Prospect for the Pack: Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike

Draft profile for Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike, a potential pick for the 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 Washington defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike:

What he can do

– Somewhat undersized (6-2, 290 pounds) defensive tackle prospect that played an odd role at Washington. Not a typical nose tackle type but played plenty of snaps there. Could be a much more productive pro in the right role

– Excellent burst off the ball. Quick-twitch defensive linemen are always in demand

– Really flashed disruptive ability despite not playing an attacking role. Had 31 pressures on under 300 pass-rushing snaps in 2019, per Pro Football Focus

– Probably has untapped potential as an interior pass-rusher. Could be very good on stunts and twists with edge rushers

– Doesn’t lack power despite size. He can reset the line of scrimmage with long arms and jolting hands. Did 29 reps on the bench press with 33″ arms

– Won’t be a block-eater at the next level. He’ll need chances to go one-on-one against interior blockers to be disruptive

– Only had seven sacks and 16 tackles for losses over 39 college games. Makes for a scary projection

– Opted out of the 2020 season and is already 23 years old

How he fits

If the Packers are going to prioritize finding a disruptive defensive lineman and miss out on Christian Barmore, Onwuzurike could be an option. He’s not an ideal fit in a three-man front, but NFL teams operate mostly out of subpackages in today’s game and Onwuzurike probably has untapped potential in an attacking scheme. It’s worth noting that new Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry saw the impact that another undersized but strong and disruptive defensive tackle can have on the game. Onwuzurike isn’t Aaron Donald, but he could fit the type. The Packers have an obvious need along the defensive line, but is Onwuzurike too similar to Kingsley Keke?

NFL comp

Playstyle at the next level might be comparable to Tyrone Crawford, who was an effective interior rusher for many years in Dallas. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes his ceiling could be Sheldon Richardson.

Where Packers could get him

Possibly at No. 29. His range appears to be within the late first round and into the second round. He’s undersized and didn’t have great college production, so a fall deep into the second round is possible.

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Prospect for the Pack: Georgia CB Tyson Campbell

Draft profile for Georgia CB Tyson Campbell, a potential 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 Tyson Campbell:

What he can do

– Looks the part. 6-1, lean, long arms. Add in the speed (4.36) and he’s built to play corner

– True freshman starter for a top program in the SEC. Ended up playing in 33 games (24 starts) over three seasons at Georgia. Experienced against the best

– Not much production in coverage despite heavy workload. Only one interception and 11 pass breakups in 33 games

– Usually displayed good feet, short-area quickness and flexibility on tape but didn’t do well in agility testing. Finished in the 15th percentile for the three-cone and 2nd percentile for short shuttle. Potential red flag. Might drop him down or eliminate him from Packers board

– One of the best tackling cornerbacks in the draft. Could be a very good zone corner at the next level

– Gave up a ton of completions and five touchdown passes over 10 games in 2020

– Injuries were an issue over three collegiate seasons

– Still only 21 years old. He’s very early on his developmental path. Certainly has untapped potential available entering NFL, especially considering physical tools

How he fits

If the Packers are going to play a ton of press coverage (especially opposite Jaire Alexander) in zone schemes under Joe Barry, Campbell could be an excellent fit as a developmental cornerback prospect. He has elite speed and length and the natural movement ability – at least on tape – required to survive on the outside and in the slot at the next level. He is still a work in progress and might not be ready to play a big role early on his NFL career, but his upside is undeniable. He’s very much a projection at this point, but the Packers are bringing back all three starters at cornerback from a year ago and have the time to develop an incredibly talented player like Campbell, who could be ready for a starting role by 2022.

NFL comp

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Campbell to William Jackson II. In terms of size and athleticism, Dee Milliner is a logical comparison. Campbell’s ceiling as a player might be All-Pro Kyle Fuller, who the Packers tried to sign in 2018.

Where Packers could get him

Anywhere from the end of the first round to the end of the second round. His boom-or-bust profile creates a wide range of potential outcomes during the draft. Cornerback is a premium position and all teams are looking for Campbell’s combination of length and speed. It wouldn’t be surprising if he snuck into the first round or fell into the Packers’ range in the second round.

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Prospect for the Pack: Kentucky LB Jamin Davis

Draft profile of Kentucky LB Jamin Davis, a potential 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 Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis:

What he can do

– Stands 6-3, weighs 234 pounds. Fits the mold of a modern NFL linebacker

– Freak athlete. RAS of 9.93. Tested off the charts at his pro day, logging a 4.37 time in the 40 with a 42″ vertical leap and 132″ broad jump

– Speed is elite for a 234-pound inside linebacker prospect

– Instinctive and aware despite starting only 11 games

– Incredible production during 2020 season. Collected 102 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions (one TD return), one forced fumble and one blocked field goal in just 10 games. Stuffed the stat sheet

– Length is impressive. Nearly 80″ wingspan. Creates huge tackle radius. Length also helps disrupt passing lanes

– Three-down player. Was consistently trusted in coverage during 2020 season. Played mostly zone coverage at Kentucky. Able to read and react, with a good feel for routes developing in his area and closing burst to go get guys down after the catch

– Physical and plays hard always. Knows how to slip blocks and shoot gaps

– Earned an elite run defense grade from Pro Football Focus during 2020 season. Also rarely missed tackles

– Intercepted five passes during college career

– Late bloomer. Redshirted in 2017 and started only one game in 2018-19

How he fits

The Packers haven’t had a dynamic, game-changing inside linebacker in years. Davis, with his combination of size, elite athleticism and disruptive ability against the run and pass, could be that kind of player at the next level. He may need some time before he’s ready to play every down but his ceiling is high. His traits mirror those of the NFL’s elite at the position. Davis, Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes could create a strong trio of inside linebackers, with Davis providing the three-down player and the impressive sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability every great defense needs in the middle. In Joe Barry’s defense, Davis could play the Cory Littleton role.

NFL comp

It’s tough to find an accurate comparison to a player like Davis, who has incredible athleticism and length but little starting experience. It’s very tempting to look at the size similarities with a Pro Bowl linebacker like Darius Leonard of the Colts, but Davis is more athletic and less experienced. In time, Davis could have a Leonard-like impact. He’s a boom or bust prospect.

Where Packers could get him

Davis has been rising throughout the draft process, making him a likely first-rounder. It’s possible, with only 11 career starts, that he could slide into the second round, but many view him as a top-30 player. The Packers could possibly move up or down slightly or even stay at No. 29 and get Davis.

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Prospect for the Pack: Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips

Draft profile of Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, a potential pick for the 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 Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips:

What he can do

– Rushes the passer at a very high level. Probably has the widest array of pass-rush moves in the 2021 draft class. Uses an assortment of clubs, swims, rips, spins, swipes and chops to soften rush angles and give himself unimpeded paths to the quarterback. Has some feel for when to deploy counters. Converts speed to power very well. Can overwhelm offensive linemen with bull rush. Bends the edge at pretty tight angles and shows good first-step quickness

– Very good athlete. Ran a 4.56 40-yard dash, posted a 36″ vertical and 10’5″ broad jump, as well as a 7.01 3-cone and 4.13 short shuttle at Miami’s Pro Day. Scored a 9.87 RAS out of a possible 10

– Has the size (6-6, 260 lbs.), length (33 1/4″ arms”), strength and athleticism to play 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end. May also be able to provide limited snaps as an interior pass rusher

– Motor always runs hot. Will chase quarterbacks out of the pocket and pursue ball-carriers down the field

– Has some playmaking ability against the run. Uses quickness to knife through gaps and collect tackles for loss. Has the ability to set a firm edge. Flashes stack-and-shed ability

– Run defense is somewhat inconsistent. Gets too far up the field, loses gap integrity and allows explosive plays on the ground at times. Will get washed out of gaps due to high pad level on occasion

– Was forced to medically retire by UCLA in 2018 after three concussions. Also had two sprained ankles and a wrist injury that required two surgeries during his time with the Bruins

How he fits

The addition of Phillips would give the Packers a tremendous rotation of edge rushers. It would also ensure their depth in the future if Preston Smith is cut for cap relief in 2022 and/or Za’Darius Smith is not re-signed after 2022.

In 2021, Phillips would help keep Za’Darius Smith and Rashan Gary well-rested while maintaining the effectiveness of the Packers’ pass rush when either player comes off the field. In the long term, he could be a cheap replacement for Za’Darius Smith. In the short term, he’ll be a terrific top reserve and he might even push Gary for a starting job if he can stay healthy.

NFL comp

Phillips reminds me of Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat with his frame, power, quickness off the line and understanding of how to use his length. Phillips is not as strong against the run as Sweat was coming out of Mississippi State, but he has better bend and a more diverse collection of pass-rush moves.

