The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Clemson defensive back K’Von Wallace:
What he can do
– Tons of experience playing in the slot and in the box for Clemson’s versatile defense. Three-year starter. Captain. Has legit football smarts and earned full on-field trust of coaching staff. Did a little bit of everything from multiple spots, including cover several positions, play the run and blitz
– Tackling ability can be really impressive. Strong and explosive and technically sound. Stays balanced on his feet and drives through the target. Takes great angles pursuing downhill. Missed only 13 tackles over three years, per PFF
– Had some issues as a last-line defender against the run (see: vs. Ohio State)
– Looks the part at 5-11, 206. Highly aggressive, highly intense player. Emotional leader. Plays the run like he’d rather be a linebacker. Right at home operating near the line of scrimmage
– Lives to blow up receiver screens
– Produced highly encouraging snaps in College Football Playoff against Ohio State’s K.J. Hill and LSU’s Justin Jefferson
– Not sure teams will want him playing deep. This is where the biggest issues arise. Probably not fast enough to consistently play a single-high role at the next level. Lacks the range, straight-line speed. Not his best role
– Great time in the three-cone drill (6.76 seconds) will attract Packers. Suggests capability of handling quick slot receivers
– Would like more at the catch point. Missed some turnover chances. Lacks some of the length necessary to consistently make life difficult at the catch point
– Really good in the robber role. Likes to see/feel what’s happening and read and react quickly. Reactive and instinctual in this role
– High potential as a press slot corner. Can be really disruptive when jamming at the line
– Creative defensive coordinators will appreciate his blitzing ability. Very sudden attacking downhill and generally deceptive pre-snap
– Immediate special teams value and a potential four-down player
How he fits
Two ways. The Packers haven’t re-signed Tramon Williams, last year’s starter at slot cornerback, and Mike Pettine’s defense loves using tough, versatile safeties in the box. Wallace could, based on his college experience, offer real value in both roles. His willingness to play a physical brand of football near the line of scrimmage while also providing reliable coverage in short and intermediate areas could make him the ideal player for Pettine’s scheme. He’s a smart, energetic and often inspiring player who could play two important spots in the Packers’ defensive scheme.
NFL comp
PFF likes Brian Poole. Like Poole, Wallace is a well-built and aggressive slot cornerback with quickness and instincts playing near the line. Another comparison could be former Packers defensive back Jermaine Whitehead, who played in the slot and some at linebacker for Pettine. They are of similar size and athleticism.
Where Packers could get him
At some point in the first three rounds. Projections for Wallace vary. His experience, versatility and testing numbers should ensure he’s a top-100 player. The Packers could certainly consider him on Day 2.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott