College Football Draft Prospects to Watch

If you’re like me and are waiting impatiently for the week 4 match up between the Packers and Bills, why not take the day to check out some prospects that could be wearing the green and gold at this time next year.

Here are a few prospects to watch.

Syracuse @ Clemson

Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

Currently I have Ferrell as my number 3 overall prospect for 2019. If that remains the case, the Packers would likely have to use both 1st round picks and possibly more if they want a chance at him.

Personally I’m not the biggest fan for that value (my big board is an aggregation, not my own personal board), but he’s definitely a dominant player that would be an instant upgrade.

You don’t want to be the one guy that says, “Who’s Kleelin Farul?” when the trade of the year goes down.

Austin Bryant, EDGE, Clemson

Yes they have two. Actually they have 4 if you count their defensive tackles. This team has an incredible front 4 and all have 1st round potential.

That said, Bryant isn’t considered even close to being on Ferrell’s level. I currently have him at 59th, making him a potential late 2nd round grab for the Packers.

Louisiana @ Alabama

Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

I’m thinking there are a good number of Packers fans that wouldn’t be happy with taking a DT in the first round but let me remind you of two things. First, with Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels already on the team, Brian Gutekunst signed Muhammad Wilkerson. The team clearly sees the defensive line as being important. Second, rushing the passer isn’t a job that is exclusively for outside linebackers.

Davis is a 6’6 (possibly 6’7) monster that has unique power. He has what I like to call bear paws. If he gets so much as 1 hand on you, you’re finished. He is a 1 man wrecking crew that can help against the run and the pass that literally sacks quarterbacks by stiff-arming them in the chest. Again, 1 hand is all he needs. With the rules as they are now, this isn’t a terrible attribute.

I currently have Davis 9th overall. If this holds up it would likely need to be a trade up situation but it’s early. People rise and people fall. Still a good idea to get your eyes on 99 cause he’s a monster and a lot of fun to watch.

Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The Packers offensive line situation is a mess. The primary issue is with the interior but the tackle position is razor thin to the point that any injury to Bakhtiari or Bulaga puts us in instant doom and gloom mode.

Beyond that, Bulaga turns 30 in 2019 which is the last year of his contract. Perhaps instead of waiting for 2020, we get in front of this, let Williams play backup for a year, and then come 2020 he’s a lock at RT. Just a thought.

Jonah is currently my number 15 meaning he certainly could be in striking distance of one of the Packers 2 picks come the draft.

Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

It’s become very evident to Packers fans the dire need at safety and that’s even assuming we decide to extend Ha Ha next year.

Thompson is a guy that is flying up the boards right now. Pro Football Focus actually has him number 7 overall. At this time I have him at 37th but I wouldn’t be shocked if you told me he’d be out of reach come draft time.

Thompson is coming into this game with 2 interceptions and 4 pass deflections.

Ohio State @ Penn State

Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State

Dre’Mont is becoming one of my favorites as I slowly become more obsessed with pass rushing defensive tackles. The 6’2 295 pound Jones would be a perfect compliment the the run stuffing duo of of Clark and Daniels.

Jones enters week 5 with 3 sacks already under his belt. Currently ranked 28th, he’s right in the sweet spot for the Packers.

Baylor @ Oklahoma

Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

A little bit more of a deep dive, Brown is one of the top slot receivers in the country. That said, I currently have him ranked 97th, meaning he could be a 3rd round pickup.

Wide receiver is a tough position. On one hand, Davante Adams stands alone as a top receiver and with Cobb possibly leaving after this year, things could get dicey.

That said we just drafted 3 wide receivers. Perhaps today with Randall Cobb likely out we get to see a little more from Equanimeous St. Brown. Until then, however, we have to take the wide receiver position seriously.

3rd round is just serious enough without passing on more critical positions of need in the first 2 rounds.

Stanford @ Notre Dame

Nate Herbig, OG, Stanford

Personally I wouldn’t mind investing a little more in interior offensive line but Wisconsin isn’t playing and I didn’t want to list another Alabama player so here we are.

Currently Herbig is my 107th ranked player making him a likely 4th round prospect. For a guard that really isn’t bad and there’s plenty of very talented guards in the 4th round. I have no idea why since guards and center value should be going through the roof but I’ll leave that rant for another time.

Herbig is a big boy at 336 pounds but shows good enough athleticism and plays in a zone blocking scheme which should transfer over nicely.

With Cole Madison hopefully returning next year we could have a decent stable of starters and backups between Herbig, Taylor, McCray, and Madison.

 

 

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About Ryan Schlipp

Metal forged, mettle tested, and medal earned as a Packers fan growing up in the heart of Chicago Bears country. Now a contributor to Packernet, it's my honor and privilege to represent the Green and Gold.

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