Prospect for the Pack – Page 2

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

Draft profile for Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, 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 Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah:

What he can do

– Highly-coveted athlete who played running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety in high school

– Linebacker in a safety’s body. Comfortable playing a variety of roles. Plays fast and physical and is quick to find the ball

– Able to play all three downs. Rangy, sideline to sideline linebacker who prefers to play downhill against the run. Quick to track the hip of a ball carrier from the backside of the play

– Can also drop back and be an efficient coverage linebacker

– In the run game, beats blockers to the point of attack using play speed to make plays on the ball carrier

– Moves with great fluidity. Has an explosive first step and is quick to change directions

– Has the ability to play in the slot against tight ends, running backs, and big slots. Super-versatile skill set and coverage ability allow him to be a dynamic chess piece

– Effective blitzer thanks to a high-end motor and ability to duck through blocks

– Solid tackling ability thanks to his ability to wrap up and implement his elite closing speed.

– Hard hitter. Looks to punish the person with the ball and doesn’t slow down when contact is imminent

– Good ball skills with seven pass defenses, five forced fumbles, and an interception in two seasons. Also recovered four fumbles and scored a defensive touchdown after recovering a fumble against Clemson last season

How he fits

Owusu-Koramoah may not be a full-time linebacker in the NFL. He struggles to take on blocks head-on, and his mental processing skills need to be sharpened. However, that isn’t going to stop him from getting on the field right away. He has all the traits to be a gifted WILL linebacker and box safety. Accompanied by Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin, Owusu-Koramoah provides a ton of flexibility for Green Bay at linebacker. Imagine a Raven Greene type but as an undisputed first-round talent. He is super effective when he is free to chase down ball carriers, and he is more than capable of holding his own in coverage. He’s basically the 2021 version of Derwin James, who Packers fans were enamored with in 2018. Owusu-Koramoah may not get you 140 tackles in a season, but he is going to be a consistent player that is always flying around and trying to make plays on the ball.

NFL comp

He is very similar to James but also unpredictable, like Isaiah Simmons. Is Owusu-Koramoah a linebacker or safety? That is a question whichever team that drafts him is going to have to figure out. James has battled injuries during his first few seasons, but he offers the same type of versatility you can find in Owusu-Koramoah. You can blitz him, play him in the slot, or line him up in the box, and he is going to have success.

Where Packers could get him

It would have to be in the first, and it may require a trade-up. Owusu-Koramoah is one of the most talented players in the draft and has the physical ability to transform a defense. If he somehow falls into the 20s, maybe Brian Gutekunst makes a call to get one of the best defensive players in the draft.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n96LYAb7oJ4

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Prospect for the Pack: Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai

Draft profile for Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai, 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 Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai:

What he can do

– Never stops. Relentless. When you think of “high motor,” think of Joseph Ossai. Made so many plays as a result of intensity and pure energy. Traits translates easily to the next level

– Big-time disruptive production. Created 165 tackles, 30.5 tackles for losses, 11 sacks and five forced fumbles despite starting only 24 games. Always around the ball or hunting the ball

– A little undersized for the edge. Only 6-3 and weighs under 260 pounds. Long arms help negate some size issues

– Elite numbers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. Another high RAS player

– Experience playing off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. And might be able to rush standing or with hand on the ground at the next level. Versatile

– Still developing as an edge rusher but has displayed a varied plan of attack with several effective counters. Also productive when used on twists and stunts

– Attacks the ball when arriving at the quarterback. Always swiping at the ball or attacking the arms and hands of the passer, creating turnovers

– Could become even more dangerous once he learns to better time the snap and explode off the ball consistently. Testing numbers suggest an opportunity to be more explosive. May get much better in this department as he gets more comfortable playing on the edge

– Made two game-ending sacks late in the fourth quarter of wins

– Made an incredible play against Oklahoma, chasing down the running back from behind and swiping the ball loose, turning a big play for the opposition into a turnover

– Team captain as a senior

How he fits

Athleticism and elite effort in an edge rusher can fit any team or defense, and the two traits create a high floor and potentially high ceiling for Ossai at the next level. This is a guy coaches will be banging the table for in the draft room. While the Packers are going into 2021 with three veteran edge rushers, Preston Smith is probably about to play his last season in Green Bay and Za’Darius Smith’s contract situation now requires what could be a tricky extension after next season. As always, a team can never have enough quality edge rushers, and Ossai is different stylistically than what the Packers have currently. His motor and relentless pursuit of the football could make him a valuable rotational player as he develops early in his career. A future edge group with Ossai, Rashan Gary and Za’Darius Smith could be a nightmare to both block and keep blocked.

NFL comp

The Clay Matthews comparison is often overused. He was a rare find. But Ossai is clearly cut from the same cloth as a football player. There’s just a relentlessness about how they play the game and pursue the ball. Combining athleticism and instincts with a non-stop hunting mindset turned Matthews into a force. Ossai isn’t a carbon copy of Matthews, but his ceiling is similar if everything comes together.

Where Packers could get him

Anywhere between late in the first round to late in the second round. Opinions vary on Ossai, but he is generally viewed as a top-50 player in the class. It wouldn’t be surprising if he went higher than expected. It also wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still around as the Packers’ pick in the second round approaches.

Highlights

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

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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.

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

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Prospect for the Pack: Alabama OL Alex Leatherwood

Draft profile of Alabama offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, a potential draft 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 Alabama offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood:

What he can do

– Started 41 games for Alabama. Split time between left tackle and right guard. Positional versatility is a plus. Can probably play four of the five offensive line positions

– Really looks the part. Carries his weight well. Big, powerful lineman with strong arms and a thick base

– Many have him pegged for guard in the NFL, but athletic testing was elite and suggests a real chance for him to play at a high level at either left or right tackle. Right tackle could be a terrific long-term spot

– Length is a real asset. Wingspan of nearly 85″

– Could be a game-changing run blocker at right tackle. Showed dominant flashes at the point of attack

– Correcting some subtle technique issues could unlock potential as a pass-blocker

– Looks really comfortable in staple zone scheme concepts. Should be good on the move

– Quick feet, but quicker rushers could still give him issues at the next level

– Will be tough to bull-rush even by NFL rushers

– Was penalized at too high of a rate throughout college career

– Durable, starting 41 straight games

How he fits

Leatherwood could be a long-term starter at either guard or tackle, two spots that might need help in Green Bay in 2021 and beyond. It’s possible Leatherwood could be a Day 1 starter at right guard – assuming Lucas Patrick moves to center – and help keep the offensive line mostly intact. He could also play right tackle, freeing Billy Turner to play all over the line. And his experience at the position presents an opportunity to play left tackle should David Bakhtiari miss time to start the season. Offensive tackle is the premium position, but the Packers saw firsthand the power of versatility among the starting five offensive linemen last season. Leatherwood would provide even more value in this area. At the very least, Leatherwood deserves a chance to play offensive tackle at the next level before considering a move inside.

NFL comp

Billy Turner isn’t a terrible comparison. Like Turner, Leatherwood can play all over the offensive line, with experience at left tackle, the movement skills to survive on the edges and also the strength to be a positive factor on the inside. Leatherwood has longer arms and a higher upside, especially at guard.

Where Packers could get him

Likely in the 25-40 range, with some wiggle room for trading up and down. Not everyone is convinced Leatherwood will be a first-round pick, but he’s a top-40 for most. Athletic offensive tackle prospects with three years of starting experience in the SEC usually don’t last too long.

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Prospect for the Pack: Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg

Draft profile for Notre Dame OL Liam Eichenberg, a potential draft 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 Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg:

What he can do

– Well-proportioned frame and ideal thickness with elite strength. Logged 33 reps on the bench press at his pro day

– NFL ready after being a three-year starter at left tackle in college

– Good athlete with a RAS score of 8.53. Tested well in agility and explosiveness

– Elite run blocker that can open gaps. Quick to fire off the ball and win at the point of attack. Amble play strength to push guys around in the run game and also has the necessary athleticism to block on the move and climb to the second level.

– Didn’t allow a single sack in 2019 and 2020 despite lack of arm length

– Can play left or right tackle and possibly guard at the next level

– Technical in his pass sets. Gets proper depth and is always square in pass protection. Also uses consistent hand placement to control power rushers.

– Solid kick slide to take away angles on the edge

– Good awareness to recognize and pick up blitzes

How he fits

Eichenberg is a possible Day 1 starter at right tackle. Billy Turner would then be able to slide into his most natural position at right guard. If Eichenberg doesn’t have what it takes to secure the edge, a move to guard might be beneficial. He’s versatile in that aspect and would be a good run and pass blocker on the interior. In Elgton Jenkins, Lucas Patrick, Turner, and Eichenberg, the Packers would have four quality starters who can play multiple positions. Eichenberg offers the team a long-term solution at the right tackle spot and would make moving on from Turner in the near future an easier decision.

NFL comp

A more athletic Mike Remmers. Both have very similar builds, including short arms. Like Eichenberg, Remmers was a starting left tackle in college. Remmers has mostly played right tackle in the NFL but has also taken snaps on the left side and at guard. Last year, Remmers started 10 games at right tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and earned an overall grade of 70.1, according to Pro Football Focus. In nine NFL seasons, Remmers has played in 92 games with 88 starts. He’s not a perennial Pro Bowler, however, he is a super reliable tackle who has started for four different franchises.

Where Packers could get him

Eichenberg is a borderline first-round talent so picking him at 29 makes sense. He has a very high floor, making him one of the safest offensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft. Green Bay would be getting a Day 1 starter that could offer some versatility and also be a consistent and reliable player. Eichenberg has a bright future ahead as a long-term NFL starter.

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Prospect for the Pack: Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore

Draft profile for Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore, a potential draft 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 Ole Miss receiver Elijah Moore:

What he can do

– Wins with explosive movement ability from a variety of alignments. Certainly not just a slot player. Think Tyler Lockett-like versatility

– Size is a concern. Only 5-9, 178. Won’t hit Packers thresholds, but plays much bigger. Size probably won’t limit his role as a receiver

– Catches just about everything. Teams are going to love his hands and toughness. Made difficult catches down the field despite size and made a ton of plays in the middle of the field in traffic

– Surprisingly good at making contested catches. Again, size shouldn’t define him as a pass-catcher

– Ole Miss found all the ways to get the ball in his hands. Teams like the Packers should do the same at the next level. Experienced with jet sweeps, touch passes, screens, quick throws. Can handle the gadget role

– Tape is filled with moments of excellence within scheme concepts that will translate easily to Green Bay’s offense

– Physical part of the game won’t intimidate him or change him as a player. Fearless receiver. May need to avoid more contact at the next level to avoid injury

– Terrific testing numbers. Explosiveness and straight-line speed all backed by the measurements. Elite athlete

– Tracks the ball well down the field. Uses late hands to trick defenders

– Caught 11 passes vs. Alabama and ended up breaking school record for total catches in a season in 2020

– Experience returning punts and kicks

– Still only 21 years old

How he fits

Of all the slot or gadget type receivers in this draft class, Moore might be the best fit. Not only can he handle all the duties of a Tyler Ervin type in Matt LaFleur’s offense, but he won’t be pigeonholed as a slot only. His potential for production while playing any receiver spot on the field enhances his overall value greatly. Moore lacks size and won’t fit the Packers usual tendencies at wide receiver, but his unique profile can’t be ignored. His transition into the Packers offense would be an easy one, especially based on his usage at Ole Miss. He could fill holes on the roster in the slot and on special teams, giving him Randall Cobb-like impact potential for the Packers early in his career.

NFL comp

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Moore to Antonio Brown, the ultimate compliment for a receiver his size. Tyler Lockett is an easy comparison given the size similarities and expected usage at the next level. Moore’s skill level entering the NFL is high.

