The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
During his introductory press conference as the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, Joe Barry noted that a team can never have enough defensive backs that can play the nickel position.
“That Star position. I think it’s vital,” Barry said. “I’m from the school where I think you can’t have enough guys that are potential nickels.”
The Packers currently have a trio of cornerbacks that excel playing on the boundary and are short on options for players to man the slot.
A player that Brian Gutekunst could target to help fill that void is Chamarri Conner. The Virginia Tech defensive back checks in at No. 81 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Conner was a four-year starter for the Hokies and played everywhere in the secondary during his time in Blacksburg.
In 2019, Conner played the nickel position for the Hokies and finished the season with 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, eight pass deflections, one interception, and a team-leading 5.5 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, Conner was the only defensive back with 20 pressures.
The following season, Conner recorded 81 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass deflections. In 2021, Conner recorded 85 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and five pass deflections.
This past season, under new head coach Brent Pry, Conner moved to safety and recorded 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, and broke up two passes.
“Conner has played the nickel position and outside cornerback in his previous four seasons,’ Bryan Manning, the site manager of Gobbler Country said. “Conner played well in 2022 for a defense that had some issues upfront. The best part of Virginia Tech’s 2022 defense was the secondary and Conner was a big reason for that.”
NFL teams are always looking for defensive backs that can wear multiple hats. Conner did everything but serve the hot dogs during his team at Virginia Tech. He logged snaps on the boundary, safety, and primarily in the slot. That versatility will make him an attractive target for any team looking to add depth to their secondary.
“Conner has played essentially every position in Virginia Tech’s secondary under three different defensive coordinators,” Manning said. “That’s a strength. However, Conner is best suited for a role closer to the line of scrimmage. Playing in a traditional safety role in 2022 was a good experience for Conner. In his first two seasons, Conner played for the legendary Bud Foster before his retirement. Foster asked a lot of Conner, which tells you the value a good coach sees in him.”
Conner is a physical defensive back. The four-year starter has good size (6-0, 205 pounds) and has outstanding arm length. He flies downhill in run support and has an appetite for the physical side of the game. While Conner is physical, he’ll need to clean up his technique. According to PFF, Conner finished his career with 59 missed tackles.
“Conner is a physical presence but isn’t always a sure tackler,” Manning said. “Don’t mistake that for effort, though. NFL coaches will love his physicality. You can improve tackling and I don’t believe that’s an issue for him at all at the next level.”
In coverage, Conner has the size to match up with tight ends. The four-year starter showcases a good understanding of route concepts. He has the closing speed and length to break up passes. He’s at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, where his short-area quickness, instincts, size, and physicality shine through.
“Conner struggled in coverage at times, despite playing some cornerback during his time in Blacksburg,” Manning said. “Conner could match up vs. tight ends and hold his own. He’s played in the slot before, but at the next level he’d struggle against some of the quick and shifty slot receivers.”
Conner was a special teams ace during his time at Virginia Tech. He finished his career with 804 career snaps on special teams. From day one, Conner could be a core special teams player.
Fit with the Packers
Conner offers an exciting blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. With his special teams experience, he’d provide the Packers with a hired gun on special teams. On top of that, he’d provide the Packers with a much-needed physical presence in the secondary.
“If you want a smart, physical, experienced, and dependable player, Conner is your guy,” Manning said. “I look back to Chuck Clark, a former Virginia Tech defensive back who was an afterthought in the 2017 NFL draft. Smart coaches saw his value and now he is an excellent NFL player. I can see a similar career for Conner. While he and Clark are different players, Conner’s versatility will endear him to NFL coaches. Divine Deablo played safety for the Hokies and is now a linebacker for the Raiders. Again, Conner is different from Diablo, but I see Conner as a mix between him and Clark. Clark played cornerback and safety in college, while Deablo played safety. Conner will fit in somewhere with a smart defensive coordinator.”
With his ability to fill multiple roles and special teams experience, Conner would make for an attractive day-three target for the Packers.
The Virginia Tech defensive back could provide depth at cornerback and safety while making an immediate impact on special teams.