Where Packers could get him

If the Packers want Phillips, they’d most likely have to take him at pick No. 29. Pass rushers as talented as he is don’t last long, even with the durability concerns he has. It’s possible Phillips will be gone by the time the Packers pick in the first round. It’s also possible that he slides into the early part of Round 2. The durability concerns make his draft stock difficult to gauge.

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Prospect for the Pack: Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari

Draft profile for Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, a potential pick for the 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 edge rusher Azeez Ojulari:

What he can do

– Led SEC with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 stops for lost yardage in 2020. Also totaled 35 pressures

– Well-built upper body accompanied by long arms, which helps make up for height disadvantage

– High-motor athlete with fast-twitch movements and change of direction capability

– Super quick first step and very good upfield burst to threaten offensive tackles vertically. Ran a 4.63 forty at his pro day

– Solid bend to create a nice arc in his rush

– Still needs work developing his plan as a pass rusher but will enter the NFL with a solid arsenal of pass rush moves to disengage and create pressures

– Effective hand technique to control blockers. Quick to separate

– Understands how to maximize leverage while out on the edge. Plays with good play strength at the point of attack and understands how to use his length to his advantage

– As a run defender, he does a nice job chasing from the backside. Made a handful of athletic tackles while taking on blocks. Has the necessary range to chase down ball carriers

– Can drop into coverage if needed. Took reps covering running backs and tight ends in college

How he fits

Ojulari has the potential to be an immediate starter. He’s a good athlete and can make plays against the run and pass. He fits best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, where he can focus on setting the edge and rushing the passer. Ojulari is a coach’s dream in that he is a team player and willing to work hard and learn. As far as the Packers, he would benefit tremendously from playing behind Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. Ojulari needs some coaching to hone his technique, but the necessary tools are already there. Look no further than his explosiveness, athleticism, and strength. With some good coaching, he could be a really good NFL player. With Preston Smith probably heading into his last year, Green Bay needs to think about the future of the position. Rashaan Gary is vying to be the starter once he leaves, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another edge rusher in this year’s draft. Ojulari could potentially follow a similar path to the one Gary took and one day be a starter.

NFL comp

Ojulari gives off some Takkarist Mckinley vibes. Mckinley was the 26th overall pick in 2017, and he had three solid seasons in Atlanta before a rocky year in 2020. Both are around 6-2 in height but have long arms. Like Ojulari, Mckinley was a well-rounded prospect in terms of athleticism. McKinley is versatile in that he can play the run and also impact the quarterback. Ojulari will hopefully have an easier time transitioning to the next level, but the similarities in size, length, and play style are comparable to Mckinley.

Where the Packers could get him

Late first round would be good value. Some analysts view Ojulari as a first-round talent, while others see him slipping into the late 30s or early 40s in the second. If Green Bay trades out of the first and Ojulari is there early in the second, it’s hard to argue against Ojulari. Rushing the passer is extremely valuable, and he projects to do it at a high level. Of course, the Packers have other needs they may want to address before selecting an edge rusher.

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Prospect for the Pack: Stanford CB Paulson Adebo

Draft profile for Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo, a potential 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 Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo:

What he can do

– Production jumps off the page. Intercepted eight passes and broke up 26 others in just 22 games over two seasons

– The way he fights for the ball in the air must drive receivers crazy. So competitive at the catch point. Pass-catchers better have strong hands when he’s near

– Tested like an elite athlete. Ran 4.4 with explosive jumps and quick agility times. RAS of 9.74

– Length is a plus. Stands 6-1 with a wingspan of nearly 77 inches. Also hit 36.5″ in the vertical

– Finished an insane one-handed interception in the end zone vs. Cal. Makes quarterbacks pay for mistakes with really good hands. Huge hands (10″)

– Elite three-cone time of 6.69 seconds suggests terrific good feet and short-area quickness

– Aggressive, playmaking mentality. Really trusts himself and what he’s seeing. Can be tricked but play style creates big plays

– Length and quickness could make him a really good press corner at the next level. Instincts and read-and-react ability could make him a really good zone corner, too

– NFL coaches will want better tackling and less gambling. Somewhat of a boom or bust player against run and pass

– Opted out of 2020 season. Still only 21 years old

How he fits

Size, athleticism and ball skills. Adebo won’t be for every style of NFL defense, but every defensive coordinator will want his combination of attributes and potential. It’s easy to envision Adebo as the eventual Kevin King replacement as the perimeter cornerback opposite Jaire Alexander. He appears capable – with the right development, of course – of operating as a press and zone corner. The Packers often fall in love with players like Adebo. He’s young, super athletic and plays a premium position.