Where Packers could get him

Getting Moore might require a first-round pick. Trading back into the second round or up from No. 62 might also put him in Green Bay’s range. Keep in mind: Lockett went 69th overall in 2015, and Cobb went 64th in 2011. The Packers getting Moore at No. 62 would be a tremendous value.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRr4yBqyFnI

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Prospect for the Pack: Tulsa LB Zaven Collins

Draft profile of Tulsa LB Zaven Collins, a potential draft 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 Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins:

What he can do

– Exceptional size for his position. Stands at a legit 6-4 and carries 260 pounds very well. Great build with long arms and torso with ideal muscle mass

– Former high school quarterback with good awareness and understanding of offensive tendencies

– Really quick to fly to the ball. Has sideline to sideline range and explosive movements firing off the ball

– As a run defender, beats blockers to the point of attack with his supreme play speed

– Good tackler thanks to his ability to take effective angles and prowess to secure and bring down ball carriers. Has an impressive motor to make second effort tackles

– Super comfortable dropping into coverage. Gets good depth and has a good feel for routes developing behind him. Is able to get in good position to take away passing lanes

– Above-average playmaker showcased by four interceptions last season, including two returned for touchdowns

– Also forced two fumbles in 2020

– Effective pass rusher that can occasionally play on the edge take on a tackle by implementing a speed rush. More times than not will have a positive impact affecting the quarterback. Finished with 7.5 sacks in three seasons

– Decent blitzer. Uses burst and timing to beat offensive linemen off the snap and disrupt plays

How he fits

Early on, it would be best to implement Collins as a WILL linebacker. This would allow him to showcase his downfield burst and tracking ability while bringing down ball carriers from the backside of plays. Both Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin are better suited as MIKE linebackers. Having Collins on cleanup duty is an ideal role for him, and he can also fill in on obvious passing downs. The Packers could line him up on the edge and kick Za’Darius Smith inside if they wanted. Collins would provide a nice change of pace as a pass rusher and may find some success there. Eventually, Collins could become a full-time linebacker at the MIKE position if he gets better at using his hands and length to take stack and shed blocks.

NFL comp

Former NFL linebacker Karlos Dansby. Dansby was a very successful linebacker for four different NFL franchises, including the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals. He played 14 seasons and finished with 1,417 tackles, 43 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, and 20 interceptions. Like Dansby, Collins projects to be a do-it-all linebacker, who can remain effective in a variety of roles.

Where Packers could get him

Collins is a first-round talent, but he’s not the most NFL-ready inside linebacker coming out. Teams have more pressing needs, which could allow him to fall into Green Bay’s lap at No. 29. The back end of the first round feels like good value for his skill set, but the Packers could try to trade back into the 30s and still select him. However, that’s a risky call because you risk not getting your guy. Green Bay could do worse things with their 29th pick than selecting Collins. He has a chance to be a dynamic chess piece and a transcendent talent for years to come.

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Prospect for the Pack: Florida WR Kadarius Toney

Draft profile for Florida WR Kadarius Toney, 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 receiver Kadarius Toney:

What he can do

– Stands 6-0, weighs 193 pounds. Possesses a special burst. His elite acceleration and change of direction is on display every time he touches the ball

– YAC monster. Get the ball in his hands and watch him go to work. Forced 20 missed tackles in 2020 (fifth in FBS), per Pro Football Focus

– Shows good vision in the open field after the catch

– More of a gadget player playing the receiver position at this point. Still has room to improve as a route runner, but is nearly impossible to guard on short-area routes due to his start/stop quickness

– Not much of a downfield threat. Caught 19 screen passes and had an average depth of target of just 7.7 yards (320th)

– Has reliable hands. Only dropped two passes on 84 targets last season

– 505 of his 613 offensive snaps last season came while deployed from the slot. Ranked sixth in the FBS with 784 receiving yards from the slot

– Can be used on jet sweeps and end-arounds. Logged 47 rushing attempts for 419 yards in his four years at Florida

