First-round prospect for the Pack: Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy

Who are the first-round prospects for the Packers? Our series continues with Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy.

The Green Bay Packers hold the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and may eventually take control of the 13th overall pick if the New York Jets agree to deal the first-round pick in a trade for Aaron Rodgers.

Who could be legitimate targets for general manager Brian Gutekunst?

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one potential first-round prospect capable of landing in Green Bay come Thursday, April 27.

Up next in the series is Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy:

First-round prospect for the Pack: Utah TE Dalton Kincaid

Who are the first-round prospects for the Packers? Our series continues with Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, one of the best pass-catchers in the draft class.

Who could be legitimate targets for general manager Brian Gutekunst?

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one potential first-round prospect capable of landing in Green Bay come Thursday, April 27.

Up next in the series is Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid:

Full list of Packers Wire’s ‘Prospect for the Pack’ draft profile series

Packers Wire’s “Prospect for the Pack” draft profile series for the 2021 NFL draft.

The staff at Packers Wire has been previewing potential draft picks for the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL draft in our annual series known as “Prospect for the Pack.”

Here’s a full and updating list of profiles completed ahead of this year’s draft:

Wide receivers

Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Prospect for the Pack: Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman

Elijah Moore, Ole Miss

Prospect for the Pack: Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore

Kadarius Toney, Florida

Prospect for the Pack: Florida WR Kadarius Toney

Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU

Prospect for the Pack: LSU WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

Rondale Moore, Purdue

Prospect for the Pack: Purdue WR Rondale Moore

Offensive tackles

Samuel Cosmi, Texas

Prospect for the Pack: Texas OT Samuel Cosmi

Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

Prospect for the Pack: Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg

Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

Prospect for the Pack: Alabama OL Alex Leatherwood

Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

Prospect for the Pack: Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins

Defensive linemen

Christian Barmore, Alabama

Prospect for the Pack: Alabama DL Christian Barmore

Edge rushers

Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest

Prospect for the Pack: Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr.

Joseph Ossai, Texas

Prospect for the Pack: Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai

Linebackers

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

Prospect for the Pack: Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Zaven Collins, Tulsa

Prospect for the Pack: Tulsa LB Zaven Collins

Cornerbacks

Greg Newsome II, Northwestern

Prospect for the Pack: Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II

Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

Prospect for the Pack: Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley

Eric Stokes, Georgia

Prospect for the Pack: Georgia CB Eric Stokes

Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State

Prospect for the Pack: Florida State CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Safeties

Trevon Moehrig, TCU

Prospect for the Pack: TCU DB Trevon Moehrig

Jevon Holland, Oregon

Prospect for the Pack: Oregon S Jevon Holland

Prospect for the Pack: Georgia CB Eric Stokes

Draft profile for Georgia CB Eric Stokes, a potential draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes:

What he can do

– Speed is an elite trait. Ran 4.29 in the 40-yard dash. Recovery speed is apparent on tape. Terrific 10-yard split highlights explosiveness

– Lean athlete. Stands 6-0, but only 194 pounds

– Got his hands on 26 passes over 25 starts. Attacks the ball as it arrives, disrupting the catch point. Doesn’t have elite ball skills and might not be a big-time interception creator but possesses good sense of playing in rhythm with receivers and awareness of timing the ball’s arrival

– Tons of reps against NFL-caliber receivers over his 25 starts

– Looks capable of playing outside or in the slot, although he played mostly on the perimeter at Georiga. Has the speed to play vertically and the quick feet for matching routes inside. Played plenty of press coverage from the perimeter

– Hit 38.5″ in the vertical leap and has a 78″ wingspan. Length is a plus

– Might be a little too physical and handsy early in routes. Flagged plenty in college. NFL is more stingy on illegal contact. Needs to trust himself more

– Packers may be scared off by agility measurements. High RAS player, but scored low in the shuttle and three-cone, two important metrics at corner. However, tape doesn’t show obvious instances of struggling to handle shifty receivers

– Returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2020, both partially a result of strong reps in press coverage. Strip-sack in 2019 created another touchdown. Blocked a punt and returned the ball for a touchdown in 2018

– Not a super physical corner

– Still learning the position. Didn’t start playing cornerback until senior season of high school. Might be plenty of room on development path

How he fits

The Packers’ needs at cornerback are well-documented. Although Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan are back, this position needs both short- and long-term help. Stokes, with his speed and length, could be competition for King in 2021 and a potential replacement in 2022. The Packers will like his combination of press ability and recovery speed, especially if he’s the replacement for King long-term.