NFL comp

His absolute ceiling might be Stephon Gilmore. It’s just hard to find corners with his combination of length, foot quickness and ability to make plays on the football. Worst case scenario is he’s too similar to Josh Jackson and the ball skills struggle to translate to the next level. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Adebo to Sean Murphy-Bunting of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Where Packers could get him

His range appears to be nearly impossible to predict. Some believe he could be a late first-round pick. Others aren’t sure if he’s even in the top 100. The Packers might fall in love with his potential in the scheme and pick him at 29. They might also get a chance to take him on Day 2. A boom or bust player has a huge range of outcomes available during the draft.

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Prospect for the Pack: Oklahoma C Creed Humphrey

The draft profile of Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey, a potential 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 Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey:

What he can do

– Very reliable pass blocker. Allowed zero sacks, had a 0.3% blown pass-block rate and was only charged with two holding penalties in 2020, per Sports Info Solutions. Over his three-year career (and 37 starts), allowed 28 pressures and zero sacks on 1,297 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus

– Displays good awareness and football IQ. Quickly identifies threats to his quarterback and reacts accordingly. Will pass off twists and stunts when needed. Consistently keys on the “most dangerous man” and communicates post-snap protection adjustments to his guards. Looks for work when he’s uncovered

– Really good at walling off defenders and sealing run lanes. Smooth athlete in space and quick for his size. Has no trouble getting to second-level blocks early. Not really a people mover in the run game; wins primarily with body positioning, blocking angles, leverage and hand placement

– Shows great competitive toughness. Battles through every rep and shakes off mistakes quickly. Finishes blocks through the whistle

– Has the flexibility, balance and lower-body strength to recover/re-anchor when defenders get into his chest and create pushback

– Elite athlete. Scored a perfect 10 RAS and ranks No. 1 out of 494 center prospects since 1987 with his ridiculous pro day testing numbers (29 bench reps, 33″ vertical, 9’4″ broad jump, 5.11 40-yard dash, 4.49 shuttle and 7.5 3-cone at 6-4, 302 lbs.)

– Solid technician. Plays with a wide base and good balance in pass protection. Keeps feet active. Rarely lunges. Works to refit hands if initial punch doesn’t land cleanly. Could play with a little more knee bend at times and keep hand position tighter for better grip strength

– Has three years of starting experience

– Two-year team captain

– Allows power rushers to get underneath him and collapse the pocket a little bit from time to time. Struggled somewhat with bull rush from former Baylor nose tackle Bravvion Roy in the 2019 Pac-12 Championship Game

– Arm length (32 1/4″) could be a minor concern for teams when projecting his performance against longer-limbed interior defensive linemen, but remember this: the Packers just watched Corey Linsley play at an All-Pro level with 32″ arms

How he fits

If the Packers aren’t satisfied with some combination of Jon Runyan Jr., Simon Stepaniak and Lucas Patrick at center and right guard, they may feel inclined to draft an interior offensive lineman early. Humphrey could be an ideal Corey Linsley replacement at center, and he’d be a great fit for Matt LaFleur’s wide-zone run scheme with his ability to pull and get to the second level.

NFL comp

In terms of play style, he reminds me a little bit of Ryan Kalil, the former Carolina Panthers All-Pro center. Humphrey is two inches taller than the five-time Pro Bowler but has similar athleticism and a comparable skill set. Both players display a high football IQ, are good pass blockers and rely more on positioning and technique than pure power to execute their blocks in the run game.

Where Packers could get him

Probably pick No. 29, although they may be able to trade down and still select him. With the injury history of Alabama center Landon Dickerson taken into account, Humphrey could be the second interior offensive lineman off the board after USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker. At a minimum, it sounds like he’ll be a top-50 pick.

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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: Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr.

Draft profile of Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham, a potential pick for the 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 Wake Forest edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr.:

What he can do

– Great motor combined with elite physical skills created consistent production. Tallied 35.5 tackles for losses, 20.5 sacks, eight pass breakups and four forced fumbles over 33 career starts. Almost 150 total pressures over final three seasons

– Freaky athlete. Landed at No. 2 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks list.” Big, explosive and strong. RAS of 9.39.

