE

South Carolina

14 CHASE ALLEN

Iowa State

15 JAMES MITCHELL

Virginia Tech

16 AUSTIN ALLEN

Nebraska

17 GERRIT PRINCE

UAB

18 GRANT CALCATERRA

SMU

19 CURTIS HODGES

Arizona State

20 PEYTON HENDERSHOT

Indiana

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88

> TIGHT END

MEASURABLES:

Trey McBride (SR) Colorado State

Height: 6’3 1/2’’

1

Weight: 246 lbs.

Arm Length: 32 ½”

Hand size: 10 1/8”

Wing: 78 5/8’’

40-yard: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 33’’

Broad: 9.09’’

Bench: 18 reps

2021 STATS:

90 rec

1,121 yds

12.5 avg.

1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: McBride stands out on film for his positional

versatility within the Colorado State offense, a quality that

has become almost a must in the modern NFL. The fourth-year

senior is a good athlete, which is apparent with the ball in his

hand as a receiver. McBride excelled as the primary receiving

threat for the Rams in 2021, racking up 90 receptions for 1,121

yards, but what stands out is the way he did it.

Positional Skills: McBride has a conventional route tree for a

tight end but was featured in a variety of roles to maximize

his talents in the pass game. He does a great job of using his

hands and rarely lets the ball get into his frame. He has more

than adequate speed to excel in the slot, cross the formation

on a deep cross, and win vertically versus a safety—all of

which he does throughout the 2021 tape. The Rams did an

excellent job of getting him the ball in space and allowing

him to run after the catch, which is where he truly excels. He

provides a big target for a quarterback and is extremely

dependable with his hands. He is as close to NFL-ready in the

passing game as you will find amongst the tight end’s prospects

in this year’s draft.

As a blocker, McBride is physical enough and can play at the

line of scrimmage. His size does offer some limitations as an

inline blocker, but he is more than adequate in space and

moving across the formation in zone blocking schemes. He is

not an overpowering blocker but stays engaged and plays

with effort.

BACKGROUND:

McBride was a standout athlete at Fort Morgan High School

in Fort Morgan, Colorado, where he excelled as a three-sport

athlete. McBride still holds the title of the school’s all-time

leader in points scored in basketball as well as home runs

and runs batted in as a baseball player. However, he excelled

as a football player both on offense and defense, earning 3A

All-Colorado as a junior and senior. While at Colorado State,

McBride played in 40 games over his career and earned firstteam

All-Mountain West honors as a sophomore in 2019,

second-team as a junior in 2020, and first-team as a senior in

2021. McBride was named the Mackey Award winner as the

nation’s best tight end in 2021 while also earning unanimous

All-American, the first in school history.


Like most positions, given the Packers’ salary cap constraints,

there is an immediate and future need on the roster at the

tight end position. McBride is the type of movable chess piece

that Matt LaFleur loves as part of his offensive attack. His

ability to split out, play as a wing or move player, and be an

inline traditional Y make him an ideal fit with the Packers at

a key position of need. With a similar profile as Josiah Deguara,

the Packers should take a hard look at McBride given his skill

set and his pro-readiness as a receiver. On tape, you can see

a lot of concepts within his route tree similar to the Packer

offensive attack that LaFleur employs. That scheme-familiarity

should excite the personnel department.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


89

> TIGHT END

MEASURABLES:

Isaiah Likely (rSR) Coastal Carolina

Height: 6’4’’

2

Weight: 245 lbs.

Arm Length: 31 7/8”

Hand size: 10”

40-yard: 4.57

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 36’’

2021 STATS:

59 rec

912 yds

15.5 avg.

2 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Isaiah Likely is a senior tight end prospect from

Coastal Carolina who excelled as a pass catcher within the

Chanticleers offense. Likely had a successful college career

and went from an unranked prospect to a John Mackey award

semifinalist. His ability to stretch the field while also winning

from the slot as a receiver will translate well into the NFL.

He has NFL-level speed, running 4.57 in the 40-yard dash at

the NFL Combine, which is important to verify what you see

on tape versus Sun Belt defenders.

Positional Skills: As a receiver, Likely is smooth out of his

breaks and can win one-on-one versus a slot defender or a

safety. On vertical releases, you see smooth running motion

and good stem lines to create separation. The ball gets into

his body at times and doesn’t always seem clean, but he rarely

drops the ball. He shows versatility in alignment and has an

NFL-ready route tree given the concepts Coastal Carolina

employed during his career. Likely plays with good balance

and shows great football IQ given all of the roles he plays.

In the run game, Likely is a willing blocker. He plays with

good effort and can be seen playing to the whistle in space.

Not a technician by any stretch, Likely will need to improve

his overall strength and technique in the NFL to become a

more complete player and stay on the field. Overall, his

versatility is a strength, and you can see fits within most

offenses as a move piece, but it remains to be seen if he can

play inline as a traditional Y.

BACKGROUND:

Isaiah Likely helped lead Everett High School in Cambridge,

Massachusetts, to a No.1 state ranking, the state’s top-rated

offense, and a Division I Super Bowl Championship in his

senior year. While at Everett, he was part of the school’s

19-consecutive game-winning streak and back-to-back

championships. During his career at Coastal Carolina, Likely

played in 48 games for the Chanticleers. He caught 133 passes

for a total of 2,050 yards while racking up 27 career

touchdowns. Likely has a long list of postseason honors

throughout his career, highlighted by earning first-team All

Sun-Belt as a junior in 2020 senior in 2020. Following his senior

year in 2021, Likely was named a semifinalist for the John

Mackey award for the nation’s top tight end. He graduated in

December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and

sport management.


Likely is a player the Packers offensive staff will become

enamored with given his usage in the Chanticleers offense.

He aligns in the slot, inline as a traditional Y, and as an H-back;

this versatility immediately will grab the attention of most

teams. His playmaking ability with the ball in his hands as

well as his vertical speed make him the type of player Coach

LaFleur covets. He truly has Josiah Deguara vibes, and we see

where that landed him on the Packers board. The big difference

between Likely and Deguara is Likely’s suddenness as an

athlete. Whether on an out route versus a linebacker, in the

slot, or on a flat route out of the backfield, Likely truly looks

comfortable in the pass game. Likely would immediately

upgrade the tight end room at 1265 Lombardi.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


90

> TIGHT END

Jalen Wydermyer (JR)

3

Texas A&M

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’3 7/8’’

Weight: 255 lbs.


Hand Size: 9 ¾”

Wing: 81’’

PRO DAY:

5.02 40-yd

Vertical: 25.5”

Broad: 9.1”

2021 STATS:

40 rec

515 yds

12.9 avg.

4 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jalen Wydermyer is a prospect who stands out

for his playmaking ability in the pass game during his tenure

at Texas A&M. The Dickinson, Texas, native started for the

Aggies as a freshman and immediately jumped onto the scene,

earning Freshman All-American honors. While at College

Station, Wydermyer showed flashes of brilliance that put him

on the radar of NFL teams, which led to him declaring for the

draft following his junior season.

Positional Skills: As a receiver, Wydermyer played from a

variety of alignments during his tenure at College Station but

is ideally a move piece and can operate in the slot. He has good

straight-line speed and gets on top of the defender with ease

given his long stride. However, he isn’t just a straight-line

runner. He runs routes with good body control and can stem

well to create separation. His hands were inconsistent in 2021,

but it doesn’t appear to really be a mechanical issue but rather

a concentration issue for Wydermyer.

As a run blocker, Wydermyer has a lot of work in front of

him. He does make good initial contact and is in position but

rarely gets movement past his initial punch. He does not play

with a lot of effort and will quit on plays once beat. Overall,

he must get stronger and has to be committed to the work as

a blocker.

The separation of Wydermyer as a prospect in the run game

versus the pass game makes his evaluation complicated. You

can see him excelling as a receiver and teams making teams

fall in love with him, but he is the type of prospect that scouts

will fall out of love with throughout the evaluation process

because of his effort as a blocker.

BACKGROUND:

Jalen Wydermyer was a standout at Dickinson High School

prior to joining the Aggies in 2019. Wydermyer made an

immediate impact as a freshman, playing in 13 games and

starting 11 of them. As a freshman, he led the team with six

receiving touchdowns and grabbed national attention. As a

result, he was recognized to the All-SEC Freshman team.

Over the next two seasons in College Station, Wydermyer

played in and started 22 games. During his career, he caught

118 passes for a total of 1,468 yards while racking up 16

career touchdowns and finished as a two-time John Mackey

Award semi-finalist (2021, 2020) as the one of the nation’s

top tight ends. Wydermyer declared for the draft following

his junior year.


Wydermyer is the type of prospect that you can dream about

because of his raw skills and upside, but his evaluation is

complicated because he didn’t appear to improve from his

standout freshman season. You can view this as either his

best football is ahead of him or he has plateaued as a player.

You hope that as a pro, you will begin to see his growth as a

player. While at Texas A&M, Wydermyer showed a lot on tape

that fits into the Packers style of offense. He can be a moveable

piece that Coach LeFleur can create matchup problems with,

especially in the middle of the field. He will have to improve

as a blocker to stay on the field as a pro, but he has a lot of

Jermichael Finley vibes to him as a prospect, and that worked

out well for the Green and Gold.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


91

> TIGHT END

Jeremy Ruckert (SR)

Ohio State

Charlie Kolar (rSR)

Iowa State

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5 ½’’, Weight: 252 lbs., Arm Length: 32 5/8’’, Hand size: 10 1/8’’,

Wing: 79 1/8’’, 40-yard: DNP

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 19 Reps

2021 STATS: 26 rec, 309 yds, 11.9 avg., 3 TDs

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6 ½’’, Weight: 252 lbs., Arm Length: 34 ½’’, Hand size: 10’’, Wing: 81 1/8’’


2021 STATS: 62 rec, 756 yds, 12.2 avg., 6 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jeremy Ruckert is a senior tight end prospect

from Ohio State who served as a complementary piece within

the high-powered Buckeye offense that featured some of the

top talent in the country.

Positional Skills: In the pass game, Ruckert played a key role

within the offense as a safety valve and within the Buckeyes

play-action game. While at Ohio State, Ruckert was used

primarily as an H-back but also aligned and motioned to split

end. He does a good job of stemming his routes to create space

on vertical releases and sells his routes well with his eyes.

Ruckert secures the ball away from his body and has really

good hands. He has room for growth in the details of his

underneath routes. The Ohio State scheme often got him open,

but in the pros, he will have to be a refined route runner.

As a run blocker, Ruckert plays with good effort and leverage.

He could benefit from increased strength and will need to

get better with his overall technique. He lunges too often on

contact and struggles with resetting his hands after he

becomes detached from the block.


Ruckert is a good development prospect who has the skill

set to develop into a starter at the next level. Playing at the

highest level in college football, Ruckert stood out even in

an offense that didn’t feature him as the primary target. He

is an above-average athlete, and with coaching and improved

strength, this Day 2–3 pick could benefit the Packers as a

true high-ceiling/low-floor player. He fits within the Packers

mold for the position as he is versatile and a true moveable

chess piece.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Charlie Kolar is a redshirt senior tight end

prospect from Iowa State who stands out on tape for his

versatility and competitiveness. The Cyclones’ spread offense

placed Kolar in a variety of alignments, including split out

as a receiver, in the wing position, or inline as a Y. He served

as a primary target and played a key role in the offensive

attack for Iowa State.

Positional Skills: In the pass game Kolar served as the primary

target underneath and in the middle of the field for

quarterback Brock Purdy. Kolar has good balance in and out

of his breaks and displayed great hands throughout his

career. He doesn’t stand out as an athlete but wins at the catch

point regardless if he is open or on a contested catch. While

he doesn’t have breakaway speed, he can win down the field.

As a blocker, he is solid, and with added strength, he could

really excel at the next level. Whether inline or as a wing,

Kolar shows great effort and technique. He plays with good

leverage and hand placement and will play to the whistle. In

space, he can get beat with speed and doesn’t always take

great angles.


It is hard to find tight ends in college football that get enough

reps as an inline blocker to evaluate their ability to play that

spot in the NFL. Kolar brings that skill set and has the tape

to immediately catch the attention of the Packers offensive

staff, especially considering the importance of this role

within the offense in Green Bay. Kolar also has versatility to

play all the required roles in Green Bay and would be an

ideal fit as a Day 2 or 3 pick for the Packers.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


92

> TIGHT END

Cade Otton (rSR)

Washington

Cole Turner (SR)

Nevada

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5’’, Weight: 247 lbs., Arm Length: 32 ¾’’, Hand size: 9 ½’’,

Wing: 79 ½’’, 40-yard: DNP

NFL COMBINE: DNP


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6 ½’’, Weight: 249 lbs., Arm Length: 33’’, Hand size: 9 ¾’’,

Wing: 78 1/4’’, 40-yard: 4.76

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 17 reps, 3 cone: 7.06, Shuttle: 4.41, Vertical: 27’’, Broad: 10’’


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Cade Otton is a redshirt senior tight end prospect

from Washington who stands out on tape given his ideal

frame and red zone efficiency for the Huskies offense. Otton

shows high football IQ and the versatility to align in multiple

positions within the offense. While he doesn’t stand out

athletically on tape, he is more than adequate against Pac-12

defenders.

Positional Skills: In the pass game, Otton is a big target and

can control the middle of the field as a mismatch given his

size. He is not overly smooth out of his breaks but can get

separation in space running away from defenders on play

action. Overall, he catches the ball away from his frame and

is a consistent and reliable target for his quarterback.

As a blocker he truly has the potential to be good. He wins

with his frame and strength but can get even better with

improved technique. Otton can struggle at the second level

with movement, but if he gets his hands on you it’s over.


With Marcedes Lewis soon to turn 38, the Packers have an

immediate need for a traditional Y within their offense.

Players with the skill set to play the position are hard to find

as college offenses have transitioned to more spread attacks.

However, this draft is filled with potential complete tight

ends the Packers could target, and Otton is right at the top of

the list. He has some position versatility but could figure into

the offense quickly as an inline player.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Cole Turner is a senior tight end from Nevada

who made the move to the position in 2020 from wide receiver.

Turner’s true calling card as a prospect is as a receiving

threat at the next level. He has good hands and secures the

ball in traffic as well as on contested catches. The Wolfpack

featured him in the red zone as a jump ball target given his

experience and skill set.

Positional Skills: As a blocker, Turner is still a novice in many

respects but wasn’t asked to block much for the Wolfpack.

He possesses an impressive frame but will need to add muscle

to become more effective as a run blocker. His technique is

solid, especially given his limited experience, but he really

struggles with power and resetting his hands.

In the pass game, he is fluid out of his cuts against the talent

within the Mountain West. He wins with his frame and will

need to become more nuanced in his route running at the

next level. His combine numbers raised a red flag on his

overall athleticism, as the tape makes him appear more

superior than the measurables.


Cole Turner possesses a unique skill set, but very little of

what he’s put on tape resembles how the tight end is used in

Green Bay. However, his frame and receiving skills make

him a developmental prospect that teams will see potential

in as a Day 3 prospect. He will need to grow as a blocker, and

the Packers will have to be patient with him, but his upside

is intriguing, and he could grow into a rotational player for

the Packers.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


93

> TIGHT END

Jake Ferguson (rSR)

Wisconsin

Jelani Woods (SR)

Virginia

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4 7/8’’, Weight: 250 lbs., Arm Length: 32 5/8’’, Hand size: 9 ½’’,

Wing: 77 ¼’’, 40-yard: 4.81

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 15 Reps, 3 Cone: 7.03, Shuttle: 4.48, Vertical: 31½’’, Broad: 9.10’


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’7’’, Weight: 259 lbs., Arm Length: 34 1/8’’, Hand size: 9¼’’,

Wing: 82’’, 40-yard: 4.61

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 24 Reps


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jake Ferguson is a redshirt senior tight end

prospect from Wisconsin who served as the primary receiving

threat for the Badgers throughout his career, and he was a

more than capable blocker within their run heavy offense

Positional Skills: In the pass game, Ferguson plays the critical

role of controlling the middle of the field and wins with good

technique and physicality as a route runner. Ferguson runs

a full route tree for the position, and while he doesn’t possess

great speed, he finds a way to get open consistently. Ferguson

has decent hands and can be trusted by his quarterback in

a contested catch.

As a run blocker, Ferguson was a consistent factor as a move

piece within the offense and can be seen blocking at the point

of the attack from the tight end position or as a puller. He has

good balance and technique and plays with good effort. He

is not a dominating player in the run game, but he can do

more than just get in the way. Ferguson needs to get stronger

and technically improve when he becomes detached from a

defender. In space, he doesn’t have great mobility and gets

beat by speed too often.


Ferguson fits the Packers offense as a complimentary piece

of the puzzle and could develop from a depth piece into a

rotational tight end in the future. He plays with good football

IQ and technique within a pro-style offense. The Packers love

11 and 12 personnel, and they love players with move

alignment versatility—Ferguson checks all those boxes.

Overall, Ferguson can play at the next level, and the Packers

could be a good fit.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jelani Woods is an ascending tight end prospect

from Virginia who jumped onto the scene after a solid 2021

campaign for the Cavaliers. The redshirt senior has a massive

frame but is still learning the position; the former quarterback

made the switch to tight end in 2017.

Positional Skills: As a blocker, Woods is competitive and plays

with an edge. He is physical and stands out for his effort.

Though his measurables are impressive, he needs to continue

to work on his pad level and play with better leverage. He

delivers a good punch but has a hard time staying connected

to his assignment. Woods’ best position is in the box. His

lateral agility in space can be exposed by quicker defenders.

As a pass catcher, he has the potential to be a mismatch for

defenses. He needs work as a route runner and has very limited

nuance to his game, but his straight-line speed jumps off the

screen. He has heavy feet, but at full speed he can break away

from defenders and get separation. Overall, his hands are

inconsistent, and at times it looks like he is fighting the ball.


Woods has the size and athleticism to immediately grab the

attention of the Packers scouting department. His breakout

2021 season put him on the map as a prospect, and his

measurables during the combine cemented him on the draft

board. For the Packers, he is the ideal fit because he will have

time to refine his skills as both a receiver and a blocker.

Having a veteran like Marcedes Lewis to learn from is the

perfect scenario for Woods, and it’s ideal for the Packers to

groom a replacement for the Big Dog.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


94

> TIGHT END

Greg Dulcich (SR)

UCLA

Daniel Bellinger (rSR)

San Diego State

10

11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4’’, Weight: 243 lbs., Arm Length: 33 3/8’’, Hand size: 97/8’’,

Wing: 80¾’’, 40-yard: 4.70

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 16 Reps, 3 Cones: 7.05, Shuttle: 4.37, Vertical: 34’’, Broad: 10.02’’


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4 7/8’’, Weight: 253 lbs., Arm Length: 32 1/2’’, Hand size: 10 1/8’’,

Wing: 76 5/8’’, 40-yard: 4.63

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 22 Reps, 3 cone: 7.05, Shuttle: 4.47, Vertical: 34.5’’, Broad: 10.05’’


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Greg Dulcich is a senior tight end for UCLA and

stands out primarily as a receiver in space for the Bruins. His

versatility within the UCLA offense should draw the attention

of evaluators as they project him at the next level.

Positional Skills: In the pass game, Dulich has good straightline

speed and is an above average athlete. He excels as a

route runner within the Bruins attack, which makes sense

given he started his career as a wide receiver. The Bruin

standout shows good balance in his change of direction

within his routes and plays with an advanced skill set in the

pass game although his hands are just average at this point.

As a run blocker, Dulcich is simply average. Given the Bruins

spread attack, you see Dulcich primarily in space as a blocker

and he can cover up defenders in space but doesn’t really do

anything special. He will need to get stronger to become a

factor as a true H-back in the NFL. It is hard to see a role for

him at the next level if he doesn’t improve as a blocker.


Given the Packers usage of the H-back and the flexibility of

that player to play in the backfield, Dulcich has a place in the

Packers offense potentially. He needs to improve in his

strength and technique as a blocker, but he could be a real

threat as a pass catcher in the future with those improvements.

Dulcich is a likely Day 3 pick and when evaluating those types

of players, you want to see upside as an option which Dulcich

possesses.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Daniel Bellinger is a tight end prospect who

exploded onto the scene with an impressive showing at

the NFL Combine following his senior campaign for San

Diego State.

Positional Skills: As a receiver, Bellinger shows good balance

and footwork as a route runner. The former Aztec standout

gets in and out of his breaks well and impresses with his

catch and run ability. Overall, he is a solid Y prospect as a

receiver with a solid route tree and skill level for the position.

His hands are smooth, and he looks comfortable with the

ball in his hand. Bellinger did a good job in limited

opportunities winning on contested balls. It is likely his best

football is ahead of him.

Bellinger possesses a solid build for an inline tight end

prospect but doesn’t always show it as a blocker. He will need

to get better with his technique and consistency to stick on

an NFL roster. He shows good hand placement but doesn’t

always play with great leverage and angles to maintain blocks

after initial contact.


Bellinger truly is a balanced prospect with the ability to

develop and as a receiver and blocker at the next level. The

Packers will like his ability as an inline blocker but also the

potential versatility he could offer in the future. He shares

a lot of similarities with Robert Tonyan as a prospect.

Bellinger is an under-the-radar prospect who can contribute

as a rookie, given the right situation, but will need work to

grow into a consistent contributor in the future.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


95

> TIGHT END

Derrick Deese Jr. (SR)

San Diego State

13 Nick Muse (rSr)

South Carolina

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4 1/2’’, Weight: 258 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Nick Muse is an under-the-radar prospect who showed great

dual-threat ability as a blocker and receiver while playing

for the Gamecocks. Muse has good hands and shows good

balance and agility in space with the ball in his hand. His

route tree is traditional for a tight end, but he can win in

space versus a safety and excel on underneath routes. Muse

has a solid frame and shows good strength at the point of

attack. He should be a more than average blocker in the

NFL. The brother of Raiders third-round pick Tanner Muse,

Nick transferred to South Carolina from FCS William &

Mary in 2019.


PRO DAY: 4.693 40-yd, Vertical: 31.9”, Broad: 10.00”, Bench 18


14 Chase Allen (rSR)


Iowa State

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Derrick Deese Jr. is a senior tight end prospect

from San Diego State who shows potential as a receiver

because of his balance and athleticism. The son of former

NFL offensive lineman Derrick Deese, Deese Jr. transferred

to San Jose State in 2019 but truly didn’t emerge until this

past season.

Positional Skills: As a blocker, he plays with toughness and

uses his hands well both inline and in space. His technique

is less refined than you would expect given his football

upbringing, but it’s something that can be fixed. He will have

to get stronger and add onto his frame to hold up at the next

level, but the potential is there.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Chase Allen fits the mold of a modern-day tight end with a

little bit of an old-school feel as you watch the Iowa State

tape. He possesses ideal size and has an astounding 82½-inch

wingspan. Allen showed great versatility within the Cyclones

offense, something NFL teams will be excited about. He

needs to get stronger and work on staying connected as a

blocker, as he often doesn’t sustain past initial contact. As a

receiver, he has solid hands and moves well with the ball in

his hands. Allen is a more than adequate athlete who was

overshadowed by Charlie Kolar but is a legitimate NFL

prospect in his own regard. His best football is probably in

front of him.

As a receiver, Deese Jr. is more of an intermediate route

runner but shows good nuance. He had a limited route tree

in college, so he’ll need a lot of development in this area to

adapt to the NFL. However, he looks the part on tape and

possesses consistent hands overall.


Derrick Deese Jr. shows immediate fit with the Packers on

tape for the ceiling he possesses. As a Day 2 or 3 prospect,

upside is such a great calling card for a prospect to have, and

Deese Jr. fits this mold. Obviously, having a father that played

in the NFL brings noteworthy attention, but what you see on

tape is just raw talent thus far. His ceiling can be as a

rotational player or mid-tier starter thanks to his potential

talent and his athleticism.

15 James Mitchell (SR)


Virginia Tech

IN A NUTSHELL:

James Mitchell entered the 2021 season as a pre-season All-

ACC team member only to have his season end after two

games with a season ending knee injury. As a prospect, he

has shown good athleticism and enough agility to make you

believe he can be a receiving threat at the next level. Mitchell

plays with good effort and is overall technically sound as a

receiver and blocker. However, he has a hard time with

physicality; while he can get stronger, his frame puts him

on the smaller side of the prospect rankings. How he returns

from injury will be critical to his overall evaluation and

future success.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


96

> TIGHT END

16 Austin Allen (rJR) Nebraska 17 Gerrit Prince (rSR)

UAB

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’7 ½’’, Weight: 253 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Standing over 6’7”, Austin Allen is a mountain of a man and

immediately stands out on tape as a result. While his stature

is impressive, the Nebraska offense never really put him in

a position to truly excel. Allen is a prototypical Y who will

make an NFL roster as a rotational tight end because of his

blocking skills. Allen will have to continue to get stronger

and focus on pad level at the next level. He is a good enough

athlete and excels as a straight-line runner in the pass game.

His long strides allow him to gain separation in space, and

he has really reliable hands.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Gerrit Prince is a tight end who jumped on the radar of scouts

as the leading receiver for the Dragons in 2021. The redshirt

senior is a receiver first-prospect who excels with the ball

in his hand. Prince has the look and feel of a possession

receiver more than a tight end throughout the tape, showing

good route running ability. As a blocker, he plays with effort

and technique but doesn’t possess great strength. To stick

in the NFL, he will have to improve as a blocker, but he gets

an invite to the party because he is an elite receiver.

18 Grant Calcaterra (SR) SMU 19 Curtis Hodges (SR)

Arizona State

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3 7/8’’, Weight: 241 lbs.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Calcaterra is a truly complicated evaluation because of his

history with concussions, which forced him to retire from

the sport in November 2019 at the age of 20 while at

Oklahoma. As a prospect, Calcaterra is an athletic tight end

with good ball skills and excels as a receiver. He is undersized

for the position in the NFL and is most likely destined for an

H-back role. The former SMU Mustang struggles as an inline

blocker and has a limited ceiling to grow in this space. He

is not overly physical in the pass game and can be bullied

with press coverage. Calcaterra does have the speed and

talent to find a role as a receiver, especially as a move player,

in the NFL.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Curtis Hodges is a long and lanky tight end prospect from

Arizona State who stands out for his potential as a receiver.

The graduate student has Joseph Fauria vibes as a prospect,

and he could be a red zone matchup issue for defenses, but

he offers little polish in any other area of his game. He looks

great in space and while running in a straight line but will

need lots of development to grow into anything more than

a practice squad player with potential. Hodges has NFL

athleticism and teams will love his potential, but the

organization will have to be patient with his development

to see a return on investment.

20 Peyton Hendershot (rSR)


Indiana

IN A NUTSHELL:

Peyton Hendershot is a tight end who excels because of his

versatility in the Hoosiers offense. Nothing about

Hendershot’s game stands out on film but his consistency.

As a receiver, he has average hands but doesn’t let the ball

get into his body, and he rarely drops a pass. He is primarily

a secondary option and has a traditional route tree for the

position. As a blocker, he plays with effort until the whistle

but is merely adequate. Overall, Hendershot should be in an

NFL camp and, with time, could develop into a rotational

player if he can stick on a roster through special teams.

21 LUCAS KRULL (rSR) Pittsburgh

22 JOHN FITZPATRICK (JR) Arkansas

23 TEAGAN QUITORIANO (JR) Oregon State

24 BRADEN GALLOWAY (SR) Clemson

25 DANIEL BARKER (JR) Illinois

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97

OT

Position Analysis:

“JERSEY AL”

BRACCO

EVAN

NEAL

OT, ALABAMA

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 EVAN NEAL

Alabama

02 IKEM EKWONU

North Carolina State

03 CHARLES CROSS

Mississippi State

04 BERNHARD RAIMANN

Central Michigan

05 TREVOR PENNING

Northern Iowa

06 TYLER SMITH

Tulsa

07 ABRAHAM LUCAS

Washington State

08 DANIEL FAALELE

Minnesota

09 NICK PETIT-FRERE

Ohio State

10 DARIAN KINNARD

Kentucky

11 MAX MITCHELL

Louisiana–Lafayette

12 RASHEED WALKER

Penn State

13 SPENCER BURFORD

Texas-San Antonio

14 THAYER MUNFORD JR.

Ohio State

15 VERDERIAN LOWE

Illinois

16 BRAXTON JONES

So Utah State.

17 MATT WALETZKO

North Dakota

18 KELLEN DIESCH

Arizona State

19 ANDREW STEUBER

Michigan

20 DARE ROSENTHAL

Kentucky

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98

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Evan Neal (JR)

1

Alabama

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’8”

Weight: 350 lbs.

Arm Length: 34”

Wingspan: 83”

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

DNP

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Neal was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle

recruit in the nation out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

He chose Alabama over Florida and immediately found his

way into a starting spot for the Crimson Tide as a freshman,

although at the guard position. Not just a huge body, Neal has

been called the “most impressive lower body power athlete we

have ever seen” by Alabama Director of Sport Science Matt

Rhea. Regularly performing box jumps of 48 inches, his jumping

power is in the top one percent ever measured at Alabama.

Positional Skills: Neal has obviously benefitted from some elite

coaching at IMG Academy and Alabama. He is one of the best

technicians at the tackle position entering the draft in years.

His footwork, knee bend, and hand placement/fighting are

top-notch. Neal shows a fast step and smooth kick slide into

his pass set resulting in rarely being caught off balance. Neal

keeps rushers at arm’s length and out of his body with a violent

punch that often stuns pass-rushers. If rushers get their hands

on him, he quickly swats them away and disengages. Neal

processes stunts quickly and correctly every time. He will

need to adapt to the pure speed of some pass-rushers at the

pro level, but so will every other tackle prospect.

In the run game, Neal maintains excellent pad level despite

his height. He executes all blocks asked of him and easily peels

off combo blocks at the right time to take out linebackers at

the next level. Neal also shows more than adequate ability to

pull or get out on screens adeptly.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Neal was an immediate starter as a freshman, finding his way

into the starting lineup at the left guard spot for one season.

He obviously adapted well to the new position, as he was

named to several Freshman All-American teams. As a

sophomore, he was moved to right tackle while future firstround

pick (No. 17 to the Raiders) Alex Leatherwood manned

the left tackle spot. Together, they were part of a dominant

offensive line that helped lead the Crimson Tide to their 18th

national championship title. With Leatherwood moving on

to the NFL in 2021, Neal stepped into his preferred left tackle

position and didn’t miss a beat, allowing only two sacks for

the entire season and earning consensus first-team All-

American honors.


Face it—there is no way the Packers will get their hands on

Evan Neal unless they pull off a Herschel Walker–type trade

and end up with a top-five pick. But just for the fun of it, let’s

pretend that somehow happens. Picture an offensive line with

David Bakhtiari and Evan Neal as a pair of bookend All-Pro

tackles—because that’s what they would be. And when

Bakhtiari finishes out his contract, Evan Neal takes over at

left tackle, giving the Packers almost two decades of elite NFL

talent at left tackle. {Fade back in…} OK, it was nice to dream,

but this isn’t happening. Still, a fundamentally sound, schemediverse

Neal would be perfect for the Packers, especially as

they are now mixing in power runs with their traditional

zone runs.

Neal is not flashy, and he won’t “wow” you consistently, but

he can play in any blocking scheme and is as safe a pick at

offensive tackle as there has been in the last five years.

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99

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

MEASURABLES:

Ikem Ekwonu (JR) North Carolina State

Height: 6’4”

2

Weight: 320 lbs.

Arm Length: 34”

Wingspan: 84 ¼”

40 Time: 4.93 (1.76 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 29”

Broad: 108”

20-yd: 4.73

3-cone: 7.82

Bench: DNP

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: The son of Nigerian parents, “Ickey,” as he is

called, is just another athlete in a family of athletes. His father

was a basketball player in Nigeria, his mother a high school

track athlete, and his fraternal twin brother is a linebacker

for Notre Dame. Ekwonu was also a wrestler in high school,

something more often associated with defensive players, and

that aggressive mentality shows in his play on the field. Off

the field, he’s an ace in the classroom, having received offers

from both Harvard and Yale.

Positional Skills: Ekwonu is a high-effort, whatever-it-takes

type but is a bit raw as a pass protector. He’s not the most

technical of tackles, but it didn’t matter much at the college

level, where he dominated his opponents. He will need to

improve his footwork, hand placement, and punch to be a

consistent pass protector. He is sometimes susceptible to inside

moves as he tends to get wider than necessary in his pass sets.

There will likely be some occasional nerves-inducing snaps

in pass protection as a first-year starter, but his motivation

and upside are huge. All of the physicality and athleticism

needed is there in droves.

As a run blocker, he can simply overpower opponents, yet he

moves so easily in zone run fits. He’s quick enough to execute

reach blocks and is very effective in hitting his targets at the

second level. Ikem also shows excellent change of direction

ability for such a huge human. In contrast to his mildmannered

demeanor off the field, he’s downright nasty on it,

playing to the echo of the whistle. Don’t be standing around

watching the play around Ikem—he will find you and serve

you a healthy helping of turf. The man lives for pancakes,

having registered 150 over three seasons.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Ekwonu was a humble three-star recruit out of Providence

Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received offers

from Ivy League Schools Harvard and Yale as well as NC State.

In the end, he decided to stay close to home and compete for

the Wolfpack. As a freshman, he earned the starting left tackle

job in game six and held that spot for the remainder of the

season, garnering freshman All-American honors. Ekwonu

started his first four games as a sophomore at left guard before

moving back to the left tackle spot, where he remained for

two seasons. In 2021, Ekwonu capped off his college career

by being named a consensus first-team All-American. Oh, and

did I mention he finished his college career with over 150

pancake blocks?


His full name (Ikemefuna) translates to “my effort will not

be in vain.” It’s rather appropriate, as he gives everything he

has on the field, sometimes on the edge of too much. He’s

competitive, motivated, and never satisfied but not always

fundamentally sound. He will need some coaching up in pass

protection. And there lies the rub when it comes to the Packers.

Despite all the upside, he’s simply not their type. If you

consider David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, and Billy Turner, all

were better technicians than physical freaks when drafted,

He also has never played right tackle, which is where he would

end up with the Packers. Ekwonu will be a top-10 pick for a

team that doesn’t need to win right now and can afford a few

early growing pains to reap big rewards down the line. That’s

not the Packers.

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100

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Charles Cross (rSO)

3

Mississippi State

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 310 lbs.

Arm Length: 34 ½”

Wingspan: 81”

40 Time: 4.95 (1.73 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 25”

Broad: 112”

20-yd: 4.13

3-cone: 7.88

Bench: DNP

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Initially a three-star recruit as a junior out of

Laurel High School in Mississippi, Cross found his motivation

and went to work. A year later and after a few All-Star

appearances, Cross became a five-star recruit, ranked as the

No. 1 overall prospect in the state and a top-20 prospect in the

nation. He originally committed to Florida State but ultimately

decided to stay closer to home.

Positional Skills: Cross is built like a big tight end—he will

need to add some strength and “sand in the pants” for life in

the NFL trenches, and luckily he has the frame to do it. He

possesses fast and active feet and consistently shows good

balance without any wasted steps when he needs to quickly

change direction. Cross easily drops his hips, uses good

leverage, and sets an above-average (but not great) anchor.

His vision and processing are first-rate and may be the most

impressive things about him. Cross uses his length to his

advantage, although hand placement is sometimes too wide

or high and he could stand to develop a stronger punch.

Overall, Cross is NFL-ready as a pass blocker.

As a run blocker, Cross is not a people mover, but he’s a willing

blocker and shows adequate ability to maintain blocks. He

gets off the line quickly and makes a forceful initial impact,

but the leg drive isn’t always there to finish the block

completely. He executes blocks well on the move, walling off

defenders effectively. As noted above, if he can add some mass

to his lean frame, that will go a long way towards making him

a more complete run blocker. In fairness to Cross, in the MSU

air raid offense, he didn’t exactly get many run snaps to

perfect his blocking skills.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Cross was redshirted his first year at MSU and the next season

saw a new coaching staff take over, led by Mike Leach and

his air raid offense. It was a bit of a shock to the system for

everyone returning from the previous year, and the team

struggled mightily to grasp the incredibly pass-heavy offense.

Over the next two seasons. MSU passed 79 percent of the

time, which provided ample opportunity for Cross and the

rest of the offensive line to work on their pass blocking. Cross

played a whopping 1,293 pass protection snaps over those

two years. After allowing 44 pressures on 574 pass-blocking

snaps in 2020, he gave up only 16 pressures on 719 passblocking

snaps in 2021.


Cross would be an interesting choice for the Packers. His

strengths/weaknesses are almost a cross (no pun intended)

between Neal and Ekwonu. His overall technique is well-honed

but not at the same level as Neal’s. At the same time, he plays

with more aggression than Neal does, but not to Ekwonu’s

level. Cross would give the Packers a little of everything they

look for in a tackle prospect, assuming they can develop him

into a stronger run blocker. It’s hard to say if Cross would be

a day-one starter at right tackle for Green Bay, as he has never

played on the right side and needs the aforementioned run

blocking development and weight room work. Regardless, the

Packers would likely be ecstatic if Cross somehow dropped

to pick 22. Their future at right tackle would be bright.