NFL comp

Jamel Dean without the medical red flags. Like Dean, Stokes has high-level coverage experience at the SEC level and the coveted combination of speed and length at the cornerback position. Dean has been a quality perimeter cornerback for the Buccaneers over the last two seasons. Stokes has a similar ceiling.

Where Packers could get him

Opinions on Stokes range from the late first round to anywhere into the second round, complicating the projection for the Packers. He could be a trade-down candidate in the first round, or possibly even a trade-up candidate from the second round. He looks capable of coming off the board anywhere in the 30-60 range. The Packers would probably love an opportunity to get him at No. 62, although his profile certainly doesn’t rule out him becoming the pick at No. 29.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqjvw7k7PCg

[lawrence-related id=57468,57460,57448,57439,57358,57296,57408,57398,57375,57348,57317,57313,57259,57257]

Saints draft profiles: LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa

Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins is a sought-after prospect in the 2021 NFL draft who fits many of the New Orleans Saints’ top draft needs.

[mm-video type=video id=01f3pxnz2aj20bb21kkm playlist_id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01f3pxnz2aj20bb21kkm/01f3pxnz2aj20bb21kkm-995f697a38fdae404a028e05af3afebb.jpg]

While the New Orleans Saints don’t often deviate from their draft approach in targeting the best prospects available, the team needs to address top roster needs in the 2021 NFL draft. With eight picks at their disposal, the positions of cornerback and linebacker should take priority with their first-round selection.

This series has focused on top prospects at cornerback, but there are playmakers at linebacker New Orleans could target at No. 28 overall. One prospect in particular, who had one of his first substantive virtual interviews with the Saints, stands out: Tulsa’s Zaven Collins.

Measurables and Pro Day Results:

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 259 pounds
Arm length: 33 5/8 inches
Hands: 9 3/8 inches
40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds
Bench press: 19 reps
Broad jump: 122 inches
Vertical jump: 35 inches

Via Dane Brugler’s draft guide

Analysis:

A true off-ball linebacker, Collins offers a rare asset in pass coverage. His unique blend of size and athleticism are bolstered by impressive ball skills and awareness in the backfield. Collins shines in zone coverage with an ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes and get his body or hands up in passing lanes; he recorded four interceptions in just eight games last season, returning two for touchdowns, plus a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a safety.

Collins proved disruptive in the backfield throughout his collegiate career with 7.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. His coverage abilities and scheme versatility are diminished only by lacking play strength and ability to shed blockers. He offers a dynamic presence in pass coverage and, once he strengthens his physicality in blocking, upside on blitzes.

How he fits the Saints:

New Orleans hasn’t drafted a linebacker in the first round since their 2015 selection of Clemson’s Stephone Anthony; fans were high on LSU’s Patrick Queen in last year’s draft, but he didn’t fit the Saints physical prototype. While Collins’ long-speed is lacking with a 4.67 40-yard dash, his short quickness makes up for it: his 1.63 10-yard split at Tulsa’s pro day was faster than what Demario Davis recorded coming out of Arkansas State.

With the departures of Kwon Alexander and Alex Anzalone, Collins offers a strong compliment next to Davis; his versatility and untapped potential are a great fit in Dennis Allen’s defense. Technique is teachable, and easily outweighed by his playmaking ability. This selection would leave questions surrounding the team’s trade up for Zack Baun in the third-round of last year’s draft, but the loss of two position group starters could demand doubling up at the role with a dynamic playmaker in Collins.