– Took over as the team’s first choice at punt and kick returner last season. Returned a 50-yard punt for a touchdown against Kentucky

– Has a history of injuries and was suspended for one game by Florida for conduct detrimental in 2018

– Pro day metrics: 4.41 40-yard dash, nine bench reps, 6.88 3-cone drill, 40″ vertical, 136″ broad jump (99th percentile)

How he fits

The Packers could kill two birds with one stone with by selecting Toney. He’d slide right in as the team’s first choice at punt returner, a position the team has struggled to get right in recent years. On offense, Toney figures to play the majority of snaps from the slot. He would fit in nicely as the motion man with LaFleur’s use of pre-snap motion. The Packers lack of a receiver capable of getting consistent yards after the catch. Toney is that guy.

NFL comp

A player that immediately comes to mind is former Vikings and Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin. They have similar body types (Harvin measured in at 5-11, 192 pounds at the 2009 NFL Combine) and athletic traits. Harvin was a gadget player for most of his career but was a threat to break loose on any given play, much like Toney.

Where Packers could get him

In the first round, likely with the No. 29 overall selection. There’s probably not a scenario where the Packers could land him with pick No. 62 in the second round. Toney’s athletic profile alone warrants a top-32 pick.

Highlights

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

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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

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Prospect for the Pack: Oregon S Jevon Holland

Draft profile for Oregon defensive back Jevon Holland, a potential draft 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 Oregon defensive back Jevon Holland:

What he can do

– Chess piece in the secondary. Has experience playing single-high, two-deep and in the slot. Tons of experience covering man-to-man down near the line of scrimmage. Versatility will be a huge asset

– Made so many plays on the football. Nine interceptions and 19 pass breakups in just 27 games. Takes a high level of instincts, coverage ability and natural ball skills to always be in a position to make plays on throws, especially from multiple alignments

– Can return punts and played a bunch on special teams. Will be a four-down NFL player. Could be an impact returner

– Tested like an elite athlete at his size and position. RAS of 9.47 at 207 pounds. Alleviated some of the concerns about his long speed. Explosive in the jumps. Packers-type of athlete

– A little undersized to play in the box but was never overwhelmed against the run. Highly competitive player. Doesn’t shy away from contact. Toughness is a plus. Suggests ability to operate in dime linebacker role at the next level

– Looks very consistent as a player overall. Made a ton of plays but didn’t have big lows

– Opted out of 2020 season

– Worry with versatility is that he won’t be great at any one position. May need a focused role early on before he’s ready to play all over defense

How he fits

The Packers might have the best safety tandem in football, but Holland is still a tremendous fit, especially if new defensive coordinator Joe Barry wants to move Darnell Savage around to maximize his potential. Holland, like Savage, is entering the NFL with experience playing at a high level from multiple alignments. In a way, Savage and Holland could be interchangeable between deep safety and the “star,” a slot defender role. Holland’s versatility could even open up more opportunities for Adrian Amos to play down near the line, possibly as the dime linebacker. The Packers played a ton of snaps with three safeties on the field during Mike Pettine’s run as coordinator. This isn’t expected to change under Barry. Every modern NFL defense needs three capable safeties. Holland would represent a massive upgrade over what the Packers currently have on the roster behind Savage and Amos.

NFL comp

Texans safety Justin Reid. This comp comes from Jordan Reid of The Draft Network, and it’s nearly perfect. Almost identical as athletes and played similar roles in college. Versatile in position and equally effective against the run and pass, Reid has been a solid member of the Texans secondary the past three seasons.

Where Packers could get him

Holland could be an option late in the first round if the Packers really love his instincts and potential in the secondary. Athletic and versatile defensive backs are always coveted. It’s possible the Packers could trade down or back into the early second round and still get him. Holland is viewed by many as a top-50 player. For reference’s sake, consider that Alabama safety and nickelback Xavier McKinley went No. 36 to the Giants last year.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6dYRlXPMhs

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