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101

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Bernhard Raimann (SR)

Central Michigan

Trevor Penning (rSR)

Northern Iowa

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6”, Weight: 304 lbs., Arm Length: 32 7/8” Wingspan: 80 1/8”,

40 Time: 5.05 (1.73 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 30”, Broad: 117”, 20-yd: 4.49, 3-cone: 7.46, Bench: 30 reps

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’7”, Weight: 330 lbs., Arm Length: 34 ¼” Wingspan: 82 7/8”,

40 Time: 4.89 (1.70 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 28”, Broad: 111”, 20-yd: 4.62, 3-cone: 7.25, Bench: DNP

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Raimann is one of those “long-shot makes good”

stories we all love. He came to the US from Austria as a

foreign exchange student with some experience in American

football with the Vienna Vikings. After two years as a

receiver/tight end, he bulked up to play tackle and finished

his senior season by being named Mid-Atlantic Conference

(MAC) Lineman of the Year.

Positional Skills: Raimann shows good footwork and balance

in his pass sets. He’s too upright in his drops, with hands low

or outside too often, but he’s able to maintain a strong base

and win anyway, at least at the MAC level. In the Senior Bowl

one-on-ones, his inexperience showed as speed rushers with

developed moves were able to get past him. Raimann has

quick and active hands—when he is able to latch on, it’s hard

for the rushers to break free. Overall, he absorbs contact

more than he initiates. With his short arms, developing a

stronger punch to keep rushers out of his body will help.

In the run game, he’s more of a ZBS fit, as he doesn’t show a

lot of power or leg drive executing blocks. As in his pass sets,

his pad level is high. Stalemates are a win for him.


Raimann is an athletic prospect who has shown tremendous

growth in learning a new position with a basically newly

built body, in only two years. There is still plenty to work on,

but his ceiling is high. It’s hard to see Raimann coming in as

a first-year starter at right tackle for the Packers, as there

will be technical and strength development time needed.

And all this for a player who is already an older prospect who

is turning 25 in September. From a Packers standpoint, those

are two things definitely working against him.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Penning lettered in football, basketball, and track

and field at Newman Catholic HS in Iowa. At Northern Iowa,

he was redshirted and then played in only four games the

following season. He took over the starting left tackle job in

his third season and started 32 games over the next two years.

Positional Skills: Penning is the angriest offensive line

prospect to come along in years. He lives to intimidate and

throw opponents to the ground. He’s an above-average athlete

with surprising speed and more than adequate foot skills,

although he’s a bit stiff in the hips, so his change of direction

is a bit mechanical. Penning uses his long arms and overall

length well, showing a strong punch and very good hand

placement to control pass-rushers. One issue is quick pass

rush moves that get him off balance, losing his base. It wasn’t

a problem at the FCS level, but the big school speed rushers

at the Senior Bowl gave him some trouble.

As a run blocker, Penning is effective and scheme-versatile.

He has some typical pad-level issues for this large a man, but

he can still clear opponents out in one-on-one power blocks

or block on the move in a ZBS and easily get downfield.


As mentioned above, Penning isn’t satisfied just blocking

someone; he wants to crush their soul and make them go home

crying to Mommy. While it’s fun to watch, one has to wonder

if he takes it too far at times. Personality-wise, Penning would

be an outlier as far as the Packers’ type goes. They prefer

smart, athletic, and physical offensive linemen, but ones who

can stay in control of their emotions. Penning would project

as a right tackle in Green Bay. Despite his athleticism, it could

be a bit risky trusting him to be a blind-side protector.

102

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Tyler Smith (rSO)

Tulsa

Abraham Lucas (rSR)

Washington State

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 324 lbs., Arm Length: 34” Wingspan: 83 1/8”,

40 Time: 5.02 (1.71 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 27.5”, Broad: 105”, 20-yd: 4.65, 3-cone: 7.78, Bench: DNP

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6 3/8”, Weight: 315 lbs., Arm Length: 33 7/8” Wingspan: 81 ¾”,

40 Time: 4.92 (1.76 10-yd split)


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Smith played both guard and tackle in high

school and was redshirted his first year at Tulsa. The

following season, he started nine games at left tackle, earning

Freshman All-America accolades. Smith went on to start 13

more games at left tackle in 2021.

Positional Skills: Smith shows upper-crust athletic ability,

fast feet, and a strong/balanced base but needs some

technique corrections, mostly with hand/arm usage. He tends

to be aggressive in pass protection, looking to move passrushers

more than just control them. He will have some issues

with edge speed until he learns to make better use of his left

arm/hand on rushers turning the corner. He shows the ability

to recover late when he looks to be beaten but sometimes will

get called for holding. Smith could easily convert to guard.

In the run game, Smith is fast off the snap and shows strong

leg drive. Smith displays a powerful upper body, with the

ability to flip his hips and use strong torque to turn defenders.

However, he needs to develop better hand location and pad

level to avoid getting shed. Smith is fluid on the move whether

pulling or getting out in front of screens.


Smith has garnered some serious “sleeper” hype. While far

from a polished prospect, he has a lot of upside to his game.

The athleticism/power combination and his ability to block

on the move are all things the Packers covet. Smith would be

equally successful whether kept at the tackle spot, moved

inside to guard or used as a versatile piece wherever needed

on the line. While likely not ready to be a year-one starter at

tackle for the Packers, Smith isn’t that far off and could take

over the right tackle spot in 2023.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: In addition to offensive tackle, Lucas was a

defensive stalwart in high school, finishing his senior season

with 15 sacks. He was also a four-year letterman on the

basketball team. After redshirting as a freshman, he was the

right tackle starter for the next four years, logging more than

3,000 snaps over 42 games while only surrendering four sacks.

Positional Skills: Lucas makes very good use of his arms and

hands, keeping them inside and latching on to opponents. He

gets back into his pass sets quickly and smoothly, showing

very good lateral movement ability. If a rusher gets into his

body, he can be knocked off balance, though, as anchor

strength is only average. Lucas processes stunts well and

chooses good angles to cut off speed rushers.

As a run blocker, he shows adequate strength but doesn’t get

a lot of movement, as his technique is somewhat lacking.

Overall, his pad level is too high, and stalemates would be

considered wins for Lucas. Adding some lower body strength

would be helpful.


Despite getting his weight up to 315 pounds over his college

career, Lucas still has a lean, tight end-type frame. This was

very evident at the combine, as he aced the drills, especially

the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle, where he posted the best

times of all the offensive linemen. The Packers love their

athletic linemen, but Lucas’s body type would be a bit of a

departure from the norm. Still, Lucas could be a capable year

one starter and, with some added “sand in the pants,” a longtime

right-tackle starter for the Packers. (Sleeper alert!)

103

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Daniel Faalele (SR)

Minnesota

Nick Petit-Frere (rJR)

Ohio State

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’8”, Weight: 384 lbs., Arm Length: 35 1/8” Wingspan: 85 1/8”, 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 24 reps

PRO DAY: 5.60 40-yd, Vertical: 29.5”, Broad: 7.1”, 20-yd: 5.06, 3-cone, 8.47, Bench (see combine)

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 316 lbs., Arm Length: 33 5/8” Wingspan: 81 ¾”,

40 Time: 5.14 (1.81 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 24.5”, Broad: 103”, 20-yd: DNP, 3-cone: DNP, Bench: DNP

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Faalele

played competitive football for the first time in 2017 at IMG

Academy in Bradenton Florida. Despite the lack of experience,

he was a four-star recruit and joined Minnesota in 2018. He

started eight games as a freshman and 11 as a sophomore.

He opted out of his junior season but returned in 2021 to start

12 games at right tackle.

Positional Skills: Faalele possesses a much better kick slide

than you might expect, although he doesn’t stay in it long,

preferring to attack pass-rushers early. He shows excellent

hand placement and strong usage. Faalele uses his long arms

to get his hands inside and latch on, and at that point, his

strength ends the rep. Outside speed taking a wide path to

the quarterback will be his issue if he can’t get his hands on

the rusher early, as he lacks some lateral movement ability.

In run blocking, Faalele is a down-blocking monster but is

surprisingly scheme versatile. A power blocking scheme fit

is obvious, but there is plenty of tape showing him blocking

on the move. He doesn’t have the best get-off from snap, but

once his feet are under him and moving, he covers ground

and executes his blocks successfully.


While outside of the usual offensive linemen type for the

Packers, they could do worse than bringing Faalele in as a

possible answer at right tackle. He doesn’t have the position

versatility Green Bay normally covets, as he has only manned

the right tackle in his four years of football experience.

However, that is a position of need for the Packers, and with

LaFleur mixing more power-blocking runs into the offense,

Faalele could come in and find early success in Green Bay.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Petit-Frere was the consensus No. 1–ranked high

school offensive tackle prospect in the 2018 class. He was

recruited to OSU by Greg Schiano, whose sons played on the

same high school team. Petit-Frere redshirted as a freshman

and had a few struggles keeping his weight up. Over the next

two seasons, he started 20 games for the Buckeyes.

Positional Skills: Petit-Frere is a fluid athlete and very

comfortable out in space, mostly reacting well to twists and

stunts. His kick slide is quick but way too short, causing him

to not get enough depth in his pass sets. This will lead to issues

keeping up with pure speed on the edge. Petit-Frere lacks some

play strength, but when he is able to fully engage with a rusher,

he uses good hand placement, a wide base, and a strong anchor

to control the rusher. He doesn’t throw much of a punch and

can be easily jarred by rushers using that tactic on him.

As a run blocker, Petit-Frere maintains a good pad level and

keeps his hands inside. He keeps his legs driving and executes

down blocks to perfection. While his tape doesn’t show much

blocking on the move, his fluidity getting to the second level

indicates he could handle a ZBS scheme.


While Petit-Frere had a nice career as an OSU scholar-athlete,

it would be hard to say he has lived up to his recruiting status.

He’s a two-year starter who perhaps should be further along

in his development and higher up in these rankings. If the

Packers were to draft Petit-Frere, their coaching staff will

have to go to work to find out how to unlock all of that

potential Petit-Frere showed as a recruit. The good news is

that the physical ability is there, perhaps with the exception

of enough strength—an issue easily fixed in the weight room.

104

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Darian Kinnard (SR)

Kentucky

Max Mitchell (SR)

Louisiana–Lafayette

10

11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 322 lbs., Arm Length: 35” Wingspan: 83 ¼”,

40 Time: 5.31 (1.82 10-yd split)


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6”, Weight: 307 lbs., Arm Length: 33 ½” Wingspan: 80 3/8”,

40 Time: 5.32 (1.83 10-yd split)


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kinnard was a three-year starter for Kentucky’s

“Big Blue Wall.” He played at 345 pounds as a senior but

recently shed 20 pounds, likely in an attempt to improve his

chances of staying at tackle in the pros.

Positional Skills: Kinnard’s a bear, but the mauling type, not

the dancing type. He has a short kick slide and only average

food speed. What saves him out in space when it comes to

speed rushers is his 35” arms and giant hands. He also

processes stunts and games well. On tape, Kinnard seems

impervious to power rushes; you’re either going around him

or you’re not going anywhere, except maybe to the turf. At

the Senior Bowl, those missing 20 pounds seemed to make a

difference as he struggled with power, especially when he

lined up at guard during one-on-ones. Kinnard actually fared

better at right tackle during those drills.

Kinnard is a defensive lineman’s worst nightmare on down

blocking. He engulfs opponents, which also means his hands

are too wide. Kinnard releases and gets to the second level

easily on combo blockers. He’s also the guy you want to run

behind in short yardage.


Kinnard is one of this year’s most difficult O-line prospects

to slot into one position. Some teams will automatically look

at him as a guard, while others believe with some improved

technique, he can be an effective right tackle starter in their

scheme. Where does he fit for the Packers? It depends. The

Packers started to mix in more power-scheme running plays

last season, and if that trend continues, Kinnard would fit as

a right guard for the Packers with enough experience to fill

in at right tackle if injuries were to create a need.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Mitchell was a humble two-star prospect out of

Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana. The offers were

few, but when the Ragin’ Cajuns came calling, Mitchell signed

on. He saw some rotational action as a freshman and then

was a starter the next three seasons with experience at both

tackle spots.

Positional Skills: Mitchell shows better athleticism on tape

than his combine numbers would indicate. He shows active

feet, mirrors rushers well, and can change directions

smoothly. However, Mitchell’s kick-step needs to lengthen to

give him more depth on his pass sets to better handle outside

speed. He uses his hands very well, but if a rusher can get

into his body, he is susceptible to losing his anchor and being

knocked off balance due to his lack of overall strength.

Against the run, Mitchell is likely limited to a ZBS scheme,

as his pad level is high and he’s not a people-mover. He needs

time in the weight room to add weight with more lower body

and core strength. Mitchell successfully executes his blocks

on the move and easily gets to the second level and hits his

targets.


Mitchell has been well coached, as his overall skills and

blocking techniques will attest to. That’s a great starting

point and gives him some development upside that could

make him a worthwhile pick for the Packers. He just needs

a year or two of heavy work in the weight room, to build up

some power to go with his movement skills. Once he gets to

that point, Mitchell could man the right tackle spot for the

Packers and become a good NFL starter.

105

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Rasheed Walker (rJR)

Penn State

13 Spencer Burford (rSR)

Texas-San Antonio

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

Burford is a small school prospect who represented himself

well against tougher competition at the Senior Bowl, earning

the start at left tackle for the American Team. While not fast

over distance, he’s quick in short bursts, as his 4.74 20-yard

shuttle time at the combine and his motoring in the field

drills showed. Burford has quick feet, gets back into his pass

sets fluidly, and is a smooth mover along the line of

scrimmage. He relishes putting people on the ground and is

adept at pulling and leading the play or executing zone

blocks. Burford uses his long 34 ¾” arms and 82” wingspan

effectively as a tackle yet has guard/tackle versatility, which

is always a plus to the Packers.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6”, Weight: 313 lbs., Arm Length: 33 5/8” Wingspan: 80 ½”,

NFL COMBINE: DNP

40 Time: 5.39 (1.84 10-yd split)

14 Thayer Munford Jr. (SR)


Ohio State

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Walker came to Penn State as a four-star recruit

out of North Point High School in Maryland and redshirted

his first year. The following year, an injury on the offensive

line saw Walker thrown into a starting role at left tackle,

where he remained for three seasons, starting 32 games for

the Nittany Lions.

Positional Skills: Walker does a good enough job in pass

protection when he’s straight one-on-one with a rusher. He

has the measurables, nimble feet, sets a solid anchor, and

throws a strong punch. However, he seems to be slow

processing stunts and spin moves. Also, his kick slide is too

shallow, giving speed rushers an outside lane to exploit. Both

of these are issues that should be able to be resolved with

proper coaching. Although a left tackle at Penn State, Walker

seems better suited to right tackle in the pros.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Munford was a four-year starter for the Buckeyes—three

years at tackle and this last season as a guard. He’s a

mountain of a man and possesses 35⅛” arms and an 84⅝”

wingspan but is an average athlete at best. Despite being

hard to overpower straight up, getting knocked off balance

can be an issue, especially when not anchored or he is moving

laterally. Despite his limitations, having four years of

experience coming out of a program that fills NFL rosters

with well-coached offensive linemen is a valuable trait. At

worst, Munford projects to be a valuable guard/tackle backup

and spot starter, with the potential to earn a full-time slot,

most likely at guard.

15 Verderian Lowe (SR)

Illinois

In run blocking, Walker doesn’t have the fastest get-off, but

he has sufficient power to back defenders off the line of

scrimmage. He moves well enough to seek more work

downfield, but it’s not exactly a strength. There isn’t much

tape of Walker blocking on the move, so how he would handle

that is a bit of a question mark.


Walker has a good toolbox of skills and physical attributes

that can provide a solid starting point for future development.

Unlike many tackle prospects who need more time in the

weight room, Walker’s needs are more in improving techniques

and the mental part of the game. He’s not as fluid a mover as

the Packers normally prefer, but he’s not a plodder either. If

he lasts until Day 3 of the draft, Walker is a player the Packers

could consider as a right tackle development project.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

Lowe was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Fighting

Illini. He is married, has two children, and became the legal

guardian of his younger brother when their mother passed

away. Lowe has many of the attributes coaches look for in a

tackle: big, strong, long, athletic, experienced, mature, and

a team leader. So why isn’t he ranked higher? Well, there’s

plenty of technique work needed to get Lowe NFL-ready.

Most of it centers around footwork in pass protection. He

doesn’t always keep a wide base and can get knocked off

balance or burned by spin moves. In the run game, he blocks

well on the move but doesn’t sustain blocks. In all, with the

right adjustments, Lowe has NFL swing tackle potential at

a minimum.

106

> OFFENSIVE TACKLE

16 Braxton Jones (rSR) So. Utah State 17 Matt Waletzko (SR)

North Dakota


IN A NUTSHELL:

Jones is another small school prospect with plenty of

length—35⅜” arms and an 83½” wingspan. However, a

tendency to play too upright can negate what should be an

advantage for him. Jones can move, as his 4.97-second 40-

yard dash at the combine reflects, but his footwork on the

football field is not great, and he can look awkward at times.

Still, he gets back into his pass sets well and will win the rep

when he can square up and anchor. Keeping up with speed

on the edge is what will give him the most trouble, as would

having to play in a pure power blocking scheme. A zoneblocking

system fits him better.


IN A NUTSHELL:

A meager two-star recruit, Waletzko signed with the FCS

Fighting Hawks and immediately found playing time. He

started at left tackle his last three seasons and received a

precious Senior Bowl invite, where he handled the big jump

in competition well. He’s extremely long (85⅝” wingspan)

and athletic, although lower body strength and lack of foot

skills have been a limiting factor. Those are addressable, and

he possesses enough other tools to make him an intriguing

developmental project. On the field, Waletzko plays to the

whistle with passion and battles with anyone he’s up against.

If his strength and technique catch up with his “want to,” he

could turn out to be a true sleeper from this group.

18 Kellen Diesch (rSR) Arizona State 19 Andrew Steuber (rSR)

Michigan



IN A NUTSHELL:

Diesch couldn’t crack the starting lineup at Texas A&M over

three years, so he transferred to Arizona State and started

two seasons at left tackle for the Sun Devils. Overall, Diesch

might be the most athletic offensive tackle prospect in this

draft, and he balled out at the combine. Diesch ran a 4.89 40-

yard dash, a 4.43 20-yard shuttle, and a 32.5” vertical, good

for first, second, and third overall respectively among all

offensive linemen at the combine. The athleticism shows on

tape with quick feet and lateral movement skills in addition

to above-average bend ability and pad level for a 6’7” prospect.

He has to learn to compensate for his short arms (32¼”) and

put more “sand in the pants” with weight room work.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A big and burly throwback tackle, Steuber is not going to

win many races. That’s likely why he chose not to run the

40-yard dash at the combine despite participating in all the

other field drills. Steuber was a two-year starter for the

Wolverines, the last as a graduate student. Normally,

descriptions like “road grader” get applied to tackles with

Steuber’s body type, and it fits to a point here. While the

power is evident, he doesn’t move defenders as you might

expect. In pass protection, edge speed will be a major

problem for him. The majority of his experience was at right

tackle, but he did play a few games at guard, which may be

his best path to success in the NFL.

20 Dare Rosenthal (rJR)


IN A NUTSHELL:

Rosenthal was the top-rated defensive tackle in Louisiana.

He chose home state LSU and was promptly switched to

offensive tackle. After a redshirt season, he was mostly a

backup the next two seasons but did get to start eight games

over that period. He was suspended for three games in 2020

and decided to transfer to Kentucky, where he started 12

games at left tackle. Though inexperienced, he appears to

have athletic traits to build on. He won the last spot in this

top 20 based on his performance against Georgia last season.

Rosenthal more than held his own against whoever the

vaunted Georgia front seven threw at him. He’s a two-year

practice squad stash who could turn into something, a la

Yosh Nijman.

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Kentucky

21 AUSTIN DECULUS (GRAD) LSU

22 CORDELL VOLSON (rSR) North Dakota State

23 OBINNA EZE (SR) TCU

24 ANDREW RUPCHICH (SR) Culver-Stockton College

25 MYRON CUNNINGHAM (rSR) Arkansas

26 LUKE TENUTA (rSO) Virginia Tech

27 TYLER VRABEL (rJR) Boston College

28 JEAN DELANCE (rSR) Florida

29 DEVIN COCHRANE (rSR) Georgia Tech

30 BAM OLASENI (SR) Utah

107

OL

Position Analysis:

JAMES SIEBERS

ZION

JOHNSON

OL, BOSTON COLLEGE

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 TYLER LINDERBAUM

Iowa

02 ZION JOHNSON

Boston College

03 KENYON GREEN

Texas A&M

04 COLE STRANGE

Tennessee-Chattanooga

05 JAMAREE SALYER

Georgia

06 SEAN RHYAN

UCLA

07 DYLAN PARHAM

Memphis

08 ED INGRAM

LSU

09 LUKE FORTNER

Kentucky

10 LUKE GOEDEKE

Central Michigan

11 MARQUIS HAYES

Oklahoma

12 LOGAN BRUSS

Wisconsin

13 CADE MAYS

Tennessee

14 JOSHUA EZEUDU

North Carolina

15 JUSTIN SHAFFER

Georgia

16 LECITUS SMITH

Virginia Tech

17 ZACH TOM

Wake Forest

18 DOHNOVAN WEST

Arizona State

19 ALEC LINDSTROM

Boston College

20 CHRIS PAUL

Tulsa

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108

> INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE

MEASURABLES:

Tyler Linderbaum (rJR) Iowa

Height: 6’2”

1

Weight: 296 lbs.


40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

(injury)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Tyler Linderbaum was a three-year starter, with

all 33 starts coming at center. He was recruited as a defensive

lineman before switching to offensive line in the 2019 season.

His background as a wrestler in high school served him well

on the interior, where his leverage and powerful, accurate

hands have allowed him to develop into the top center in the

country. Linderbaum is undersized by NFL standards in terms

of height, length, and bulk, but he is a rare athlete for the

position and possesses all of the desired intangibles. In 2021,

he was named a consensus All-American and the recipient of

the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Linderbaum’s strengths

can really shine. He fires off the snap with excellent initial

quickness and uses his athleticism to win favorable

positioning. He’s particularly adept at generating movement

while working laterally down the line. Linderbaum may be

at his best when asked to combo block; he has the ability to

chip and move seamlessly to the second level. Linderbaum

moves with impressive precision in space, where he clearly

understands angles and can connect with secondary targets

at a high rate. Linderbaum’s combination of athleticism, grip

strength, and leg drive could make him a dominant run

blocker. Linderbaum remains effective in pass protection,

but his limitations are more apparent. Linderbaum’s short

arms and lack of bulk can cause him to give ground before

he’s able to reset. Once he drops anchor, Linderbaum plays

with excellent balance and maintains natural leverage. When

uncovered, he frequently looks for work and delivers a blow

to unsuspecting rushers. He has a high football IQ and good

awareness on blitzes and stunts and he gives maximum effort

through the whistle.

BIGGEST CONCERNS:

Many of Linderbaum’s primary concerns originate from his

size. He has no positional versatility and will likely only be

coveted by teams that employ a zone-heavy scheme. He will

struggle to match up with NFL nose tackles, and it’s possible

he’ll need regular help from guards in pass protection.

Linderbaum is also heavily reliant on a two-handed punch,

leaving him susceptible to a well-timed swipe from a defensive

lineman. While he’s generally successful at the second level,

he can be overaggressive at times and lunge while looking

for the impact block. It’s unlikely that Linderbaum will be

able to add much more bulk to his frame, especially while

maintaining his elite athletic tools. As a result, Linderbaum

will always have some limitations due to his lack of size,

length, and power.


Green Bay addressed center with the selection of Josh Myers

in the second round last season, but it would have to entertain

the idea of adding Linderbaum if he’s available. Though

Linderbaum is a center-only prospect, Myers would have the

flexibility to move to guard to accommodate a spot in the

starting lineup. Linderbaum would be an excellent addition

to Matt LaFleur’s zone-run scheme, where his athleticism and

prowess at the second level could open huge holes for Aaron

Jones and AJ Dillon. Despite some limitations in the passing

game, the Packers have a quick-hitting offense and a number

of premier pass protectors to mask his deficiencies. In addition,

Linderbaum has been praised for his football IQ, competitive

nature, and toughness. If Green Bay is willing to live with his

size limitations, he has all the intangibles to be a long-time

starter in the NFL.

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109


MEASURABLES:

Zion Johnson (SR) Boston College

Height: 6’3”

2

Weight: 312 lbs.

Arm Length: 34”

40 Time: 5.18 (1.80 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 32”

Broad: 112”

20-yd: 4.46

3-cone: 7.38

Bench: 32 reps

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Zion Johnson was a zero-star recruit out of high

school. He began his career at Davidson, where he started 19

games over two seasons before transferring to Boston College.

He was a three-year starter for the Eagles with 30 starts,

including 18 at left guard and 12 at left tackle. Johnson has

prototypical size and build for the interior line. He’s thick

through the lower half and has excellent length. Johnson was

named the Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week

after taking the majority of the week’s snaps at center.

Johnson—who had never played center in a game before—was

seen taking extra reps to improve his snapping after each of

the three practice sessions. After his performance in Mobile,

he is considered an interior prospect with versatility between

guard and center.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Johnson is consistently able

to generate push at the line of scrimmage. He has a powerful

lower body, plays with excellent pad level, and rarely misses

an assignment. Johnson is a smooth mover in space when

pulling or climbing to the second level. When he connects

with his target, he’s easily able to engulf and drive them to

open up huge running lanes. In pass protection, Johnson is

the model of consistency. He has a refined technique with a

wide base and the footwork to maintain balance. He

consistently hits the mark with inside hand placement.

Johnson has a strong anchor, and it’s rare to see anyone push

him back. He shows the awareness to diagnose blitzes and

stunts, working in unison to pass off and adjust on the fly.

When uncovered, Johnson routinely looks for work and

punishes unsuspecting rushers.

BIGGEST CONCERNS:

One of Johnson’s greatest strengths is his lack of a glaring

weakness. However, there are a few areas of improvement

or concern to highlight. Though Johnson is one of the best

interior prospects with a chance to go in the first round, he

didn’t explode onto the scene as a top prospect until his fifth

season. He has snaps at left tackle on his resume and practiced

at center at the Senior Bowl, but he’s likely an interior

prospect with center versatility as a projection only. Johnson

can be a tad slow or late out of his stance at times. He’s made

improvements in identifying stunts and blitzes but has a

history of being slow to read and react to pressure. While

Johnson’s athleticism isn’t a deficiency, he may not have the

short-area quickness to consistently recover against NFLlevel

competition.


It might not be a popular decision, but Zion Johnson could be

a realistic target for Green Bay in the first round. Elgton

Jenkins’ availability is unknown as he returns from an ACL

injury, and one could speculate that Jenkins’ future is at tackle

after his performance filling in for David Bakhtiari last season.

Johnson could step in as an immediate starter at guard with

the ever-coveted positional versatility to fill in at center or

even tackle in a pinch. Johnson has been a standout at both

the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. His results in the 10-yard

split, three-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle all exceed the

Packers’ presumed thresholds. Johnson’s polish and all-around

game make him a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who checks

a lot of Green Bay’s boxes for the offensive line.

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110


Kenyon Green (JR)

3

Texas A&M

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 323 lbs.


40 Time: 5.24 (1.81 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 26”

Broad: 102”

20-yd: 5.12

Bench: 20 reps

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kenyon Green is a former five-star recruit. He

was a three-year starter with 35 starts, including all 13 games

as a true freshman in the SEC. Green has a prototypical frame

with excellent weight distribution, and the weight he carries

in his lower half gives him exceptional power. Green started

a game at every offensive line position except center in 2021,

making him one of the most versatile prospects in the draft

class. Despite the positional adversity last season, Green was

named a consensus All-American. Though his best position

in the NFL is likely to be guard, he has the tools to offer

flexibility at tackle.

Positional Skills: Green, who has experience in Texas A&M’s

inside-zone scheme, will enter the NFL as an advanced run

blocker. Green is explosive out of his stance and plays with

excellent leverage. His loose hips allow him to turn and wall

off defenders at the line of scrimmage. Green also has the

lower body strength to drive defenders and open up massive

running lanes. In addition, Green shows the athleticism to

pull or climb to the second level. Despite his size, Green is a

smooth mover in space and can engulf defenders with

regularity. As a pass blocker, Green demonstrates clean

footwork. He is light on his feet and can easily redirect to

mirror pass rushers. Green has exceptional anchor ability

due to his combination of size, core strength, and wide base.

Green has heavy hands that can pack a punch on initial

contact. He shows awareness of delayed blitzes and stunts,

and Green consistently looks for work when uncovered. He

can deliver devastating lateral blows to unsuspecting rushers.

Though he’s more developed as a run blocker entering the

draft, Green has the tools to develop into a premier pass

blocker as well.

BIGGEST CONCERNS:

It’s an aspect that can be corrected, but Green will need to

improve his hand-fighting at the next level. He can be slow to

reset his hands after his initial punch, and Green lands his

hands wide far too frequently. Unless he can significantly

improve his aiming point, he’ll draw a lot of flags for holding

in the NFL. Green also has stints of below-average instincts

as a pass blocker. While he has the tools to counter power,

Green may struggle to keep up with athletic interior rushers

who want to challenge him laterally. Concerns over Green’s

agility will only be compounded by a 20-yard shuttle time at

the NFL Combine that ranks in the 8th percentile for guards.

Though Green has the potential for four-position versatility,

his best reps came when he settled in at left guard in 2021.


Kenyon Green has so many qualities that would make him an

excellent fit in Green Bay, but his versatility is what stands

out. Green, who consistently showed a team-first attitude and

willingness to shuffle positions, would have the potential to

step in as an immediate starter at left guard, right guard, or

right tackle. He is considered to be a scheme-versatile prospect

with the tools and experience to project to a zone-heavy

offense. His blend of athleticism and power makes it easy to

envision him as an above-average contributor as both a run

blocker and pass protector. However, Green’s disappointing

combine will have teams going back to the tape to vet his

athletic traits. Though Green could still be an excellent

addition to Green Bay’s best five on the offensive line, he may

not be the can’t-miss prospect he was advertised to be early

in the evaluation process.

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111


Cole Strange (rSR)

Tenn-Chattanooga

Jamaree Salyer (SR)

Georgia

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 307 lbs., Arm Length: 33”, 40 Time: 5.03 (1.73 10-yd split)


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3”, Weight: 321 lbs., Arm Length: 33 5/8”, 40 Time: DNP


PRO DAY: Vertical: 24”, Broad: 8.2”, 20-yd: 4.7

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Cole Strange is a five-year starter with 44 career

starts, including 41 at left guard. He has a lean, athletic frame

and above-average length for the interior. Though the

majority of his snaps came at left guard, he has projectable

versatility to right guard and center.

Positional Skills: In a Chattanooga offense that ran the ball

more than 60 percent of the time, Strange showcased his

ability to be a dominant run blocker. Strange has the hip

fluidity to turn and seal defenders, the athleticism to easily

move in space, and the leg drive to create movement. He was

frequently asked to pull, slip out on screens, and climb to the

second level. Strange did much of his best work on the move

or in space. As a pass blocker, Strange shows sufficient

quickness to mirror pass rushers and the core strength to

anchor. Though he can be a tick slow off the ball, Strange

wins the leverage game early and can flip his hips to put

rushers off balance. He shows good awareness and reactive

ability to adjust to stunts or delayed blitzes. Strange plays an

aggressive brand of football and consistently gives maximum

effort through the echo of the whistle.


Strange is a phenomenal athlete and ranks above the 90th

percentile in predictive measurements like the 10-yard split,

three-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle. He has a truly special

blend of athleticism and strength that could allow him to

immediately press for playing time at guard. With the

flexibility to also fill in at center, Strange appears to meet

many of Green Bay’s preferences in terms of versatility,

experience, and athletic traits. Strange is the type of prospect

that the Packers may value more than other teams, making

him a name to keep track of on draft day.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jamaree Salyer is a former five-star recruit. He

was a two-year starter with 21 career starts. Salyer started

18 of those games at left tackle but logged snaps at every

position along the offensive line. Salyer has a massive and

imposing frame, but he lacks some of the quickness and

twitch needed for a zone-heavy scheme.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Salyer has impressive

short-area explosion coming out of his stance. His long arms

and powerful hands can jolt defenders and create movement

in the run game. Salyer carries a lot of weight in his upper

half, and his movements in space can look stiff and labored.

While he could have success in a phone booth, Salyer is not

going to excel when asked to adjust to moving targets at the

second level. As a pass protector, Salyer expertly utilizes his

length and upper body strength. Despite slow footwork, Salyer

frequently lands the first punch and can control the action

with heavy hands. Salyer has tremendous core strength to

set an anchor, and his wide frame makes it hard for rushers

to maneuver around him. Though it may not always look

pretty, Salyer routinely gets the job done in pass protection.


Jamaree Salyer is a likely Day 2 selection with a chance to

become an immediate starter in the NFL. Salyer projects best

at guard, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see a team give him

a shot at right tackle. His versatility fits Green Bay’s

preferences, but Salyer’s lack of quickness and agility make

him an unlikely fit for the Packers. Expect Salyer to end up

with a team that runs a gap/power scheme to maximize his

ability to dominate in a phone booth.

112


Sean Rhyan (JR)

UCLA

Dylan Parham (rSR)

Memphis

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 321 lbs., Arm Length: 32 3/8”, 40 Time: 5.25 (1.80 10-yd split)

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 33.5”, Broad: 110”, 20-yd: 4.81, 3-cone: 7.55



IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Sean Rhyan is a three-year starter with all 31

of his starts coming at left tackle. Rhyan has a thick build

with an excellent proportion of weight carried in his lower

half. Though his experience in college is mostly at tackle,

Rhyan projects best to guard at the NFL level due to his lack

of length and modest redirect abilities.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Rhyan flashes the ability

to fire off the snap and create immediate movement at the

point of attack. He has heavy hands with the ability to shock

his opponent on first contact. He was routinely asked to pull

or climb to second- and even third-level targets. Though

Rhyan has the initial short-area quickness to get into position

in space, he does have a tendency to lunge and miss moving

targets. Rhyan displays a patient approach as a pass protector.

He has the core strength to absorb power, sink his hips, and

anchor against the bull rush. While Rhyan has the ability to

counter power, he lacks the high-end athletic traits and length

to handle NFL-caliber pass-rushers on the edge. Rhyan’s

attempts to counter speed often leave him off-balance and

susceptible to inside counters.


Rhyan is the ideal candidate for a move to the interior line,

where a confined space will help to mask his lack of length

and quickness. Rhyan has borderline athletic traits for the

Packers’ zone scheme, but his power and ability to anchor

should translate. With some qualities that are reminiscent of

Josh Sitton, Rhyan could have a chance to compete for starting

reps at left guard or right guard early in his career. Investing

a Day 2 selection on an interior-only prospect could pave the

way for Elgton Jenkins to move permanently to tackle.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Dylan Parham is a four-year starter with 51

starts, including 28 at left guard, 12 at right guard, and 11 at

right tackle. Parham has a narrow, athletic frame, but he

answered some size concerns with his weigh-ins at the Senior

Bowl and combine. Parham will have versatility along the

interior line, with projections to guard or center depending

on scheme.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Parham has explosive shortarea

traits. He is able to spring out of his stance with leverage

and power. Parham is particularly adept on combo blocks,

where he’s capable of delivering a chip with a smooth transition

to the second level. Parham is accurate at hitting targets in

space. He can latch on to second-level defenders and drive

them to the echo of the whistle. As a pass blocker, Parham

shows a patient approach. He packs some power in his punch

and has adequate short-area quickness to mirror. Despite a

relative lack of bulk, Parham has the lower body flexibility,

hip fluidity, and core strength to anchor. If Parham slims down

to his school-listed weight of 285 pounds, he could have some

issues with the strength and power of NFL defensive tackles.


Dylan Parham would likely be the top substitute at all three

interior positions until Elgton Jenkins’ return, though it

wouldn’t be surprising to see him compete for immediate

playing time. He’s a fantastic fit in Green Bay’s zone scheme

and has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber guard

or center. Parham’s movement skills and athleticism are rare,

but he may have some insurmountable limitations due to his

lack of size and power. Parham has some boom-or-bust

qualities, but he could be a tremendous value in a scheme

that highlights his athletic gifts.

113


Ed Ingram (SR)

LSU

Luke Fortner (rSR)

Kentucky

8

9




NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 24”, Broad: 102”, 20-yd: 4.95, 3-cone: 7.75

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Ed Ingram is a four-year starter with 34 career

starts, including 22 at left guard and 12 at right guard.

Ingram looks the part of an NFL lineman with a wide build,

good weight distribution, and long arms. He projects to

continue to have versatility between left guard and right

guard in the NFL.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Ingram shows flashes of

dominating power at the point of attack. He can jolt defenders

with an initial punch and torque to discard them with ease.

Ingram can also generate vertical movement with strong leg

drive. He has plenty of reps as a pulling guard, where he can

bulldoze defenders between the tackles. Ingram’s accuracy

and efficiency fade over distance, but he has numerous

examples of connecting on short-to-intermediate targets in

space. As a pass protector, Ingram has the length and heavy

hands to counter inside power. He has room for improvement

in his hand technique, often looking like he opts for spurts

of violence rather than sustained control. Ingram plays with

leverage and has the core strength to anchor against the bull

rush. He shows exceptional awareness on stunts and blitzes.


Ingram might toe the line of athletic fit, but he could

immediately compete for playing time at either guard position

in Green Bay. Ingram projects as a guard only, though the

Packers have shown more flexibility in adding interior-only

prospects in recent drafts. While Ingram tends to win via

power, he comes from an LSU run scheme that features a lot

of zone concepts. Ingram might not fly around the field like

some other zone-scheme prospects, but he’d add an intriguing

skill set to the Packers’ offensive line group.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Luke Fortner is a three-year starter with 23

starts at right guard and 13 starts at center. He has a long,

lean frame with room to add weight. He projects primarily

as a center with the ability to fill in at guard in a pinch. He

graduated in December 2019 with a degree in mechanical

engineering, and he is on track to earn two master’s degrees

in aerospace engineering and business administration.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Fortner is quick out of his

stance with consistent inside hand placement. He has good

length for the interior line and flashes the ability to play with

extension. Fortner processes quickly with a strong

understanding of angles in the run game. He’s able to gain

positioning, wall off defenders, and move quickly to the second

level on combo blocks. In pass protection, Fortner plays with

a consistently wide base and excellent balance. He flashes the

ability to mirror but lacks the lateral quickness to recover

once a rusher gains his edge. Fortner—who transitioned

seamlessly to center in 2021—has the football IQ and awareness

to make protection adjustments at the line. His character,

leadership, and intangibles will be coveted by NFL teams.


Luke Fortner is going to have the makeup, intelligence, and

toughness to win over a lot of teams. He projects to be a

valuable backup center with the upside to develop into a

starter early in his career. He has experience at guard but

may need to add some bulk to maintain that type of versatility

at the next level. Fortner is likely limited to zone schemes

only, but he projects as a fit for the Packers’ system. His

resume and workouts won’t inspire many fan bases, but

Fortner could be a long-term starter in the right situation.

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Luke Goedeke (SR)

Central Michigan

Marquis Hayes (rSR)

Oklahoma

10

11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 312 lbs., Arm Length: 32 1/4”, 40 Time: DNP




IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: A former tight end at Wisconsin-Stevens Point,

Luke Goedeke was a two-year starter at Central Michigan

with all 25 starts coming at right tackle. He has a welldeveloped

frame and is known for his work in the weight

room. Goedeke has sufficient athleticism for a zone-heavy

scheme but projects to guard in the NFL due to a lack of length.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Goedeke’s balance and

hand placement allow him to consistently sustain blocks.

Goedeke is quick out of his stance and has the hip fluidity to

win the positioning battle. He flashes the ability to combo

block and move smoothly to the second level, where he shows

the leg drive to create movement. Though Goedeke possesses

necessary play strength, he’ll need to prove that he can

generate movement against top-level competition. As a pass

blocker, there’s a level of projection since Goedeke is expected

to move to guard in the NFL. Goedeke can struggle against

the first-step quickness and length of edge rushers, but those

shortcomings could be hidden to a degree with a move inside.

Goedeke plays with natural knee bend and a flat back,

allowing him to anchor well against power.


Luke Goedeke’s lack of experience and level of competition

may keep him from being an immediate starter, but he

possesses a lot of traits that would make him a great fit in

Green Bay. Goedeke projects as a guard at the next level, but

he may have the versatility to play right tackle in a pinch.

He’s a converted tight end with just two years of

nonconsecutive experience on the offensive line, meaning

he’s only scratching the surface of his upside at the position.

A tad on the older side at 23, don’t be surprised if Goedeke

outperforms his draft slot.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Marquis Hayes was a three-year starter with

all 36 starts coming at left guard. Hayes has a massive frame

with nearly 35” arms that would make most tackles jealous.

Despite his length, he projects as a guard-only prospect.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Hayes wins with sheer

power and effort. He can shock defenders with strong, active

hands and then drive them back with natural lower body

power. Hayes is an effective pulling guard and a surprisingly

smooth mover in space. He consistently gives effort moving

to the second and third levels of the field. Hayes plays with

an aggressive demeanor and looks to finish blocks through

the echo of the whistle. As a pass protector, Hayes has a jarring

punch that can halt rushers in their tracks. Though he’s often

able to sustain due to his length and upper body power, Hayes’

feet are slow, and he struggles to redirect. Even on the interior,

he may struggle with the quickness of interior rushers at the

next level. Hayes will need to improve the fundamentals of

his footwork and hand placement but has plenty of physical

tools that will translate to the NFL.


Hayes lacks the fundamentals to project as an immediate

starter, but he has intriguing physical tools as a developmental

prospect. Despite the frame and length of a tackle, Hayes

played almost exclusively at left guard for the Sooners.

Versatility at tackle would be a reach with his footwork, but

flexibility at either guard position is a realistic projection.

Hayes is on the borderline of baseline athleticism to project

to a zone scheme. Hayes’ effort levels and aggressive

temperament will make him a worthwhile investment, but

other teams may value Hayes’ tools more than Green Bay.

115


Logan Bruss (rSR)

Wisconsin

13 Cade Mays (SR)

Tennessee

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

Cade Mays is a former five-star recruit with 35 career starts,

including 19 at right guard, 12 at right tackle, two at left

guard, and two at left tackle. Mays has a big, wellproportioned

frame and excellent functional strength. He

has the potential to offer five-position versatility. Mays packs

a powerful initial punch and has the length to lock out and

control defenders. Though Mays has an upright play style,

he appears to have the athleticism to adjust to targets in

space. Mays does have a troubling tendency to dip his head

and lunge at defenders, leaving him off balance and on the

ground too frequently. Mays’ size and versatility would make

him a valuable backup with developmental upside.



14 Joshua Ezeudu (rJR)

North Carolina


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Logan Bruss is a three-year starter with 34

starts, including 25 at right tackle, six at right guard, and

three as a blocking tight end. Bruss has an NFL frame with

excellent bulk and good weight distribution. He projects best

at guard but may have the versatility to line up at right tackle

in a pinch.

Positional Skills: As a run blocker, Bruss has experience with

zone concepts and comes from a program known for

producing technically sound linemen. He plays with

consistent leverage and shows the leg drive to create

movement at the point of attack. Bruss climbs to the second

level with a head of steam and is capable of hitting his mark

on the move. As a pass blocker, Bruss has a smooth, balanced

slide. He flashes the quickness to mirror and has the core

strength to anchor. While he can struggle with the quickness

of rushers on the edge, a move inside could alleviate some

concerns with his ability to redirect in space. Regardless of

position, Bruss will need to become more aggressive and

accurate in his hand-fighting technique.


Bruss hasn’t garnered much attention in the pre-draft process,

but he could be an excellent fit in Green Bay. Bruss stood out

in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle at the combine,

and he has the positional versatility to offer depth at multiple

positions. Bruss’ time with the Badgers would make him a

popular pick with fans, but he’s more than a hometown

prospect or feel-good story. Bruss is a scheme-versatile

prospect with the ability to develop into a starter. If he lands

with the Packers, he could challenge for reps at right guard

while providing depth at right tackle.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Joshua Ezeudu was a two-year starter with 28 starts,

appearing at four positions along the offensive line. He has

a prototypical frame with good weight distribution and long

arms. Though he has extensive experience at tackle in

college, Ezeudu projects best at guard in the NFL. As a run

blocker, he has the grip strength to latch onto defenders and

the lower body power to drive and create movement.

However, Ezeudu may not possess the athletic ability to

thrive in a zone scheme or consistently reach second level

targets. In pass protection, Ezeudu has sound footwork and

a patient approach. He plays with good extension and flashes

a strong, powerful punch. His lack of foot quickness can

leave Ezeudu susceptible to inside counters.

15 Justin Shaffer (SR)


Georgia

IN A NUTSHELL:

Justin Shaffer was a two-year starter with all but one of his

25 starts coming at left guard. He has a prototypical frame

with a thick build and excellent length for the interior.

Shaffer jumps off the tape for his ability to generate power

in the run game. He can fire out of his stance, lock out his

arms, and use his powerful lower body to drive defenders.

Shaffer is also surprisingly athletic and can connect with

short-range targets on the move. In pass protection, Shaffer

plays with good knee bend and maintains leverage. His hands

are powerful and active with the force to halt rushers in

their tracks. Shaffer has explosive straight-line qualities but

may lack the agility and quickness for a zone scheme.

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116


16 Lecitus Smith (rSR) Virginia Tech 17 Zach Tom (rSR)

Wake Forest


IN A NUTSHELL:

Lecitus Smith is a three-year starter with 36 of his 37 starts

coming at left guard. He has a stout frame with good weight

distribution through his lower body. He projects as a guardonly

prospect due to a significant lack of length. As a run

blocker, Smith sits low in his stance and explodes out with

natural leverage. He has the power and leg drive to sustain

blocks and create movement in the run game. As a pass

protector, Smith shows good balance and patience in his

initial set. He has the bulk and strength to anchor against

the bull rush, but he lacks the reactive quickness to recover

once rushers gain his edge. Smith’s best fit will likely be in

a gap or power scheme.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Zach Tom is a three-year starter with 37 career starts,

including 23 at left tackle and 14 at center. Tom has a long,

lean frame with below average bulk. Despite experience at

left tackle, Tom projects primarily at center. In the run game,

Tom uses quickness and athleticism to win positioning and

wall off defenders. Tom excels on combo blocks and is a

natural mover on the second level. In pass protection, Tom

maintains balance through a smooth slide. He plays with

excellent knee bend and leverage but too often gives ground

due to lack of size. Though he will be limited to a zone

scheme, Tom has elite athletic traits and has all the makings

of a prospect that would interest the Packers.

18 Dohnovan West (JR) Arizona State 19 Alec Lindstrom (rSR)

Boston College



IN A NUTSHELL:

Dohnovan West was a three-year starter with 29 career

starts, including 14 at center, 11 at right guard, and four at

left guard. He has a lean, narrow frame and lacks bulk in

his lower half. West projects best to center but offers

versatility at guard in a pinch. As a run blocker, West

routinely wins with athleticism and a keen understanding

of angles. West has the quickness to pull or climb to the

second level on combo blocks. In pass protection, West keeps

his feet moving to stay square and naturally adjusts his base

to gain leverage and anchor. West will ultimately be limited

by his lack of size and power, but he could provide value to

a zone-heavy team.

20 Chris Paul (rSR)


Tulsa

IN A NUTSHELL:

Chris Paul is a four-year starter with 38 career starts,

including 18 at right tackle, 12 at left guard, and eight at

right guard. Paul has a well-proportioned frame with

excellent length for the interior. His best fit is at guard, but

he may have some versatility at tackle. Paul has good shortarea

burst to maintain positioning in the run game. Despite

his size, he’s more of a stalemate blocker than a people mover.

Paul has a quick first step in pass protection but lacks the

ideal foot quickness to protect the edge or routinely mirror

counters. His quick, active hands and a move inside could

mask his weaknesses as a pass blocker. Teams will be drawn

to Paul’s intelligence, character, and versatility.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Alec Lindstrom was a three-year starter with 37 starts at

center. Lindstrom has a compact frame with below-average

length and bulk. He’ll be limited as a center-only prospect

in a zone scheme. With his father as his high school coach,

it’s unsurprising that Lindstrom has a refined technique,

excellent football IQ, and the awareness required to play

center. As a run blocker, Lindstrom’s footwork allows him

to work angles and gain position to wall off defenders. He’s

particularly adept as a combo blocker moving to the second

level. In pass protection, Lindstrom uses good hand

placement to sustain blocks but has too many reps where

he’s walked back into the pocket. Lindstrom projects as a

solid backup with a high floor and low ceiling.

21 NICK ZAKELJ (SR) Fordham

22 CHASEN HINES (SR) LSU

23 CAM JURGENS (SO) Nebraska

24 ZACHARY THOMAS (SR) San Diego State

25 BLAISE ANDRIES (SR) Minnesota

26 JA’TYRE CARTER (rJR) Southern

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117

DL

Position Analysis:

Brennen Rupp

DEMARVIN

LEAL

DL, TEXAS A&M

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 JORDAN DAVIS

Georgia

02 DEVONTE WYATT

Georgia

03 DEMARVIN LEAL

Texas A&M

04 LOGAN HALL

Houston

05 TRAVIS JONES

UCONN

06 PERRION WINFREY

Oklahoma

07 PHIDARIAN MATHIS

Alabama

08 NEIL FARRELL JR.

LSU

09 MATTHEW BUTLER

Tennessee

10 JOHN RIDGEWAY

Arkansas

11 EYIOMA UWAZURIKE

Iowa State

12 HASKELL GARRETT

Ohio State

13 THOMAS BOOKER

Stanford

14 KALIA DAVIS

UCF

15 NOAH ELLIS

Idaho

16 MATT HENNINGSEN

Wisconsin

17 ZACHARY CARTER

Florida

18 JAYDEN PEEVY

Texas A&M

19 DJ DAVIDSON

Arizona State

20 CHRISTOPHER HINTON

Michigan

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

MEASURABLES:

Jordan Davis (SR) Georgia

Height: 6’6”

1

Weight: 341 lbs.

Arms: 34”

40-yard: 4.78

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 32”

Broad: 123”

2021 STATS:

32 tackles

5 tackles for loss

2 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Davis was a three-star recruit out of North

Carolina. He also played basketball at Mallard Creek. Davis

finished his four-year career at Georgia as a 33-game starter

with 91 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. This

past season, he earned first-team All-American honors. He’s

a mountain of a man, so much so that he overshadowed his

teammate Devonte Wyatt, who is not small at 6’3” and 304

pounds.

Davis’ draft stock is all over the place; due to his limited upside

as a pass-rusher, he could slide to the end of the first round.

In a draft where there are few blue-chip prospects, a player

like Davis with an obvious trump card (run-stuffer) could go

in the top 20.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Davis is a game-wrecker and was a

big reason why the Bulldogs gave up less than three yards per

carry this past season. Davis is a roadblock; he eats up blocks

and allows his teammates to make plays. The former threestar

recruit is an immovable object. He’s powerful and has

strong, active hands. He’s strong at the point of attack and

engulfs ball carriers and has outstanding range for a man his

size. Davis would immediately upgrade any team’s pass-rush.

vs. pass: Davis is going to make his living at the next level as

a two-down, run-stuffing nose tackle. However, Davis has

good initial burst off the snap and offers some upside as a

pass-rusher. He has a devastating bull rush. With the way he

tested at the combine, it’s plausible to think that Davis has

the athleticism and power to be an impact interior pass-rusher

at the next level.

CRUSHING THE COMBINE:

Jordan Davis is not from this planet—men of his size should

not be able to move and jump the way that Davis did at the

NFL Combine. At 341 pounds, the Georgia defensive tackle

ran a 4.78 40-yard dash. To compare, Wisconsin tight end Jake

Ferguson ran a 4.72. Cooper Kupp ran a 4.62 40-yard dash at

the combine. Even more impressive, Davis had a 10-yard split

of 1.68. To compare, Rashan Gary had a 1.61 10-yard split at

277 pounds, and Myles Garrett, one of the most explosive edge

rushers in the NFL had a 10-yard split of 1.63. Davis will do

his best work against the run, but he showed that he has the

explosiveness to be a force as an interior pass rusher.


It’s hard to imagine Davis falling to the Packers in the first

round. He could provide a Vita Vea–like impact as a rookie.

He’s a dancing bear. Davis is one of the top prospects in the

class. If by some miracle Davis falls, Brian Gutekunst should

quickly phone in the pick. A duo of Kenny Clark and Davis

would give opposing teams fits. The presence of Davis playing

alongside Clark would make it almost impossible to run up

the middle against Green Bay. The Georgia defensive tackle

also has upside as an interior pass-rusher. It’s hard to imagine

Davis falling to the Packers, but it’s nice to dream about a duo

of Clark and Davis dominating the line of scrimmage in an

alternate universe. The chances of Davis falling to the Packers

in the first round are slim. The chances that Green Bay would

trade up to get him are even slimmer.

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

MEASURABLES:

Devonte Wyatt (SR) Georgia

Height: 6’3”

2

Weight: 304 lbs.

Arms: 32 5/8”

40-yard: 4.77

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 29”

Broad: 111”

2021 STATS:

39 tackles

7 tackles for loss

2.5 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Wyatt played his high school ball at Towers High

School in Decatur, Georgia. During his senior year at Towers,

Wyatt was named All-State Class 3A by the Atlanta Journal-

Constitution. Wyatt was rated as a four-star recruit by

247sports.com and ranked as the 17th best defensive tackle

in the country and the 27th best prospect in the state of

Georgia. Wyatt was a multisport athlete, competing in

basketball, baseball, and wrestling during his time at Towers.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Wyatt gets upfield quickly with an

explosive first step. He’s a backfield disrupter who finished

his career with 12 tackles for loss. With his size and strength,

Wyatt is able to clog up running lanes. He has a flexible lower

body and stays balanced through gaps. He is strong at the point

of attack and is rarely moved off his spot. For a man his size,

he has good lateral quickness to make plays up and down the

line of scrimmage. Wyatt was a key cog in the Bulldog defense

that gave up less than three yards per carry this past season.

vs. pass: As a pass-rusher, Wyatt wins with his quick get-off

and violent hands. He plays with great power. Men his size

aren’t supposed to move the way that Wyatt does. He has a

motor that never stops. While he may not always get home,

he is a pocket-collapser who will push offensive linemen into

the quarterback’s lap with his devastating bull rush. Wyatt

wins with his bull rush, but he has a nice bag of tricks in his

pass-rush repertoire. He finished this past season with 24

quarterback hits. He’d bolster any team’s interior pass-rush

with his combination of quickness and strength.

COLLEGE CAREER:

The Georgia native played one year at Hutchinson (KS)

community college before transferring to Georgia for the 2018

season. During his first year on campus, Wyatt recorded 19

tackles, including seven tackles and 1.5 sacks against Texas

in the Sugar Bowl. In 2019, Wyatt recorded 30 tackles and 1.5

sacks. The following season, Wyatt recorded 25 tackles and

two tackles for loss. This past season, Wyatt was a key cog in

Georgia’s historic national championship–winning defense.

Wyatt finished the season with seven tackles for loss and 2.5

sacks. While his numbers weren’t eye-popping, Wyatt played

a vital role in Georgia’s dominant run defense, a unit that

gave up less than three yards per carry and just three rushing

touchdowns all season. He built off that stellar performance

with a strong showing at the combine.


The Green Bay Packers need to get Kenny Clark help upfront,

and Wyatt has all the tools in the shed to be a perfect sidekick.

Wyatt’s presence would help take some of the pressure off

Clark. He could play nose tackle or kick out and play five-tech.

As a rookie, Wyatt could immediately impact Green Bay’s run

defense while giving their interior pass rush a much-needed

shot in the arm. With his combination of speed, power, and

size, Wyatt could be a disruptive force for the Packers playing

alongside Clark. Wyatt could be a dark horse pick for the

Packers in the first round; however, he is on the older side.

He’ll be 24 years old when the NFL draft rolls around. He also

had an off-the-field incident two years ago when he was

arrested for criminal trespassing, damage to property, and

family violence. All charges were dropped, but it’s something

that could keep him off Green Bay’s board.

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120

> DEFENSIVE LINE

DeMarvin Leal (JR)

3

Texas A&M

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 283 lbs.

Arms: 33 ¼”

40-yard: 5.00

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 27.5”

Broad: 106”

20-yard: 4.49

2021 STATS:

58 tackles

12.5 tackles for loss

8.5 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Leal attended Judson High School in Texas.

During his senior season at Judson, Leal recorded 83 tackles,

16 tackles for loss, six sacks, and also blocked a punt. Leal

earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for District 26-6A

and arrived at Texas A&M as a five-star recruit. He finished

his career at College Station with 133 tackles, 25 tackles for

loss, and 13 sacks. Leal passes the eye test with his athleticism

and NFL-ready frame. He has a tall, long frame with no bad

weight. Though he entered the year with top-15 buzz, the hype

didn’t always match the tape, at least consistently.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Leal is explosive off the snap and is

quick to get gap penetration. He’s agile and looks fluid moving

in space. Leal has a loose lower body and is able to evade

blockers. He has excellent foot quickness and has the quickness

to chase down ball carriers from behind. Leal may need to

get stronger at the point of attack to hold up on early downs

at the NFL level.

vs. pass: Leal offers a lot of upside as a pass-rusher. He has

first-step quickness to keep offensive linemen on their heels.

Once he wins the corner, he runs the arc with great burst. He

has quick hands.The Texas A&M defensive lineman converts

speed to power. He has a nice bag of tricks as a pass-rusher,

including an impressive spin move. When Leal has his motor

running he can be nearly unblockable. The Aggies have

produced the likes of Myles Garrett and Von Miller. They’ve

also produced players like Kingsley Keke. While Leal has a

different body type than Miller and Garrett, he has all the

tools to develop into a difference-maker like those two edgerushers.

He’s the ultimate boom-or-bust pick.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Leal started seven games as a freshman and recorded 38

tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. As a sophomore,

Leal recorded 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

This past season Leal started 12 games and recorded career

highs in tackles (58), tackles for loss (12.5), and sacks (8.5).

He earned All-Sec first-team honors this past season. He

finished this past season on a terror, recording 17 tackles,

four tackles for loss, and three sacks in the last three games.

In the final game against LSU, he recorded six pressures. That

strong finish to the season is what people were expecting

from Leal all season. Many had Leal projected as a top-15 pick

this past season.


Leal is definitely a player the Packers could target with the

28th overall pick. The Texas A&M defensive lineman would

be a great fit as the five-tech in Green Bay’s 3-4 scheme. He’s

a splash player against the run and would immediately bring

juice to Green Bay’s already impressive pass-rush. Leal is a

top-15 talent. His production at College Station didn’t always

match his talent, but there is no denying that Leal has the

tools in the shed to develop into a disruptive force playing

alongside Kenny Clark. He checks the boxes with his blend of

size, quickness, and power. If Leal were to be drafted by the

Packers, he’d instantly become the most talented defensive

lineman that Clark has played with during his time in Green

Bay. The question is could Green Bay pull the talent out of him

on a consistent basis?

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121

> DEFENSIVE LINE

Logan Hall (SR)

Houston

Travis Jones (SR)

UCONN

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6”, Weight: 283 lbs., Arms: 32 ¾”, 40-yard: 4.88

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4”, Weight: 325 lbs., Arms: 34 ¼”, 40-yard: 4.92

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 30”, 3-cone: 7.25, 20-yard: 4.44

NFL COMBINE: Vertical 28.5”, Broad: 110”, 3-cone 7.33, 20-yard: 4.58

2021 STATS: 47 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6 sacks

2021 STATS: 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Originally from Oklahoma, Hall played his final

two seasons in high school at Belton High School in Texas. A

three-star recruit, Hall opted to sign his letter of intent with

Houston over Colorado State and Tulsa. Hall came to Houston

at 245 pounds and left as a 283-pound wrecking ball.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Hall is a disruptive player with a

relentless motor. Hall lived in the opponents’ backfield this

past season. The former three-star recruit is a physical edge

setter with stack and shed ability. He has good change of

direction skills and is able to make plays up and down the

line of scrimmage.

vs. pass: Hall is a twitched-up pass rusher who can line up

on the edge or in the interior. He is a powerful and explosive

pass rusher that converts speed to power. With his power,

Hall is able to consistently push the pocket and disrupt the

action in the backfield. He has strong, violent hands and a

devastating bull rush, where he straight-up abused AAC

offensive lineman with his power.


Hall is a versatile defensive lineman. He played all over the

defensive line for the Cougars. With his flexibility and

athleticism, Hall could be a player Brian Gutekunst targets

in the first round. He could line up as the five-tech, or he

could provide quality depth at outside linebacker behind

Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. Regardless of where Hall

lines up, he looks the part with his power and quickness off

the snap. A team can never have enough pass-rushers, and

Hall would provide an immediate impact as a designated

pass-rusher.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jones attended Wilbur Cross High School in New

Haven, Connecticut. Jones arrived on campus at 350 pounds

and has done a good job of rebuilding his body (325 pounds).

His junior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jones finished his career with 19 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

With a standout Senior Bowl week, Jones showed that he could

play with the big boys. He was voted the top defensive tackle

on the National team for his efforts throughout the week.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Jones is a wrecking ball. He’s stout

and powerful, and his strong upper body allows him to stack

and shed. He’s able to anchor down against double teams and

is an immovable object in the middle of the line of scrimmage.

vs. pass: Jones has good movement skills for a man his size.

He has juice as a pass-rusher, getting upfield quickly with an

explosive first step, and he has a devastating bull rush. This

past season, he recorded 4.5 sacks and had 25 pressures.


Jones has outstanding size and power. He was unblockable

at the Senior Bowl, where he was going up against some of

the most talented offensive linemen in this draft class. Jones

was the only dangerous player on UConn’s defense—teams

could throw double teams at him all day. In Green Bay, he’ll

face one-on-one situations with teams focusing on Kenny

Clark and Rashan Gary. Jones has all the traits to be a

difference-maker. With the 28th pick, the Packers could target

Jones and bet on those traits.

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

Perrion Winfrey (SR)

Oklahoma

Phidarian Mathis (rSR)

Alabama

6

7


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4”, Weight: 310 lbs., Arms: 34 5/8”, 40-yard: DNP

NFL COMBINE: Bench: 24

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 23.5”, Broad: 109”, 20-yard: 4.91

2021 STATS: 23 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks

2021 STATS: 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: A four-star recruit out of Illinois, Winfrey started

his collegiate career at the junior college level at Iowa

Western. During his first season at Norman, Winfrey earned

second-team All-Big 12 honors after recording 19 tackles and

six tackles for loss. This past season, Winfrey earned firstteam

All-Big 12 honors. Winfrey earned Senior Bowl MVP

honors after recording five tackles, three tackles for loss, and

two sacks.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Winfrey can be an absolute menace.

He gets off the ball quickly and moves blockers with his

physical hands. He has quick feet and a flexible lower body

to attack gaps. He tends to play too high sometimes and needs

to play with better leverage.

vs. pass: Winfrey might be one of the most explosive interior

defensive linemen in this draft. That initial burst puts

offensive linemen on their heels. His quickness, paired with

his play strength, can absolutely overwhelm interior offensive

linemen. He does a good job of converting speed to power.

He has quick hands and plays with good leg drive, and he has

a strong lower body to drive offensive lineman back.


Winfrey is a second-round prospect, and if he falls to the

Packers at 59 it would be hard to pass on a man with his traits.

With his quickness and power, he could be an absolute force.

There are some technical things that need to be ironed out,

including leverage and run game angles. As a rookie, Winfrey

could provide an immediate impact as an interior pass-rusher

while providing splash plays against the run.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Mathis was rated as the No. 2 player in the state

of Louisiana coming out of high school. He chose to play at

Alabama rather than in-state LSU. Mathis was a team captain

this past season and was a force in the middle of Alabama’s

defense, recording 10.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Mathis

passes the eye test with his frame, powerful shoulders, and

long arms.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Mathis stays light on his feet and

shows good lateral quickness to make plays up and down the

line of scrimmage. He shows good effort from snap to snap.

He’s strong at the point of attack, rarely gets pushed off his

spot, and is quick to locate the ball carrier. Mathis has a nonstop

motor and plays with a bit of a junkyard dog mentality.

vs. pass: Mathis gets upfield quickly by winning off the snap

with a quick first step. He has the quickness and burst to

collapse the pocket. This past year was his lone season as a

starter for Alabama, and he recorded nine sacks while

consistently disrupting the action in the backfield.


Right now, Green Bay’s defensive line consists of Kenny Clark

and a bunch of guys. Brian Gutekunst needs to start

surrounding Clark with some dogs upfront. Mathis has the

versatility to play anywhere along the defensive line. By

selecting Mathis in the second round, the Packers would be

getting a player that could help shore up the run defense and

bolster their interior pass-rush. Mathis has the strength and

size to be a day-one starter for the Packers.

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

Neil Farrell Jr. (SR)

LSU

Matthew Butler (SR)

Tennessee

8

9


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4”, Weight: 297 lbs., Arms: 33 ½”, 40-yard: 5.00

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 21.5”, 3-cone: 8.41

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 32”, Broad: 112”, 3-cone: 7.89, 20-yard: 4.81, Bench: 17



IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Farrell looks like an NFL nose tackle with his

filled-out frame. A four-star recruit out of Alabama, Farrell

appeared in 51 games with 21 career starts at LSU. The

Alabama native played mostly as a backup before starting

18 games over the past two seasons. During that two-year

stretch, Farrell recorded 11.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Farrell is an impact nose tackle. He

isn’t there just to eat up space—he’s there to blow things up

in the backfield. He has a stout frame and good lateral

quickness for a man of his size. He plays with good effort and

has good range. Farrell plays with good leverage and knifes

into the backfield. He’s strong at the point of attack and has

the power to throw offensive lineman to the side like rag dolls.

vs. pass: The LSU nose tackle is quick off the snap. He’s a

twitched-up nose tackle. Farrell has a strong bull rush and

does a good job of driving interior offensive linemen into the

quarterback’s lap.


Farrell is an athletic nose tackle who could be a differencemaker

against the run and has the quickness and strength

to bolster Green Bay’s interior pass rush. His presence could

allow the Packers to permanently play Kenny Clark at the

five-tech. Farrell’s floor is a rotational two-down player. His

ceiling is an impact nose tackle that can be a disruptive

force against the run while providing juice as an interior

pass-rusher.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Butler was a four-star recruit out of Garner High

School in North Carolina. During his time at Tennessee, Butler

played in 53 games with 26 career starts and led the Tennessee

defensive line in tackles the past three seasons. He boosted

his draft stock when he came to school for his “super senior”

season and finished this past season with career highs in

tackles (47), tackles for loss (8.5), and sacks (five).

Positional Skills: vs. run: Butler can knock you into next week

as a tackler—he packs a wallop. He’s strong at the point of

attack and has the ideal short-area quickness to be an impact

player inside the box. Butler destroys double teams with his

power and consistently disrupts the action in the backfield.

Butler is more than just a roadblock; he is an impact player

against the run.

vs. pass: The 26-game starter will offer more of an impact

against the run, but Butler offers some upside as a passrusher.

Butler is quick off the snap and plays with a lot of

energy. He has heavy hands and strikes with power. He has

the traits to be a disruptive pass-rusher, and it will be fun to

see if he can build off what he did during his final season at

Tennessee.


Butler is a player that got better every season at Tennessee.

That growth should continue when he reaches the NFL. He

has the potential to be a disruptive five-tech playing alongside

Kenny Clark. He drew a lot of attention this past season at

Tennessee. Playing in Green Bay’s front seven, he’d face a lot

of one-one-ones with teams focusing their attention on Clark

and Rashan Gary.

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

John Ridgeway (rSR)

Arkansas

Eyioma Uwazurike (rSR)

Iowa State

10

11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’5”, Weight: 321 lbs., Arms: 33 3/8”, 40-yard: 5.3

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6”, Weight: 316 lbs., Arms: 35 1/8”, 40-yard: DNP

NFL COMBINE: Broad: 101”, 20-yard: 4.73




IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Ridgeway was a wrestling state champion

(Illinois) in 2017 for Bloomington High School. Ridgeway played

for Illinois State from 2017 to 2021 before transferring to

Arkansas. During his lone season for the Razorbacks, Ridgeway

recorded 39 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Ridgeway is a classic nose tackle.

The Illinois State transfer is able to anchor down and eat up

double teams. He’s strong at the point of attack and is an

immovable object. He’s able to keep linebackers clean, and

his presence in the middle was a big reason why Arkansas

linebackers Bumper Pool, Grant Morgan, and Hayden Henry

all finished in the top 10 in the SEC in tackles. He has good

short-area quickness to make plays up and down the line of

scrimmage and shows good range for a man his size. His

wrestling background shows up against the run, where he’s

able to get lower than the man across from him.

vs. pass: Ridgeway’s strength is his ability to stuff the run.

Anything he offers as an interior pass-rusher is gravy. He

has the power and initial quickness to be an interior disruptor

at the next level. With his strength, he does have a pretty

good bull rush and has the ability to collapse the pocket.


The Packers need to get Kenny Clark some help up front. A

player like Ridgeway could provide the Packers with a Greg

Gaines–like impact. The former wrestling state champion

could be a plug-and-play starter at nose tackle and allow the

Packers to kick Clark outside to the five-tech. As a Day 3 pick,

Ridgeway would provide excellent value as a two-down,

run-stuffing specialist.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Uwazurike was a three-star recruit out of

Michigan. He chose Iowa State over Michigan State, UCF, and

Temple. He finished his career at Ames with 144 tackles, 34.5

tackles for loss, and 15 sacks. This past season Uwazurike

earned first-team All-Big 12 after recording 12 tackles for

loss and nine sacks.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Uwazurike holds his ground against

the run. He’s strong at the point of attack and is not easily

moved out of his gap. During his time as a Cyclone, he ate

up double teams, which allowed linebackers Mike Rose,

O’Rien Vance, and Jake Hummel to roam free. He developed

into an absolute force that wreaked havoc behind the line

of scrimmage. Over the last two seasons, he recorded 20

tackles for loss.

vs. pass: Uwazurike is an active interior pass-rusher. He has

long arms and a powerful upper body. He has thunder in his

hands and has a devastating bull rush. He may not always

get home to record the sack, but he’s capable of collapsing

the pocket.


Uwazurike checks all the boxes. He has the size, quickness,

strength, and versatility to develop into a difference-maker.

With his blend of athleticism and size, Uwazurike could be a

tough handle for an offensive lineman in one-on-one

matchups, something Uwazurike will see a lot of if he ends

up being selected by the Packers. During his time at Iowa

State, Uwazurike played nose tackle and five-tech. It’s the

same role he could play if he were to be selected by the Packers.

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

Haskell Garrett (SR)

Ohio State

13 Thomas Booker (SR)

Stanford

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

Booker came to Stanford as a four-star recruit out of

Maryland. His father, Earl Booker, played linebacker at

Wisconsin. Booker also played basketball and competed in

track and field, where he won a shot put state championship

for Gilman High School. Booker finished his career at

Stanford with 159 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and nine

sacks. Booker is strong at the point of attack and uses his

power and strong hands to throw blockers to the side. He’s

slippery and is able to get upfield quickly with his burst. He

has ideal play strength and is able to walk offensive lineman

back into the quarterback’s lap by keeping his legs driving.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 300 lbs., Arms: 31 5/8”, 40-yard: 5.07

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 24”

2021 STATS: 22 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks

14 Kalia Davis (rJR)


UCF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Garrett was a four-star recruit of Bishop Gorman

(Nevada). During his time there, Bishop Gorman went 43–0.

Garrett suffered a gunshot wound through the cheeks in the

summer of 2020 but recovered to play the entire season for

Ohio State. That season, he recorded four tackles for loss and

two sacks. He was a team captain for the Buckeyes this past

season and recorded seven tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Positional Skills: vs. run: Garrett is an excellent gap penetrator

who stays balanced through contact. He does a good job of

timing the snap and shooting the gap to disrupt the action

in the backfield. He competes with violence and is a bone

crusher when he gets a free run at the ball carrier.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Davis would be higher on this list, but he’s only played in

five games over the past two seasons. Davis opted out of the

2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following

season, Davis recorded 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack before

suffering a season-ending ACL injury in the fifth game of

the season. Davis has an explosive first step, and he converts

that quick get-off to power. That combination of speed and

power overwhelms interior offensive linemen. The former

high school linebacker doesn’t labor when he moves laterally.

Davis has the traits, but his lack of playing time over the

past two seasons could give teams pause.

vs. pass: Garrett has a quick first step and plays with a

relentless motor. He has strong, violent hands and has a

devastating bull rush to drive offensive linemen into the

quarterback’s lap. He has an impressive spin move for a man

his size.


Garrett isn’t an explosive athlete, and it’s hard to see him

ever being anything more than a rotational player. Every

team needs those players, and Garrett is the type of player

that could thrive in that type of role. He plays with a lot of

passion and will give you everything he has each time he’s

on the field. For a team that needs to improve their depth

along the defensive line, Garrett could carve out a role as a

versatile backup who’s capable of playing anywhere along

the defensive line.