[lawrence-related id=44520,44460,44428]

[listicle id=44602]

Prospect for the Pack: Florida State CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Draft profile for Florida State CB Asante Samuel Jr., a potential pick for the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Florida State cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.:

What he can do

– Play excellent zone coverage. He does a great job of processing the action in front of him and reading the quarterback’s eyes to get himself into favorable coverage position

– Has the fluidity, footwork and route recognition to stay connected to receivers in man coverage

– Make plays on the ball. He broke up 29 passes and intercepted four in three seasons at Florida State

– The little technical things that good cornerbacks do like getting hands on receivers to feel their route breaks in man coverage and crowding routes to the sideline to limit the receiver’s route-running space

– Can potentially play slot and perimeter cornerback

– Has enough speed to carry the average starting NFL receiver down the field

– Very fluid athlete. Stays low in backpedal and swivels hips easily. No wasted movement in his footwork

– Willing tackler, although a little inconsistent

– Doesn’t have the size, length or strength you’d want for press-man coverage. Can get pushed around in the run game and in coverage at times

How he fits

Samuel looks like a plug-and-play starter in a zone-heavy scheme, which is exactly what the Packers are expected to run under new defensive coordinator Joe Barry. For the new scheme, he should be an immediate upgrade as the No. 2 cornerback opposite Jaire Alexander.

NFL comp

Asante Samuel Sr. It may seem like a lazy comparison on the surface, but their athletic profiles are strikingly similar and their skill sets bear some resemblance, too. Both Jr. and Sr. are/were undersized ball-hawking cornerbacks with great instincts and relatively average explosiveness at their size.

Where Packers could get him

If the Packers want Samuel, they’d probably have to take him at No. 29, trade down, or trade up from their second-round draft slot. He’s widely expected to be a top-50 pick.

The fit makes sense from a need and scheme translation standpoint, although Samuel seemingly falls short of the Packers’ desired cornerback measurables. At 5-10, 180 lbs. with a sub-8.0 RAS, he doesn’t have the size or athleticism they typically covet at that position. It’s possible they’d make an exception to address one of their biggest roster needs, however.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZLfWEUioUA

[lawrence-related id=57398,57375,57348,57317,57313,57259,57257]

Prospect or the Pack: LSU WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

The draft profile of LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., a potential draft pick for the Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is LSU receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.:

What he can do

– Tall, fast, vertical threat. Stands 6-2, ran 4.4, and caught four passes over 50 yards last season. This is what the Packers look for in a receiver

– Big frame with long arms and explosive leaping ability (39″ in vertical). Really comfortable tracking the ball and making catches in traffic. These should be confidence-building traits for a quarterback throwing him the football

– Ball placement doesn’t have to be perfect. He can go pluck it away from his body

– Speed really shows up in the open field. Home-run hitter on vertical routes and after the catch

– Caught 23 touchdown passes over the last two seasons. Did a ton of damage against one-on-one coverage in the red zone. Also experienced keeping plays alive and adjusting for the quarterback inside the 20

– Experience playing on the outside and in the slot, but doesn’t have return ability. Didn’t return punts or kicks at LSU

– Have to wonder how much of his production was due to talent and design of LSU offense

– Still only 20 years old. Doesn’t turn 21 until June

How he fits

The Packers offense is designed perfectly for a receiver like Marshall, who can play all three receiver spots, win vertically with speed and create in the red zone. With the right development, Marshall could be an ideal complement to Davante Adams and a potential upgrade on Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a deep threat. He certainly fits the team’s mold at receiver: big and fast. At the very least, his potential is high as a WR2.

NFL comp

DeVante Parker. Similar body types and speed scores. Both can run and both win in impressive ways in contested situations. Like Parker, he’ll need time to develop more of the little things at the position.

Where Packers could get him

Either at No. 29, or possibly by trading down in the first round or trading up from No. 62. Marshall looks like a prospect headed for that No. 25-50 range. Where he lands may depend on how the NFL values the smaller, gadget-type receivers in this class.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaCH6RwUPZQ

[lawrence-related id=57375,57348,57317,57317,57313,57259,57257]

Prospect for the Pack: Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II

Draft profile for Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome:

What he can do

– Cover. This seems pretty obvious, but this is one of the best cover corners in the entire draft. Can mirror whoever is across from him off the line of scrimmage and use his feet to stay with shifty route runners

– Very fluid movements when flipping hips and breaking on the ball out of his backpedal. Closing speed is one of his most attractive traits

– Can recover in situations where he makes a false step or gets off balance

– Successful in both man and zone. Allowed 31.6% completion rate and just 7.8 yards per catch in 2020, according to Pro Football Focus

