Packers meet virtually with Michigan CB Ambry Thomas

The Packers had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas.

The Green Bay Packers will have a virtual pre-draft meeting with Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Thomas, an All-Big Ten pick in 2019, opted out of the 2020 season.

The Packers likely see Thomas as an intriguing cornerback prospect with experience playing on the perimeter and in press-man coverage alignments. With Kevin King headed to free agency, the Packers have a need opposite Jaire Alexander.

During his final season at Michigan in 2019, Thomas delivered 38 tackles, 3.0 for loss, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

From the Draft Network: “Thomas was most effective in coverage playing in press and disrupting route releases inside the contact window—he’s a physical player who does well when able to get his hands on the receiver and upset the timing of patterns. Thomas also flashes quite a bit in shallow spaces as a flat defender in zone coverage; showcasing good awareness of plays developing underneath to drive back to the football.”

Thomas played in 39 total games for the Wolverines, tallying four interceptions, nine pass breakups, one fumble forced, five fumble recoveries and 3.5 tackles for losses. He also returned 39 kickoffs during his first two seasons, including one for a 99-yard touchdown.

Pro Football Focus currently ranks Thomas as the site’s 121st overall prospect in the 2021 draft.

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Packers meet virtually with Tulsa LB Zaven Collins

Add a top linebacker to the list of draft prospects to sit down virtually with the Green Bay Packers. 

Add a top linebacker to the list of draft prospects to sit down virtually with the Green Bay Packers.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers are among nine different teams that have met or will meet with Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins, who won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player in 2020.

Over three seasons at Tulsa, Collins produced 236 tackles, 25.0 tackles for losses, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, eight pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2020.

The Packers could see Collins as the missing piece in the middle of the defense. Big and versatile, with the ability to rush the passer and cover, Collins has an impact-creating skill set in the right scheme at the next level.

From his profile at The Draft Network: “Collins offers an exciting blend of size, length, power, football intelligence, and versatility that makes him a dynamic prospect for the NFL. Whether it’s defending the run, dropping into coverage, or rushing the passer, Collins has the requisite skill set required to execute and was arguably the most dynamic defensive playmaker in college football for the 2020 season. He demonstrated notable growth in 2020, becoming a complete defender and making high-impact, clutch plays seemingly every week.”

The Packers have Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes returning in 2021 after playing snaps at inside linebacker as rookies, but neither should prevent general manager Brian Gutekunst from adding a potential difference-maker at the position. It’s possible Collins could be an option at the end of the first round for Green Bay.

Draft Wire provided a closer look at the film from Collins’ time at Tulsa.

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Packers meet virtually with Syracuse DB Trill Williams

The Packers held a virtual pre-draft meeting with Syracuse defensive back Trill Williams.

The Green Bay Packers are one of several teams to meet with a versatile defensive back prospect in the 2021 NFL draft.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers met or will meet virtually with Syracuse defensive back Trill Williams, who played multiple positions in the secondary during a three-year career in the ACC.

Almost half of the NFL has met or will meet with Williams at this point in the draft process. His athleticism, size and versatility provide insight into why interest is so high.

Williams produced 93 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and six pass breakups over 28 games at Syracuse. He also scored three defensive touchdowns, including an interception return for a score in 2020 and a 94-yard game-ending fumble return for a touchdown to end the 2019 season.

Syracuse played Williams at cornerback, in the slot and at safety, giving him a versatile profile as he enters the NFL draft.

From his profile at The Draft Network: “Williams is long, rangy, athletic, physical, and aggressive. His physical skill set is exceptional and he doesn’t have any restrictions. He is springy and explosive, capable of thriving in both man and zone coverage...For a team looking for a versatile defensive back that can be a matchup-neutralizer, Williams has the physical gifts to do that. There is immense potential when it comes to the roles he can fill in the NFL and the ways he can make an impact.”

The Packers certainly have a need at cornerback, both on the perimeter and in the slot, and Williams’ versatility to play safety could be appealing for new defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

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Packers meet virtually with Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II

The Packers had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II, a potential first-round pick in the 2021 draft.

The Green Bay Packers met with one of the best cornerback prospects in the 2021 NFL draft.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers met virtually with Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II, a first-team All-Big Ten pick in 2020.

Newsome finished his collegiate career with 25 pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery over 21 games.

The Packers will almost certainly be among the teams looking for a cornerback in the 2021 draft. Newsome, who stands 6-1, looks like a future starter on the perimeter at the next level, making him a potential first-round pick.

From his profile on The Draft Network: “Greg Newsome II is an exciting cornerback prospect who will offer an NFL franchise plenty of appeal as a potential starter on the perimeter. Newsome II has showcased strong ball skills and length to pair with high-end levels of flexibility and functional athleticism—that’s a blend that is going to get Newsome II drafted sooner rather than later.”

The Packers hold the 29th overall pick in the first round. Newsome, or any other highly-regarded cornerback, could be an option. Kevin King is an unrestricted free agent and could depart next month. Chandon Sullivan is a restricted free agent, and 2018 second-round pick Josh Jackson hasn’t been a contributor the last two seasons.

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Packers have virtual meeting scheduled with Purdue WR Rondale Moore

The Packers will have a virtual pre-draft meeting with playmaking Purdue WR Rondale Moore next month.

The Green Bay Packers will have a virtual pre-draft meeting with one of the most electric offensive playmakers in the 2021 NFL draft.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers have a meeting scheduled with Purdue receiver Rondale Moore for next month. Moore has been busy, meeting virtually with at least 10 teams already.

A first-team All-Big Ten pick in 2018, Moore finished his collegiate career with 178 catches for 1,915 yards and 14 touchdowns and 30 rushes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 42 kickoffs and 17 punts. Overall, he produced 3,094 total all-purpose yards over three seasons and just 20 games.

Moore could provide the Packers with a do-it-all weapon who could operate from the slot, create yards after the catch, run jet motions and be a field-flipping returner. He lacks ideal size – Purdue listed him at 5-9 and 180 – but he is both tough and explosive.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently sent Moore to the Packers at No. 29 overall in his first mock draft.

Farrar’s explanation: “Aaron Rodgers wanted new offensive weapons last season, and though the Packers’ offense performed well without them, there were issues. Per Sports Info Solutions, Davante Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdowns when facing single-high coverage. When facing two-high coverage, he scored just one touchdown. Opposing defenses were able to double Adams with impunity with deep safeties because there was nobody to force safeties into the box as underneath weapons in the passing game. The addition of Rondale Moore would be huge for Matt LaFleur’s offense because Moore is so dynamic on screens, slants, and other quick routes. Combined with Green Bay’s pre-snap motion concepts and play-action game, having a weapon of Moore’s caliber, especially after the catch, would give the Packers an entirely different dimension.”

Moore could be a candidate for the Packers in the first or second round.

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Packers meet virtually with Auburn LB K.J. Britt

The Packers met virtually with a linebacker prospect who participated at the Senior Bowl.

The Green Bay Packers met with a linebacker prospect from the SEC who participated at the Senior Bowl last month.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers and New Orleans Saints both recently met virtually with Auburn linebacker K.J. Britt, a defensive captain for the Tigers who broke out in 2019 but missed all but two games in 2020.

After producing 69 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks in 13 games as a first-time starter in 2019, Britt led the Tigers with 23 tackles in two games to start 2020 before suffering a season-ending thumb injury. The issue required surgery.

Britt was healthy enough to participate at the Senior Bowl. In Mobile, he was voted the American team’s best linebacker by running backs and offensive linemen.

The Packers could see Britt as a mid-round option at a perpetual need position. The team released starting linebacker Christian Kirksey last week and is still in search of a difference-making starter in the middle of the defense.

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News: Cowboys consider QB in 2020 draft, Jerry talks Jamal Adams

The final 2020 mock drafts, a flashback to the Johnny Manziel-to-Dallas near miss, and the trade value chart started by Jimmy Johnson.

NFL Draft Eve brought no shortage of eleventh-hour revelations and rumblings in Cowboys Nation. But it is the final opportunity for all the mock drafters to call their shots. What Jerry Jones and Company will do with the their seven picks is anybody’s guess, but there’s intel that suggests all of it is fair game, from secondary to linebacker… to, even, quarterback.

From ironing out last-minute technical issues to the all-important last press conference that may reveal the front office’s strategy, the Cowboys’ draft table is basically set. The club even cleared two more places with a pair of day-before cuts. Flashback to the draft that almost brought Johnny Football to Big D, and check out the pricing system that revolutionized how every team now approaches draft-pick trades, courtesy of Jimmy Johnson. And after all that draft-day appetite-whetting, find out why one business icon ultimately thinks the NFL won’t be getting down to business on the field any time soon.