15 Noah Ellis (rJR)


Idaho

IN A NUTSHELL:

Ellis, the son of former Detroit Lion defensive tackle Luther

Ellis, started his career at Mississippi State before transferring

to Idaho, where his father is the defensive line coach. This

past season, Ellis recorded 46 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and

one sack. Ellis is a powerful, imposing figure in the middle—

he’s an absolute roadblock. For a man his size, Ellis possesses

surprisingly rare quickness to make plays up and down the

line of scrimmage. He has a quick get-off and overwhelms

offensive linemen with his power. His calling card will be

his ability as a run-stuffer, but he offers some juice as an

interior pass-rusher.

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> DEFENSIVE LINE

16 Matt Henningsen (SR) Wisconsin 17 Zachary Carter (rSR)

Florida


IN A NUTSHELL:

From a walk-on to a starter, Henningsen is a “grab your hard

hat and lunch pail and go to work” type player. He’s going

to give you everything he has on each snap. He’s a more

athletic version of Dean Lowry. The Badger defensive

lineman recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks this

past season. Henningsen plays with a lot of power and is

strong at the point of attack. He has good burst off the line

of scrimmage. With his blend of athleticism, strength, and

motor, Henningsen could carve out a role as a solid rotational

piece up front with starter upside.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Carter finished his career at the Swamp as a two-year starter.

During those two seasons, Carter recorded 20.5 tackles for

loss and 12.5 sacks. Carter has inside-outside versatility. He

displays upfield burst to close on the quarterback. He has

long arms and heavy hands, and he has the quickness to

make plays outside the tackle box. Carter is too easily pushed

around against the run; he needs to be stronger at the point

of attack. The effort isn’t always there, either. Carter has the

traits, but he’s not strong enough against the run and isn’t

explosive enough to be a designated pass-rusher.

18 Jayden Peevy (SR) Texas A&M 19 DJ Davidson (GRAD)

Arizona State



IN A NUTSHELL:

Peevy was the overlooked member of a talented Texas A&M

defensive line. This past season, Peevy recorded 43 tackles,

seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and knocked down three

passes. The Aggie defensive lineman has an NFL-ready body

and plays with a ton of power. Peevy will remind Packers

fans of former Texas A&M defensive lineman, Kingsley Keke.

Like Keke, Peevy had flashes of dominant play but could

never string it together. That lack of consistency is maddening.

If he can ever put it all together, a team could be getting quite

the steal on Day 3 of the draft.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A run-stuffing nose tackle, Davidson started 29 games for

the Sun Devils during his final three seasons. During that

three-year stretch, Davison recorded 127 tackles, 12 tackles

for loss, and three sacks. Davidson controls his gap and

doesn’t get moved in the run game. He’s strong at the point

of attack and eats up double teams to help keep linebackers

clean. The three-year starter has adequate lateral quickness

and gives good effort in pursuit. The third day of the NFL

Draft is all about finding players that can carve out a role.

Davidson could find playing time as a rookie as a two-down,

run-stuffing nose tackle.

20 Christopher Hinton (JR)


Michigan

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hinton is the son of former fourth-overall pick (1983) Chris

Hinton. Hinton finished this past season with 32 tackles and

one sack. Hinton isn’t a splash player. He controls his gap

and has the lateral quickness to make plays up and down

the line of scrimmage. His motor runs hot, and he gives

consistent effort on each snap. He relies on a good bull rush,

but he’ll have to develop counter moves if he’s ever going to

develop into more than a rotational piece at the next level.

Hinton projects as a depth piece who needs to develop more

of a plan of attack as a pass-rusher.

21 ESEZI OTOMEWO (rSR) Minnesota

22 ERIC JOHNSON (SR) Missouri State

23 MARQUAN MCCALL (SR) Kentucky

24 OTITO OGBONNIA (SR) UCLA

25 LABRYAN RAY (rSR) Alabama

26 TAYLAND HUMPHREY (rSR) Louisiana

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127

EDGE

Position Analysis:

ROSS UGLEM

TRAVON

WALKER

EDGE, GEORGIA

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 AIDAN HUTCHINSON

Michigan

02 KAYVON THIBODEAUX

Oregon

03 GEORGE KARLAFTIS

Purdue

04 JERMAINE JOHNSON

Florida State

05 TRAVON WALKER

Georgia

06 ARNOLD EBIKETIE

Penn State

07 NIK BONITTO

Oklahoma

08 DAVID OJABO

Michigan

09 KINGSLEY ENAGBARE

South Carolina

10 DRAKE JACKSON

USC

11 BOYE MAFE

Minnesota

12 CAMERON THOMAS

San Diego State

13 MYJAI SANDERS

Cincinnati

14 JOSH PASCHAL

Kentucky

15 MICHAEL CLEMONS

Texas A&M

16 DEANGELO MALONE

Western Kentucky

17 SAM WILLIAMS

Ole Miss

18 JESSE LUKETA

Penn State

19 TYREKE SMITH

Ohio State

20 ISAIAH THOMAS

Oklahoma

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> EDGE

MEASURABLES:

Aidan Hutchinson (SR) Michigan

Height: 6’7”

1

Weight: 260 lbs.

40 Time: 4.74

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 36”

Broad: 117”

20-yd: 4.15

3-cone: 6.73

Bench: N/A

2021 STATS:

62 tackles

16.5 TFL

14 sacks

51 hurries

2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Hutchinson is the next in a line of Michigan pass

rushers who have the NFL hot and bothered. After Rashan

Gary and Chase Winovich, Hutchinson and teammate David

Ojabo (we’ll discuss him later) terrorized the backfields of the

Big Ten as a tandem. Hutchinson is receiving best-overallplayer-in-this-class

buzz, and his dominant performance at

the NFL Combine isn’t going to change that one bit. Hutchinson

matches everything up. The measurables match the tape, the

tape matches the production, and it all equals an extremely

high-level prospect.

Positional Skills: An archetype for the 4-3 defensive end

position, but certainly not a player teams with stand-up EDGE

players are going to shy away from. Hutchinson isn’t a

dominant “speed” rusher, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t

have burst off the line. He certainly does. Hutchinson’s flex/

bend is fine, but it’s not how he wins on a down-to-down basis.

“Hutch” is more of a stack and shed/counter rusher, and he is

mighty successful in that way. He has oddly short arms for a

player of his height, so “length” is a concern. Hutchinson’s

greatest strength is his “heavy hands”. His strike is violent.

His counter-rushes move off of that strike one after the next

after the next. Hutchinson will be a plus run defender at the

next level. His motor is absolutely not a question. He is

relentless. Even if he doesn’t “hit” like a Bosa brother and

jump immediately on an All-Pro track, Hutchinson will be an

above average starter for a long time based strictly on effort

and athletic ability.

RIVALRY GAME:

Hutchinson completely dominated Ohio State in the Big House

and helped lead Michigan over the Buckeyes for the first time

since 2011. According to Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson

achieved 15 (!) pressures, which included three sacks and five

“stops.” It was easily the highest number of pressures from

any defender in one game in the 2021 season. Ohio State tackles

had very few answers for his constant pressure and array of

moves. Quite simply: Hutchinson destroyed the Buckeyes

offensive game plan and their chances of winning the game.

That performance helped secure the Big Ten for the Wolverines

for the first time since 2004. Aidan’s father, Chris, was also

an All-American for Michigan. Nothing better for “Big Blue”

than taking down some Buckeyes.


Hutchinson would start immediately across from Rashan

Gary, even with Preston Smith’s return. He is incredibly

unlikely to be a Green Bay Packer considering he’s likely to

hear his name called in the first three picks of the draft (if

not No. 1 overall). If they somehow were able to acquire him,

Hutchinson and Gary would represent an organizational shift

towards the defensive side of the ball. In the aforementioned

game against Ohio State, Hutchinson rushed almost exclusively

from a two-point stance. Obviously, the Packers more often

than not have their rushers in a stand-up position. His

transition from Michigan’s scheme would/should go as well

or better than Gary’s. Michigan switched schemes from Don

Brown’s to Mike Macdonald’s after the 2020 season.

Hutchinson’s production remained elite.

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> EDGE

MEASURABLES:

Kayvon Thibodeaux (JR) Oregon

Height: 6’4”

2

Weight: 254 lbs.

40 Time: 4.58

PRO DAY:

Broad: 119”

20-yd: 4.34

3-cone: 7.23

Bench: 27 reps (at Combine)

2021 STATS:

49 tackles

12 TFL

7 sacks

48 hurries

2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Thibodeaux has always been on the path to NFL

superstardom. He was the top-ranked recruit in the entire

country when he chose the Oregon Ducks. Thibodeaux was

one of the more effective true freshman defensive linemen

in recent memory. Alas, he’s played his three years and is now

off to the National Football League. The rise of Aidan

Hutchinson and some minor health issues have seemingly

caused Thibodeaux’s stock to drop from No. 1 in this class to

top five. Thibodeaux’s “falling stock” could be a classic case

of overthinking a prospect we’ve expected to go in the top

three from the day he arrived on campus in Eugene until now.

He’s an excellent football player.

Positional Skills: Thibodeuax gets off the ball in a hurry. His

explosiveness has a tendency to cause opposing tackles to

overset. That oversetting allows Thibodeaux to dip into his

bag of inside counters. Thibodeuax possesses elite bend. He

showed the ability to successfully turn the corner time and

again, which, again, sets up the inside counters. His run

defense and lateral movement are unquestionably elite.

Thibodeuax doesn’t “get by” on talent, either—he’s a higheffort

player. Thibodeaux is an artist with tremendous football

IQ. Game after game, his mental battle with the offensive

tackle is evident; his initial moves are often deployed to set

up a more devastating counter later in the game. His hands

are heavy and they are violent. Despite his size (254 pounds),

he mutilates any tight end sent out to try and block him. With

his size, Thibodeaux can play with his hand in the dirt in an

even front, but he is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker.

BEST GAME:

In one of the most ridiculous games/situations in college

football, Thibodeaux missed the first half against Cal because

of a targeting call levied against him the week prior. The video

is in the above link. The Oregon rush specialist responded by

racking up an unbelievable 10 pressures in 52 second-half

snaps, leading the Ducks to a very uncomfortable 24–17 victory

over a Cal team that just wasn’t very good. Still, 10 pressures

in a half is not something you see every day. Within those 10

pressures were four quarterback knockdowns and a sack.

Thibodeaux recorded three other stops. You certainly don’t

see that in one half. That 30-minute burst is the type of player

that Thibodeaux can be at the next level: dominant.


Thibodeaux is a perfect fit with the Packers; he checks all

their scouting boxes. He appears to be extremely athletic (as

his mix of testing numbers at the combine and his Oregon

pro day indicate), he’s young (a true junior), plays in the Pac

12 (hello Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Kenny Clark, Datone

Jones, Mason Crosby, and David Bakhtiari), and was extremely

productive. He also fits in as a stand-up rusher, which is still

Green Bay’s preferred defensive look up front. He and Rashan

Gary would absolutely terrorize opposing quarterbacks for

the next decade. Just like Hutchinson, Thibodeaux is the kind

of prospect at a premium position that good teams like Green

Bay rarely get a chance to draft. Don’t expect that to change

in April.

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> EDGE

George Karlaftis (JR)

3

Purdue

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 266 lbs.

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 38”

Broad: 121”

20-yd: 4.36

3-cone: N/A

Bench: 21 reps

2021 STATS:

39 tackles

10 TFL

4.5 sacks

54 hurries

2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Karlaftis is an interesting prospect when viewed

against Thibodeaux and Hutchinson, who are widely regarded

as true “slam-dunk” prospects. Karlaftis won’t be number

three in everyone’s ranking because he appears to be the

first prospect in this deep, talented group of edges with

perceived “warts.” Karlaftis is the classic “scout pressures,

not sacks” prospect. He wins in ways that are sustainable at

the NFL level, and he possesses two NCAA seasons, despite

being just a true junior, with at least 54 pressures. He’s the

best pure power rusher in the class, and that has value.

Karlaftis is an excellent athlete, having moved to the United

States as a 13-year-old and excelled in both football and track

and field. Karlaftis burst onto the scene as a true freshman

in 2019, earning freshman All-America honors for the

Boilermakers. He may not be quite at the same level

athletically as Thibodeaux and Hutchinson, but he is a

craftsman and a technician.

Positional Skills: Karlaftis’ most useful tool is the hammer.

He’s a blend of former Boilermaker Ryan Kerrigan and AJ

Epenesa, another Big Ten product (Iowa). His ball-get-off isn’t

good—it’s elite. Kerrigan presses and is often on top of

offensive tackles before they can get into their pass sets.

Karlaftis is more “slippery” than he is truly “bendy.” His

flexibility is fine but not a key strength. The wins come from

burst off the line, engaging the offensive lineman, then beating

that lineman with either speed-to-power or a counter-move

from speed-to-power. His length is “fine,” but again, not elite.

His bull rush is excellent, everything that works off the bull

rush is also excellent. If he’s left on a tight end or a back in a

blitz situation, he’ll eat them alive. Karlaftis is a disruptive

run defender, but he does occasionally miss tackles.

COLLEGE DEBUT:

Imagine being a true freshman at a Power Five school, beating

out multiple upper-classmen for meaningful snaps, and then

heading on the road for your first game and wrecking it.

Karlaftis was incredible in his first game as a college player.

Despite being a true freshman, he played 77 (!) snaps,

generating 14 (!) pressures, a sack, and five QB hits. He was

credited with three total stops by Pro Football Focus for his

efforts in a road game at Nevada. Karlaftis is 20 now, which

means he was absolutely destroying folks as an 18-year old,

on the road, in a season opener. Yes, this was against a Group

of Five opponent, but still: man-child. Absolute man-child.


Karlaftis is a bit of an odd fit with the Packers because his

best position is likely as a 4-3 defensive end. Were this the

Ted Thompson era, that would not be a deterrent as he drafted

several such conversion projects. Joe Barry has continued

Green Bay’s previous preference of having their EDGE players

stand up. It’s certainly possible the ex-Boilermaker could

make more sense as a sub-rusher in Barry’s scheme a la

Za’Darius Smith. Karlaftis lined up more across the line in

2019 than in 2021, but he still projects as a reasonably versatile

rusher due to his vast array of moves and counters. The

Packers extended Preston Smith with the intention of pairing

him with Rashan Gary, and Karlaftis could be devastating as

a rotation piece.

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> EDGE

Jermaine Johnson (rSR)

Florida State

Travon Walker (JR)

Georgia

4

5


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 32”, Broad: 125”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A

2021 STATS: 70 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 11 sacks, 46 hurries, 2 FF



2021 STATS: 33 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 37 hurries

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Johnson is a scheme-versatile rusher with a full

toolkit. His stock increased dramatically after a transfer from

Georgia to Florida State allowed him to become more of a

featured player as opposed to just another cog in the Bulldog

machine. Johnson was far and away the best player on the

field for the Seminoles. Johnson is a long, loose defender who

defends both the run and pass well.

Positional Skills: Johnson isn’t a speed rusher but gets off the

ball just fine. His hip/waist bend is fine, but certainly not

elite. Most of Johnson’s wins don’t come from a simple turn

of the corner. Johnson wins by rushing with a plan. He

possesses tremendous length and uses that to maintain

separation from offensive tackles trying to block him. Johnson

pairs a wide array of moves with absolutely relentless effort

on a down-in, down-out basis. Johnson projects as a

worthwhile run defender with good lateral mobility. Johnson

is likely a fit as either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside

linebacker, though you’d want a little more weight than 254

pounds if he’s going to put his hand in the dirt in an even

front all day long.


Do you want to get a little sad after reading all that, Packers

fans? Johnson is old for a prospect, having played five full

seasons of college football—two in junior college, two in

Georgia, and one at Florida State. The Packers almost never

take swings on older prospects in the early rounds. That said,

Johnson is a productive, twitchy EDGE with good size. It’s not

impossible Green Bay would be interested, just unlikely.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: It’s hard to think of two prospects back-to-back

who could be more different than Walker and Jermaine Johnson.

With Johnson, everything you need to see is right there in the

tape. It’s also unlikely he gets a whole lot better than he was at

FSU. With Walker, everything is a projection. He’s a full-blown

alien whose unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) was

calculated at 10.0. That’s a perfect score. Still, the production

wasn’t incredible. He had just six sacks and 34 pressures in a

season in which Georgia played three “extra” games. The

million-dollar question for Walker: Is that lack of production

on him? His teammates? His scheme? We’ll find out.

Positional Skills: Walker possesses truly special athletic traits.

His burst is tremendous. He’s a very bendy player with

excellent hip/waist bend and ankle bend but doesn’t turn the

corner often enough for whatever reason. His punch is very

violent and effective. Walker’s main production issue stems

from a lack of counter rush moves. Once Walker’s original

rush plan ends and isn’t successful, it’s often over. Walker does

not run hot and cold. The individual effort is there on a playto-play

basis. Walker is a plus run defender from positions all

across the defensive line.


Walker reeks of Rashan Gary—he comes from an elite program,

and he’s a historically good athlete. Questions remain about

his production and the quality of his film, and just like Rashan,

it’s all about projection. It’s about the kind of player Walker

has the chance to be if developed in the right way. The combine

likely pushed Walker out of Green Bay’s reach, but he’s the

kind of young, toolsy player the Packers have drooled over in

the past. He fits what they want like a glove.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


132

> EDGE

Arnold Ebiketie (rSR)

Penn State

Nik Bonitto (rJR)

Oklahoma

6

7



NFL COMBINE: 38 Broad: 128”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: 21 reps


2021 STATS: 62 tackles, 18 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 52 hurries, 1 FF

2021 STATS: 39 tackles, 15 TFL, 7 sacks, 52 hurries, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Ebiketie is a tremendously productive and

versatile EDGE. After four years and three seasons at Temple,

Ebiketie transferred to Penn State, taking over for Odafe

Oweh for the Nittany Lions and dominating the Big Ten.

Ebiketie was absolutely electric with 52 pressures on just 374

pass rush snaps. Not a huge player by any stretch, Ebiketie

will have to carve out a role as a pass rush specialist early

on in his career. He may also be specific to a 3-4 scheme or

at least a stand-up rush scheme. Ebiketie could be a factor on

special teams early.

Positional Skills: Ebiketie absolutely screams off the ball and

off the edge. He’s an extremely flexible player, and it shows

on film repeatedly. Ebiketie flattens at the top of the arc and

is more than capable of dipping under tackles’ hands to make

the play. As you might assume with Ebiketie’s lack of

tremendous size, speed-to-power rushes aren’t the normal

“win” for him. Ebiketie isn’t going to stack a tackle or a big

tight end and dominate, setting the edge as a run defender.

He’s going to win in the run game with penetration.


Ebiketie is an odd fit. The Packers have historically loved to

add enormous, long, athletic EDGEs. That was certainly true

during the Mike Smith/Mike Pettine era. That said, Barry has

gotten it done with smaller hybrid EDGEs in past stops like

Los Angeles. Leonard Floyd isn’t huge. Neither is Obo

Okoronkwo or Justin Hollins. Unfortunately, like Johnson,

Ebiketie has five full seasons of college football under his belt.

He’s old, and therefore an unlikely early target for Green Bay.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Bonitto is an extremely productive, versatile

player and was the heart and soul of the Oklahoma defense

over the course of the last two years. Bonitto created 101

pressures over the course of the 2020 and 2021 seasons after

bursting onto the scene as a sophomore. Bonitto has the added

ability to not embarrass himself in coverage and move fluidly

as an off-ball linebacker if need be. He also might have the

hottest-running motor in the entire EDGE class. He plays with

his hair on fire.

Positional Skills: Bonnito could fit as a true 3-4 outside

linebacker or an off-ball linebacker who can rush on pass

downs (think a poor man’s version of Micah Parsons or maybe

a regular version of Haason Redick). He’s explosive out of his

stance and extremely impressive as a bender. He’s also a pass

rush maestro with a bevy of moves and counters. Make no

mistake, though, Bonitto is a speed/finesse rusher. His lack

of size, strength, and hand power are noticeable on film. If

a tackle can truly get hands on Bonitto, there’s a good chance

he’s going to be able to win the rep.


From a size perspective, Bonitto may not be a player the

Packers love, but their supposed interest in free agency pass

rusher Uchenna Nwosu (who signed with the Seahawks) could

give Bonitto fans hope. He’s the kind of smaller hybrid rusher

Mike Pettine and Mike Smith had very little time for. Still, a

player with the athleticism and juice Bonitto possesses could

help out early on special teams and immediately improve

Green Bay’s second pass-rushing unit. He could also contribute

to a “NASCAR” package in a big way. A player like Bonitto

would force Joe Barry and crew to be a little more creative.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


133

> EDGE

David Ojabo (rSO)

Michigan

Kingsley Enagbare (SR)

South Carolina

8

9


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 35”, Broad: 122”, 20-yd: 4.45, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A



NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36.5”, Broad: 117”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A

2021 STATS: 43 tackles, 7 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 45 hurries, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Michigan keeps turning out high-end edge

prospect after high-end edge prospect, and Ojabo is another

one of those dudes. Ojabo is a raw ball of clay for a good coach

to mold after playing only two years in high school and two

years at Michigan. Even with such limited experience, the

production is impressive and Ojabo’s traits jump out on film.

Get ready to hear the word “ceiling” a lot when entering into

discussions about Ojabo. He’s the shiny new toy.

Positional Skills: Ojabo profiles best as a 3-4 outside linebacker

with tremendous burst and range. His footwork is raw, and

his ability to get off the ball successfully is sometimes mired

by false steps and poor technique. Ojabo is adept at turning

the corner with above average flex in both his hips/waist and

ankles. He needs to do a better job with his initial strike and

hand placement. He’s out-athleting his opponents when he’s

winning. His toolbox is still pretty limited, and he needs

significant work as a run defender, but that could be more

due to inexperience and a lack of football instincts. You can

see the wheels turning with Ojabo occasionally, especially

in option/RPO situations. As a pursuit player, though, Ojabo

is absolutely electric.


Ojabo is a perfect candidate for the Packers. He’s young, he’s

an elite athlete, he came from an elite program, and he’s

someone the Packers coaching staff can mold into exactly the

type of player they want in their defensive scheme. Ojabo is

athletic enough to help improve the special teams unit right

away as well. Ojabo would slide into Za’Darius Smith’s role

as Green Bay’s third EDGE immediately. Consider Ojabo very

much in the conversation if the Packers stand pat at No. 28.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Enagbare is an elite rusher, even if he’s not a

pure natural athlete.The South Carolina Gamecock finished

top-three in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush grade among

players with at least 250 snaps. Unfortunately for Enagbare,

he didn’t test as well as one might have hoped in Indianapolis

(and his hopes for improving on them at South Carolina’s pro

day did not materialize either). Enagbare played at South

Carolina as a true freshman and amassed an impressive

1,500-plus snaps over four seasons. He’s an experienced,

productive rusher. The real question is just how much

“upside” exists.

Positional Skills: Enagbare is extremely efficient and

technically sound coming off the line of scrimmage. With

few false or wasted steps, Enagbare achieves above-average

get-off with average to below-average athleticism. His

flexibility is fine, but certainly nothing to write home about.

Where he succeeds mightily is the ability to convert speed

to power and work off of counter rush moves when that initial

push doesn’t seal the deal. Enagbare is a more versatile

defensive weapon than he is just a true EDGE He’s played

effective football up and down the defensive line.


Enagbare is a questionable fit for the Packers for a number

of reasons. He’s probably not big enough to play 4i in Joe

Barry’s scheme, and he’s probably not twitchy enough to pass

rush for Jason Rebrovich, either. He’s a very good football

player, it’s just hard to see where he might fit in in Green Bay.

It’s much more likely the Packers opt for one of the more

“toolsy” prospects in the pass rush department.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


134

> EDGE

Drake Jackson (JR)

USC

Boye Mafe (rSR)

Minnesota

10

11



NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36.5”, Broad: 127”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 38”, Broad:125”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A, Bench: N/A

2021 STATS: 37 tackles, 8 TFL, 5 sacks, 12 hurries, 1 FF, 1 INT


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jackson is a smaller EDGE more suited to work

as a 3-4 outside ’backer like USC Trojan Clay Matthews before

him. A true junior, Jackson decided to head to the NFL as an

underclassman. Jackson possesses above average length for

a “shorter” EDGE guy with his 34” arms and his ability to keep

separation between himself and pass protectors is notable.

Jackson would be a development project, but not one without

some possibilities.

Positional Skills: Jackson’s get-off is in a word: fine. It’s not

elite. He’s a speed rusher and a bender, which is a great place

to start as a prospect. His ability to counter and use his hands

could be improved. His punch is adequate, nothing more. The

same goes for his ability to defend the run. Jackson moves

extremely well in space and is a valuable contributor as a

pursuit player. His functional strength is limited but it’s

possible that it comes with time. His motor runs hot and cold

at times. Jackson is not a likely fit for a 4-3 team; he doesn’t

have the mass to play 4-3 end.


Without knowing most of Jackson’s athletic testing numbers,

it’s difficult to know just how well he fits in with the way the

Packers normally select players. Scheme-wise he would seem

to be a decent fit, with similar raw size numbers to Clay

Matthews. He’s a Pac-12 player and he’s a young player—the

kind of player the Packers draft all the time. Jackson would

likely headline Green Bay’s second-rush unit behind Preston

Smith and Rashan Gary. He’d also likely be a key contributor

on special teams.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Mafe, a fifth-year senior from Minnesota, is an

impressive athlete on tape and ran very well in Indianapolis.

The issue with Mafe is that he’s largely viewed as a

developmental prospect despite having served the five full

years at the University of Minnesota. His 42 pressures as a

senior were just one fewer than the 43 pressures he had in

his first three seasons as a Gopher combined. How much

more development is there for a developmental prospect

who’ll turn 24 during the NFL season?

Positional Skills: Mafe is fine off the ball, but the occasional

false step shows up on tape, allowing the offensive tackle to

square him up. If that can improve, Mafe has the explosiveness

to pair with his natural bend. His hand usage is fine, not

great. His punch is fine, not great. He’s incredibly long,

though, and if that length and his athleticism in general can

be refined by a skilled defensive staff, an NFL team could be

in business. Mafe is a likely pass rush specialist as he’s stuck

on blocks in the run game far too often. Mafe absolutely plays

his ass off; motor is no concern at all.


Mafe really seems like an unlikely Packer considering where

he’s likely to be taken and how seldom Green Bay selects older

prospects in that range. Yes, the Packers are often swayed by

“tools” and “upside,” but how much of that is really left for

Mafe? They’re unlikely to try and find out. If the Packers did

select Mafe, he would likely cut his teeth on special teams

and hopefully provide some pass rush in the second unit

down the line, potentially developing into a starter, or at least

a “starter” on passing downs.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


135

> EDGE

Cameron Thomas (rJR)

San Diego State

13 Myjai Sanders (SR)

Cincinnati

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

Myjai is a long, lean rusher in the mold of a Leonard Floyd

physically. Despite losing considerable points for weight,

Sanders impressed in Indianapolis with a Relative Athletic

Score north of 9.0. Sanders wins by using his tremendous

length to maintain separation between himself and passblockers.

As you might assume, when offensive tackles get

hands on, Sanders can be slowed down in a hurry. Sanders

lacks elite flexibility and may be considered by some as a

“snap-jumper.” which is tough to always project to the next

level. Sanders is unlikely to hold up against the run,

especially as a traditional 6-tech defensive end in an even

front. Teams will want to keep him on the field in passing

downs, especially early in his career.


NFL COMBINE: Bench: 24

2021 STATS: 71 tackles, 20.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 77 hurries, 1 FF

14 Josh Paschal (rSR)


Kentucky

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Thomas was an absurdly productive player for

San Diego State as a redshirt junior in 2021. Thomas’ 77

quarterback pressures were second in the country only to

Alabama’s Will Anderson, who is somehow not eligible for

the draft. He’s a scheme-versatile player who has attacked

opposing offenses from multiple alignments. His athleticism

is a legitimate question, and that wasn’t helped by completing

only the bench press in Indianapolis. Three seasons against

Mountain West offensive calls into question his level of

competition as well.

Positional Skills: Thomas has an outstanding burst off the

line. This puts both tackles and guards trying to block him

in tough positions consistently. Flexibility is not his calling

card, but his initial punch and the way he works his hands

is truly elite. He’s able to stack and shed blockers both in

pursuit of the passer and in run defense. His motor runs hot

constantly. Thomas moves surprisingly well in space and in

pursuit for a player that rushes with as much power and

from as many spots on the defensive line as he does. Strong

as an ox.


Thomas is more of a Pettine/Smith EDGE defender in the

Za’Darius Smith mold. He brings the hammer as the primary

pass rush tool and plays through the offensive lineman in

front of him as opposed to trying to play around him. Thomas

is less likely than a few of the defenders in these EDGE

rankings to contribute in a huge way on special teams but

has the ability to be more versatile in defensive alignments

across the line.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Pascal is a bit squatty and thick for an EDGE, but he’s versatile

and strong. The floor for Paschal is likely to be that of an

elite run defender. Among EDGE players with at least 300

snaps, Paschal’s PFF run defense grade ranked fourth out

of 362 in the FBS. Paschal may end up between positions,

especially if he’s drafted by a team without an inventive

defensive coordinator. He’s too light to play every down as

an interior lineman and likely not explosive or flexible

enough to beat offensive tackles consistently as an EDGE.

Still, with the right defensive mind, his versatility could be

a weapon.

15 Michael Clemons (rSR)


Texas A&M

IN A NUTSHELL:

Clemons is long and strong. A fifth-year senior out of Texas

A&M may be “maxed out,” but that max is a productive player

in the SEC. Clemons’ 46 pressures as a senior were more than

his first three playing seasons combined, but he showed he

can get the job done and possesses tremendous size. He’s not

“bendy” by any stretch of the imagination, but his speed-topower

game and the counters that he can work off of that

game could bear out a useful NFL player. He’s extremely

difficult to displace as a run defender, especially for a tight

end. Don’t be surprised if he’s able to find a role.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


136

> EDGE

16 Deangelo Malone (rSR) Western Kentucky 17 Sam Williams (rSR)

Ole Miss


IN A NUTSHELL:

Malone was a very productive player at Western Kentucky.

Size and level of competition are going to be questions for

Malone, but 59 career tackles for loss and 32.5 career sacks

are somewhat difficult to argue with. At some point, football

is football and you’re either beating the man across from

you or you aren’t. Malone has also been effective in passing

lanes, recording seven passes defensed and an interception.

Malone, as you may guess with his size, is an explosive speed

rusher, but offers little else (so far). Improvements in

functional strength and hand placement/technique will be

key to Malone becoming anything more than a part time

player. He should be able to pitch in on special teams

immediately.


IN A NUTSHELL:

It’s difficult to discuss Williams as a prospect without

mentioning character concerns relating to his arrest for

sexual battery. Ultimately, the charges were dropped, and

he returned from an indefinite suspension from the team.

On the field, Williams possesses tremendous upside. He’s a

complete freak athletically, having achieved a Relative

Athletic Score north of 9.5. He’s also tremendously productive,

having racked up 117 pressures on just 914 rushes in three

years. Williams is a JUCO product who will turn 23 years

old prior to the NFL draft.

18 Jesse Luketa (SR) Penn State 19 Tyreke Smith (SR)

Ohio State



IN A NUTSHELL:

Luketa is a Canadian import who ran with the linebackers

at the combine, but he is likely to be a rush specialist in the

NFL, especially after having better explosive numbers (37.5”

vert, 114” broad) than his marginal 40-yard dash (4.89 sec).

Still, he played so many reps off the ball at Penn State that

he could still be used as a SAM ’backer in a 4-3 or an early

down off-ball player who rushes on passing downs. Expect

Luketa to spend less time in coverage in the pros than he did

for the Nittany Lions. Uchenna Nwosu of the Los Angeles

Chargers is a reasonable comp for Luketa.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Smith is an intriguing prospect who possesses the pedigree

of an elite program but lacks consistency on film. This is

largely due to sloppy technique, which can be seen in his

release off the line and in his run defense. Still, the burst he

shows occasionally in addition to his ability to bend around

the corner. Smith is clearly a fluid athlete, but at his size,

he’s unlikely to make it as a 4-3 end with his hand in the

dirt. His athletic testing in Indianapolis was fine but not

great. Anyone with a little production at Ohio State is going

to get a real look at the next level.

20 Isaiah Thomas (rSR)


Oklahoma

IN A NUTSHELL:

Thomas is the long, strong hammer who allowed Nik Bonnito

to work off of him. Still, he was plenty productive. Eighty

QB pressures over the last two seasons is nothing to shrug

about. Thomas will be able to move across the defensive

front and impact the rush game, but he may not be able to

stick at one position long enough to be anything more than

a backup or rotation player. Still, with his size, effort level,

and past production, don’t be surprised if someone takes a

chance on Thomas in the middle rounds.

21 EYIOMA UWAZURIKE (rSR) Iowa State

22 ADAM ANDERSON (SR) Georgia

23 JEFFREY GUNTER (rSR) Coastal Carolina

24 JEREMIAH MOON (rSR) Florida

25 ALEX WRIGHT (JR) UAB

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


137

ILB

Position Analysis:

DAN DAHLKE

CHRISTIAN

HARRIS

ILB, ALABAMA

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 DEVIN LLOYD

Utah

02 CHRISTIAN HARRIS

Alabama

03 NAKOBE DEAN

Georgia

04 BRIAN ASAMOAH

Oklahoma

05 CHAD MUMA

Wyoming

06 CHANNING TINDALL

Georgia

07 LEO CHENAL

Wisconsin

08 DARRIAN BEAVERS

Cincinnati

09 DAMONE CLARK

LSU

10 QUAY WALKER

Georgia

11 BRANDON SMITH

Penn State

12 TROY ANDERSEN

Montana State

13 D’MARCO JACKSON

Appalachian State

14 TERREL BERNARD

Baylor

15 MALCOLM RODRIGUEZ

Oklahoma State

16 AARON HANSFORD

Texas A&M

17 CHANCE CAMPBELL

Ole Miss

18 JOJO DOMANN

Nebraska

19 BAYLON SPECTOR

Clemson

20 ZAKOBY MCCLAIN

Auburn

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138

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

MEASURABLES:

Devin Lloyd (rSR) Utah

Height: 6’3’’

1

Weight: 237 lbs.

40 time: 4.66

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 35”

Broad: 126”

Bench: 25 reps

2021 STATS:

110 tackles

22 TFL

8 sacks

2 hurries

4 INTs (2 TDs)

6 PBUs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Lloyd capped off his collegiate career leading

the Pac-12 in tackles for loss with 22 and finishing second in

the conference in sacks (eight) and interceptions (four). It’s

no surprise he earned the 2021 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the

Year award. Lloyd is a versatile defender who can play inside

or line up off the edge and rush the passer. In 32 starts, Lloyd

recorded 16.5 sacks and five interceptions—three of which

he returned for touchdowns.

Positional Skills: However, Lloyd is more than just a productive

playmaker. He shows the athleticism and speed to play in space

and drop in coverage at the next level. Not only can the 23-yearold

linebacker move smoothly laterally and quickly change

direction, but he also plays fast because he reads and diagnoses

plays well and has the short-area burst to close ground. This

also helps him shadow receivers down the seam or drop in

zone, using his instincts to blanket the middle of the field.

Lloyd also shows the strength and hand technique to stack

and shed blocks and hold his ground against bigger offensive

linemen. He is a tremendous run stopper in the box, and he

possesses the straight-line speed to track down ball carriers

on the perimeter. And while Lloyd may lack the size to be a

true edge player in the NFL, his ability as a pass-rusher brings

something special to his position. The first-team All-American

linebacker can be used in a variety of ways on the field, and

it is this versatility and playmaking ability that separates

him from the rest of the linebacker group.

BEST GAME:

Lloyd’s eye-popping performance in Utah’s dominant 52–7

Week 10 win over Stanford in the 2021 season helped put the

former Utah linebacker in the national spotlight. Not only did

he record an impressive five tackles for loss in the game, but

he also finished the contest with nine stops, a sack, a pass

breakup, and a pick-six that was perhaps one of the most

impressive defensive plays in all of college football last season.

Lloyd demonstrated his ability to make an impact on defense

in multiple facets of the game. Whether it was generating

pressure blitzing the quarterback, dropping in coverage, or

chasing down ball carriers on the boundary, Lloyd made his

presence known and established himself as one of the best

defenders in the nation.


Lloyd would bring a new element to the Packers defense that

they haven’t had in recent memory—an off-ball linebacker

who can also rush the passer off the edge. The Packers did

utilize Oren Burks occasionally in this role in Joe Barry’s

defense this past season. However, having a playmaker of

Lloyd’s caliber could really make this position a regular staple

in Green Bay’s scheme. While Lloyd has similar size and

athleticism to Burks, he is a far more effective edge-rusher,

and he can also be effective in dropping in coverage. This

would give the Packers a versatile piece to use on defense.

Lloyd could line up at inside linebacker or he could be used

on the edge to rush the passer on third downs.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


139

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

MEASURABLES:

Christian Harris (JR) Alabama

Height: 6’1’’

2

Weight: 226 lbs.