– Pretty good ball skills. Uses length to prevent passes from reaching the intended receiver. Can high-point the ball and challenge receivers in the air while maintaining body control. Decent hands to make the most of turnover opportunities

– Strong mental processor when it comes to reading coverages and taking correct angles. Rarely fooled by double moves and uses instincts to get in good position

– Aggressor when necessary. Understands how to play in press and knows when to attack the ball to try and make a big play

– Adequate play strength

– Solid arm length despite a slight frame. Long arms help when breaking up passes and jamming receivers while pressing

– Willing tackler who can use length to separate from blocks. Drops weight and finishes. Takes good angles when the ball is in front of him and does a nice job wrapping up

– Prototypical outside corner due to his size and athleticism. Will never be overwhelmed by height or quickness

How he fits

If Newsome somehow falls to 29, the Packers would have a hard time passing him up. He’s the perfect corner to pair with Jaire Alexander thanks to his size and coverage ability. Think of a taller Alexander, basically. However, Newsome still has a way to go to be a long-term starter. He has injury concerns, and Green Bay is trying to move away from that in Kevin King. However, when healthy, you can’t argue with Newsome’s performance on the field. He’s a true outside corner and could possibly allow Alexander to kick inside next season with Newsome and King playing the boundary. The Packers need another corner with solid ball skills and is a willing tackler, and that fits Newsome to the T. He’s an all-around corner with a high floor and the potential to be a franchise corner. With Newsome and Alexander as the future, Green Bay’s secondary would have a dynamic corner tandem that’s been lacking since the days of Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams.

NFL Comp

Somewhere along the lines of William Jackson and Darius Slay. Both Jackson and Slay have the ability to match the movement of quick receivers and also play with taller, more physical ones. Like Jackson and Slay, Newsome is comfortable operating out of press and can make plays as a tackler. It all comes down to his durability and how a team maximizes his strengths in their scheme. At his core, Newsome has a natural feel in coverage, just like Jackson and Slay.

Where Packers could get him

It would have to be in the first, and it may even require a trade up. Every team is looking for a sticky corner that can lock down any side of the field, and Newsome has that potential. Newsome might be CB3 in this draft behind Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain. Caleb Fairley is also in the discussion, but like Newsome, he has injury baggage. If Newsome slips into the 20s, maybe Green Bay puts a package together to try and move up to take him.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlXOKPn__-U

[lawrence-related id=57313,57259,57257]

Prospect for the Pack: Texas OT Samuel Cosmi

The draft profile of Texas OT Samuel Cosmi, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi:

What he can do

– Elite level athlete for offensive tackle position. Easy mover at 6-5, 314. Short shuttle time under 4.4

– Allowed just six sacks on over 1,500 pass-blocking snaps over final three seasons, per Pro Football Focus

– Played both left and right tackle at Texas. First 13 starts came on the right side; final 21 on the left

– When he gets everything right in pass pro, it’s pretty. The combination of feet, hands and body positioning can eliminate rushers in a lot of different ways. And he took a ton of traditional NFL pass set reps in the Texas offense

– Not a punishing point-of-attack blocker but can handle down blocks and get to the second level and create alleyways, potentially making him a strong fit in the zone blocking scheme

– Wide zone runs are a specialty. Looks great pulling out in front of run plays or screen plays. You see the short shuttle time in action here

– Caught a touchdown pass on a throwback screen vs. West Virginia in 2019. Very smooth athlete

– Far from fully developed, both physically and technically. All the ingredients of a very good starting offensive tackle are present; needs the right coach and situation to put all the pieces together

– Durable, playing in 34 straight games

– Wasn’t highly recruited but started right away as a redshirt freshman. His ascension as a player is easy to track. Suggests strong development path entering NFL

How he fits

The Packers’ short- and long-term needs are well-established at offensive tackle. Cosmi, with experience on both sides of the line and elite-level athleticism, presents an opportunity to find both a rookie swing tackle and future starter. Ideally, Cosmi would get a chance to develop without being thrown into a starting role in Year 1, but he’s talented enough right now to play as a rookie, especially if he can get in the same room as All-Pro David Bakhtiari and rising young offensive line coach Adam Stenavich. Some assembly required, but the talent and upside are undeniable. In the right hands, Cosmi could be a star.