Cowboys open to drafting quarterback in 2020, but it would have nothing to do with Dak Prescott :: CBS Sports

It’s no secret that the Cowboys have had communications with quarterback Jalen Hurts ahead of the the 2020 NFL Draft. Patrik Walker breaks down how this has nothing to do with QB1… and everything to do with QB2.


Cowboys pre-draft press conference glitchy, but telling :: Cowboys Wire

The annual pre-draft press conference with the Dallas Cowboys front office is usually an important sneak peek behind the curtain. Find out their philosophy and thoughts headed into the 2020 NFL Draft, including Jerry Jones’s own take on the chances of trading the team’s first-round pick for a veteran free agent.


Film room: 4 best-case scenarios for the Dallas Cowboys in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL draft :: The Dallas Morning News

John Owning takes a very deep look into some of the possible bigger scores of the first round for the Cowboys. Trade back? Premier corner? Multiple possibilities will be available to Dallas at 17.


Updates: Cowboys waive kicker Vizcaino :: The Mothership

And then there were two. The team has waived Tristan Vizcaino, who was signed to a futures deal in January. Since then, the club has signed veteran Greg Zuerlein and retained the services of Kai Forbath, setting up a two-man positional battle once camp begins.


Final 2020 Dallas Cowboys 7-round Mock Draft Prediction :: Inside The Star

The experts are making their final predictions for the 2020 NFL Draft and the Cowboys. Here, Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun is selected with pick number 17.



Cowboys to need return-man solution in draft after releasing WR :: Cowboys Wire

The Dallas wide receiver room is a little less populated with the club cutting Lance Lenoir. The 2017 undrafted free agent never really caught on with the Cowboys, with special teams play seeming to offer his most likely route to a gameday role. Clearly, the front office is now looking elsewhere for 2020.


NFL Draft trade value chart: What each 2020 pick is worth based on the Jimmy Johnson model :: Sporting News

It was revolutionary when the Cowboys coach came up with the idea, but now every team in the league uses (more or less) his system of assigning numerical values- price tags, almost- to draft picks. Here’s the cheat sheet for what every pick in 2020’s draft is worth, making putting together (or grading) trades a matter of basic math.


Cowboys feel like they have tackled the NFL draft challenges head-on :: ESPN

Amidst a world in flux, the Cowboys have adjusted admirably and taken care of plenty of needs headed into draft weekend. Take a look back at some of the big moves made, along with final preparations for the 2020 Draft.


Unforgettable NFL draft experiences, from Manning to Manziel :: NFL.com

NFL.com’s Judy Battista recounts the tense moments in 2014’s green room as Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel waited for his name to be called. Jerry Jones had wanted him at 16, and, depending on the version of the story, it took son Stephen actually snatching the card out of his father’s hand for the club to select Zack Martin instead.


B/R Staff’s Bold Predictions for 2020 NFL Draft :: Bleacher Report

Everybody likes predictions. But everybody loves bold predictions! Bleacher Report calls their shots: Jordan Love will go before Justin Herbert, Derek Carr will become a draft day trade victim, and wide receiver Tee Higgins will be the steal of the draft.


Bill Gates explains why most sports are going to be gone a lot longer than fans realize :: Insider

This weekend’s draft will be a nice appetizer, but fans may be waiting a while for the main meal when it comes to the NFL season. Microsoft’s co-founder says sporting events will be the last of the societal norms to return due to the high risk of close-range contagion.


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Chiefs pre-draft prospect meeting, interview tracker

Comprehensive list of the Kansas City Chiefs’ interviews and meetings ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Over the course of the final weeks leading up to the draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have engaged in numerous pre-draft virtual meetings. Typically these would be top-30 visits, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, teams have been using video conferences with prospects in order to stay true to social distancing guidelines.

Below you’ll find our trackers for virtual meetings, pre-draft interviews at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, and meetings at all-star games. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we learn of more meetings ahead of the 2020 NFL draft.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Chiefs Wire on Facebook or Twitter.