40 time: 4.44

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 34.5”

Broad: 132”

2021 STATS:

79 tackles

12.5 TFL

5.5 sacks

4 hurries

3 PBUs

2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Harris’s elite athleticism was on full display at

the NFL Combine. The former Alabama standout recorded

the second-fastest 40 time (4.44) and second-longest broad

jump (132”) of any linebacker in the class. This blazing speed

and explosive athleticism show up on the field. The junior

linebacker can cover a lot of ground in a hurry and he also

shows tremendous burst off the edge when blitzing the

quarterback and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

In three seasons at Alabama, Harris recorded 10 sacks, 15

quarterback hurries, and 27 tackles for loss.

Positional Skills: The 21-year-old linebacker is a tremendous

athlete who moves naturally in space and can cover ground

in a hurry, which really helps him make stops in the run game

and hold up in coverage. However, Harris does need to show

more consistency as a run defender. While he shows very

good instincts against the pass, Harris will misdiagnose runs

at times or hesitate when reacting to play progressions. His

athleticism certainly makes up for these deficiencies, but to

be an immediate contributor in the NFL, Harris will need to

improve his mental processing. He can take poor angles to

the ball carrier at times and get sloppy with his tackling

technique.

While shoring up tackling and play diagnosis are skills that

can be taught and improved, possessing 4.4 speed and

explosive burst as a linebacker are rare attributes that could

push Harris into the first round of the draft. Harris has the

highest ceiling of any linebacker in the class, and despite still

being raw, teams will find his athleticism and playmaking

ability alluring.

BEST GAME:

Harris ended his time at Alabama with his best collegiate

performance. Despite a heartbreaking 15–33 loss to Georgia

in the 2022 National Championship, Harris was the one

outstanding performer on the Crimson Tide defense. Recording

seven tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced

fumble, the junior linebacker put together a dominant

performance, making stops against the run and getting after

the quarterback blitzing off the edge. The game provided a

glimpse into Harris’ potential as a playmaking off-ball

linebacker. While many scouts have been waiting for more

consistency in Harris’s game, his play in the national

championship game suggested just how impactful he can be

as a defender when he puts it all together. Harris’s versatility

and ability to create pressure as a blitzer give him special

attributes that separate him from other linebackers in the

draft class.


Speed, athleticism, and pass rush ability are all desirable

attributes Harris would bring to the second level of the Packers

defense. He would be a tremendous fit as a WILL inside

linebacker in Joe Barry’s scheme. This would allow him to

use his speed to be an effective pursuit player and make stops

as a backside defender. Harris’s ability in coverage would

also give them a linebacker who can stay on the field in nickel

and dime packages. Plus, his ability to get after the quarterback

could give them a small explosive pass-rusher to throw in the

mix at outside linebacker on third downs. Harris’s position

versatility would make him an interesting chess piece for

Barry to experiment with on defense.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


140

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

Nakobe Dean (JR)

3

Georgia

MEASURABLES:

Height: 5’11’’

Weight: 229 lbs.

40 time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

DNP

2021 STATS:

72 tackles

10.5 TFL

6 sacks

5 hurries

2 INTs

6 PBUs

2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: There wasn’t a better defensive player in all of

college football in 2021 than Nakobe Dean. Not only was he

the best linebacker in the country, earning the 2021 Butkus

Award, but he was also the heart of one of the top defenses in

the nation. In Dean’s three seasons at Georgia, the young

linebacker tallied 25 starts, 168 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss,

7.5 sacks, and two interceptions.

Positional Skills: While undersized, Dean packs a punch and

is aggressive coming downhill and taking on blocks against

the run. He is quick to flow to the action, and he moves well

laterally, doing a great job scraping over the trash and then

shooting his gap to meet the ball carrier in the hole. And

despite playing fast because of his superb mental processing

and ability to quickly diagnose plays, Dean’s only average

speed and stiff change of direction can make him a mismatch

when covering athletic halfbacks or tight ends out in space.

However, Dean is an adequate pass defender when dropping

in zone coverage. He also offers some promise as an interior

blitzer. Dean’s hair-on-fire playing style serves him well when

rushing the passer and getting after the quarterback. In fact,

Dean’s motor always runs hot, which is one of his best

attributes. This, in combination with his ability to read

offenses and anticipate plays, makes him one of the top

linebacker prospects in the draft. And while Dean’s lack of

size and elite athleticism may push him lower on draft boards

than his on-field production would suggest, the former Georgia

standout should still carve out a key role for himself in an

NFL defense.

BEST GAME:

Georgia opened the 2021 season against the favored Clemson

Tigers. While the ACC juggernaut was ranked third in the

nation at the time and Georgia was fifth, the Bulldogs pulled

off the upset behind a stellar performance from their defense.

As a defensive captain, Dean’s performance spoke for itself.

He led the team with two sacks, both coming on crucial third

downs, which helped stall key Clemson drives. He also

recorded five stops and a pass breakup, helping Georgia keep

the Tigers out of the endzone for all four quarters. On a day

the Bulldogs struggled to find production on offense, a Deanled

Georgia defense nearly single-handedly beat the No. 3

team in the nation. The key game helped propel Georgia to

the No. 1 ranking in the country and it also helped Dean gain

national notoriety as one of the top linebackers in college

football.


Dean would be a great fit at either inside linebacker spot in

Joe Barry’s defense. The Packers could use a smart, tough

linebacker to anchor the middle of their defense alongside a

more athletic linebacker like the re-signed De’Vondre

Campbell. Dean may be the most instinctive linebacker in the

class, and giving him some play calling responsibilities to

relieve some of the pressure off of Campbell would definitely

be something the young rookie could handle. Dean is a natural

leader, and he would bring some physicality to the Packers

roster. His smart, savvy play complements the athleticism

ornamenting the rest of Green Bay’s defense.

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141

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

Brian Asamoah (rJR)

Oklahoma

Chad Muma (SR)

Wyoming

4

5





2021 STATS: 86 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 hurry, 2 FF

2021 STATS: 142 tackles, 8 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 2 hurries, 3 INTs (2 TDs), 1 PBU

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Asamoah is an electric linebacker who plays

with impressive range and toughness. As a feature in the

middle of the Sooners defense, Asamoah led his team in

tackles the past two seasons. He also boasts elite athletic

traits. His 4.56 speed and quick change of direction show up

on tape, making him a very effective player in space.

Positional Skills: Asamoah does a great job diagnosing runs

and shooting the gap to make stops at the line of scrimmage.

He can also use his blazing straight-line speed to track down

ball carriers in pursuit. While the undersized linebacker is

a tremendous run defender, he does lack some functional

strength. Too frequently, he gets hung up in the trash and

struggles to disengage from linemen.

However, Asamoah’s strength comes in making stops out in

space and matching receivers in coverage. In fact, the former

Oklahoma standout is fantastic in man coverage, which makes

him highly valuable in today’s NFL. He does a great job sticking

on the hip of receivers running across the field or down the

seam. He also has fluid hips to quickly change direction and

close space on receivers coming out of their breaks.


A real deficiency in the Packers defense has been finding

linebackers who can hold up in man coverage. Asamoah’s

athleticism allows him to match well against tight ends or

slot receivers in the passing game. His speed would also give

Green Bay a true sideline-to-sideline defender in the middle

of its defense. Asamoah has the tools to be a legitimate threedown

defender at the next level, and to have a linebacker

who can stay on the field in passing situations would be highly

valuable in Joe Barry’s defense.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Outside of the first round, there may not be a

safer linebacker prospect than Chad Muma. The two-year

starter out of Wyoming took over the SAM linebacker position

when former teammate Logan Wilson departed for the NFL

in 2020.

Positional Skills: In fact, Muma has a lot of similarities with

the former third-round pick and Bengals starting linebacker.

While they both have similar size and speed, Muma is the

more explosive athlete. His 40-inch vertical and 129-inch broad

jump were both among the five best marks of any linebacker

at the NFL Combine. Muma was every bit as productive as his

former teammate on tape as well. His 142 tackles in 2021 led

the Mountain West Conference, and he also recorded three

interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.

Muma is a highly intelligent player who reads and diagnoses

plays quickly. He does a great job working angles and scraping

over the top of the offensive line. His ability to move in space

and cover ground quickly allow him to make stops all over

the field. While he could improve disengaging from blocks

and holding the point of attack, he does an adequate job..

Nearly every aspect of Muma’s game is solid.


Muma is a pro-ready prospect who can excel in each facet of

the game. He is a smart, tough, and reliable run defender,

which would give the Packers a consistent presence in the

middle of their defense. He can also hold up well in coverage

as well as create pressure as an interior blitzer. He is versatile

enough to play in their base, nickel, or dime packages. He

could also give them some juice on special teams playing on

kickoff or punt coverage.

142

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

Channing Tindall (SR)

Georgia

Leo Chenal (JR)

Wisconsin

6

7





2021 STATS: 67 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 hurries, 1 FF

2021 STATS: 115 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 5 hurries, 2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Tindall is a raw prospect with a lot of untapped

potential. He is a freaky athlete with 4.47 speed and a 42-inch

vertical—nearly unheard of for a 230-pound linebacker. In

his four seasons at Georgia, Tindall never fully landed a

starting role, splitting time with Quay Walker at the other

inside linebacker spot alongside Nakobe Dean. And while he

still saw good production as a rotational player, he never

quite supplanted Walker as the starter.

Positional Skills: The Georgia standout flashes impressive

pursuit speed and playmaking ability on the field. However,

while Tindall may be one of the most elite athletes of this

linebacker class, his inexperience could work against him

in the draft. The hope for any team drafting him early is that

his elite athletic traits mean he is a prospect with a ton of

upside who still has his best game ahead of him, and where

he’ll need to take the biggest strides are in pass coverage.

Despite some drawbacks, however, Tindall certainly shows

a lot of promise as a run defender and blitzer. He can run

sideline to sideline, shoot gaps, and use his speed to make

stops in pursuit.


Simply put, Tindall would add more speed and aggressive

downhill run-stopping ability to the middle of Green Bay’s

defense. He plays with a nasty streak, and that attitude could

certainly be a game-changer for the Packers. And not only is

the former Bulldog an outstanding run defender, but he could

also be a real special teams ace for them, which they badly

need. While it may take Tindall time to improve in coverage,

he definitely has the athleticism to eventually be very good

in this aspect of the game as well.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: As a two-year starter, the Badger linebacker

recorded a team-leading 24.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks,

showcasing his ability to not only be a disruptive run

defender, but also an effective pass-rusher off the edge when

called upon. As a junior, Chenal was the top playmaker of the

best defense in the nation, and he was utilized in multiple

roles. While he primarily played as their SAM linebacker, he

would line up off the edge at times in passing situations to

generate pressure.

Positional Skills: Chenal is a rare breed. There aren’t many

6’3”, 250-pound football players who run a 4.53 and have a

40.5-inch vertical. Chenal’s ability to get after the passer is

a special attribute he brings to the table as an off-ball

linebacker, but he will need to improve in pass coverage in

order to be a complete linebacker in the NFL. While Chenal

has some stiffness in his ability to change direction in space,

he possesses rare explosiveness that allows him to get

downhill, blow up blocks, and shoot the gap to take down

ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage.


Chenal would give the Packers a versatile defender to feature

in their linebacker corps. His ability to play inside or outside

would allow them to use the Wisconsin product in creative

ways. He could line up as the MIKE on early downs and be a

stalwart run defender, and then he could rush off the edge

or provide interior pressure as a blitzer on third downs.

Chenal also possesses the straight-line speed and non-stop

motor to be an effective tackler on kickoffs.

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143

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

Darrian Beavers (rSR)

Cincinnati

Damone Clark (SR)

LSU

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4’’, Weight: 237 lbs., 40 time: DNP


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36.5”, Broad: 125”, 3-cone: 6.91

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36.5”, Broad: 127”, 3-cone: 7.12

2021 STATS: 100 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 hurries, 1 INT, 2 PBUs, 2 FF

2021 STATS: 137 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 hurries, 3 PBUs, 2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Versatility is the key to Darrian Beavers’ game.

In his first year as a starter in his junior season, Beavers

played a true off-ball linebacker role. He looked light on his

feet and explosive, and he excelled playing out in space while

flowing to the action. However, going into his senior season,

Beavers added weight to play more off the edge–going from

240 pounds to playing at 255.

Positional Skills: The Bearcats used the redshirt senior

primarily as an outside backer who could seal the edge

against the run and rush the passer on third downs. While

Beavers was effective in this role, he did sacrifice some

quickness and mobility in space. Beavers’s large 6’4” frame

can handle the extra weight without losing too much

athleticism, but the Bearcat standout is at his best in a lighter

off-ball role.

Beavers has impressive range, and his length and size allow

him to disengage from blocks. He does a tremendous job not

getting hung up in the trash, and combining this trait with

his athleticism and straight-line speed, the former Cincinnati

defensive captain can be a tenacious defensive playmaker.


Green Bay could use another versatile defender who can play

off the edge or line up at inside linebacker. Beavers has the

size and explosive burst to develop as a pass-rusher. He could

carve out a role for himself as a third-down rusher to rotate

with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. However, the Cincinnati

product also has the instincts and athleticism to play in space

and compete for a starting role as an inside linebacker.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Clark is a physical linebacker who flies around

the field and isn’t afraid to deliver a punishing blow to ball

carriers. The 6’3”, 240-pound SEC linebacker had a lot of

production at LSU. Clark led the conference as a senior with

137 tackles while also tallying 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5

sacks. The two-year starter quickly developed into a staple

of the Tigers defense.

Positional Skills: Clark shows good straight-line speed and

acceleration. He can cover ground quickly, and he also takes

good angles to the ball carrier. However, Clark’s change of

direction can be stiff at times. He doesn’t have the fluid hips

of some of the other top linebackers in this class, which can

limit his ability to redirect if caught out of position.

Fortunately, Clark is a savvy enough player where this is

rarely a problem. The LSU product does a fantastic job reading

and diagnosing plays, and he wastes very few steps working

his way to the running back. Clark is adequate in coverage,

but there’s room for improvement.. He is better when asked

to drop in zone than being matched one-on-one out in space.


Clark would bring a tough physical presence to the Packers

defense, and his ability as a run defender could really help

bolster Green Bay’s front seven. The former Tiger linebacker

can also take on blocks, plug gaps, and make plays in pursuit.

Having one of the best run defenders in this draft class on

the Packers roster could only make them better. And while

Clark’s impact in the passing game could be limited as a

rookie, he still shows enough promise in this area to grow

into a three-down player.

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144

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

Quay Walker (SR)

Georgia

Brandon Smith (JR)

Penn State

10

11




NFL COMBINE: Vertical” 37.5”, Broad: 128”

2021 STATS: 67 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 3 hurries, 3 PBUs, 1 FR

2021 STATS: 81 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 hurries, 5 PBUs, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Long, lean, and athletic, Walker shows

tremendous range as a second-level defender. While his

production at Georgia certainly isn’t eye-popping, the young

linebacker still did a lot of things well in the Bulldogs defense.

He started in all 15 games alongside Nakobe Dean as a senior,

splitting series with Channing Tindall. While Walker’s role

was a bit limited, he made the most of his snaps on the field.

Positional Skills: Walker’s inexperience shows up at times

when reading and diagnosing plays. He can also fall for

misdirection or play action. However, he is a very teachable

prospect, and his athleticism and blazing speed make him

an exciting young linebacker to mold. He is also a decent

coverage player, and this part of his game really progressed

the second half of his senior season. At the next level, Walker

has the skill set to stay on the field on third downs, which is

very valuable in the modern pass-happy NFL.

While Walker could still improve his functional strength,

block shedding, and mental processing, he possesses the elite

athleticism and instincts to make a very good starting

linebacker someday. If a team is patient with his development,

he could be a real find in the draft.


If Green Bay is in need of an immediate contributing inside

linebacker, Walker may not be the best fit for them. However,

if they can afford to be patient Walker could be a playmaker

on their defense a few years down the road. Even if he is not

ready to contribute right away as a starter, Walker could see

the field early as a dime linebacker in passing situations.

Having an athletic linebacker that can hold up in coverage

is something they have been missing for years.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Smith was once considered a first-round talent.

He possesses elite athleticism and size for the position, and

he flashed impressive playmaking ability in his sophomore

season as a first-year starter. However, Smith’s game remains

raw, and the former Nittany Lion didn’t quite progress as a

junior the way many people believed he would.

Positional Skills: Smith is still slow to read and diagnose plays,

and while he has the top-end speed and burst to recover

quickly in the college game, his slow mental processing may

hinder him when going against NFL offenses. He also shows

lapses in coverage, and despite showing special ability as an

athlete, the football skills don’t yet match up.

Smith has range and can run down ball carriers out on the

boundary. However, Smith is still learning to use his length

and size to stack and shed blocks. His hand technique can get

sloppy, and too frequently, he lowers his head and buries his

shoulder in blocks, taking himself out of the play. Smith is still

young and has untapped potential, which makes him an earlyround

prospect. However, he may need time to grow and

develop before he is a regular contributor on an NFL defense.


Smith is a large, long athlete, built in the mold of De’Vondre

Campbell or Micah Parsons. And while his game isn’t close

to matching these established NFL players, his potential and

athletic upside make him an intriguing prospect for a team

like the Packers. If Campbell’s success in 2021 proves anything,

it is that Green Bay’s defense is at its best when they have

speed and physicality anchoring the middle of their defense.

With some time to grow and develop, Smith could be that very

thing for Joe Barry and his defensive scheme.

145

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

Troy Andersen (SR)

Montana State

13 D’Marco Jackson (rSR)

Appalachian State

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

After recording 120 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six sacks, 12

hurries, an interception, and five pass breakups, Jackson

rightfully earned the 2021 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the

Year. The 6’1”, 233-pound linebacker is an electric playmaker

with 4.55 speed, which allows him to recover when caught

out of position or track down ball carriers out on the

perimeter. Jackson is also a stellar special teams player,

which could be compelling for a team like the Packers that

desperately needs to improve in that area. However, despite

the exciting athletic traits, Jackson will misdiagnose plays

at times, and his motor can run hot and cold, which is

concerning. He needs to show more consistent effort all four

quarters.



2021 STATS: 147 tackles, 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INTs, 7 PBUs, 1 FR

14 Terrel Bernard (rSR)

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1’’, Weight: 224 lbs..

Baylor

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Andersen is a bit of an anomaly when it comes

to the linebacker position. The Montana State product actually

began his collegiate career as a freshman running back and

played his sophomore season as an option quarterback.

Andersen switched to linebacker in 2019. Finally, in 2021,

Andersen emerged as a true defensive playmaker. He led the

conference in tackles and tackles for loss, earning the FCS

and Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Positional Skills: Andersen’s unusual journey to becoming

an NFL prospect is bookmarked with exceptions. While

Andersen’s athleticism and speed pop on film, some skeptics

may have wondered if a linebacker from the FCS could hold

up to the elite athleticism of the Division I programs. While

it is easy to overreact to testing numbers, Anderson crushed

it at the combine. Not only did Andersen record the fastest

40 time (4.42) among all linebackers at the combine, he also

posted an impressive 36” vertical and 128” broad jump.

Andersen is an explosive athlete with ideal size and

impressive straight-line speed to play off-ball linebacker in

the NFL. He’s also instinctive, physical, and savvy.


It is never bad to add more speed on defense, and Andersen

would give the Packers just that. His length and size allow

him to hold the point of attack and stack and shed blocks,

which would make him a nice fit at the MIKE position in

Green Bay’s scheme. However, he is also athletic enough and

has the range to be their WILL inside linebacker. His

versatility and ability to contribute immediately on special

teams would make him a great value in the third or fourth

round of the draft.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

As the Baylor team leader in tackles in 2021 and 2019, Bernard

is an exciting undersized off-ball linebacker who punches

above his weight class. With smooth, quick movement in

space, Bernard covers ground quickly and can flip his hips

and blanket tight ends down the seam. His ability in coverage

makes him a natural fit as a dime or nickel linebacker in the

NFL. While Bernard can get hung up in the trash and struggle

to hold his ground against offensive linemen, the former

Baylor standout could be an impactful player in a system

that allows him to play in space, run sideline-to-sideline,

and make stops in pursuit.

15 Malcolm Rodriguez (SR)


Oklahoma State

IN A NUTSHELL:

Rodriguez leaves college with an impressive football resume.

Not only did he start the past four seasons for the Cowboys,

finishing as the team’s leading tackler for three of those

seasons, he also led the Big 12 in stops as a senior. Rodriguez’s

prolific collegiate career includes 410 tackles, 34 tackles for

loss, 27.5 pressures, and eight forced fumbles. The OSU

linebacker’s draft stock certainly takes a hit for his lack of

height and length, as well as some stiff change of direction

in space. However, Rodriguez shows blazing 4.52 speed as

well as impressive explosive athleticism (39.5” vertical; 120”

broad), which allows him to get downhill in a flash and make

stops at the line of scrimmage.

146

> INSIDE LINEBACKER

16 Aaron Hansford (rSR) Texas A&M 17 Chance Campbell (SR)

Ole Miss


IN A NUTSHELL:

Hansford was a sixth-year senior and leader of the Aggies

defense in 2021, and despite his age (24), the former Texas

A&M defensive captain still has untapped potential as an

off-ball linebacker. After starting college at wide receiver,

Hansford made the switch to linebacker his junior season.

And while he played a rotational role in his first year as a

defender, Hansford became the Aggies leading tackler with

89 stops as a senior. The strength of Hansford’s game is his

ability to hold up in coverage—whether that is using his

instincts in zone or matching up against receivers or tight

ends in man. He also has the size and instincts to be an

effective inside-run defender.


IN A NUTSHELL:

After playing a limited role for three seasons at Maryland,

Campbell transferred to Ole Miss in 2021 to find new

opportunities as a senior. It was a good move for the athletic

linebacker, as he led the Rebels defense in tackles (109) and

quarterback pressures (17). His 4.57 speed allows him to

cover ground quickly and chase down ball carriers. Campbell

also does a nice job shooting gaps and being disruptive at

the line of scrimmage. However, the young linebacker does

need to improve his functional strength going into the NFL.

He struggles to get off blocks and hold the point of attack.

Campbell is at his best when he is able to keep clean and play

in space as a rangy defender.

18 JoJo Domann (rSR) Nebraska 19 Baylon Spector (rSR)

Clemson



IN A NUTSHELL:

Domann is an aggressive, physical inside linebacker, who

demonstrates decent speed (4.62) and below-average size for

the position. Despite tremendous production in all facets of

the defense in college (73 tackles, two sacks, two INTs, two

FFs), the 24-year-old linebacker will turn 25 before the start

of the 2022 season, which could significantly hurt his draft

stock. While experience could work in his favor when it

comes to diagnosing offenses and showing maturity in the

locker room, already being in his mid-twenties at the start

of his rookie season could limit his physical potential. He

may begin his NFL career having already physically peaked.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Clemson has had its fair share of NFL prospects, which makes

it surprising that an athletic and productive linebacker, like

Spector, continues to fly under the radar as a pro prospect.

Primarily playing as a weakside linebacker, Spector was

frequently asked to drop in coverage and make plays in

space—a role he excelled in. Boasting 4.60 speed and shortarea

explosiveness (122’’ broad jump), the former high school

quarterback can cover ground and chase down ball carriers

from the backside. He’s a great fit as a WILL inside linebacker

in a 3-4 scheme, where he can drop in coverage, shoot gaps,

and make stops as a weakside defender.

20 Zakoby McClain (SR)


IN A NUTSHELL:

As a three-year starter in the Tigers defense, McClain was a

highly productive inside linebacker, tallying 264 tackles and

19 tackles for loss in that time. Despite being undersized and

possessing average speed for the position (4.69), the

aggressive downhill linebacker makes plays both against

the run and when dropping in coverage. McClain does an

excellent job reading and diagnosing plays, shooting gaps,

and tracking down ball carriers in space. However, the

former Auburn defensive captain lacks the size and strength

to hold the point of attack against NFL offensive linemen,

while also lacking the top-tier speed to be a true coverage

linebacker, which could limit his role in the NFL.

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Auburn

21 JACK SANBORN (SR) Wisconsin

22 ELLIS BROOKS (SR) Penn State

23 ISAIAH GRAHAM-MOBLEY (rSR) Boston College

24 JOSHUA ROSS (rSR) Michigan

25 NEPHI SEWELL (SR) Utah

26 JAYLAN ALEXANDER (SR) Purdue

27 NATE LANDMAN (SR) Colorado

28 JEREMIAH GEMMEL (SR) North Carolina

29 MIKE ROSE (SR) Iowa State

30 MICAH MCFADDEN (SR) Indiana

147

CB

Position Analysis:

NICK PENNISI

DEREK

STINGLEY JR.

CB, LSU

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 AHMAD GARDNER

Cincinnati

02 DEREK STINGLEY JR.

LSU

03 TRENT MCDUFFIE

Washington

04 ANDREW BOOTH JR.

Clemson

05 KYLER GORDON

Washington

06 KAIIR ELAM

Florida

07 ROGER MCCREARY

Auburn

08 TARIQ WOOLEN

UTSA

09 ALONTAE TAYLOR

Tennessee

10 MARCUS JONES

Houston

11 DERION KENDRICK

Georgia

12 MARTIN EMERSON

Mississippi State

13 COBY BRYANT

Cincinnati

14 CAM TAYLOR-BRITT

Nebraska

15 MONTERIC BROWN

Arkansas

16 JOSHUA JOBE

Alabama

17 MATT HANKINS

Iowa

18 ZYON MCCOLLUM

Sam Houston State

19 JOSHUA WILLIAMS

Fayetteville State

20 MARIO GOODRICH

Clemson

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148

> CORNERBACK

MEASURABLES:

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (JR) Cincinnati

Height: 6’3”

1

Weight: 200 lbs.

Arm: 33 ½”

40 Time: 4.41

NFL COMBINE:

40 only

2021 STATS:

3 INT

4 PBU

40 tackles

4 TFL

0 TD Allowed

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Not giving up a touchdown for a few games is

one thing, but Gardner has not allowed a touchdown pass in

his entire college career since becoming the starting corner

as a true freshman. His measurables are similar to Richard

Sherman, but Gardner is faster. Gardner’s underrated speed,

disciplined approach, and physicality are major contributors

to his success on the field.

Positional Skills: Gardner has elite length, including 33½-inch

arms that he uses to his advantage in dictating where a

receiver can go. His length allows him to excel in man

coverage, making contact at the line and forcing receivers to

the boundary. Sauce played press-man in 325 out of 390 snaps,

however, he projects as a better press-zone coverage corner

at the next level due to his excellent football IQ and size to

take away passing lanes. Playing more zone coverage will

limit his tendency to grab. Gardner is at his best when he can

eye the quarterback, squeeze coverage, and utilize his

aggressiveness to drive on the ball and force incompletions.

He can play on an island when he needs to, which makes him

scheme-proof.

There are a few question marks to his game that he needs to

answer if he wants to be the top corner in the draft. Although

he has a slender frame that can show up in tackling, he shows

a willingness to get off blocks, but he doesn’t square up or

close nearly as fast on ball carriers. Another knock on Gardner

is that he didn’t face tough competition in the AAC. NFL teams

will need to feel confident that his skill set can translate

against the best of the best. Overall, Gardner possesses elite

coverage instincts, experience, and the size to be the top corner

in the draft.

CHEESEHEADTV.COM


COLLEGE CAREER:

As an undersized converted receiver, Gardner took over at

corner in his junior year of high school. He showed flashes

in that role and then was dominant in his senior year.

However, Gardner didn’t see much attention as a three-star

recruit and would eventually land in Cincinnati. With over

1,000 snaps and three starting seasons, Gardner did not allow

a single touchdown.

As a true freshman, Gardner had 320 coverage snaps. He was

targeted 58 times for 360 yards with three interceptions. In

his next two seasons, he would give up 25 completions for 343

yards and six interceptions. In the playoffs against Alabama,

he gave up just one catch for negative yardage. Gardner earned

first-team All-American honors in 2021.


This is the first year since 2016 where the Packers have three

legitimate starting corners under contract. Spending draft

capital on another starting corner is possible given how the

Packers struggled at times without Alexander, especially

when protecting leads in the fourth quarters. Adding Gardner

to the corner room would provide a formidable rotation in

the secondary to keep pace if one of the top three starters

goes down.

The Packers can get creative in dime personnel, using Gardner

and Douglas on the perimeter, and moving Jaire and Stokes

inside. Gardner provides the Packers with the length and

aggressiveness they desire in their corner group. He is

scheme-proof, meaning he can play man or zone right away.

The shutdown corner also creates opportunities for the

Packers defense to be more aggressive and increase their

blitz frequency.

149

> CORNERBACK

MEASURABLES:

Derek Stingley Jr. (JR) LSU

Height: 6’1’’

2

Weight: 226 lbs.

40 time: 4.44

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 34.5”

Broad: 132”

2021 STATS:

79 tackles

12.5 TFL

5.5 sacks

4 hurries

3 PBUs

2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: In 2019, Stingley Jr. was the best corner in college

football. He was battle-tested, not only playing in the SEC but

playing the most coverage snaps of any corner in college

football. Many forget that Stingley was practicing against

Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow every day, which prepared him

for the elite-level talent he faced every week. Stingley has

prototypical size for the position, long arms, and elite speed

to defend vertical threats. However, he is more than likely

going to fall in the draft due to his risk level. He hasn’t shown

the ability to stay on the field, making Stingley’s 2019 season

seem like an outlier. In 2020 and 2021, when he wasn’t injured,

his game declined. There are moments in his film that show

him opening his gate to an outside release and getting beat

inside. This makes him vulnerable to getting beat on a quick

outside step to slant inside. His footwork and eye discipline

were not the same.

Stingley Jr. lined up in press-man coverage in just about 50

percent of his coverage snaps. He is what scouts call an “island”

corner, because you can leave him all alone out on the

perimeter in man coverage. What makes him so unique is his

ability to flip his hips with ease and continue in his coverage

without any misstep or hesitation. Stingley displays great

burst and drive to eliminate short or out-breaking routes. His

film was loaded with 50/50 opportunities where he walled off

the receiver and showed off his leaping ability. He has the

ball skills of a top receiver. Everything is there for Stingley

to be the top corner in not just this draft, but in recent years.

The big question mark is does his talent outweigh the risk?

GAME FILM VS. GEORGIA, 2019 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP:

This film is verification that Stingley can be the best

cornerback in this draft. He was in press-man most of the

game against Georgia’s top receivers. His stats included two

interceptions on Jake Fromm, who had only thrown three

total interceptions all season. From the start of the game,

Stingley was tested on a vertical route. Stingley stayed step

for step with the receiver, walled off the space, and forced an

incompletion. His first interception showed him pinning the

receiver to the sideline, limiting any room for error. He then

made a touchdown-saving play by using his long arms to

punch the ball out of the Georgia receiver’s hand. As if he

didn’t have enough highlights, he made a second interception,

showing off his burst and break on a short route. If Stingley

can get back to this style of play, he will be the top corner in

the draft.


There is a possibility Stingley could fall due to his injuries

and decline in play. If he were to fall and land with the Packers,

he could immediately give the Packers the best four-man

cornerback unit in the NFL. The Packers would need to discuss

who they plan to play in the slot, which could be a reason they

pass. You also would not want to limit the growth of Eric

Stokes, who is coming off of an impressive rookie year. Still,

if Stingley can get back to his 2019 play, the Packers secondary

of Jaire, Stokes, Stingley, Douglas, Savage, and Amos could

boost the defense to a top-five unit. In the NFL, you can never

have too many corners, and adding Stingley would provide

the Packers with another press-man shutdown option.

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150

> CORNERBACK

Trent McDuffie (JR)

3

Washington

MEASURABLES:

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 193 lbs.

Arm: 29 ¾”

40 Time: 4.44

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 38.5”

2021 STATS:

6 PBU

35 tackles

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: McDuffie, a three-year starter at corner for

Washington, does not possess the prototypical size for the

position, but he makes up for that with a physical play style

and sticky coverage. He carries a strong build that can hold

up against more physical receivers at the next level. McDuffie

has great feet and instincts. During downtime, he watches

hours of film, helping him to play faster and trust his eyes.

Positional Skills: McDuffie displays elite burst and close that

show up on film. Quarterbacks were hesitant to throw his

way. In the last two seasons, he did not allow a single

touchdown pass, and in 2021, he didn’t give up a pass longer

than 39 yards. McDuffie is the top zone coverage corner in

this draft. There is added value in his ability to play multiple

roles in the secondary. Playing him outside or inside gives

defenses plenty of options to disguise coverages and confuse

opposing offenses. His size, speed, and aggressiveness compare

to Jaire Alexander.

He is the top-graded tackling corner in the draft, welcoming

contact and punishing ball carriers. McDuffie is one of a few

corners in the class who is disciplined enough to break down

at the point of contact. In coverage, he understands how to

pass off routes and anticipate routes entering his zone. He is

rarely out of position. McDuffie has shorter arms that may

limit his role in a press-man scheme and his ability to get his

hands on the ball at the next level. The comparisons to Jaire

Alexander make sense when you put on the tape. One scout

said, “Of all the defensive backs that [former Washington]

coach [Chris] Petersen recruited, he might be the best.”

Considering the corners that came from this program, that

says a lot about McDuffie’s potential.

BACKGROUND:

In high school, McDuffie competed in track. He ran the 100m

and 200m, and he showed off his explosion in the long jump.

His speed was noticeable, and scouts were able to translate

that to the football field. It wasn’t just his long speed that was

apparent, but his ability to play fast was a key factor in how

he started as a true freshman at Washington. McDuffie credits

that to being a “film junkie” in high school. “I’m one of those

guys that every day after practice and growing up, watching

extra film at nighttime, lying in bed, I’m going over plays,”

McDuffie said, “I’m always watching football.” Watching hours

of film to recognize plays that an opponent runs out of certain

packages on specific down and distances proved to be a

successful strategy for McDuffie. Having a background in film

study propelled him to become one of the best cornerbacks

in college football for the next three years.


Although McDuffie only played 39 snaps from the slot in his

entire college career, he is more than capable of locking down

the Packers’ slot position. McDuffie would be the best fit for the

Packers out of the top corners in this draft because of his

versatility. The Packers have struggled to find a reliable slot,

and with McDuffie, they get the physical presence that Joe Barry

covets. In three seasons, McDuffie played more than 1,400 snaps

on the outside, which would also provide the Packers with some

depth at the position should one of their outside corners miss

any time. With three proven outside corners already in the

secondary, McDuffie would give the Packers a true slot cover

corner. There were some noticeable coverage issues in the

secondary last season, and by adding the film savvy McDuffie,

they can correct some of those mistakes.

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151

> CORNERBACK

Andrew Booth Jr. (JR)

Clemson

Kyler Gordon (rJR)

Washington

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0”, Weight: 200 lbs., 40 Time: DNP (injury)

NFL COMBINE: DNP (injury)

2021 STATS: 3 INT, 4 PBU, 37 tackles

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11 ½, Weight: 194 lbs., Arm: 31”, 40 Time: 4.52 (at Combine)

PRO DAY: Vertical: 39.5”, Broad: 10.7”, 20-yd: 3.96, 3-cone, 6.67, Bench 20


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Booth Jr. offers an appealing combination of

height, weight, arm length, and dynamic athleticism. His

game is built on using his athleticism and ball skills to create

game-changing plays. Booth Jr. has all the tools to be an

impact starter at the next level.

Positional Skills: Booth Jr. has great feet and fluid hips. He

can click and close faster than any cornerback in this draft

class because he doesn’t hesitate once he plants. His best

attribute is his ball tracking. His film was peppered with

highlights of him floating in the air and contorting his body

to knock passes away that seemed nearly impossible for most

corners to do. One can argue that he possesses the best hands

in this group after seeing him outstretched in mid-air making

one-handed interceptions.

Although he can play in any scheme, Booth Jr. can improve

in his zone technique. There were times when he would get

caught looking in the backfield and give up multiple

touchdowns to inferior opponents. With only one season as

a full starter, Booth Jr. has so much untapped potential. The

physical and freakishly athletic Clemson product will be a

hot commodity near the middle of the first round.


Booth Jr. exceeds all of the athletic thresholds the Packers

require for the position. Even with Stokes’s athletic profile,

Booth Jr. might push him for playing time given his playmaking

ability. With Barry wanting more size in the slot, Booth Jr.

would be a perfect addition. He can bring size, length, and

athleticism to the slot role, where he would be matched up

with some opposing players that gave the Packers fits last year.

If he is available at No. 28, the Packers should pounce on him.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kyler Gordon has a background in kung fu and

dance that shows up on the field. He is an explosive athlete

with exceptional balance. His playmaking ability was

apparent in his film against California and Colorado.

Washington is known for producing NFL-ready corners, but

none of them provide the ceiling or extra gear of playmaking

ability that Gordon does.