NFL comp

Ezra Cleveland, although recency bias is in play here. The size and athleticism comparison is hard to ignore, and it’s easy to see how many of their strengths and weaknesses align entering the NFL. Both are top athletes who need development in many areas but also fit the Shanahan zone scheme. The Vikings started Cleveland at guard as a rookie last year.

Where Packers could get him

Cosmi could be a first-round player, but projections are scattered. He is a top-20 pick for some, and a borderline top-50 pick for others. Like Cosmi, Cleveland’s stock rose rapidly during the draft process, but he still ended up as the 58th overall pick last year. Cosmi’s range of outcomes looks similar. It wouldn’t be shocking if a team in the 20s picked him, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he fell into the second round. The Packers could maneuver around the board – up or down, really – if Cosmi is the target.

[lawrence-related id=57259,57257]

Saints draft profiles: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley is a high-risk, high-reward 2021 NFL draft prospect who should interest the New Orleans Saints.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=none image=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

With the 2021 NFL draft imminently approaching, the New Orleans Saints are expected to prioritize positions of need with their first-round selection: cornerback and linebacker. Accordingly, this series will focus on the top prospects at these positions who are likely to be available at No. 28 overall. Of the two positional needs, cornerback is currently paramount.

Understandably, many mock drafts and much of the recent analysis focuses on cornerback as a draft-day priority for New Orleans. A potential first-round pick that would be a steal at No. 28 is Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley.

Measurables and Pro Day Results:

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 197 pounds
Arm length: 33 3/8 inches
Hands: 8 3/4 inches

Via Dane Brugler’s draft guide

Analysis:

Per Pro Football Focus, Farley allowed a passer rating of just 26.8 on throws into his coverage, and yielded nine first downs on 50 targets for a 90.5 coverage grade. He recorded 20 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and four interceptions in 2019 but sat out the final two games after exacerbating a back injury. His stock plummeted when he underwent surgery in March and subsequently missed Virginia Tech’s pro day. Crucial to his evaluation by draft scouts, his absence at workouts in front of NFL scouts compounded his decision to opt out of the 2020 season.

Farley is an inevitable gamble; teams limited in medical evaluations without the combine are hindered by sparse tape with just 24 games at the position. His decision to undergo back surgery in lieu of his pro day augments the risk. We have to take his coach’s word for it, but he clocked the 40 yard dash in 4.28 seconds at a workout pre-surgery. Unofficially, Farley has 4.3 speed.

Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley, a projected first-round pick, missed his pro day due to his back procedure, but here, courtesy of @Bommaritos, was his most recent 40 on March 5th, when performance coach Pete Bommarito said he timed Farley at 4.28 in the 40. pic.twitter.com/cibdZeGUGJ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 29, 2021

How he fits the Saints:

It’s no secret the Saints need a starting-caliber corner. The Saints salary cap compliance efforts included the release of Janoris Jenkins, who later signed with the Tennessee Titans; that left Marshon Lattimore as their remaining starter, a former first-round selection whose legal status is uncertain. The depth at corner leaves much to be desired between P.J. Williams and Patrick Robinson — barring an upset by Grant Haley or Keith Washington Jr.

Barring a late free agency signing like Richard Sherman, all signs indicate targeting a prospect in the draft. Should Farley tumble to No. 28, it’s a risk New Orleans plainly should take. It would be unsurprising to see a trade up to the early 20s if the team sees one of their top prospects falling – one with starting potential.

While Farley’s press man coverage is lacking, often leaving him flat-footed, it’s mainly by inexperience with just 58 career snaps. His tackling needs refining with 21 missed attempts; technique is much easier to teach than instinct, speed and wingspan, all of which Farley possesses. An athletic prospect with a unique blend of intangible traits and skilled coverage is a rarity, nor typically available outside the top 15 picks.

The Saints have a tumultuous history with injury-riddled players, but New Orleans is known to covet cerebral players, and place high value on leaders. Farley fits the prototype and possesses strong football instincts. If he is on the board at 28, he should be the team’s top target.

[lawrence-related id=44443,44428,44240]

[listicle id=44285]