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Senior Bowl & East-West Shrine Bowl

School Position & Player Game
Florida International  QB James Morgan East-West Shrine Bowl
Buffalo OT Evan Ksiezacyzk East-West Shrine Bowl
Auburn OT Jack Driscoll East-West Shrine Bowl
TCU OG Cordel Iwuagwu East-West Shrine Bowl
Michigan State OG Tyler Higby East-West Shrine Bowl
Rhode Island OG Kyle Murphy East-West Shrine Bowl
Illinois RB Reggie Corbin East-West Shrine Bowl
Western Michigan RB LeVante Bellamy East-West Shrine Bowl
Boise State WR John Hightower East-West Shrine Bowl
Ferris State DE Austin Edwards East-West Shrine Bowl
Illinois LB Dele Harding East-West Shrine Bowl
SMU S Rodney Clemons East-West Shrine Bowl
Washington WR Aaron Fuller Senior Bowl
Florida WR Van Jefferson Senior Bowl
NC State DT Larrell Murchison Senior Bowl

Packers host virtual pre-draft meeting with Alabama OLB Terrell Lewis

The Packers held an official and virtual pre-draft meeting with Alabama edge rusher Terrell Lewis.

The Green Bay Packers continued their extensive scouting of Alabama edge rusher Terrell Lewis with an official pre-draft meeting via virtual means.

Lewis told Peter King of NBC Sports that he’s met over Zoom with the Packers, along with other virtual visits with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.

The Packers also reportedly met with Lewis multiple times at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he hit 37″ in the vertical leap and 10-4 in the broad jump but didn’t run or do any agility testing.

A former five-star recruit, Lewis (6-5, 262) produced 11.5 tackles for losses and 6.5 sacks over 11 games with Alabama in 2019. Pro Football Focus credited him with 48 pressures and 13 run stops over 483 total snaps. He was selected as a second-team All-SEC pick. Significant injuries suffered in both 2017 (elbow) and 2018 (torn ACL) limited Lewis to just four games over the two seasons, complicating his evaluation as a player.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Lewis ranked as the sixth-best edge rusher in the class and a second-round pick, noting his long-term potential to be a game-changing rusher.

From Brugler’s draft guide: “Lewis is still unrefined with his setup and feel as an upfield player, but he is long, rangy and explosive with similar upside as Danielle Hunter when he entered the league, projecting as an impact NFL pass rusher if he reaches his potential and stays healthy.”

It’s conceivable the Packers believe Lewis could fall deep into the second round due to his injury history and want to be as prepared in their knowledge of the prospect as possible. It’s also possible GM Brian Gutekunst really likes the talent and potential and is considering him at the backend of the first round. He signed Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith to four-year deals last March and drafted Rashan Gary in the first round of last year’s draft, but teams can never have enough top-tier pass-rushing talent in today’s NFL.

Lewis had a pressure rate of 19.8 percent in 2019, the third-highest among qualified edge rushers in the draft class, per PFF. He missed the entire 2018 season with a knee injury and then missed another game in 2019 after re-injuring the same knee. Lewis, who turns 22 in August, participated in the Senior Bowl.

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Saints hold pre-draft meetings over FaceTime with several linebacker prospects

The New Orleans Saints had FaceTime meetings with linebacker draft prospects including California’s Evan Weaver and Colorado’s Davion Taylor

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Travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in NFL teams conducting interviews with draft prospects over video chat services such as FaceTime, and the New Orleans Saints are no exception. It’s nobody’s preference, of course; teams typically fly in 30 prospects for tours of their facilities, private workouts, and one-on-one meetings with position coaches and front office staff. But like other teams, the Saints are working to remain innovative, doing what they can to keep this hurdle from slowing them down.

Justin Melo over at Draft Wire reports that the Saints have spoken with two different linebackers recently, including Colorado prospect Davion Taylor and California’s Evan Weaver. Both players have also touched base with other teams, which isn’t unusual. By the end of this process, just about every draft-eligible prospect will have contacted each team in the NFL.

Weaver (6-foot-2, 237 pounds) was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, following a senior season in which he racked up 181 total tackles (103 solo, 11.5 for loss of yards), 2.5 sacks, and forced a pair of fumbles. He has been a big part of the Golden Bears defense throughout his college career but played his best football the last two seasons as a starter. He’s likely to be picked on the final day of the draft but could go late in the third round if a team like the Saints rates him highly.

Taylor (6-foot-0, 228 pounds) is a better athlete than Weaver, thanks to a background in track and field as well as football; it showed up at the combine when he clocked the 40-yard dash in just 4.49 seconds against Weaver’s 4.76 time. But he brings a smaller body of work against top competition, having played just two years at Colorado after transferring from the junior college ranks. He’s projected to be drafted in rounds four through seven on the third day, if at all, and his evaluation largely depends on how well teams think he can bulk up to NFL standards without sacrificing his movement skills.

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