Positional Skills: Gordon has been reported to have a 40”

vertical and a 3.9 shuttle time. His pro day should confirm

those numbers, but his explosiveness and acceleration are

eye-catching in his game film. He is impressive in short areas

where he can use his body control and quick change of

direction to stick with receivers. Gordon is extremely fluid

in his backpedal and can hit the turbo boosters when closing.

Gordon insists on being involved in the run game. He played

regularly in the slot and was active against the run.

He will need to improve on his play recognition. Gordon gets

caught looking or opening up the wrong way allowing receivers

a free release. His long speed also comes into question with a

4.52 40-yard dash. Gordon is a borderline first-round pick and

should be unleashed as a starting slot corner.


Once Washington moved Gordon to the slot in 2021, Gordon

played arguably his best football. The Packers biggest need at

the moment might be in the slot. Chandon Sullivan, now a

Viking, played 76 percent of snaps last year. Drafting Gordon

to play the slot is essentially drafting a starting corner who

will get significant playing time. Gordon will use his rare

athletic ability to generate more turnovers for this defense. He

would be the likely option to take over the star role full-time.

152

> CORNERBACK

Kaiir Elam (JR)

Florida

Roger McCreary (SR)

Auburn

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” ½, Weight: 191 lbs., Arm: 30 7/8, 40 Time: 4.39 (at Combine)

PRO DAY: Vertical: 37.5”, 20-yd: 4.21, 3-cone, 6.99, Bench 10


MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11”, Weight: 190 lbs., Arm: 28 7/8”, 40 Time: 4.50 (at Combine)

PRO DAY: Vertical: 31.5”, Broad: 9.7”, 20-yd: 4.29, 3-cone, 6.96, Bench 319


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Elam represents the highest upside at the

position with his physically imposing frame and sub-4.4

speed. His height and 40-yard dash splits are comparable to

another former SEC cornerback—Jalen Ramsey. As a true

freshman for the Gators, he was given starting reps and would

eventually become the full-time outside corner in his

sophomore year. Across his career in the SEC, quarterbacks

that threw his way completed just 46 percent of passes.

Positional Skills: Against some of the best receivers in college

football, Elam showed that if you aren’t physical, he is going

to phase you out of the game. At the line or at the catch point,

he displays great positioning and use of his body. His

aggressiveness and physical play get him in some trouble,

showing a tendency to get grabby at the top of routes. He

needs to trust his technique.

Elam is going to excel as a press-zone corner in the NFL. In

2021, he proved he was at his best from a half-turn position,

using his length to restrict his zone area. He will likely end

up being drafted at the end of the first, early second round

to a zone-heavy team.


Green Bay playing mostly Cover 3 in the Barry scheme creates

a perfect fit for Elam. Elam is a zone corner who can show

man coverage at the snap and then bail into a zone scheme

where he can attack. He doesn’t have to start right away. As

he is learning, the Packers can utilize him on passing downs,

shifting Jaire Alexander inside. There is also the possibility

that Elam’s skill set translates to the safety position, where

the Packers can insert him in nickel or dime packages, freeing

up Savage to play in the star role.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Roger McCreary is a battle-tested corner, having

lined up across the SEC’s finest. He held his own against

Alabama receivers and Ja’Marr Chase, and he even intercepted

Joe Burrow. He ended his Auburn career with a higher

coverage grade than Trent McDuffie. When comparing the

top cover corners in the draft, McCreary is at the top. However,

outside of coverage and agility, there is size and length to

consider. McCreary is in the bottom 1 percent of corners for

arm length. Most corners in the pros with arm length under

30” play in the slot.

Positional Skills: McCreary has all the traits of a lockdown

cornerback—he can open up and run with speedy receivers,

and his short-area quickness and mirror ability are elite.

There was rarely a time when he was trailing in coverage.

His ability to close on an out-breaking route set him apart

from the rest of the crop. McCreary was always around the

ball, and his 20 pass breakups against SEC talent confirms

he can be productive in the NFL. As mentioned above, can

he play in the slot? Outside of the Senior Bowl, where coaches

threw him in the slot, he has almost no experience playing

that role. He has to prove it will be a seamless transition.


This is an interesting scenario if McCreary is available at

pick 28 or in the second round. He’s not the outside corner

the Packers would typically be interested in, but he could be

their solution in the slot. They would need to feel confident

he can play in a zone-heavy scheme and in a new role that

he’s not used to. There is no denying the battle-tested talent

he can bring to this unit. The Packers can’t risk a first-round

pick on a slot corner hoping he can make the transition, but

in the second round? Go get him.

153

> CORNERBACK

Tariq Woolen (rSR)

UTSA

Alontae Taylor (SR)

Tennessee

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4”, Weight: 205, Arm: 33 5/8”, 40 Time: 4.26

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0”, Weight: 199 lbs., Arm: 32 ¼”, 40 Time: 4.36


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 34.5”, Broad 128”



IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: The converted wide receiver shot up draft boards

after posting a sub-4.3 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical

at the combine. He entered a league of his own, ranking in

the 95th percentile or better in every category of combine

measurables. Woolen is extremely raw with just two years

of experience playing corner in a Group of Five conference.

His elite traits and potential will move him into the second

or third round conversation.

Positional Skills: Woolen’s length is in the 100th percentile,

allowing him to disrupt releases at the line and frustrate

receivers throughout their routes. If he was beaten inside,

his length helped him recover by extending his arms and

getting his hand on the ball. He eats up ground with his stride,

explosiveness, and speed. His vertical and length will give

him the advantage for just about every 50/50 ball thrown his

way. The ball skills are there being a converted receiver.

Woolen could be a starting outside corner in year two for a

zone-heavy scheme as he gets up to speed at the position.

Quarterbacks will find it difficult to place the ball in any

window he is occupying.


Woolen’s combination of size and speed is not comparable

to any other corner in the history of the league. Still, Green

Bay will probably pass on a developmental outside zone

corner. They are in a win-now window, so selecting a project

at corner is something they just can’t afford. Unless there

was a chance Woolen could play in the slot or convert to

safety, there is no reason for them to stunt Eric Stokes’s ascent

to becoming a premier outside corner.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Taylor is yet another battle-tested SEC cornerback

who converted from wide receiver. He checks all the boxes

for a corner you’d like to find in the third or fourth round of

the draft. Taylor is a versatile corner with good size and great

length and known for his high character. He achieved high

academic accolades at Tennessee which translated to the field

in limiting his missed assignments.

Positional Skills: Top-end speed and aggressiveness are what

Taylor’s game is based on. Taylor finds success when he can

jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and use his length to

reroute receivers. A press-man playing style covers up some

of his limitations in the short area. Against more shifty

receivers, Taylor struggled to route-hug if they had space to

operate. His best path to playing time will be to develop as a

Cover 3 corner, where he can use his speed to carry routes

upfield and pass off receivers to other zones. He is an

aggressive tackler with great leverage. Taylor also offers punt

return value.


Taylor would be a great depth addition for the outside corner

group. Give him time to learn from Alexander and Stokes,

and he’ll give the Packers more size and speed at the position.

He fits the Packer way with his high character personality.

Taylor would also step in right away to be a contributor on

special teams. His speed and physicality will be a huge boost

on coverage units. Having punt return experience could also

give the Packers a Micah Hyde–style player on their roster.

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154

> CORNERBACK

Marcus Jones (SR)

Houston

Derion Kendrick (SR)

Georgia

10

11

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’8”, Weight: 174 lbs., Arm: 28 7/8”, 40 Time: DNP

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0”, Weight: 194 lbs., Arm: 31”, 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: (injury)

PRO DAY: 4.79 40-yd, Vertical: 32”, Broad: 9.5”



IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Any team looking to make an impact in the

return game or the secondary should use an early pick on

Jones. Every step he takes is electrifying. In 2021, he registered

374 punt return yards and two touchdowns. The year before

that, he led the entire FBS in return yardage and return

average. He totaled nine career return touchdowns. Although

he lacks size and length to be worthy of a Day 1 pick, he

certainly adds the playmaking ability teams desire.

Positional Skills: Marcus Jones doesn’t get beat for lack of

speed or quickness. Jones sticks to the hips of receivers as if

he knows every move they are about to make. Teams quickly

learned that they couldn’t take advantage of the undersized

cornerback. Jones will be a nuisance for teams that build

their offense around getting the ball out quickly to the Z

receiver. He is going to lose reps simply due to his size. There

aren’t too many professional cornerbacks under 5’9” that last

in the league, but Jones’s athletic profile and return ability

set him up for a lengthy career.


Jones lacks the size threshold the Packers require for their

defensive back unit. However, after seeing teams take

advantage of the slot last season, they may adjust their

preferences to include more dynamic athleticism at the

position instead of size. The real fit for Jones is the return

game. The Packers still do not have an answer for a reliable

kick returner or punt returner. Adding Jones gives them

one of the most explosive returners in the game since

Desmond Howard.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kendrick played wide receiver at LSU before

making the transition to cornerback. He transferred to

Georgia for his senior year and became one of the top

cornerbacks in the SEC. Kendrick has plenty of big-game

experience, playing in the CFB playoffs in each of his four

seasons, including two national championship games. At

Georgia, he was considered just an average player for the

nation’s No. 1 defense. However, he was still able to become

the full-time starter for a loaded unit which bodes well for

his prospects of cracking an NFL roster.

Positional Skills: He thinks like a receiver and can dissect

routes as they develop—making plays on the ball is his best

attribute. He made two interceptions against Michigan, where

he showed great awareness and ball skills. Kendrick shows

natural fluidity in the short area. Most of his troubles were

in man-to-man situations where he had to ride vertical routes.

He projects as a third- or fourth-string cornerback with the

ability to play zone in nickel or dime packages. With all of

his experience in big games, Kendrick won’t be rattled if he

has to be thrown in on key downs.


Kendrick just doesn’t possess the speed or athleticism the

Packers are looking for at the cornerback position. His

character concerns will also play a role in the Packers passing

on him in the draft.

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155

> CORNERBACK

Martin Emerson (JR)

Mississippi State

13 Coby Bryant (SR)

Cincinnati

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1”, Weight: 193 lbs., Arm: 30 5/8”

IN A NUTSHELL:

Bryant was a key contributor for the fourth-ranked Bearcats

defense. He had a starting role on the defense for four years

and was very productive, posting 10 interceptions, four

forced fumbles, and 163 tackles. Since 2018, Bryant leads all

cornerbacks in pass breakups. He offers size and good closing

instincts, as he was constantly around the ball at the catch

point. Bryant was tested much more with Gardner locking

down the opposite side of the field, so his deficiencies were

more glaring. He is an average prospect, lacking speed and

quickness. With NFL offenses featuring a more diverse

package of routes, Bryant could struggle to adjust on the fly.

Bryant will be limited to teams that play mostly Cover 2.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 201 lbs., Arm: 33 ½”, 40 Time: 4.53

PRO DAY: 4.52 40-yd, Vertical: 32”, Broad: 10.3”, 20-yd: 4.14, 3-cone, 6.9, Bench 17

2021 STATS: 3 PBU, 49 tackles

14 Cam Taylor-Britt (SR)

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11”, Weight: 196 lbs, Arm: 31 ½”

Nebraska

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Emerson showed his potential in 2019, when he

only allowed seven total yards on passes thrown his way. His

best game came against Ole Miss, where his best traits were

on display. He bullied receivers and ended up with a clean

stat sheet. Emerson played in 30 games and built a solid

resume against SEC competition.

Positional Skills: Martin Emerson can be a key contributor

on third down and special teams at the next level. His size

and arm length are ideal for a press-zone scheme. He showed

the ability to neutralize receivers at the line and force

quarterbacks to go through their other progressions. Emerson

does a great job of keeping plays in front of him, but if the

route breaks off, he doesn’t have the quick-twitch ability to

stick and drive. He lacks the true speed to compete with

vertical threats at the next level. There will be a steep learning

curve for Emerson to break away from some of his bad

technical habits. Most of his game is being very grabby and

physical during route development, and that is going to lead

to costly penalties in the NFL. The frame is there to build

upon, but can his limited athleticism hold up?


At Mississippi State, Emerson was on a defense who wanted

to control the deep quarters and keep everything in front of

them. They weren’t worried about the dink and dunk beating

them. This type of philosophy is very similar to what Green

Bay wants to do. Emerson would fit in as a depth corner with

knowledge of the scheme. He would be a welcomed addition

as a punt and kickoff cover guy.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Taylor-Britt is a mid- to late-round pick who could end up

being a steal. He is a great athlete, showcasing 4.3 speed and

the ability to close in the blink of an eye. One of his highestgraded

games in 2021 was against Michigan. He was quick

to diagnose plays and wreak havoc against the run. In

coverage, Taylor-Britt can offer a variety of coverage options

but will be best used in zone. His film suggests he is much

more comfortable playing in a half-turn technique with

opportunities to come up and punish ball carriers. When in

zone, he shuts down throwing lanes and frequently makes

plays on the ball.

15 Monteric Brown (rSR)

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0”, Weight: 196 lbs., Arm: 31 ¼”

Arkansas

IN A NUTSHELL:

Formerly the No. 1 prospect coming out of the state of

Arkansas. He was highly productive in his final season at

Arkansas, notching an SEC-best five interceptions. In 2020,

Brown was ahead of Patrick Surtain for the top-five lowest

passer ratings allowed by SEC cornerbacks. His game is built

on instincts and playing fast; he is shot out of a cannon when

he plants and breaks on the ball. Brown displays good

leverage and doesn’t round off-breaks. With experience

against top competition and unteachable instincts, Monteric

Brown could be the first corner taken on Day 3 with a chance

to start early for a zone-heavy scheme.

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156

> CORNERBACK

16 Joshua Jobe (SR) Alabama 17 Matt Hankins (SR)

Iowa

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11 ½”, Weight: 182 lbs., Arm: 32 5/8”

IN A NUTSHELL:

Jobe is a corner who was forgotten by many after his breakout

season in 2020. The senior out of Alabama is a consistent

press-man corner with great arm length for his size. He

showed no issues this year with controlling bigger receivers

at the line. His physical mentality and creativity with his

jams seemed to stun opposing receivers. Jobe punches the

shoulder at the snap, and then on the next play, he punches

the opposite shoulder after two steps. Jobe does a masterful

job of keeping the throwing window tight. His lack of

athleticism and speed will get him beat so if he is off balance

on a double move, he won’t recover. Jobe is a pure man-toman

cover corner at the next level with upside.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Hankins comes from a well-coached program that produces

NFL-ready players. He would have had the potential to be

taken as a top-five corner in this year’s class if it weren’t for

his durability concerns. When healthy, Hankins is a reliable

corner, capable of making plays on the ball and being

physical in the run game. He has a lot of similarities to former

Iowa Hawkeye Josh Jackson. Hankins is at his best in zone

coverage where he can sit back, let the play develop in front

of him, and let his pro-ready instincts take over. On tape, he

shows excellent spacing and athleticism to high-point throws

within his area. If he proves to be durable, he will get his

shot at a starting role.

18 Zyon McCollum (SR) Sam Houston State 19 Joshua Williams (SR)

Fayetteville State

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 199 lbs., Arm: 30 ¾”


IN A NUTSHELL:

McCollum is a versatile athlete with 4.33 speed and

outstanding size. This is the type of player you take a risk

on in the fifth round. If a team can unleash his potential, he

has all the intangibles to become a starting corner. He posted

a 132’’ broad jump, a 6.48 3-cone drill, and a 3.94 shuttle. He

is in the 99th percentile of cornerbacks dating back to 1987.

The FCS product played all over the defense. Sam Houston

State utilized his athletic abilities to the fullest, lining him

up as an edge defender, in the slot, and at safety. He was a

turnover machine, compiling 13 interceptions over his

career. As a team develops him, he can be a game-changing

punt coverage contributor.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A high-upside corner coming from a small-school background.

At the combine, Williams looked uncomfortable catching the

ball, which could be a sign that he wasn’t ready for the big

stage or that he was thinking too much about his footwork.

He is one of the tallest, lengthiest corner prospects in the

class. Williams handled most of the Division II receivers he

competed against with ease. Cornerbacks need to play with

confidence and be aggressive at the catch point which was

where Williams excelled. The glaring concern is William’s

competition level. It is a massive jump from Division II to the

pros, but if he can progress without taking a step back, he

will be part of a team’s rotation within two years.

20 Mario Goodrich (SR)


Clemson

IN A NUTSHELL:

Goodrich only started one year at Clemson, which makes

him an intriguing developmental prospect for NFL defensive

back coaches. He won’t hold up in man coverage on the

outside due to his 4.52 speed, but he can be disruptive in a

Cover 2 scheme. He shows a willingness to crowd the line to

throw off timing in the passing game. His frame won’t wow

you, but he has enough length to squeeze the field to his

advantage. In the run game, he is fearless. Goodrich will

certainly be reliable in the open field on outside runs. After

playing one year as the full-time starter, Goodrich just needs

to focus on becoming more familiar with route concepts so

he can play at a faster pace.

21 JALYN ARMOUR-DAVIS (rJR) Alabama

22 AKAYLEB EVANS (rSR) Missouri

23 CHASE LUCAS (GRAD) Arizona State

24 JAYLEN WATSON (rSR) Washington State

25 KALON BARNES (SR) Baylor

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S

Position Analysis:

NICK PENNISI

DAXTON

HILL

S, MICHIGAN

PROSPECT RANKING:

1 KYLE HAMILTON

Notre Dame

2 DAXTON HILL

Michigan

3 LEWIS CINE

Georgia

4 JAQUAN BRISKER

Penn State

5 JALEN PITRE

Baylor

6 NICK CROSS

Maryland

7 KERBY JOSEPH

Illinois

8 VERONE MCKINLEY III

Oregon

9 STERLING WEATHERFORD

Miami (OH)

10 BRYAN COOK

Cincinnati

11 MARKQUESE BELL

Florida A&M

12 YUSUF CORKER

Kentucky

13 JT WOODS

Baylor

14 LEON O’NEAL JR.

Texas A&M

15 DANE BELTON

Iowa

16 PERCY BUTLER

Louisiana

17 SMOKE MONDAY

Auburn

18 BUBBA BOLDEN

Miami

19 QUENTIN LAKE

UCLA

20 DAMARRI MATHIS

Pittsburgh

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Kyle Hamilton (JR)

1

Notre Dame

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 220 lbs.

Arm: 33”

40 Time: 4.59

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 38”

Broad: 131”

3-cone: 6.9

20-yd: 4.32

2021 STATS:

3 INT

4 PBU

34 tackles

2 TFL

1 sack

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Much like Isaiah Simmons and Kyle Pitts,

Hamilton is the newest draft “chess piece” due to his rare

blend of size and athleticism. At Notre Dame, he would line

up at both safety spots, linebacker, and even slot corner.

Hamilton recorded eight interceptions and 140 tackles in three

seasons at Notre Dame. He allowed the lowest passer rating

of any safety when targeted since his freshman season.

Hamilton took over the starting safety role in his sophomore

season and was named first-team All-ACC. As a junior last

season, Hamilton suffered a knee injury, which limited him

to just seven games. Despite missing the second half of the

season, he was still a Bednarik Award finalist. There have

been safety prospects with similar measurables, including

Kam Chancellor, Aaron Rouse, and Jeremy Chinn, but none

have shown the athleticism or explosive instincts in coverage

that Hamilton displays. He should be a top-10 selection.

Positional Skills: Hamilton provides creativity for defensive

schemes. He can take out a tight end, cover the slot, and be

lined up to provide downhill run assistance in short yardage.

At Notre Dame, they disguised a lot of coverages, and Hamilton

showed the IQ to always be in position. He plays fast and with

a sense of urgency. Hamilton is a physical presence who packs

a punch against ball carriers. He is fluid enough to man up

with receivers but will struggle in man coverage against

small, shifty receivers. His lack of change-of-direction speed

will give up some chunk plays. He can excel in a zone scheme

where he can focus on a zone and eliminate contested catches

in the short and intermediate ranges with his closing burst

and length. Hamilton is much faster on the field than his 40

time suggests because he takes great angles and covers sideline

to sideline with his long strides.

GAME VS PURDUE:

Against Purdue, Hamilton registered 10 tackles and an

interception, winning the Defensive Player of the Week award.

His elite range and instincts were on full display. On a fourthand-1,

Purdue lined up in a heavy formation to run a toss.

Hamilton is playing up near the linebackers and as soon as

he identifies the run, he clicks and closes, gets around the

pulling lineman, and makes the tackle behind the line of

scrimmage. His close was so fast that no one on Purdue could

even get a hand on him. This type of play demonstrated how

valuable of a defensive chess piece he can be. He was all over

the field, covering his zone and sprinting to the play on the

opposite side of the field. Hamilton swallowed up everything

in front of him, even when he was coming from a deep

alignment.


With Savage entering a contract year and Amos a candidate

to be released after the 2022 season, the safety position

becomes a key need for the Packers. Hamilton would be an

excellent fit for this defensive scheme. Oftentimes, the Packers

will line up a safety as a linebacker to provide bigger bodies

in certain nickel packages. The safety needs to be active in

the run game and reliable when they are the lone deep

defender. Hamilton would provide that and more. Hamilton

can line up in tandem with Campbell and take away the middle

of the field or assist a lighter box in the run game. He will also

free up Savage to move to the slot. When in a deep alignment,

Hamilton provides the range the Packers need to continue to

eliminate anything over the top while simultaneously beefing

up the run defense.

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MEASURABLES:

Daxton Hill (JR) Michigan

Height: 6’0”

2

Weight: 191 lbs.

Arm: 32 ¼”

40 Time: 4.38

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 33.5”

Broad: 121”

3-cone: 6.57

20-yd: 4.06

2021 STATS:

2 INT

7 PBU

69 tackles

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Daxton Hill has some lineage in the NFL as his

brother, Justice Hill, was drafted by the Ravens in 2019. In

high school, Hill was ranked as the top overall prospect in

Oklahoma. As a freshman at Michigan, Hill made an impact

at safety as well as on special teams and was awarded

Michigan’s Rookie of the Year. In his sophomore and junior

year, he started every game and was the second-leading tackler

on the team both seasons. He was a versatile weapon for

Michigan’s defense, lining up at the outside corner, slot, deep

safety, and box safety. Hill lit up the combine, finishing as the

top performer in the shuttle and three-cone drill.

Positional Skills: Hill is extremely versatile. He will be drafted

as a safety but can slide to corner in a pinch if a team is

disguising a coverage. Not only is he versatile, but he is one

of the fastest players at the position. He has top-tier range and

a playmaker mentality when the ball is in the air. His closing

burst separates him from the rest of the group. Quick to read

a play and get to the ball with urgency, Hill will thrive as a

coverage safety with his elite change of direction and fluidity.

Hill is at his best in the short area where he flashes quickness

and instincts to make plays in front of him. He is willing to

throw his body around in the run game. As tough as he is, Hill

has a lean frame that will get bodied by bigger receivers or

tight ends. His lack of play strength is about the only area of

his game he needs to improve. A safety prospect with premium

athletic traits and versatility, Hill should be a Day 1 pick.

GAME VS WISCONSIN 2021:

Hill was all over the field against Wisconsin, registering six

tackles, half of a sack, an interception, and a few pass

deflections. In the second quarter, the Wisconsin tight end

ran up the seam and, as he caught the ball, Hill met him with

a vicious blow. He showed he can play much bigger than his

light frame would suggest. At the start of the third quarter,

Hill was lined up in the slot and, at the snap, flashed his rare

explosiveness on a corner blitz. Almost as if he was shot out

of a cannon, Hill was in the backfield and ran through the

quarterback for a half-sack. In the fourth quarter, he showed

his eye discipline by not taking the bait to the sideline, staying

in his zone, and eventually getting the interception. This

game put Hill’s versatility, speed, and playmaker mentality

on full display.


The Packers have been searching for someone to play the

“star” role, and Daxton Hill is the perfect fit. Adding Hill

would give the Packers a pro-ready, versatile weapon who

would immediately become their starting nickel corner. His

blend of speed, quickness, and instincts would make this

secondary a “pick-your-poison” decision for opposing

quarterbacks. The Packers would also become one of the

fastest defenses in the league with four players in their

secondary having sub-4.4 speed. Hill also provides immediate

help on special teams as a gunner and in kick-off coverage.

Hill is a reliable tackler and will continue to improve the

Packers’ tackling efficiency. With the ability to move him all

over the secondary, the Packers can disguise more coverages,

making this defense less predictable in pre-snap alignment.

He offers this ascending defense the ability to take the next

jump to elite status.

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Lewis Cine (JR)

3

Georgia

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 199 lbs.

Arm: 32 ¼”

40 Time: 4.37

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 36.5”

Broad: 133”

2021 STATS:

1 INT

9 PBU

73 tackles

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Lewis Cine became the starting safety for the

Bulldogs late in his freshman campaign and never

relinquished the job. After leading Georgia in tackles and

pass breakups in 2021, Cine was selected to the AP All-SEC

first-team and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

Cine was also named the defensive MVP of the National

Championship game. His ability to start for a Power Five

program that runs a complex defensive scheme hints at his

potential at the NFL level.

Positional Skills: Cine has excellent size and speed for the

safety position. He also flashed his explosiveness with the top

broad jump at the combine out of the safety group. He has an

aggressive playstyle, hitting ball carriers like a train. Cine is

the most physical safety in the draft. His tackling and closing

speed make him more suited to play a box safety role, where

he will be closest to the ball. In the open field, he is very

reliable. He takes great angles and closes with authority. Cine

displays good range in a deep alignment and has the straightline

speed to make plays sideline to sideline at the next level.

He has the size to drop into a linebacker role on passing downs

to cover tight ends. Cine won’t make too many plays on the

ball, but he can be counted on to cover his assignments. He

doesn’t offer much in terms of man coverage, and he will need

to work on getting his hips around faster to not lose leverage.

He is quick to diagnose plays, giving him the ability to play

fast. Overall, Cine is a hard-hitting, assignment-sure safety

who gives a team the flexibility to play him near the line of

scrimmage or as a single-high, deep, reliable defender.

2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:

Cine had a statement performance against Alabama in the

National Championship game. He tallied seven tackles and a

pass breakup on his way to being named the defensive MVP.

His instincts and athleticism were on full display. On one run

to the outside, Cine closed from his safety position and

delivered a violent hit on the ball carrier. The next highlight

play involved Cine shooting across the formation to track

down a quick outlet pass to the receiver. He closed with

urgency and burst. Even though he was on the field with NFLcaliber

players, Cine’s game speed was on another level. Cine

was aggressive in filling running lanes and tossing blockers

off of him. In coverage, he was stepping in passing windows

and anticipating breaks. If Cine can provide this level of play

consistently, he has the potential to be the top safety taken.


The Packers have most of the pieces needed to be a dominant

defense, however, they are lacking that physical tone-setter.

Cine can step in to provide the Packers with a hard-hitting

safety capable of playing close to the line of scrimmage and

aiding in the run game. He has the size and speed the Packers

look for in the secondary with the versatility to be their thirddown

chess piece to cover a tight end or the deep half. The

Packers had their third-string safety on the field in more than

25 percent of snaps per game in 2021, and on those snaps, they

gave up some chunk plays. On screens and end-arounds, the

Packers were vulnerable. Cine’s range and aggressiveness

will keep those plays in check. Cine would be a valuable

selection in the second round.

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Jaquan Brisker (SR)

Penn State

Jalen Pitre (rSR)

Baylor

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1”, Weight: 199 lbs., Arm: 31 ¾”, 40 Time: 4.49

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11”, Weight: 198 lbs., Arm: 30 5/8”, 40 Time: 4.46 (Pro Day)

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 34.5”, Broad: 124”, Bench: 22 reps

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 35”, 20-yd: 4.18, 3-cone: 6.74, Bench: 16 reps

2021 STATS: 2 INT, 5 PBU, 63 tackles, 5.5 TFL

2021 STATS: 2 INT, 7 PBU, 75 tackles, 2 FF, 3.5 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: As a JUCO transfer from Lackawanna College,

Brisker started 21 games for Penn State. Last season, he

received first-team All-America honors. Since 2000, Brisker

was just the third defensive back at Penn State to have at least

5.5 or more tackles for loss. Brisker had over 400 snaps in the

box for the Nittany Lions and ended his career with 151 tackles

and more than 10 tackles for loss. Brisker’s decision to stay for

his final season combined with his performance at the combine

solidified his status as a second-round safety selection.

Positional Skills: Brisker can play in multiple coverages due

to his athleticism. His game is predicated on his physicality.

He does a great job of attacking the line of scrimmage and

delivering significant hits on the ball carrier. Brisker has the

size and toughness to be added to the box to shut down the

run. He can line up almost anywhere on the defense as he

did for Penn State. His quickness is underrated, as he can get

to the receiver in an instant. He does have a history of getting

caught looking in the backfield. Brisker has all the traits to

be an early-round impact starter from day one.


It would not surprise any Packers fan to see them select a

safety this year with Savage in a contract year and Amos a

candidate to be released. Brisker would be the future at strong

safety and the Packers’ current answer to covering athletic

tight ends or filling the backside running lanes as a dime

linebacker. He provides more physicality and athleticism at

strong safety than his Penn State counterpart and current

Packers starting strong safety, Adrian Amos. In year one,

Brisker would fill the in-the-box safety role and give the

Packers insurance on the back end should there be an injury.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: In 2021, Pitre started all 14 games for Baylor and

played more than 900 snaps, with 600 snaps coming from

the slot. He was arguably the nation’s most productive

defensive back. Pitre was awarded All-America first-team

and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and was the

only player in the FBS to record at least three fumble

recoveries, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. One

stat that stands out is that Pitre had at least a half tackle for

loss in 13 of 14 games. Pitre was one of the most impactful

defensive players in all of Division I FBS.

Positional Skills: Pitre has all the intangibles coaches desire

in their secondary. He has elite short-area quickness,

physicality on ball carriers, and playmaking ability. Pitre

lacks the size to be an in-the-box safety at the next level, but

he will set an edge when needed. He has the athleticism to

line up in multiple positions for a defense. He is quick to

process and react from the slot or in a deep alignment. Pitre

takes great angles to the ball and is quick to get sideline to

sideline. His skill set will allow him to start at slot corner for

any team at the next level.


Although he is listed as a safety and has traits that translate

to a free safety role in the NFL, he will start out as a slot

corner. The Packers have three starting corners but only one,

Jaire Alexander, can move to the slot. It’s unlikely Jaire will

live in the slot role, so adding Pitre would provide them with

a playmaker at the position. At the end of the day, the Packers

would find a way to get all of their playmakers in the

secondary on the field. Adding Pitre will improve this already

talented unit to be the best in the league.

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Nick Cross (JR)

Maryland

Kerby Joseph (JR)

Illinois

6

7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0”, Weight: 212 lbs., Arm: 31 ½”, 40 Time: 4.34



NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 38.5”, Broad: 123”, Bench: 18 reps

2021 STATS: 3 INT, 5 PBU, 66 tackles, 2 FF, 3 sacks

2021 STATS: 5 INT, 2 PBU, 57 tackles, 3 FR, 1 sack

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: At an early age, Nick Cross was studying

highlights of safeties such as Sean Taylor, Bob Sanders, and

Ed Reed. Cross was recruited to Maryland and led the team

in interceptions as a freshman. As a junior, he led Maryland

in turnovers with five. He was all over the field for the Terps,

even getting involved on blitzes and tallied three sacks on

the season. Cross shined in his final game, the Pinstripe Bowl,

where he registered three tackles, a sack, and forced a fumble

that went for a touchdown.

Positional Skills: Cross has a thick frame that he uses to

destroy ball carriers. His play style is reminiscent of a

linebacker, only with more athleticism. With his large frame

and 4.34 speed, he can win a foot race to any spot on the field

and finish with force. Cross sets the tone for a defense. He

can alternate at any safety spot or line up as a linebacker in

any package. His strength allows him to keep his leverage

with big bodies and not be pushed off his pursuit. Cross can

improve his footwork and play recognition, which will be

key to utilizing his full skill set at a face pace in the NFL.


The Packers have two missing pieces holding them back from

making the jump to a top-five defense: slot corner and

enforcer. Cross will be the enforcer on the defense, making

an offense think twice about putting ball carriers in his

path. With the ability to line up in the front seven with

Campbell, Cross gives the Packers a speedy man in the middle

that can run across formations to limit chunk plays on jet

sweeps or tosses. He will be physical against tight ends, an

area where the Packers struggled last year with the smaller

Savage in coverage.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: In 2021, Joseph was PFF’s top-graded safety in

the nation. He was tied for first place in the FBS with five

interceptions. In the last 50 years, Joseph was one of just three

players to tally five interceptions and three fumble recoveries,

a testament to his playmaking ability. His favorite athlete is

one with whom he shares very similar measurements, Jalen

Ramsey. If he can give just 75 percent of what Jalen Ramsey

can do, he will be one of the most underrated at the position.

Positional Skills: Joseph has a nose for the ball, using his

closing burst and length to always be in position to make a

play. He has excellent length for the position, which comes

in handy on 50/50 balls deep down the middle of the field or

plays he might be a step too slow on. He has natural ability

to flip his hips and feet to turn and run with ease. He doesn’t

have much experience as a starter, which shows up in his

read and react. As he gains more experience and becomes

more familiar with the position, he should be able to put it

all together and become a starting free safety in the NFL.


With the entire starting secondary already in place, the

Packers need to add backup players that can push starters

for playing time. Joseph is a ball-hawking safety who may

not push Savage or Amos for a starting spot but can push for

starting reps in certain packages. As he is given time to

develop and learn from a dominant secondary, Green Bay

will up his snaps each week and give him opportunities to

flash his playmaking ability. As previously stated, the Packers

need depth at safety for the present and as early as next

season, when they could see both starters walk.

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Verone McKinley III (rSO)

Oregon

Sterling Weatherford (rSR)

Miami (OH)

8

9



NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 35”, Broad: 120”, Bench: 16 reps



2021 STATS: 2 INT, 4 PBU, 66 tackles, 1 sack

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: McKinley showed a nose for the ball throughout

his college career at Oregon, with 11 interceptions, 10 pass

breakups, and two forced fumbles. He tallied a nation-leading

six interceptions in his final season and was a Jim Thorpe

Award finalist. McKinley lacks the overall size to be a force

at the safety position, but his productive background is

worthy of a Day 3 selection.

Positional Skills: The film shows a player who trusts his

instincts and takes risks to create game-changing opportunities.

He can align over a receiver on the boundary and keep them

in check with his above-average tackling ability. McKinley

displays very good feet and quickness as he can click and close

without many false steps. He is an aggressive downhill hunter

that will finish tackles and break-up passes in front of him.

McKinley won’t be a game-changer as a single high safety

because he lacks the range, but he will be solid in a Cover 2

system with deep half responsibilities. Overall, he lacks the

size and speed to be an early-round starter, but he will offer

game-changing abilities if given the time to develop.


McKinley offers ball skills where, outside of Rasul Douglas,

the Packers have lacked the interception numbers on the

back end. He doesn’t meet the size criteria the Packers want

in their secondary, but his ability to make plays on the ball

is intriguing. His quickness and reliable tackling make him

a perfect fit for a role on special teams to start his NFL career.

If the Packers need to line up in man coverage on a third and

long situation, they can allow McKinley to go get it. If Mckinley

has time to develop, he is a great situational playmaker the

Packers can utilize down the stretch.

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IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Weatherford played multiple roles on defense

for Miami but primarily lined up as a boundary or deep

safety. As someone who has been in the same defensive

scheme for five years, he was given control of the defense,

making all the calls and checks. In his career, he registered

over 200 tackles, three sacks, and four interceptions. He

possesses similar measurables to Kyle Hamilton, the No. 1

overall safety in the draft class. Weatherford has stated that

at the next level he is “positionless,” meaning he can and will

play anywhere a defense wants him to.

Positional Skills: Weatherford has similar traits to Jeremy

Chinn and Kyle Dugger. He has the frame to add weight and

line up in the box as a nickel and dime linebacker. He has

the athleticism to knife through gaps and disrupt plays in

the backfield while also being able to make stops in the open

field on swing passes to running backs. Weatherford is

physical and has the potential to be a tackling machine. He

can match up with tight ends and has the ball skills to disrupt

the short-area passing game. Weatherford will make an

impact starting on special teams.


Weatherford will add the size that the Packers desire in subpackages.

His skillset gives this defense another reliable

tackler that will limit the big play in the open field. The

Packers like to run out of the nickel package which limits

their protection against the run. Having Weatherford to line

up next to Campbell will give them the versatility to defend

against the run and pass. He does not project to be their future

starter at free safety, but he offers depth for the foreseeable

future. While he gets up to speed on the complex scheme, he

will be a special team’s ace for the Packers’ struggling unit.

