Packers have several available options to address key defensive need on Day 2 of the NFL Draft
Most of the pre-draft mocks indicated the Green Bay Packers would add a cornerback in the first round. They had the opportunity to do so with the 23rd overall pick, but general manager Brian Gutekunst decided to end a 23-year streak and select a wide receiver.One of potential reasons for it is that the cornerback […]
Most of the pre-draft mocks indicated the Green Bay Packers would add a cornerback in the first round. They had the opportunity to do so with the 23rd overall pick, but general manager Brian Gutekunst decided to end a 23-year streak and select a wide receiver.
One of potential reasons for it is that the cornerback board looks stronger. It would be viable to by-pass the position in the first, but still get a difference-maker on Day 2.
In the first round, only three cornerbacks got drafted: Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jahdae Barron (Denver Broncos), and Maxwell Hairston (Buffalo Bills).
If the Packers want a cornerback on Friday, there are intriguing options, potentially even without the necessity of a trade up.
Will Johnson, Michigan
Will Johnson is an elite cornerback talent, despite what all the strange buzz and concern over his long speed might have people think. Johnson was a three-year starter for the Michigan Wolverines team who won a national championship just two years ago. He intercepted or deflected 15% of all targets that came his way throughout his college career. He hasn't allowed a touchdown in coverage since his true freshman season back in 2022. Johnson has been one of the most consistent shutdown forces on defense in all of college football three years in a row. Even in his injured season (last fall), he ran back two pick-six interceptions for touchdowns prior to missing the back half of the year due to turf toe. Now that he's fully healthy Johnson should be considered a Top 10 talent in the class. — Travis May, A to Z Sports
Trey Amos, Ole Miss
If you like corners with good size, speed, and length then Trey Amos is right up your alley. Given that he possesses the trifecta of success-signaling attributes for cornerbacks in the NFL, why would a 6-1, 200-pound corner with 4.4 speed, quick feet, and press ability not be ranked higher? Well, it took until his fifth season for Amos to really catch fire at the highest levels of college football, and even still, he struggles to anticipate, react, and collapse to the football. If the tangibles matched the intangibles, Amos would be locked in as one of the top corners in the class. But when you're as experienced as he is and still struggle with indecision, especially at the collegiate level, it can turn some teams off. That being said, getting with the right coach could change everything for Amos and bring out the full potential that his athletic traits suggest is there. — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports.
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Benjamin Morrison was putting together his third straight elite season at cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prior to going down with a hip injury last fall. Morrison gave up exactly zero touchdowns in six games last season. His career completion percentage allowed is below 46%. He surrendered just three receptions of more than 30 yards (explosive pass plays) on nearly 900 coverage snaps. Morrison is consistent, dominant, and offers plenty of athleticism when healthy. The primary reason he's dropped down NFL Draft boards throughout this process is injury. Outside of his hip injury concerns–given that it's extremely important for corners to have fluid hips in coverage–there's really no reason to believe he won't be a successful starting cornerback in the NFL. — Travis May, A to Z Sports.
Shavon Revel, East Carolina
Shavon Revel is a bit of a tough projection given his limited experience, late career injury, and the level of competition that he played against at East Carolina. However, the small body of work that we do have on Revel is extremely promising. He allowed a career passer rating when targeted around 60 (not much better than a standard incomplete pass) and a completion percentage below 44%. In Revel's peak season he defended nearly 25% of the passes that were sent his way in coverage with a pass break up or interception. It would be nice to have some verified athletic testing numbers and see more games against top competition, but his length, discipline, and consistency at outside corner looks pretty undeniable. — Travis May, A to Z Sports.
Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State
Azareye'h Thomas is one of the younger prospects in the class as he won’t turn 21 until July. Due to his age and overall coverage skills he has a very high ceiling, arguably one of the highest at the cornerback position in this class. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he isn't just a future project since he was one one of the most impressive CBs in attendance. His strong week there followed by impressing teams at the NFL Combine boosted his draft stock significantly. Early in his career he would benefit being the number two CB as he continues to develop but he has lockdown corner potential. — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports.
Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
A three-star recruit from the 2022 recruiting class, Jacob Parrish was a constant on defense for the Kansas State Wildcats. He was a rotational palyer as a true freshman and became a starter in his sophomore season. Despite his small stature at 5'9, Parrish plays with a physical style that will immediately translate to the NFL. He gets his nose involved in the run game that will remind you of Antoine Winfield Sr. He pairs that with the ability to play inside and outside and good ball skills with five interceptions and 13 passes batted down. Overall, Parrish is a long-term nickel cornerback who can play on the outside in a pinch. — Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports.
Darien Porter, Iowa State
A former wide receiver turned cornerback, Darien Porter is an intriguing evaluation. He's long, physical, productive, and is one of the best athletes in this cornerback class. However, his lack of exposure at cornerback is also evident, with below average awareness and route recognition. He has all the tools to be successful, but he is also already 24 years old with just one full starting season at corner. He has the tools worth banking on, but how high? — AJ Schulte, A to Z Sports.
Best available approach guides Packers’ seven-round mock draft for Days 2 and 3 after strong first-round start
Green Bay is slated to have seven more picks