– Experience standing up and rushing, and can slide inside and rush from the interior. Will be versatile in rush alignments

– Has quick feet and a bigger catalog of finesse moves than you’d expect from a rusher his size. Za’Darius Smith-like

– Swim move can be devastating

– Players with his combination of effort, power and athleticism don’t usually bust. High floor prospect

– Strength shows up when setting the edge. Not easy to move

– Can scrape down the line and make run stops. Had an impressive tackle while working across the formation on A.J. Dillon in 2019

– Tons of second-effort rushes after being initially stopped. Offensive tackles never get a break

– Good at finding the ball and disrupting the quick passing game. Shows awareness here

– Lacks bend and probably won’t be a corner-turner as a pure speed rusher at the next level, but he can find quick ways to the quarterback. Will win early in reps with variety of inside moves

How he fits

Basham looks like a prototypical Packers edge rusher. Big and athletic. In fact, one of his best athletic comparisons is Rashan Gary. Basham cut weight and aced all the pre-draft testing. The Packers have Gary, Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith returning as the top three edge rushers in 2021, but Preston Smith isn’t likely to be on the roster in 2022, creating future need at a premium position. Giving Basham to outside linebackers coach Mike Smith could help him unlock his full potential as a rusher. His scheme versatility and ability to rush from the inside make him an ideal fit in Green Bay.

NFL comp

Shaq Lawson or Rashan Gary. Basham’s effort level and physical traits compare favorably to both. Lawson and Gary were first-round picks, and both players started their NFL careers slowly but have emerged as quality edge rushers. When fully developed, Basham’s usage could be Michael Bennett-like.

Where Packers could get him

Most likely late in the first round. There isn’t much of a consensus on Basham as a prospect, with a wide range of potential outcomes. The second round is possible, but big, super-athletic pass-rushers with his history of production don’t usually last too long. Basham is an option for the Packers at No. 29.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlCfx41AF4w

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Prospect for the Pack: TCU DB Trevon Moehrig

Draft profile for TCU defensive back Trevon Moehrig, a potential 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 TCU defensive back Trevon Moehrig:

What he can do

– Magnet to the football. Broke up 26 passes over his final two seasons. Finished college career with seven interceptions. His forced incompletion rate was among the best in the class, per Pro Football Focus

– Tremendous versatility as a defensive back. Played snaps deep, in the box and in the slot during all three of his seasons at TCU. Ideal NFL safety in terms of potential usage

– Eliminates the quick screen game. Instincts and tackling ability shine through here. Reads and reacts quickly to fire upfield, beat blocks and make stops in the open field. Strong open-field tackler

– So good tracking the ball down the field. This is such an underrated trait for a deep safety. Defensive backs have to be able to make a seamless transition from covering to finding the football in the air

– Tons of experience covering the slot. A little like Darnell Savage in this way. He’s going to step on the field as a rookie and be able to cover from a variety of alignments

– Embraces the physical demands of the position. Always arrives in a bad mood. Not the biggest safety but he craves contact

– Doesn’t have explosive straight-line speed but instincts, anticipation and playmaking ability allow him to play fast. Good mix of athleticism and processing power

– Would love to know his three-cone time. Short-area explosiveness looks like an asset. Smooth transitions when changing direction and some first-step burst

– Could be an impact special teams player early in career

– Still only 21 years old

How he fits

A better question: How doesn’t he fit? The Packers have two quality players at the position, but Moehrig would provide the ideal third safety to pair with Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos. In fact, he could be a game-changing player as the “star” corner or dime linebacker, two important roles within the Packers defense. His ability to cover and play deep could also open up more options for both Savage (in the slot) and Amos (in the box) within the scheme. The idea here is he wouldn’t be hard to get on the field, even as a rookie. His college tape shows a player capable of shutting down the quick passing game and the vertical passing game, providing huge value in today’s game. And he’s a four-down player who would immediately improve the special teams. Few players in the class could provide as much immediate and wide-ranging impact in Green Bay as Moehrig.

NFL comp

Tyrann Mathieu. At least in terms of playstyle. Both are so incredibly versatile and valuable in today’s NFL. They can play deep. They can cover from the slot. They can play the run. They create turnovers. Disruptive and versatile – that’s Mathieu, and that’s also Moehrig.

Where Packers could get him

In the first round. He’s the best safety in the draft and one of the most versatile defenders in the class. Moehrig could be available at No. 29 overall, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he came off the board before the Packers are on the clock. A trade-up to get him might be required, but he’s probably worth it.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0dVVlfweTI

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