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> SAFETY

Bryan Cook (SR)

Cincinnati

Markquese Bell (SR)

Florida A&M

10

11


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2”, Weight: 212 lbs., Arm: 32 3/8”, 40 Time: 4.41

NFL COMBINE: DNP

NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 36.5”, Broad 123”, 20-yd: 4.46

2021 STATS: 2 INT, 9 PBU, 96 tackles, 1 sack

2021 STATS: 1 INT, 95 tackles, 5 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Cook transferred to Cincinnati from Howard

and posted a breakout senior season. He was a leader for the

Bearcats’ top-five defense, posting nearly 100 tackles and

picking off Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young in the

playoffs. Cook was a chess piece for the Bearcats, lining up

all over the defense and helping them rank as the top defense

in passing efficiency, number two in pass yards allowed, and

number three in interceptions. Serving as a backup before

the 2021 season hindered his growth, but with more time, he

has the potential to be a top-five safety in the class.

Positional Skills: Cook is at his best when plays develop in

front of him and he can attack downhill—he has elite tackling

ability. Cook can change direction with ease and can be

utilized as an aggressive slot. His size helps him set an edge

and occupy running lanes, and he has the athleticism to

contain the edge to the sideline on toss plays or off-tackle

counters. Cook has the toughness to be a defensive leader,

but his lack of speed will limit him in his ascent to becoming

an all-around, polished safety.


Cook is a physically dominant safety who can disrupt the

running game, which is valuable to the Packers in nickel

packages. Many successful runs against the Packers defense

came against smaller fronts while in sub-packages. Having

Cook on the field with smaller fronts will provide security

in the run game. Cook won’t miss many tackles in the short

area, so he will be a reliable defensive back to have on the

field in dime packages. He will also be an enforcer on special

teams coverage.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Markquese Bell is a long, physical safety coming

out of the FCS. Nicknamed “ring your bell” for his dominant

hits, Bell is an exciting prospect that can make an immediate

impact on an NFL defense. Bell started his college career at

Maryland before transferring to a community college and

eventually landing at HBCU Florida A&M. He was the Rattlers

best defensive player, posting 95 tackles, with 15 of those

tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble coming in one game

against South Florida.

Positional Skills: Bell has length, explosive burst, and the

awareness to always be around the ball. He closes in a hurry,

delivering powerful hits while driving through with his feet.

At the combine, he showed great ball-tracking ability. He can

accelerate through a hole and make stops in the backfield

regularly. Bell has excellent fluidity, allowing him to make

cuts and stay on the hip of the receiver. He will attack from

great angles and be in a position to create turnovers. Bell will

need to add weight to support his aggressive approach. He

also needs to improve on his play recognition; he can get

caught up trying to diagnose and lose on double moves.


Bell will be a great developmental safety for the Packers

defensive back room. He has all of the physical traits that the

Packers look for, and his tackling ability will be needed on

the back end. With 26 total takeaways in 2021, the Packers

ranked eighth; adding Bell’s ability to cause turnovers could

push this group to a top-five ranking. He is scheme diverse,

so Green Bay could throw him into multiple sub-packages.

His aggressive style of play will be welcomed to the special

teams unit.

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Yusuf Corker (rSR)

Kentucky

13 JT Woods (SR)

Baylor

12


IN A NUTSHELL:

Woods has the potential to eventually become a starting

safety at the next level. He has elite speed and length for

the position. The former track star will give speedy receivers

fits when they feel him on their hip down the sideline. When

he gets beat deep, it’s due to his inability to recognize double

moves. Woods showed his ball-hawking ability with six

interceptions and a touchdown in his senior year. Identifies

in-breaking routes and closes and closes on the ball. He can

overrun plays on occasion and miss open-field tackles.

Woods will get an opportunity to be a future starter at any

safety spot.



2021 STATS: 8 PBU, 81 tackles, 1 sack

14 Leon O’Neal Jr. (SR)

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0 ½”, Weight: 204 lbs.

Texas A&M

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Corker started 37 games for Kentucky and was

very productive throughout his career, tallying 240 tackles,

14 pass breakups, and three interceptions. He was a two-time

captain for the Wildcats and was also elected to the Dean’s

List in 2020. Corker secured the game-winning interception

in the Citrus Bowl, putting a stamp on an excellent college

career. He is projected to go anywhere from the fifth through

seventh rounds.

Positional Skills: Corker excels in trusting his eyes, diagnosing

plays pre-snap, and anticipating where he needs to be. He is

a reliable “last line of defense” player who has the discipline

to maintain coverage and will not shy away from making a

touchdown-saving tackle. Corker lacks the range to line up

in a single high scheme. He is best utilized in the box where

he can rely on his instincts and burst to stop anything in

front of him. Even though he collected more than 200 tackles,

missed tackles are a major concern for him. Corker is a

developmental project that will provide leadership and

special teams ability for an NFL team.


Corker is a high academic, experienced safety who offers

some depth for a zone coverage scheme like the Packers. He

has a team-first mentality with a willingness to contribute

to special teams. Corker has an aggressive, downhill play

style that can be an asset in short-yardage situations. The

former Wildcat will need to clean up his missed tackling if

he wants to carve out a role for himself on special teams.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Started in 32 games for the Aggies, compiling more than

1,800 snaps, 137 tackles, and six interceptions. In 2021, he

picked off two passes in the opening game, returning one

of them for an 85-yard touchdown. O’Neal prides himself on

dishing out violent hits and getting in the ball carrier’s face.

He has good eyes for route development and locating the

ball. O’Neal can fly downhill and use his size to punish

opponents. His effort on the field will not be questioned. He

shows tightness and a lack of recovery speed, often giving

up too much separation. Overall, O’Neal can be a tone-setter

with little man coverage responsibilities, contributing

mainly on special teams.

15 Dane Belton (JR)


Iowa

IN A NUTSHELL:

Belton lined up in the “Cash” position for Iowa, which is a

linebacker/defensive back hybrid role. Belton was making

plays in the nickel corner spot and inside with linebackers

against the run. He showed the ability to set the edge and

shove off run blockers. Belton displayed great short-area

awareness. He can be used in the slot or lined up over the

tight end at the next level. His issues are brought to light

against shifty receivers who take advantage of his lack of

burst and athleticism. If he can add weight to his frame, he

can be a three-year developmental nickel linebacker with

short-area zone responsibility.

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> SAFETY

16 Percy Butler (SR) Louisiana 17 Smoke Monday (SR)

Auburn


IN A NUTSHELL:

Butler has the speed and range to develop into a Cover 2

scheme safety. He has the fluidity to turn and run with

receivers while maintaining good leverage. He can deliver

hits that dislodge the ball from receivers but is indecisive

when running downhill at ball carriers. At the next level,

he will need to work on his film study to make better

decisions. Butler has the size and arm length to swipe at

contested throws against big-bodied receivers. The area

where he will shine is on special teams as a gunner. He blazes

down the field and wreaks havoc on the returner.


IN A NUTSHELL:

Smoke Monday hunts for contact. When he plays near the

line of scrimmage, he is a handful for blockers. He is physical

at the point of contact, running through ball carriers and

rarely missing tackles. He has the size to be featured as an

extra linebacker. Although he had three interceptions

returned for a touchdown, he still struggles in coverage.

Monday will get confused with motion, play-action, and

flooding in his zone. He lacks the speed to defend over the

top. He will be best utilized as a rotational player who

supports in short-yardage situations where he can play to

his strengths.

18 Bubba Bolden (rSR) Miami 19 Quentin Lake (rSR)

UCLA



IN A NUTSHELL:

Bolden has excellent size for the safety position. His turn

and run movement is effortless for a player with his size.

He shows the burst to close on a quick breaking route and

make a play. Bolden has a high motor and is willing to get

involved in the running game. Though he is inconsistent

with his tackling, he shows physicality in taking on blocks.

His range is above average, and he anticipates throws putting

him in a good position to defend from a single-high look. If

he can learn to take better angles and improve his tackling,

Bolden can be a contributor in year two or three.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Lake has good size and the versatility to contribute at the

next level. Playing in a variety of alignments for the Bruins,

he displayed good quickness and athleticism. His football

IQ is said to be his best trait in that he gets the entire defense

on the same page and makes audible calls. Lake can play

inside, covering tight ends or backs out of the backfield. He

has great instincts to break on the ball and put himself in a

position to make a play. Lake lacks the top-end speed to stick

over the top and can get beat on double moves. With a few

years in a system, he can be a situational role player.

20 Damarri Mathis (rSR)


Pittsburgh

IN A NUTSHELL:

Mathis is a physical safety who can make an impact in man

coverage, where he can press and stun receivers, disrupting

their timing. Mathis possesses the athleticism to mirror

routes and shows good leverage to stick to the hip of shifty

receivers. Receivers will have a tough time gaining separation

against him. In zone coverage, he can read the quarterback

but will be hesitant to jump a route. He gets stuck processing.

Overall, he will need to improve his technique against elite

receivers at the next level. He is best suited to play special

teams and occasionally be thrown into the slot to press

receivers at the line.

21 NICK GRANT (SR) Virginia

22 AMARI CARTER (SR) Miami

23 KOLBY HARVELL-PEEL (SR) Oklahoma State

24 DELARRIN TURNER-YELL (SR) Oklahoma

25 CHRISTIAN MORGAN (SR) Baylor

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167

K

Position Analysis:

Brian Maafi

C A DE

YORK

K, LSU

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 CADE YORK

LSU

02 GABE BRKIC

Oklahoma

03 CALEB SHUDAK

Iowa

04 ANDREW MEVIS

Fordham/Iowa State

05 NICK SCIBA

Wake Forest

06 PARKER WHITE

South Carolina

07 CHANDLER STATON

App State

08 CAMERON DICKER

Texas

09 JAMES MCCOURT

Illinois

10 JONATHAN DOERER

Notre Dame

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> KICKER

Cade York (JR)

1

LSU

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’0 ¾”

Weight: 206 lbs.

40-yard: N/A

NFL COMBINE:

12 reps 225

2021 STATS:

15/18 FG

long of 56

39/39 PAT

84 points

2 TBs on 4 KOs (37.8 avg)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: York attended Prosper High School in McKinney,

Texas, where he was one of the top high school kickers in the

nation. York also punted in high school. He was invited to the

2019 Under Armour All-America Game and hit a 59-yard field

goal. York was 21/27 his freshman year at LSU, with a long of

52, and he earned second-team All-SEC. He was 89/93 on PATs,

with most of the misses being early in the season. He scored

an LSU record of 152 points that season. He was 18/21 in 2020,

with his longest being 57 yards in a fog with 23 seconds left in

the game. The former Tiger was second team All-American in

2020 and didn’t miss a single PAT in 2020 and 2021. York holds

the record for longest field goal made in LSU program history.

Positional Skills: York has a long, athletic frame with long legs

that help him get a lot of leverage on his kicks. He shows a

good approach and an effortless, easily repeatable motion.

He has a strong leg capable of hitting 60-yarders. The former

Tiger has a calm, even-keeled demeanor, which is important

for kickers. He did have some shaky misses as a freshman,

but York showed improvement each season. With only four

career attempts, he did not kick off very much at LSU, but he

certainly has the leg strength to do it. The only real question

NFL teams will have about him is if he can do it consistently

and accurately.That’s what scouts will be asking throughout

draft season.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Are you looking for a kicker who has played in big games and

faced the intense pressure that comes with playing at a major

Division I college program? York has done all of that and

passed with flying colors. First, he came in and started as a

true freshman at a major program with a history of good

kickers, so he had big shoes to fill. As a true freshman, York

led the nation in PATs made, he set the SEC record for points

by a kicker, and he kicked four field goals of 50 yards or more.

He followed that up with another stellar sophomore season,

where he kicked six field goals of 50 yards or more, including

a 57-yarder in the fog to win the game against Florida. He

kicked another four 50 plus-yarders as a junior in 2021.


If the Packers do move on from Mason Crosby, they will be in

position to take the consensus best kicker in the draft. York

has incredible accuracy and a very good leg. He declared for

the draft a year early, which is rare for kickers, which speaks

to how good he is. The former Tiger may not have a cannon

for a leg, but it is strong enough to make 50-plus-yard field

goals. He has shown up in big moments and seems to have ice

in his veins. If the Packers are all-in on the 2022 season, they

will want a kicker who can come in and be able to handle the

pro game right away. York can be that kicker.

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> KICKER

MEASURABLES:

Gabe Brkic (rJR) Oklahoma

Height: 6’1”

2

Weight: 201 lbs.

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

DNP

2021 STATS:

20/26 FG

long of 56

57/58 PAT

117 points

39 TBs on 84 KOs (62.8 avg)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Brkic attended Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin

School in Chardon, Ohio, where he handled kicking and

punting duties. He was the No. 7 kicker in the nation according

to Kohl’s Kicking. He redshirted his first season at Oklahoma,

although he did kick in one game against Florida Atlantic. In

2019, he took over kicking duties for the Texas Tech game in

late September. He finished the season 17/17 on field goals and

52/52 on PATs and was the only kicker in the nation to hit 100

percent of his kicks that season. He also handled all kickoff

duties. For the 2020 season, Brkic connected on 20 of 26 field

goals and all 49 of his PATs. He connected on eight from 40 or

more, and four of them were 50 or more. In his final season

in Norman, he had his first missed PAT.

Positional Skills: Brkic has the strongest leg in the class, with

the ability to make 60-yard field goals, but he has accuracy

issues at longer distances. Some of it is the way he hits the

ball, and some of it seems to be a confidence issue. He has a

lot of kickoff experience, having kicked off 264 times with

134 touchbacks in his career. His kickoffs leave something to

be desired for such a strong leg; the hang time is inconsistent.

He will need to work on consistency with his foot placement.

When his accuracy is off, it’s usually because he hits it closer

to his big toe on the inside of his foot.

COLLEGE CAREER:

As a redshirt freshman, Brkic was a Lou Groza Award

semifinalist, freshman All-American, and second-team All-Big

12. Four of his 17 field goals were from 40 or longer in 2019.

He kicked two field goals against Baylor, including a gamewinning

31-yarder. For the shortened 2020 season, he was

again a Groza Award semifinalist and first-team All-Big 12.

Brkic made two field goals, including a 54-yarder, in the Big

12 Championship in 2020. He also tied a school record of four

field goals and three PATs made against TCU. In 2021, he was

a Lou Groza finalist with five field goals over 50 yards—the

best in the nation. The former Sooner made a 30-yard gamewinning

field goal against Virginia as time expired. In 2020

and 2021, 41 and 40 percent of his kickoffs were touchbacks.


Brkic would be a decent fit with the Packers. He shares some

similarities to Mason Crosby when he was coming out of

Colorado. He has a cannon for a leg but struggled with accuracy

in 2020 and 2021. On deeper kicks, he had eight misses on 25

attempts from 40-plus from 2020–21. For a guy with his leg

strength, he should be getting more touchbacks. This all points

to either a mechanical issue or a confidence problem. For a

team that is looking to be all-in in 2022, the Packers may not

have the patience to wait a year for him to work out his

mechanical issues. But Brkic has a stronger leg than York, and

his ceiling may be higher.

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> KICKER

MEASURABLES:

Caleb Shudak (rSR) Iowa

Height: 5’6 5/8”

3

Weight: 179 lbs.

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

N/A

2021 STATS:

24/28 FG

51 Long

36/36 PAT

108 points

46 TBs on 73 Kos (63.5 avg)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Shudak comes from a kicking family; his father,

Jeff, was a placekicker at Iowa State. He lettered all four years

at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, while

also playing running back, defensive back, and linebacker.

He was named team captain as a senior. A multisport athlete,

Shudak also participated in swimming, tennis, track, and

baseball. Shudak walked on at Iowa and redshirted his first

season. As a redshirt sophomore, he played in one game,

kicking just one point after attempt. For the 2019 season, he

took over kickoff duties. The former Hawkeye kicked off 75

times with 31 touchbacks averaging 58.2 yards. For his

redshirt senior season, he handled kickoff duties again.

Shudak kicked off 51 times with 30 touchbacks in a shortened

season. He attempted one 52-yard field goal but missed, hitting

the upright. He then took advantage of the NCAA allowing

players an extra redshirt for the 2020 season, returning for

a sixth year. He finally took over as the field goal kicker in

2021 and made a career-long 51-yarder.

Positional Skills: Shudak has shown consistent improvement

through his collegiate career on kickoff averages and

touchbacks. He has an NFL leg, but it is more on the average

end. His max range is probably around 51 yards, but he

consistently makes kicks up to around 48 yards. The former

Hawkeye is a hard worker who has shown improvement each

season. Shudak does have limited experience as a field goal

kicker. He has an athletic background that might pique some

teams’ interest to where he could be used on fake kicks. The

sixth-year senior is on the small side, and that may turn

some teams off.

COLLEGE CAREER:

Patience would be the one word to describe Shudak’s career.

He did not see the field in his first two seasons and then was

a kickoff specialist from 2018 to 2020. He kicked off a total

of 127 times with 61 touchbacks, and only two went out of

bounds. In 2019, his kickoffs averaged 58.2 yards for his

kickoffs. In 2020, he finally earned a scholarship, and his

average improved to 60.6 yards. Luckily for him, the NCAA

granted players an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID

pandemic, and he took over as Iowa’s field goal kicker in

2021. He had a career-best average on his kickoffs of 63.4

yards, and his highest touchback percentage of 63. He also

hit 85.7 percent of his kicks. where he had two misses on six

attempts of kicks 50-plus yards. He only missed four total

kicks on the season.


Shudak would be a good fit for the Packers despite his lack of

field-goal-kicking experience. Shudak is the type of kicker

that will stick in the league for a long time. He doesn’t have

the strongest leg and can’t be trusted to consistently make

kicks beyond 50 yards. But he will stick around because he

has proven to be a grinder and will continue to improve. The

former Hawkeye had to wait five years to kick field goals. He

also showed improvement every season with his kickoffs. He

could come in and kick as a rookie, and it won’t be too big for

him. Shudak is also a multisport athlete, having played four

other sports, and played both on offense and defense in high

school football.

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> KICKER

Andrew Mevis (SR)

Fordham/Iowa State

Nick Sciba (SR)

Wake Forest

4

5

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’10 1/8”, Weight: 203 lbs., 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 20/23 FG, 54 long, 32/32 PAT, 92 points, 55 TBs on 79 KO (62.7 avg), 25 punts,

55 long, (40.64 avg)


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 23/25 FG, 46 long, 65/65 PAT, 134 points, 1 TB on 9 KOs (41.6 avg)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: As a freshman at Fordham, Mevis was 6/9 on

field goals and 15/16 on PATs for 33 points. He also punted 65

times for an average of 37.3, with a long of 62. For the 2018

season, he was 6/9 on field goals, with a season-long of 54,

and 17/20 on PATs. Mevis punted 81 times for an average of

41.3 yards and a long of 70. For his junior season, he was

first-team All-Patriot League. He connected on 15/20 of his

field goals, with a long of 46 and 31/33 on his PATs. He also

punted 70 times with a 40.4-yard average. He also kicked off

63 times with 50 touchbacks. Following the canceled 2020

season, Mevis transferred to Iowa State for his senior year,

where he was selected as a Lou Groza Semifinalist.

Positional Skills: Mevis has a solid build with a strong leg.

He showed improvement on his kickoffs from his sophomore

season on. The former Cyclone gets great distance and hangtime

on his kickoffs, but his accuracy was inconsistent while

at Fordham. His technique at Fordham looked inconsistent,

but it seems the coaches at Iowa State were able to help fix

his issues.


At Fordham, Mevis showed versatility in being able to kick

and punt. After transferring to Iowa State, it seemed like it

all came together for Mevis. The former Fordham Ram

connected on 87 percent of his field goals. He also showed

his leg strength by connecting on two 50-plus yard field goals,

though he did miss three between 40–49. If Mevis can show

his accuracy issues from Fordham are behind him and keep

improving on distance, he would be a good fit for the Packers.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Sciba kicked, punted, and played soccer for his

high school. He was 19/22 on field goals for 107 points in his

freshman year at Wake Forest. In his sophomore season, he

kicked off 75 times for an average of 54.5 and 15 touchbacks,

and he was first team All-American. He was 24/25 on field

goals, with a long of 45, and 47/47 on PATs for a total of 119

points. In 2020, he was 14/17, with a long of 46, and 31/31 on

PATs for a total of 73 points.

Positional Skills: Sciba connected on 86 percent of his kicks

as a freshman and 96 percent as a sophomore. He didn’t miss

a single PAT in his career. He is a very accurate kicker with

a smooth and repeatable delivery. He did have some accuracy

struggles as a junior but cleaned that up as a senior. The

question will be whether or not he can consistently hit 50-

plus yard field goals. Counting the Hula Bowl, he is 1/2 on

those kicks. He also needs improvement on kickoffs, with

only 16 touchbacks in 82 career attempts.


Sciba would be a very good fit for the Packers. He was very

consistent over his career minus a few hiccups his junior

year. He is the NCAA career leader in field goal percentage.

Wake Forest was very conservative with using him at long

distances; Sciba only attempted one 50-plus yard field goal

in his career at Wake, and he missed it, but he did make a

52-yarder at the Hula Bowl. It seems he does have the leg

strength to hit from that distance. His goal at his pro day will

bel to prove to scouts he can do it consistently.

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> KICKER

Parker White (SupSR)

South Carolina

Chandler Staton (SupSR)

App State

6

7


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 16/17 FG, 54 long, 30/30 PAT, 78 points, 0 TBs on 3 KOs (48.0 avg)


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 20/21 FG, 48 long, 57/57 PAT, 117 points, 0 KOs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: White was a walk-on at South Carolina and

redshirted his first season. As a redshirt freshman, he

handled kickoffs, collecting 44 touchbacks on 65 kickoffs.

After winning the placekicking job after four games, he

connected on 14/25 field goals and 26/26 PATs. For the 2018

season, he was 13/16 on field goals and 45/46 on PATs. White

kicked off 19 times that season for 12 touchbacks. For the

2019 season, he didn’t handle kickoffs but was 18/22 on field

goals and 25/25 on PATs. In the 2020 season, White connected

on 11/19 field goals and 26/27 PATs. White also kicked off

nine times with one touchback. White returned in 2021 for

a sixth season.

Positional Skills: White has a long, athletic build. He has a

strong leg with a career long of 54 yards and made a 50-yarder.

That 54-yarder is probably his max distance, since that kick

just got past the goal post. His kicks do tend to hook to the

right a bit. White has the leg strength to be decent on kickoffs;

he just isn’t getting enough lift/hang time on his kicks.


White is not a great fit for Green Bay at this point. He had a

poor freshman season but showed improvement as a

sophomore. He then crashed in 2020, only converting 58

percent of his kicks. White showed resilience by making

his final season his best in terms of accuracy. He had four

misses beyond 45 yards in 2020, and he is also only 2/11 on

kicks 50 yards or more. Even with kicks from 40–49, he is

only at 65 percent, though most of the misses were from

2017. With a career long of 54, the leg strength is there—he

is just too inconsistent.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Staton took over kicking duties in the seventh

game of his redshirt freshman season and was 8/9 on field

goals with a long of 53 yards and 31/31 on PATs. For his

following season, Staton proceeded to go 12/16 and 61/61 on

PATs. He kicked a pressure-packed 43-yarder in a rainy Sun

Belt Championship game with 2:09 left in the game. In the 2019

season, Staton was 11/16 and 72/73 on PATs. In 2020, he was

13/19 and 51/52 on PATs. He had a season-long kick of 45 yards.

Staton decided to return for a sixth and final season in 2021.

Positional Skills: Staton showed potential as a redshirt

freshman by hitting a 53-yarder. He struggled a little in 2018

and was even worse in ’19 and ’20. He made a comeback in

2021 and got back to and improved on his promising redshirt

freshman season. He has a solid leg and a good repeatable

kicking motion. He has tons of experience, having kicked in

some big pressure situations and adverse conditions. His

problem is his confidence and overthinking; when he misses

it gets in his head and he loses confidence.


Staton would not remind you of Mason Crosby with the

Packers. He struggled with accuracy issues in 2019 and 2020.

He fixed his accuracy issues in 2021 and showed the type of

kicker he could be, which speaks volumes about him as a

worker. He doesn’t have the accuracy to make 50-plus yard

field goals, and the misses affect his confidence. His kickoffs

also leave a bit to be desired. He did most of his kicking off

in 2019 and 2020, and he only had 32 touchbacks in 124 tries.

He gets decent hang time but not much distance.

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> KICKER

Cameron Dicker (SR)

Texas

James McCourt (SupSR)

Illinois

8

9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0 1/8”, Weight: 219, lbs. 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 13/15 FG, long 50, 49/50 PAT, 88 points, 45 TBs in 73 KO (62.4 avg), 47 punts,

long 78, average 46.8


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 18/23 FG, 53 long, 26/26 PAT, 80 points, 42 TBs in 51 KO (64.5 avg)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Dicker was born in Hong Kong and lived in

Shanghai and Taiwan. As a freshman, he was 18/25 on field

goals, with a long of 52, and 51/52 on PATs. Dicker followed

that with an improved sophomore season, going 14/18, with a

long of 57 yards, and 56/57 on PATs. For his junior season, he

went 15/21 on FGs (long of 53) and 50/51 on PATs. For his final

season in Austin, the former Longhorn was 13/15, with a long

of 50, and 49/50 on PATs. He kicked off 306 times over four

seasons at Texas and averaged between 60 and 64 yards a kick.

Positional Skills: The ball explodes off Dicker’s foot—he has

the leg strength to kick 60-yard field goals. Dicker has good

size and a strong build. His biggest issue is accuracy from

40-plus yards; he only connected on 61 percent of attempts

at that distance. Dicker also has punting experience, so he

can be a backup punter. Dicker is an excellent kickoff

specialist and had a touchback on 68 percent of his kickoffs.

The only issue with his kickoffs is that his hang time can be

inconsistent.


The former Longhorn is not a very good fit for the Packers at

this time. He has the leg strength to kick in Green Bay, but

he has accuracy issues. He is probably going to need a year

on a practice squad to work through accuracy issues and

improve his hang time on his kickoffs. For a team in need of

immediate special teams improvement, he would not provide

that as a rookie. If they could get him as an undrafted free

agent and stash him on the practice squad, that would be a

good start for him.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: McCourt was born in Ireland. For his first three

seasons at Illinois, he did not play, minus one kickoff in 2018.

McCourt took over kicking duties in 2019 and was 13/19, with

a long of 57, and 42/43 on PATs. For the 2020 season, McCourt

was 6/10 and had a long of 47 and was 15/15 on PATs while

missing two games with COVID. The 47-yarder was a gamewinner

as time expired. McCourt came back for the 2021

season for his sixth season. He kicked four 50-plus yard field

goals on the season. The sixth-year kicker kicked off from

2019–21 and had 69 percent of his kickoffs go for a touchback.

Positional Skills: McCourt has a strong build with muscular

legs. He has the leg strength to make 60-yard field goals and

to excel at kickoffs. That strength was on display in 2021,

when he had 42 touchbacks on 51 kickoffs. He did miss 11

kicks from 40 yards out, so accuracy at range is a concern.

McCourt gets a lot of lift on his kicks. His misses tend to hook

right. It looks to be a confidence issue with McCourt, because

in practice he makes those kicks. McCourt is also on the older

side, as he will be 25 in November.


He is not a good fit for Green Bay. McCourt is similar to Dicker

in that he has a strong leg, but his career 71 percent accuracy

leaves a lot to be desired. It’s not entirely his fault, since the

coaches at Illinois had him attempt too many 50-plus yard

field goals. From 49 and under, he hit 78 percent and a decent

84 percent from 39 yards and under. He was very good on

kickoffs, especially in his final season where he had 82

percent of his kickoffs end up as touchbacks.

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> KICKER

Jonathan Doerer (rSR)

Notre Dame

10


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 16/21 FG, long 51, 52/53 PAT, 100 points, 28 TBs in 87 KO (60.0 avg)

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: During his freshman season at Notre Dame, he

was the kickoff specialist in seven games. He kicked off 32

times for an average of 61.2 yards and had nine touchbacks.

In 2018, he had 56 kickoffs for an average of 59.8 with 25

touchbacks. He did kick one field goal and was 5/6 on PATs

in one game. In 2019 he took over kicking duties and went

17/20, with a long of 52, and 57/57 on PATs. During the 2020

season, Doerer went 15/23, with a long of 51, and 48/48 on

PATs. The former Golden Domer took advantage of the COVID

redshirt season and returned for a fifth season.

Positional Skills: He has a lot of experience at a major program.

Doerer has an NFL leg, kicking four field goals over 50 yards,

but his kickoffs are lacking consistency. Outside of 2018–19,

his touchback percentage hovered around 25, which is bad.

His accuracy on kicks in 2020 and 2021 is subpar, especially

in 2020 where he hit on only 65 percent. Doerer seemed to

lose confidence in 2020, and it never came back. His issues

have mostly been from 40-plus, where he has been 10/18 the

last two seasons.


Doerer would not be a good fit for the Packers. He has the leg

strength to be a good kicker, which showed in his first two

seasons at Notre Dame, but his confidence is lacking on any

kicks beyond 40 yards. His kickoffs have also not been great

with three-fourths of them being returned. If the Packers

are going to replace Crosby, they need someone that can hit

touchbacks at least 50 percent of the time. They also do not

have the time to let him work out his confidence issues

anywhere other than the practice squad.

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175

P

Position Analysis:

PAT SIME

MATT

ARAIZA

P, SAN DIEGO STATE

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 MATT ARAIZA

San Diego State

02 JORDAN STOUT

Penn State

03 RYAN STONEHOUSE

Colorado State

04 JAKE CAMARDA

Georgia

05 DANIEL WHELAN

UC Davis

06 TRENTON GILL

NC State

07 BEN GRIFFITHS

USC

08 BLAKE HAYES

Illinois

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176

> PUNTER

Matt Araiza (rJR)

1

San Diego State

MEASURABLES:

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 200 lbs.

40 Time: 4.68

NFL COMBINE:

DNP

2021 STATS:

81 punts

50.5 gross avg.

3.92 hang time

41 inside the 20

15 TB, 17 FC

86 long

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: San Diego State punter Matt Araiza is a rockstar

of the punting world. He has been dubbed “punt god” on social

media and mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show as “a Sunday

player for sure. He’s a weapon.” He’s fun to watch. It’s not all

social media hype, though. The left-footed punter was a

unanimous first-team All-American and won the Ray Guy

Award as the top punter in the nation in 2021. He also led the

nation in regular season yards per attempt (FBS record 51.19)

and kicks inside the 20 (41).

Positional Skills: Araiza is a versatile prospect and was twice

an All-American selection in high school as a kicker. Araiza

handled kickoff, placekicking, and extra point attempt duties

for the Aztecs as a redshirt freshman. Araiza was named the

starting punter, in addition to his kicking duties, at the

beginning of his redshirt junior season. Araiza ended his

college career 96 out of 97 in extra point attempts, a 73.5

percent field goal rate (long of 53), and a regular season punt

average of 51 yards per attempt.

Araiza has all the leg you want and then some. He pinned

opponents inside their own 20 at over a 50 percent rate while

also boasting multiple 80-plus yard punts. Araiza is also an

athlete and a plus tackler who isn’t shy about delivering a hit

down field. What Araiza can improve on is directional punting

and converting some of his raw distance into hang time. Araiza

consistently booted the ball 60-plus yards down the middle

of the field and over the heads of returners, causing them to

field the punt running backwards. This works in college due

compaction level and punt coverage rules. Araiza has been

working with a punting coach to improve in these areas since

declaring for the draft.

WEAPON:

Araiza is a field-flipping weapon. Against San Jose State, he

hit a ball from his own 1-yard line that stopped at the opposing

3-yard line. In addition to his incredible inside the 20 rate,

his touchbacks can be just as fun. Against Hawaii, Araiza

sent the ball on his own 12-yard line for a touchback on the

fly. He and his cartoonishly strong leg hold the FBS record

for punts of 50-plus yards (39) and 60-plus yards (18) in a

season. The former soccer player-turned-punter also had six

punts of 70-plus yards and two punts of 80-plus yards in 2021.

(There have been two 80-yard punts in the NFL since 2007.)

In addition to punting, Araiza is a kickoff specialist who can

all but guarantee a touchback. This ability eliminates any

threat of a return.


One punter was selected in the 2021 NFL draft, and that was

in the seventh round. Araiza is absolutely draftable and should

be long gone before the tail end of Day 3. The Packers have

major special teams questions for 2022. There is potential for

Mason Crosby to be a cap casualty or to retire (he will be 38

when the season starts), and Corey Bojorquez is with the

Cleveland Browns. Araiza could be the answer if Green Bay

is willing to pay up in the draft. The Packers could even

entertain Araiza competing for all four kicking jobs in camp,

to save a roster spot, while having him locked in for punts

and kickoffs. Araiza could have his name called early on Day

3, if not sooner.

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> PUNTER

MEASURABLES:

Jordan Stout (rSR) Penn State

Height: 6’3”

2

Weight: 209 lbs.

40 Time: 4.65

2021 STATS:

67 punts

46.1 gross avg.

4.34 hang time

37 inside the 20

3 TB

30 FC

76 long

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jordan Stout transferred to Penn State after his

redshirt season as a kickoff specialist with Virginia Tech and

maintained his kickoff specialist role his entire time in Happy

Valley. His redshirt junior year (2020), he became the starting

punter, and in 2021, Stout added field goal kicker to his résumé,

making him the first player to handle kickoffs, field goals,

and punts for Penn State since 1975.

Positional Skills: Stout has the size and athleticism (4.65 40

time at the combine) needed to play in the NFL and has firstteam

All-Big Ten and Big Ted Eddleman-Fields Punter of the

Year pedigree. Stout was 10th in the nation with his 46.1 yards

per attempt and boasted an absurd touchback rate of less

than 4.5 percent. A 2021 Ray Guy Award finalist, Stout has a

polished process that allows him to execute with a two or

three step approach.

Stout showcased his big leg on kickoffs where he led the nation

in touchback percentage (over 90 percent). Stout demonstrated

he can flip the field, with over 37 percent of his punts traveling

50-plus yards. This power combined with his FBS-leading 4.34

second hang time led to only 22.4 percent of his punts being

returned. Stout forced 30 fair catches (a rate of nearly 45

percent) and kept opposing teams inside their own 20-yard

line over 55 percent of the time. It is likely Stout will stick to

kickoff and punt duties at the next level due to a sub-70 percent

field goal rate in 2021. Stout will also need to work on being

more consistent with directional punts in the NFL.

ALL-STAR GAME:

Jordan Stout was one of two punters named to the 2022 Senior

Bowl. Stout created a lot of buzz for the National team with

his in-game performance down in Mobile. During his first

action of the game, Stout executed a beautiful directional punt

to bottle up the speedy American team returner Velus Jones

Jr. The punt traveled 75 yards in the air, pinning the American

team on its own 7-yard line. The only other Stout punt that

had a chance to be returned was another perfect directional

kick that caused the returner’s momentum to carry him out

of bounds at the 5-yard line. Stout punted four times on the

day for 198 yards, averaging out to 49.5 yards per punt and

negative four return yards.


You need to go back two years to the 2020 draft to find the last

time two punters had their name called. It could happen again

this year, and if the Packers don’t want to pay the Matt Araiza

tax they could look to target Jordan Stout mid to late Day 3.

Green Bay showed willingness to use a fifth-round pick on a

punter when it selected JK Scott 172nd overall in 2018. Stout

has nearly identical average punt yards and hang time as JK

Scott did as a prospect, so there is reason to believe Stout is

on their radar. If the Packers get the player we saw at the

Senior Bowl, they can save some cap space and improve their

punting situation in 2022 and beyond.

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> PUNTER

MEASURABLES:

Ryan Stonehouse (rSR) Colorado State

Height: 5’9”

3

Weight: 189 lbs.

40 Time: DNP

2021 STATS:

60 punts

50.1 gross avg

4.15 hang time

26 inside the 20

11 TB

7 FC

81 long

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Ryan Stonehouse was a three-star recruit per

247 Sports and received 11 Division I offers before accepting

a scholarship to Colorado State. As a true freshman in 2017,

Stonehouse put the world of college punting on notice.

Stonehouse averaged 46 yards per attempt (ranking fifth in

the nation) while being named to the Ray Guy Award watch

list. Stonehouse was one of five true freshmen to play every

game and has been a punting mainstay ever since. Stonehouse

was the punter for the Rams his freshman through senior

years and then again in 2021 as a graduate student.

Positional Skills: Stonehouse has punted 244 times for 11,656

yards in his time with the Rams. He has the NCAA FBS record

for highest career average yards per punt at 47.8 yards.

Stonehouse has plenty of power in his right leg, averaging

50.1 yards per attempt in 2021, good enough for second alltime

in a single season. Contributing to that elite average was

Stonehouse’s ability to boom more than 53 percent of his punts

50-plus yards in 2021.

Stonehouse punts with his signature underhand grip and

alternated between a traditional punt style and a rollout punt

in college. He did a very good job of pinning the opposition

inside its own 20-yard line, dropping punts there at a 43.33

percent rate. Stonehouse’s fair catch rate of just under 12

percent and percentage of punts returned (35 percent) stand

out in a bad way among his otherwise stellar numbers.

