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Green Bay Packers NFL Draft prototypes: The secondary

By Keegan Matheson

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The Green Bay Packers have enjoyed relative stability at their cornerback position over the past several seasons, but are now entering a transition period as Tramon Williams and Davon House have left through free agency. This has thrust cornerback to the top of Green Bay’s priorities as the 2015 NFL Draft approaches, with Ted Thompson likely to address the position within the first three rounds.

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Leading up to the NFL Draft, I’ve been putting Ted Thompson’s ten draft classes from 2005 to 2014 under the microscope. At each position, I have used Thompson’s tendencies to build the Green Bay Packers’ prototype, and evaluate what that could mean for their 2015 draft strategy.

Green Bay’s approach later this week will largely depend on how they value their internal options. Sam Shields remains a clear starter, and I strongly believe that Casey Hayward can step in to a starting role and excel. Even if Thompson agrees, this could then leave a hole at the third cornerback spot. Micah Hyde could factor in prominently as the nickel corner, and it’s important not to count out Demetri Goodson who I profiled earlier this month.

At the safety position, Green Bay appears to have struck gold in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who should feature long-term across from Morgan Burnett. Micah Hyde’s versatility at safety and Green Bay’s decision to match an offer sheet on Sean Richardson indicates to me that the Packers will not be addressing the position with any urgency this offseason. To begin, let’s take a look at the 15 prospects that Ted Thompson has drafted from the defensive secondary.

Cornerback & Safety  —  15 selections  —  1.5 per draft

  • 2005:  Round 2 (51), Nick Collins  —  5’11”, 206 pounds
  • 2005:  Round 4 (115), Marviel Underwood  —  5’10”, 205 pounds
  • 2005:  Round 5 (167), Michael Hawkins  —  6’1″, 180 pounds
  • 2005:  Round 7 (245), Kurt Campbell  —  6’1″, 227 pounds
  • 2006:  Round 4 (115), Will Blackmon  —  6’0″, 200 pounds
  • 2007:  Round 3 (89), Aaron Rouse  —  6’4″, 223 pounds
  • 2008:  Round 2 (60), Patrick Lee  —  5’11”, 194 pounds
  • 2009:  Round 6 (187), Brandon Underwood  —  6’1″, 190 pounds
  • 2010:  Round 3 (71), Morgan Burnett  —  6’1″, 210 pounds
  • 2011:  Round 4 (131), Davon House  —  6’1″, 200 pounds
  • 2012:  Round 2 (61), Casey Hayward  —  5’11”, 192 pounds
  • 2012:  Round 4 (133), Jerron McMillian  —  5’11”, 203 pounds
  • 2013:  Round 5 (159), Micah Hyde  —  6’0″, 197 pounds
  • 2014:  Round 1 (21), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix  —  6’1″, 208 pounds
  • 2014:  Round 6 (197), Demetri Goodson  —  5’11”, 194 pounds

Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) celebrates following an interception during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Prototype:

Ted Thompson certainly seems to value size more at the safety position, with Clinton-Dix and Burnett both listed at 6’1″ and over 200 pounds. The same shouldn’t be said for the cornerback position, however, and Green Bay’s recent draft tendencies point towards a specific prototypical body.

Three of the last four cornerbacks drafted by Thompson (Lee, Hayward and Goodson) measure in at 5’11”, weighing between 192 and 194 pounds. This provides a very clear prototype, suggesting that 5’11” is a height that Ted Thompson considers to be “enough”, as he then looks for talented man-coverage prospects. Both Sam Shields and Tramon Williams, who entered the NFL as undrafted free agents and started in 2014 for Green Bay, are listed at 5’11”.

Davon House throws a wrench into this theory, however. At 6’1″, House fits the new model of cornerback that has been put in vogue by the success of players like Richard Sherman. Despite leaving for a richer contract in Jacksonville this offseason, House did show flashes with the Packers. Against Atlanta in 2014, when Julio Jones was running wild over the Packers secondary, it was House who finally matched up with him to limit the damage.

The 5’11” coverage specialist still seems to be the likely course of action for Thompson, but House proves that he is willing to step out of his comfort zone to target a special physical prospect. With the cornerback position one of the few that Green Bay is likely to address early, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that may fit Green Bay’s prototype at different tiers in this class:

Aug 30, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Ronald Darby (3) in game action against Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Marcell Ateman (3) at AT&T Stadium. Florida State beat Oklahoma State 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Impact on the 2015 NFL Draft:

Jalen Collins:  It’s very possible that Trae Waynes, Marcus Peters and Kevin Johnson could all leave the board before number 30, but what about LSU’s wildcard in Jalen Collins? This would fit the longer style of Davon House with a high playmaking ceiling. Collins comes with red flags, though, and relies heavily on raw physical talent over technique. If he’s available, will Thompson swing for the fences?

Ronald Darby:  Darby fits the physical prototype perfectly at 5’11”, 193 pounds, and features speed similar to Sam Shields with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, opposing teams completed just 41.9% of passes thrown at Darby. Scouts have questioned his toughness, but his skills in coverage could appeal to Green Bay in round two.

Alex Carter:  The Stanford corner isn’t getting a peep of draft chatter, which baffles me. At 6’0″ and 196 pounds, Carter is a physical outside corner with starting potential in the second or third rounds. Some scouts hesitate to put him on an island, but with the proper safety help behind him, Carter could excel in bump-and-run coverage if Green Bay is looking for that style of player.

Craig Mager:  The 5’11”, 201 pound Mager started for four seasons at Texas A&M, recording 10 passes broken up with 3 interceptions in 2014. What makes Mager stand out to me is his decisive burst when he reads a route, which could give him playmaking potential. Sometime around the fourth or fifth round, Mager could step in as a physical nickel or dime back who excels at tackling near the box.

JaCorey Shepherd:  The 5’11”, 199 pound Shepherd comes out of Kansas with fantastic ball skills and instincts while the pass is in the air. His 4.65-second 40-yard dash raised some eyebrows, but he hides that well with strong press-coverage abilities and quality body positioning. Like Mager, Shepherd could leave the board sometime after round four and see the field in year one.

Next: Green Bay Packers 7-round mock draft

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