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.
Next up is Southern Illinois defensive back Jeremy Chinn:
What he can do
– Looks like a linebacker (6-3, 221) but has multi-dimensional abilities as a safety
– Playmaker. Intercepted 13 passes and broke up 31 others. Had at least three interceptions and five pass breakups during each of his four collegiate seasons. Also forced six fumbles. Terrific ball skills. Will go get it in the air. Turnover creator
– Iffy in man-to-man coverage. Lost several one-on-one reps at the Senior Bowl. Big question mark as he transitions from DII to the NFL
– Way too passive at times. Instincts issue? Processing issue? Urgency could use improvement
– Explosive mover. Ran 4.45 at 221 pounds and hit 41″ in the vertical leap and 138″ in the broad jump
– Big hitter. Confident hitting the strike zone of the ball carrier
– Can be a devastating blitzer and quarterback spy. Explodes through gaps and closes down the quarterback in a big hurry
– Didn’t affect the run game as much as size/athletic profile suggested he should
– Missed two huge tackles on long touchdown runs vs. North Dakota State
– Can show great burst closing downhill or with range side to side from deep safety
– Versatility should be one of his top assets, but might lack instincts to play more than one position at a high level
How he fits
Chinn’s size and athleticism could provide an ideal fit for Mike Pettine’s defense. He needs development in many areas, but it’s easy to project him as an interchangeable safety who can line up deep but also play the overhang defender role as a hybrid linebacker. He’s big enough and certainly athletic enough to handle the duality of the position. His range and the flashes of playmaking ability help provide the groundwork for a potentially impactful player at the next level. Taking Chinn could provide a re-do on failed second-round pick Josh Jones, who never fully developed into a multi-faceted role and was released after two seasons.
NFL comp
Jones. Like the former Packers safety, Chinn is a physical and athletic marvel, but concerns about his football instincts and coverage ability make him a boom-bust project. Potential high reward player if development stays on track. The risk is him following Jones’ path and flaming out before he’s ready to be a difference-maker.
Where Packers could get him
It will depend on how much the NFL loves him. He could be the first safety off the board in the first round, or he could fall deep into the second round. The NFL loves big, athletic players with potential versatility. Teams are also wary of big projections from small schools. It’s a balancing act. Chinn could be a possibility at No. 30 or No. 62.
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