Watching the film, this appears to be a function of the punt

coverage unit not being up to par. Stonehouse introduced a

rollout-style punt to try and buy the unit more time, but it did

not do much to boost the shaky coverage. Stonehouse has

enough hangtime to give NFL gunners a fighting chance.

RUNNER UP:

Ryan Stonehouse has been consistently putting up some of

the best numbers in the country for five years running. Despite

this, Stonehouse has never been the best punter in any given

year. After Stonehouse’s impressive 2017 true freshman

season, Braden Mann (drafted in the sixth round by the Jets)

stole the show in 2018. In 2019 it was Max Duffy followed by

Pressley Harvin (drafted in the seventh by Pittsburg) in 2020.

(Duffy and Harvin were the top two punters in the 2021 draft.)

In the 2021 season, Stonehouse broke the NCAA single season

record for average yards per punt. It just so happens that Matt

Ariza broke that record by more. Stonehouse has the leg and

experience to show out in the NFL He could very well end up

with the best pro career.


The last time more than two punters were drafted was 2017.

Coincidentally, that was the year Green Bay selected JK Scott.

There is a fit between Stonehouse and the Packers. Stonehouse

punted for five years in outdoor Colorado and should be used

to the elements. He nearly matched Araiza in average yards

per punt and surpassed him in hang time (4.15 seconds).

However, Stonehouse could be off the Packers’ board entirely

due to his size. He measured in at a little over 5’9” at 189 lbs

at the East-West Shrine game, and Green Bay has a propensity

to select taller punters. Stonehouse’s age (he will turn 23 before

the season starts) could also sway Green Bay’s decision. There

is a chance he sneaks into Day 3, and he should be a priority

UDFA if Green Bay is unimpressed with the recently-signed

Pat O’Donnell.

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> PUNTER

Jake Camarda (SR)

Georgia

Daniel Whelan (rSR)

UC Davis

4

5


NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 47 punts, 46.7 gross avg., 4.13 hang time, 17 inside the 20, 6 TB, 14 FC, 68 long


NFL COMBINE: N/A


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jake Camarda finished his college career as a

Ray Guy Award finalist, was named first-team All-SEC two

years running, and has a national championship win to top

it all off. Though used as a punter his first two years, Camarda

took on kickoff duties beginning in 2020 and continuing

through 2021. Though Camarda comes in at fourth on this

list, he still is a draftable prospect in this deep class.

Positional Skills: Of Camarda’s 47 punt attempts in 2021, he

booted more than 38 percent of them 50 yards or more. He

had an average hang time of 4.13 seconds and a long of 68

yards for the 2021 season. Camarda’s explosive leg power

combined with his understanding of the game allows him to

go for distance or hang time. This control keeps return

opportunities to a minimum (only a 25.5 percent return rate)

while containing the opponent inside their own 20 over 36

percent of the time. Camarda does have some room to improve

when it comes to directional punting. He will show flashes

on film but never put it fully together.


This will be a common theme for the Packers heading into

the 2022 NFL Draft—saving cap space wherever possible and

still getting high-level play. Camarda offers the opportunity

for both as a late Day 3 selection or a priority UDFA. Camarda

could be on the Packers’ radar for his athleticism along with

his punting prowess. He ran an official 4.56 40-yard dash at

the combine in Indy, and Green Bay loves athletes.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Daniel Whelan didn’t start playing organized

football until he was a junior in high school. Born and raised

in Enniskerry, Ireland, he immigrated to California in his

early teens, where he took to soccer before he was noticed by

his high school football coach. Whelan smashed every record

in high school with 130 touchbacks on 150 kickoffs and five

punts of 60-plus yards. Whelan finished as the best punter

in UC Davis history, boasting a career gross average of 44.3

yards per punt and a four-second hang time while having

only nine touchbacks.

Positional Skills: Whelan is the first and only FCS punter to

make this list, but he deserves to be on it and has a legitimate

shot of being drafted. Whelan has a smooth and natural form

that you don’t always see in the FCS. He’s a two-step punter

with an easy leg swing and controlled punting style. He has

a powerful leg to go with that smooth style that featured more

than 30 percent of his punts going 50 yards or more.


Daniel Whelan has the prototypical size the Packers look for

in their punters at 6’5” and 215 lbs. Whelan can handle punts

and kickoffs with ease should Green Bay see fit to draft him.

Whelan should be drafted based on his talent, but being

punter No. 5 could leave him on the outside looking in after

draft weekend. If that were to happen, the Packers should be

on the phone to get Whelan in camp for an extended look.

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> PUNTER

Trenton Gill (rSR)

South Carolina

Ben Griffiths (rJR)

USC

6

7


NFL COMBINE: N/A


MEASURABLES: Height: 6’7”, Weight: 240 bls.

NFL COMBINE: N/A

2021 STATS: 20/21 FG, 48 long, 57/57 PAT, 117 points, 0 KOs

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: In 2017, Trenton Gill committed to NC State as

a preferred walk-on while declining preferred walk-on offers

from Duke and North Carolina. It would take a redshirt year

and a year as a backup for Gill to earn the starting punting

job at NC State, along with a scholarship. The 2019 season

wasn’t the best year for the Wolfpack program, but that meant

plenty of chances for Gill to shine, and shine he did. Trenton

Gill would go on to break the single season record at NC State

with a 47.6 yard per punt average.

Positional Skills: 2019 would remain the best statistical year

for Gill, putting up a personal best 75-yard punt along with

setting the yards per punt average record. Gill maintained

a 4.05 second hang time through college and improved his

ability to land punts inside the 20 every year, finishing with

a 53 percent rate inside the 20 in 2021. Despite his booming

leg, Gill is inconsistent when it comes to distance and will

occasionally pull punts. The tools are there if an NFL team

wants to work to bring him together.


Trenton Gill is not a day-one solution at punter. He is someone

to bring in after the draft to prove himself and compete for

a spot against a punter already on the roster. Gill measured

in at 6’4” and 220 pounds at the combine, so he will meet the

Packers size requirements for the position if they want to

kick the tires. Gill has some upside and can pull double duty

as a punter and kickoff specialist if Green Bay brings him in

as a UDFA.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: We’ve reached our first Aussie on the punting

big board. Ben Griffiths is a former pro Australian rules

football player. He played seven seasons with Richmond in

the AFL but stepped away due to concussions. Griffiths is as

imposing of figure as you will find at the punter position at

6’6” and 240 pounds. With his size and background comes

hopeful expectations. Griffiths made Pro Football Focus

preseason first-team All-American list in 2020 and as a

third-team preseason selection in 2021. He was also named

team captain at USC, becoming the first specialist to do so

since 1998.

Positional Skills: Griffiths is a toolsy prospect to be sure, but

those tools are fun. His career hang time is 4.37 seconds,

which is good for second best in the class. Griffith’s long is

71 yards, and he possesses a 51.75 percent fair catch rate to

pair with a 43.4 yard average during his time with USC.

Griffiths is still learning how to spiral punt and how to be

more consistent utilizing his considerable tools for maximum

effect. He will have to learn on the job at the next level.


Ideally, Griffiths would be a guy you pick up and stash on

your practice squad and hope to hit gold when he puts it all

together. Unfortunately, he will be 31 at the start of the season

and only has 114 college punts to his name. Another point of

worry is his history of concussions. The Packers are

notoriously cautious with injuries in general, but they are

exceptionally risk averse when it comes to head injuries. If

his medicals check out, he would at least be fun at camp.

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> PUNTER

Blake Hayes (rSR)

Illinois

8

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4”, Weight: 226 lbs, 40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE: N/A


IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Blake Hayes is the other Aussie on the big board,

and that is in no way meant to diminish his accomplishments

while at Illinois. Hayes is from Melbourne, Australia, where

he played Australian rules football at Brighton Grammar

School before enrolling at Illinois in 2017. Hayes has the elite

size one would expect from an Aussie player and will turn

24 just before the start of the season. Hayes earned third team

All-Big Ten in 2021, capping off one of the best tenures a

punter has had in Illinois.

Positional Skills: After five seasons, Hayes holds school records

for season punts inside the 20 percentage, season and career

punts inside the 20, season and career 50-plus yard punts,

career punt average, and career punt yards. Hayes is a

fantastic directional punter with tremendous touch and has

only five touchbacks over his last three seasons. Despite

Hayes’ distance records at Illinois, he struggles to flip the

field, and much of that distance is the ball rolling on the

ground. Hayes has an abysmal average hang time of 3.7

seconds, his form is clunky, and his operation time is slow.


Hayes’ talents are in the short to intermediate range, where

he can coffin corner a team into submission. In a league

without such stringent roster requirements, Hayes would be

an asset as a pooch punt specialist. There is a chance the

Packers could take a flier on a practice squad project with an

elite set of skills in hopes the power and hang time can

improve down the road. At 24 years old, this time could be

afforded if roster space allows.

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RET

Position Analysis:

PAT SIME

VELUS

JONES JR.

RET/WR, TENNESSEE

PROSPECT RANKING:

01 MARCUS JONES

Houston

02 BRITAIN COVEY

Utah

03 VELUS JONES JR.

Tennessee

04 JALEN VIRGIL

Appalachian State

05 KHALIL SHAKIR

Boise State

06 CALVIN AUSTIN III

Memphis

07 KALIL PIMPLETON

Central Michigan

08 JALEN TOLBERT

South Alabama

09 ZONOVAN “BAM” KNIGHT

NC State

10 ALAN LAMAR

Arkansas State

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> RETURNER

Marcus Jones (rSR)

1

Houston

KICK

PUNT

CB

MEASURABLES:

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 174 lbs.

40 Time: DNP

NFL COMBINE:

(injury)

2021 STATS:

41 KR

34.2 avg.

2 TD

26 PR

14.4 avg.

2 TD

75 targets

36 catches allowed

5 INT

12 PBU

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Marcus Jones has been the best return specialist

of the past few years. Jones started his college career at Troy,

where he earned Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year

and second-team All-Conference honors as a return specialist.

He continued to rack up awards as a sophomore, being named

first-team All-Sun Belt as a returner and second-team All-Sun

Belt as a cornerback. Jones was forced to sit out the entire 2019

season after choosing to transfer to Houston. In 2020, Jones

picked up right where he left off. He received a first-team All-

American Athletic Conference nod as a return specialist after

averaging 19.8 yards per punt return. As a redshirt senior,

Jones won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most

versatile player and was selected to the AP All-America first

team as a return specialist.

Positional Skills: Jones did not participate in any drills at the

combine due to a shoulder injury, so we do not have official

testing numbers for him. If he is good to go for Houston’s pro

day, expect him to light it up. On tape, Jones is a twitched-up

athlete possessing exceptional burst, elite speed, and effortless

change of direction skills. He does well to set up defenders

with a subtle juke move before planting and turning up field,

getting to top speed in an instant. Despite his size, Jones does

not play small and will run through arm tackles if defenders

are unable to square him up. Jones boasts career averages of

28.6 yards per kickoff return and 13.6 yards per punt return

and has nine career return touchdowns to his name.

SWISS ARMY KNIFE:

While Jones is an elite return specialist, his impact could be

felt in every facet of the game in college. In his career, he

scored a touchdown on offense as a receiver, returned an

interception for a touchdown on defense, and scored

touchdowns on special teams as both a kick and punt returner.

Jones has a combined 204 punt and kick returns for nearly

3,000 yards while also being a starting corner for both Troy

and Houston. Jones amassed more than 1,900 defensive snaps

in four seasons, mostly at outside corner, while improving

his passer rating when targeted every year. In 2021, Jones held

receivers to a 48 percent catch rate and quarterbacks to a 53.5

NFL passer rating over 11 games played.


Marcus Jones would instantly become the best punt and kick

return specialist Green Bay has had since Randall Cobb in his

prime. Jones should also be afforded the chance to cover kicks.

He is an aggressive downhill tackler who plays bigger than

his size would suggest when wrapping up ball carriers. In

addition to bolstering the special teams, Jones is electric with

the ball in his hands and would be a prime candidate for

manufactured touches on offense. Jones can contribute on

defense too as a developmental slot corner on defense. His

size and age—he will be 24 before the end of his rookie year—

may keep Green Bay from using a late-Day 2/early-Day 3 pick

on him, but Marcus Jones would provide the juice that the

Packers return game has been lacking for almost a decade.

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> RETURNER

MEASURABLES:

Britain Covey (rSR) Utah

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 170 lbs.

2

PRO DAY:

4.45 40-yd

Vertical: 32”

Broad: 9.1”

20-yd: 4.05

3-cone, 6.73

KICK

PUNT

WR

2021 STATS:

41 KR

30.3 avg.

1 TD

29 PR

14.7 avg.

2 TD

52 receptions

514 yards (9.9 ypr)

3 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Britain Covey is a former three-star prospect out

of Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, and was ranked as

the No. 30 all-purpose back in the nation. Covey played

quarterback in high school but was recruited as an athlete

due to his size. As a true freshman with the Utes, Covey started

eight games and led the team in receptions (43) and yards

(519), and he tied for first with four receiving touchdowns.

Covey also ranked second in the Pac-12 and 17th in the nation

with 11.7 yards per punt return. He was named first-team

freshman All-America as a punt returner and earned an All-

Pac-12 honorable mention as a returner specialist. After his

breakout freshman season, Covey took a two year break to go

on a Morman mission in Chile. Covey returned in 2018 and

played four more seasons, setting the school record for career

punt return yards (1,093) in the process. Cove forwent his

sixth year of eligibility and declared for the draft before the

2022 Rose Bowl vs Ohio State.

Positional Skills: Covey was a combine snub and has not yet

had his pro day, so his measurables are a projection. When

putting on the tape, you immediately notice how dynamic

Covey is with the ball in his hands. On punt returns, he is able

to make the first defender miss with his sudden lateral agility.

There are shades of Dante Hall to his game when Covey gets

into the open field. He leaves defenders grasping at air with

his vision and elite stop start ability, throttling down then

bursting through the lane. Despite his small frame, Covey is

a tough runner and shows the ability to run through arm

tackles. Though he does not appear to be an elite speed guy,

he is rarely caught from behind on tape.

BIG GAME PERFORMANCES:

Covey played some of his best ball when the lights were the

brightest. Versus No. 3 Oregon, Covey averaged 30 yards per

kick return and 45 yards per punt return. In that game, Utah

head coach Kyle Whittingham called a timeout with 11 seconds

left in the half, forcing the Ducks to punt on a fourth-and-3.

Covey returned that punt 78 yards for a score, extending Utah’s

lead to 28 and helping secure the upset victory.

Covey showed out again in his last collegiate game, the Rose

Bowl versus No. 6 Ohio State. Covey 30 yards per kickoff return

while amassing 210 total kickoff return yards. Covey’s biggest

moment came midway through the second quarter. Covey

fielded a punt at his own 3-yard line, proceeded to make five

defenders miss, then outran the Buckeyes punt unit 97 yards

to extend the lead to 14.


The Packers’ beleaguered special teams would no doubt be

strengthened by a player with Covey’s skill set. That being said,

he will be a 25-year-old rookie who measures in at 5’8” and 170

pounds, well outside of the standard size and age profile for

Packers draft selections. Keep in mind that Covey has not yet

had his pro day, and those measurements are subject to change,

for better or worse. While Covey is an ace punt returner, he

may not be anything other than a gadget player on offense in

the NFL. However, there is a spot for that type of player in the

Matt LaFleur offense if the Packers feel comfortable with adding

extra hits to a player of Covey’s stature. His value is further

diminished by the NFL making kickoff returns less and less

common. With this understanding, the Packers will need to

determine how much they are willing to invest on a player who

may not be more than an excellent punt returner.

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> RETURNER

MEASURABLES:

Velus Jones Jr. (rSR) Tennessee

Height: 5’11 ¾”

3

KICK

PUNT

WR

Weight: 204 lbs.

40 Time: 4.31

NFL COMBINE:

Vertical: 33”

Broad 121”

2021 STATS:

42 KR

26.6 avg.

1 TD

18 PR

14.7 avg.

0 TD

62 receptions

807 yards (13 ypr)

7 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Shudak comes from a kicking family; his father,

Jeff, was a composite three-star recruit out of high school and

the 16th-ranked player in Alabama, Velus Jones Jr. received

offers from the likes of Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma. Jones

ultimately committed to USC, enrolling in 2016 and redshirting

his true freshman year. Jones earned the role of primary kick

returner for the Trojans in 2017 during his redshirt freshman

season and recorded 31 kick returns for 780 yards for an

average of over 25 yards per return.

Jones continued to excel as USC’s kick returner over the next

two seasons but playing time as a receiver was hard to come

by. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from USC and left for

Tennessee as a graduate transfer in 2020. Although Jones

moved on with only 50 targets on offense, he left USC second

all-time in career kick return yards. In his first year at

Tennessee, Jones saw an increase in playing time on offense,

but he was still a secondary option behind established pass

catchers. Jones opted to return to Tennessee in 2021, using

the extra year of eligibility granted to athletes due to the

pandemic. Jones maximized this opportunity as the Volunteers’

primary pass catcher to double his career targets, finish

second for single season combined return (900) and allpurpose

(1,722) yards, and receive a first-team All-SEC nod.

Positional Skills: A true speedster, Jones is a threat to take it

the distance anytime he touches the ball. Jones is looking to

make one cut and get north and south in a hurry while playing

with a physicality that makes him stand out from other 4.3

guys. He is solidly built, right around the 6’0” and 200-pound

mark, with excellent contact balance that allows him to spin

through tackles for extra yardage.

PRE-DRAFT PROCESS:

The leadup to the draft started in Jones’ home state of Alabama

at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. Jones improved throughout the

three days of practice, showcasing his quickness off the line,

deep speed and body control. He even registered the secondfastest

speed (21.75 mph) of any offensive player at the Senior

Bowl. During the game, Jones caught all four of his targets for

53 yards but was held in check on his lone punt return

opportunity by a picture perfect punt from the national team

punter. The next event where Jones would display his

athleticism would be the NFL Scouting Combine in

Indianapolis. Jones posted the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash of

the combine at 4.31 seconds. This time, combined with his

size and jumps, earned Jones a 9.04 Relative Athletic Score.

The last step in the pre draft process will be Tennessee’s pro

day. Jones will have to decide if he will run any agility drills

or rest on his tape and already completed drills.


Jones has the size, speed and athletic testing that Green Bay

looks for in their special teams players. He also has the ability

to add to the wide receiver room as a deep threat following

Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s departure. Jones’ play style and

athletic gifts are similar to that of Cordarrelle Patterson. The

Packers can create matchup advantages by lining up Jones

all over the field. Jones can run routes from the backfield

while lined up as a running back or lining up with three wide

receivers and motioning Jones into the backfield to run

against a light box. Even though Jones will turn 25 before the

season starts, adding a versatile chess piece to the offense

and a threat to score in any return situation might be worth

bending that threshold.

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> RETURNER

Jalen Virgil (rSR)

Appalachian State

Khalil Shakir (SR)

Boise State

4

5


PRO DAY: 4.37 40-yd, Vertical: 36.5”, Broad: 10.1”, Bench 19

2021 STATS: 26 KR, 30 avg., 2 TD; 0 PR, WR: 15 receptions, 226 yards (15.1 ypr), 1 TD

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11 7/8”, Weight: 196 lbs., 40 Time: 4.43


2021 STATS: 12 KR, 2.67 avg., 0 TD; 9 PR, 12.8 avg., 0 TD, WR: 77 receptions, 1,117 yards (14.5 ypr), 7 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: One of the top sprinters in the state of Georgia

in high school, Jalen Virgil clocked a 10.45-second 100-meter

dash, winning the Gwinnett County title as a junior. In

football, Virgil was a first-team All-Region honoree as a senior

while accumulating 41 catches for 614 yards and five

touchdowns. A two-star prospect, Virgil was lightly recruited

and committed to App State in 2016. After a redshirt year, he

posted a team-leading 18.2 yards per reception on 20 catches.

In 2018, Virgil ran a 10.29 second 100-meter dash and made

his first of four appearances on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List.”

Virgil started returning kicks in 2019 and enters the draft

with a career average of 31.7 yards per return on 36 attempts.

Positional Skills: Virgil is as athletic as they get. He cuts and

glides effortlessly across the field with remarkable stop-start

ability. It isn’t just him feasting on lower level Sun Belt

competition, either. Virgil had a 102-yard kick return on the

road versus Miami in 2021. He destroyed Maimi’s pursuit angles

and was outright pulling away from defenders with ease.


It’s as simple as you want someone with these uncoachable

traits on your roster, and you want to get the ball in their

hands in space. App State has its pro day closer to the draft,

so these aren’t official, but here are the reported “Freaks List”

measurables for Virgil: 40 time: 4.29, vertical: 40.5”, broad:

131”. Virgil measured in at an official 6’1”, 211 pounds at the

Hula Bowl back in January, so if the 40 time and the jumps

hold, he would score a 9.97 Relative Athletic Score.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Khalil Shakir was a four-star recruit and ranked

as the 46th-best recruit in California in high school. He

finished his senior season with 102 carries for 906 yards (8.9

yards per carry) and 17 receptions for 243 yards (15.5 yards

per reception). As a freshman at Boise State, Shakir had

limited opportunities, garnering only 21 targets, and he was

second on the team with 19 kick returns for 100 total yards

(both career highs). Shakir became the No. 1 target as a

sophomore in 2019, and he maintained that position the rest

of his time with the Broncos.

Positional Skills: Shakir uses his short area quickness, contact

balance, and body control to force missed tackles and position

himself to make highlight reel catches. Shakir’s 4.43 timed

speed is not obvious on tape as he does get tripped up from

behind every so often. Shakir wasn’t the primary return man

for Boise State until he took over punt return duties in his

senior year. He ended his time in Boise with only 36 combined

punt and kick returns.


Putting on the tape, it is obvious that Shakir is sudden and

elusive. Though he did not get to show that ability much in

the return game, it was featured in the Boise State offense.

Of receivers who saw at least 93 targets, Shakir ranked in the

bottom third in average depth of target (9.8 yards) yet was

in the top third in run after the catch per reception (6.1 yards).

Shakir is a natural fit to handle punt return duties at the next

level while operating as a run after catch piece whenever the

offense calls for it.

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> RETURNER

Calvin Austin III (rSR)

Memphis

Kalil Pimpleton (rSR)

Central Michigan

6

7



2021 STATS: 0 KR; 5 PR, 27 avg., 1 TD, WR: 74 receptions, 1,145 yards (15.5 ypr), 8 TD



2021 STATS: 0 KR, 0 TD; 16 PR, 18.1 avg., 2 TD, WR: 62 receptions, 984 yards (15.9 ypr), 4 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Calvin Austin III played four years for the

Memphis Tigers after he redshirted his freshman season in

2017. Austin ran track at Memphis from 2017 to 2019 and

helped set records in the 4x100m relay. Austin’s first two

years on the Memphis football team were underwhelming,

as he was only targeted 29 times for 359 yards in that span.

His most notable play came on a sweep where Austin

scampered for 83 yards and a score. His redshirt junior and

redshirt senior years with the Tiers were a completely

different story. In addition to assuming the primary punt

return role, Auston took over the No. 1 receiver spot and

generated 240 targets for 2,198 yards and 19 touchdowns over

his final two years in college.

Positional Skills: Austin never returned a kickoff in college

and only returned 29 punts, but his skills in the open field

are obvious. In 2021, Austin ranked 10th in the nation among

receivers with 93 or more targets in yards after catch per

reception at 7.2. Austin is lightning-quick in the open field

and only needs a crease to score from anywhere.


Austin is the kind of player you draft if you want to become

a more dynamic team. His elite athletic traits will demand

manufactured touches on offense, and he would be the best

punt returner in Green Bay on day one of camp. However,

there are the obvious size issues that will most likely prevent

Austin from being selected by the Packers. On tape, Austin

plays bigger than 170 pounds at sub-5’8”, which could get

him drafted before Green Bay is willing to forgo its size

preference.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Kalil Pimpleton initially committed to Virginia

Tech after graduating in 2017. Pimpleton played in five games

for the Hokies before making the decision to transfer to

Central Michigan in 2018. Pimpleton was then required to

sit for the 2018 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Pimpleton

quickly made up for lost time by pacing the Chippewas in

targets (124), yards (899), and touchdowns (six) while adding

210 punt return yards. During the pandemic-shortened 2020

season, Pimpleton again led Central Michigan in major

receiving categories while earning second-team All-MAC

honors. As a senior, Pimpleton set career marks in receiving

yards and yards per reception while being named first-team

All-MAC and MAC Special Teams Player of the Year.

Positional Skills: Pimpleton is a walking big play with the ball

in his hands. He’s a sudden and decisive runner with great

balance and easy acceleration. Pimpleton ranked third

nationally in yards per punt return with 18.1 and fifth in

yards after the catch per reception. His speed, while not elite,

gets the job done more often than not.


Simply put, this is a bad year to want a top return specialist

in the draft and to adhere to a rigid size requirement. All but

two of the top 10 returners measure in under six feet, and

Pimpleton is no exception. Pimpleton lined up everywhere

for the Chips, including in the backfield and at quarterback

in the wildcat. It would be fun to see what Matt LaFleur could

draw up for such a versatile player.

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> RETURNER

Jalen Tolbert (SR)

South Alabama

Zonovan “Bam” Knight (rSO)

Illinois

8

9



2021 STATS: 10 KR, 0 TD; 0 PR, 0 avg., 0 TD, WR: 82 receptions, 1,474 yards (18 ypr), 8 TD


NFL COMBINE: Vertical: 31”, Broad: 114”, 20-yd: N/A, 3-cone: N/A

2021 STATS: 16 KR, 34.7 avg., 2 TD; 0 PR, 0 TD, RB: 139 attempts, 751 yards (5.4 ypa), 3 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Jalen Tolbert was a three-sport athlete

(basketball, baseball, and football) at McGill-Toolem High

School. Though Tolbert was considered a two-star prospect

out of high school, he received nine offers, eventually

committing to South Alabama. An injury in preseason camp

caused him to redshirt in 2017. Tolbert found an increased

role in the offense each of his four years with the Jaguars,

logging 178 career receptions for 3,139 yards and 22

touchdowns. Tolbert’s most impressive game was at

Tennessee, where he came down with seven catches for 143

yards and a score. Proving on tape that he could produce

against SEC-level athletes helps quiet any questions about

the level of competition he faced.

Positional Skills: Tolbert has never returned a punt or kick in

a live game. This is a playstyle and traits-based projection for

him at the next level. In 2021, Tolbert was 11th in the nation

in yards after catch per reception with 7.1. He has the size

and power to break arm tackles and displayed his long speed

versus Tennessee. Tolbert has shown sufficient short-area

quickness from slot alignments to project to the return game.


Tolbert is one of two returners on this list that stands over

six feet, so Green Bay could be willing to use an earlier pick

to secure him. Tolbert’s ceiling is a top-two receiving option

for whatever team selects him. He’s not there yet in terms of

his route running and he may need time to adjust to the

competition level coming from the Sun Belt Conference to

the NFL. Providing him a chance to contribute right away as

a returner while honing his receiver skills would solve two

of the issues this Packers roster faces.

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Zonovan Knight played running back at Southern

Nash High School starting as a sophomore. Knight graduated

as Southern Nash’s all-time leading rusher with 5,073 yards

and set the school’s single season rushing record with 2,054

yards as a senior. Knight was also the punt and kick returner,

finishing with 6,007 all purpose yards and 80 touchdowns.

At NC State, Knight churned out yards with 5.4 career yards

per attempt on 464 carries. Knight was also the kick returner

for the Wolfpack and in his final season averaged 34.7 yards

per return, ranking second in the nation.

Positional Skills: Knight is a well-balanced runner. He uses

his power and balance to bounce off attempted tackles

averaging 3.53 yards after contact for his career. Knight also

utilizes his vision, burst and speed to break off long runs. In

his last year at NC State, 38.2 percent of his rushing attempts

went for 15 yards or more.


Knight is an intriguing player. He does everything well, but

doesn’t have that trump card that makes you go “WOW.” It’s

as if he were a Madden player and all of the sliders are set to

80 out of 100. Guys like Knight stick around in the NFL,

especially when you factor in his additional value as a

returner. Green Bay adding a fourth running back to the

roster seems unlikely, but it could all depend on how Kylin

Hill is bouncing back from his injury.

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> RETURNER

Alan Lamar (rSR)

Arkansas State

10



2021 STATS: 55 KR, 24.2 avg., 2 TD; 0 PR, 0 TD, RB: 53 attempts, 234 yards (3.7 ypr), 1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

General Info: Alan Lamar graduated from DeSoto Central

High School with one Prade High School All-American and

three first-team All-Mississippi designations. Lamar started

40 games, where he rushed for 5,118 yards and collected 6,534

all purpose yards in high school. Lamar had a 4.40 GPA and

committed to Yale in 2016. In his freshman year, Lamar

operated as Yale’s kick returner, averaging 20.85 yards on 13

returns. Lamar would miss all of 2017 with a preseason knee

injury. He came back in 2018 and handled running back

duties, putting up 685 rushing yards on 124 attempts. Lamar

had only 70 carries in his senior year at Yale and would

transfer to Arkansas State the next year as a graduate transfer.

Positional Skills: Lamar should be viewed as a kick returner

only. Aside from his junior year at Yale, he has been below

average as a running back. As a kick returner, Lamar

comfortably led the nation in kickoff returns (55) and return

yards (1,333), setting Arkansas State and Sun Belt records in

the process. In the return game, Lamar shows good contact

balance to stay upright and the vision to find the open lane.

He has elite explosiveness and hits top speed quickly, though

he’s not a burner.


Despite Lamar’s fantastic kick return production at Arkansas

State, he doesn’t add anything beyond his talents as a returner.

He will only warrant a look from the Packers as a UDFA for

a variety of reasons: Lamar is under 5’8”, will turn 25 before

the end of his rookie season, and is only an average athlete.

If he were to impress as a UDFA, Green Bay could develop

him on the practice squad and see what happens.

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190

2022 Packers

mock Draft

BY: “JERSEY AL” BRACCO

The Packers enter the 2022 NFL draft with a total of 11

picks. This could result in the return of “Trader Brian” in

the first round, but we won’t entertain trade possibilities

here. The approach taken with this mock is that Round 1

picks will stay where they are and will be a straight

prediction of what the Packers would do. Everything after

that is a combination of what, in these eyes, they should

do and what they will do. Let’s get started:

Chris Olave (WR)

ROUND 1, PICK 22

Ohio State

I didn’t want to do it, but if this isn’t the year the Packers

select a wide receiver with their first pick, then pigs do,

in fact, fly, and the sun doesn’t set in the west. I also didn’t

want to go with what seems to be the popular mock draft

choice (they’re usually wrong), but I’m throwing all

caution to the wind this year. Here’s hoping that two to

three wide receivers are chosen before Olave, allowing

Gutekunst to break the “no first-round receivers for

Rodgers” narrative. Olave would be the closest year one

replacement for what will be lacking with Davante Adams

gone, allowing the Packers to address MVS’ absence later

in the draft.


Alternate Choices:

WR Drake London, WR Treylon Burks

ROUND 1, PICK 28

David Ojabo (EDGE)

Michigan

As much as fan and media focus has shifted to the here

and now with regards to the Packers, Brian Gutekunst is

still going to be a steward of the future of the Packers.

Much like Rashan Gary was, Ojabo is more of an athlete

than a football player right now. Also like Gary, he is a

freak athlete with an incredibly high ceiling. He will likely

miss a month or two of the season as he recovers from the

Achilles injury he suffered at the combine. It doesn’t

matter much, however; this is a pick for the future.


Alternate Choices:

EDGE Arnold Ebiketie, S Daxton Hill

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ROUND 2, PICK 53

Christian Watson (WR)

North Dakota State

Having selected their polished route-runner and reliable

receiver with their first pick, it’s now time for the Packers

to find a dynamic replacement for Marquez Valdes-

Scantling. Watson fits the bill from a size, speed, and

length standpoint with a few bonus positives thrown in.

Watson can stretch the field, as his average of more than

20 yards per catch would indicate. Watson also offers

versatility MVS did not—he has scored two touchdowns

as a runner and two touchdowns as a kickoff returner.

Call him MVS+. As this guide goes to publication, Watson

is rising into first-round consideration by the draft media.

Whether NFL teams agree remains to be seen.


Alternate Choices:

WR George Pickens, WR Jalen Tolbert

ROUND 2, PICK 59

Abraham Lucas (OT)

Washington State

As much as I believe in Yosh Nijman, I don’t expect the

Packers to go into the 2022 season with him as their only

plan at right tackle. They will likely sign a low-key free

agent and bring in a Day 2 draftee and let them all battle

it out in camp. Lucas was an under-the-radar prospect

until the NFL Combine happened and he aced the agility

drills. On tape, Lucas shows polished pass protection

techniques and really just needs to fill out his lean frame

to better handle power rushers. Lucas is a sleeper no more

and may even require a tradeup to nab.

Alternate Choices:

OT Tyler Smith, OT Nick Petit-Frere


Bryan Cook (S)

ROUND 3, PICK 92

Cincinnati

The Packers are currently well set up with their starting

safeties. However, Adrian Amos is on the last year of his

contract, as is Darnell Savage, although the Packers could

exercise the fifth-year option on his contract. Henry Black,

who played 282 snaps on defense in 2021, has been let go.

While not an elite athlete, Cook is a physical safety who

processes and plays fast and can assume a variety of roles,

including on special teams, where Black logged over 300

snaps last year.


Alternate Choices:

S Kerby Joseph, S Nick Cross

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192

ROUND 4, PICK 132

D’Marco Jackson (ILB)

Appalachian State

With Oren Burks departing via free agency, it’s time to

replace those special teams snaps and add some depth at

ILB. As a linebacker, Jackson is best in pass coverage and

chasing down ball carriers as opposed to thriving in the

trenches. Those are positive traits for a special teams ace,

which Jackson proved to be in college. Jackson was a team

captain and recognized as one of the most versatile players

in the nation by ESPN. This is exactly the type of player

you want to have on the back end of your roster.


Alternate Choices:

ILB Terrel Bernard, ILB Malcolm Rodriguez

ROUND 4, PICK 140

Jake Ferguson (TE)

Wisconsin

The Packers do have a cornucopia of tight end options on

the roster. Marcedes Lewis is seemingly back for one more

year and the main hope is that Robert Tonyan will be able

to return in time and contribute for most of the season.

Run blocking is not Ferguson’s strength, but the Packers

mostly have that covered with Lewis and Dafney. With

Deguara’s drops being an area of concern, there could be

a spot for a tight end with reliable hands who can find the

open spots on the field and be a factor in the red zone.

Ferguson fits those criteria to a T.

Alternate Choices:

TE Jelani Woods, TE Austin Alen


ROUND 5, PICK 171

Akayleb Evans (CB)

Missouri

The Packers are unlikely to go through an entire draft

without selecting a cornerback, and with Chandon

Sullivan now joining the fleet of ex-Packers on the Vikings,

it’s time to turn our attention to that position. Evans fits

the athletic mold the Packers like in terms of measurables

and RAS score (9.52). His game is more physical than fluid

at this time, but he has enough attributes worth developing

and should be a useful special teams player.


Alternate Choices:

CB Tariq Woolen, CB Montaric Brown

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ROUND 7, PICK 228

Esezi Otomewo (DL)

Minnesota

Otomewo and his college roommate at Minnesota, Boye

Mafe, led the charge for the Gophers defense in 2022. As

Ted Thompson used to say, you can never have too many

big bodies. To that end, the Packers often select defensive

linemen with some development potential late in the draft,

and Otomewo fits the bill. He was used all over the line

at Minnesota, so he checks the versatility box as well.

Otomewo has that “practice squad stash and future

rotational lineman” vibe about him as long as he takes to

Jerry Montgomery’s coaching.


Alternate Choices:

DL Alex Wright, DL Thomas Booker

Ty Fryfogle (WR)

ROUND 7, PICK 249

Indiana

A third wide receiver? Why, yes, please. It’s something

Brian Gutekunst did in his first-ever draft as GM of the

Packers, and all three of those are gone. What you look

for this late in the draft is more of a possession receiver,

preferably one with a physical game like Fryfogle’s. He

ran a respectable 4.53 40-yard dash at the combine, but

his 39” vertical and 127” broad jump are nice traits to

have in a possession receiver. He will have to work on his

blocking and find some special teams roles to stick with

Green Bay.

Alternate Choices:

WR Reggie Roberson, Jr., WR Kyle Phillips


Ellis Brooks (ILB)

ROUND 7, PICK 258

Penn State

Brooks took over for the departed Micah Parsons in 2020,

and while he didn’t set the world on fire, he more than

held his own, leading the Nittany Lions in tackles last

year. Brooks plays fast, is quick to jump into open rushing

lanes, and does his best work using his quickness between

the tackles. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s proven to be

fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends. He

also has some special teams experience, but how much

and how successful was not able to be determined.


Alternate Choices:

LB Jeremiah Moon, LB Micah McFadden

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194

JORDAN

DAVIS

DL, GEORGIA

CHTV_2022_DraftGuide

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