As we get closer to the NFL Combine, the Green Bay Packers options in the 2017 draft start to become more clear. While I will revisit this list after the Combine, lets take a look at the biggest need area for the Packers this offseason, which just happens to be the deepest position in this draft:

 

Likely to be gone at 29:

Marlon Humphrey – Alabama

He’s big (6’1”) and he’s fast (projected 4.48). He played at Alabama, so he’s well versed in NFL terminology and can play both man and zone. The main issue has been his ability to break the pass up when the ball gets there. The Packers would have to make a very aggressive trade up to get Humphrey.

 

Marshon Lattimore – Ohio State

Lattimore isn’t quite as athletic as Humphrey, but he demonstrated better ball skills in 2016. He’s a willing tackler, and has the ability of a number one CB, but his 40 yard dash at the Combine will be very telling. Lattimore would likely require a trade up by Ted Thompson.

 

Targets at 29:

Sidney Jones – Washington

Jones is solid all around. He combines good athletic numbers with great footwork and coverage ability. He’s not afraid to play the run (39 tackles with 2 forced fumbles in 2016). He doesn’t get all the attention the Humphrey and Lattimore get, but he may end up being just as good. We also know the Packers love Pac 12 guys.

 

Jalen Tabor – Florida

Tabor is another big CB with great athleticism. He is a gambler who will give up a big play for each one he makes. He also was suspended in 2016 for getting into a fight with a teammate (which was not his first suspension). Tabor does not seem like a guy Ted Thompson would view as “Packer people”, but his talent may be too much to pass up.

 

Quincy Wilson – Florida

How was Florida not better last year? Wilson is a really big body (6’1” 213lbs) corner who also has great measurables. Right now he’s a late riser up draft boards, but if he runs a sub-4.5 40 yard dash at the combine, he may be gone before the Packers draft. He seems like the perfect outside CB for the Packers.

 

Adoree Jackson – USC

Jackson is my favorite player in this draft. He is electric in the return game, and provides truly elite speed. He got beat in college because he would lose focus or his footwork would get sloppy. However, this tends to be the case with many players who have elite speed. He’s not going to get bored in the pros, and his ball skills would provide something the Packers defense sorely needs, the ability to take the ball away.

 

2nd Round Options:

Tre’Davious White – LSU

Gareon Conley – Ohio State

Cordrea Tankersly – Clemson

Jourdan Lewis – Michigan

Desmond King – Iowa

 

With the amount of depth at the Cornerback position, we could see some highly talented players getting pushed down in the draft. We could even see the Packers repeat by taking Cornerbacks with their 1st and 2nd round picks. It just happens to be a good year to have Cornerback as a need area entering the draft.

Andrew Mertig is a a lifelong Packers fan and draft enthusiast. He has covered the NFL draft for radio and television stations in Green Bay. He is currently a host of the Pack-A-Day podcast and a writer for PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewmertig