Tag: seventh round

Green Bay Packers 2024 seventh-round pick: CB Kalen King

The Packers selected Penn State cornerback Kalen King in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected cornerback Kalen King in the seventh round (No. 255 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 190
Age: 21
From: Detroit, MI

College profile

Breakdown: Considered a potential first-round pick after a dominant 2022 season in which he produced 21 passes defensed (led Big Ten, third in NCAA) and three picks, but he regressed in 2023 and didn’t test well pre-draft. Two-time All-Big Ten, and an All-American in 2022. Played snaps as a true freshman. The Packers will attempt to get him back on track as a rookie. The 21-year-old will face veteran competition for a roster spot at cornerback.

Dane Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter, King was an outside cornerback in former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s split-coverage scheme. He put himself on the NFL radar with a standout 2022 season (No. 3 in the FBS with 21 passes defended) and looked like a future first-round pick. However, cornerback is a volatile position, and King’s 2023 tape exemplified that. He managed just two passes defended in his final college season (although, h e saw fewer targets) and struggled against the top opponents on his schedule, most notably in a tough matchup again Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Growing up with a twin who shared the same passion for football meant King had a lifelong competitor, which helped develop his tenacity and toughness. Though he is a springy athlete, his twitch can be negated by below-average long speed and underdeveloped route anticipation versus savvy receivers. Overall, King is a fluid athlete with the aggressive play personality desired for the position, but his inconsistent tackling, coverage spacing and feel for when to take chances will continue to result in volatility in his game. He is viewed as a possible safety candidate by several NFL teams.”

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report: “King’s 2022 performance was significantly better than what he put on tape in 2023, but it might not be enough to sway some evaluators. King was consistently rocked out of position by route breaks over the first two levels and didn’t find the ball frequently enough with his back to the passer on deep shots. He doesn’t have the fluidity to just mirror and match routes, so he’ll need to get back to playing more physically from press to slow down route momentum. King is more than capable of tilting 50/50 balls in his favor when he’s in position, but finding positioning in man or zone coverages as a pro could be very challenging.”

They said it: “I felt like it put a chip on my shoulder, a permanent chip on my shoulder that I gotta keep there. I felt like the Packers are going to get one of the most competitive guys in the country, a tough corner, physical corner who’s going to give 100% effort around the field at all times and make as many plays as I possibly can by doing it at 100%.” — Kalen King

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Green Bay Packers 2024 seventh-round pick: QB Michael Pratt

The Packers selected Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected quarterback Michael Pratt in the seventh round (No. 245 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 216
Age: 22
From: Boca Raton, FL

College profile

Breakdown: Threw a school record 90 touchdown passes and ran in 28 more over 45 games. as a four-year starting quarterback. Also set the school record for passing yards and quarterback efficiency. Three-time team captain. Threw at least 20 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions during all four seasons at Tulane. Also increased his completion percentage each season as a starter. The Packers like his toughness and poise and were surprised he was still available in the seventh round. While a seventh-round pick, he should get a chance to win the backup job as a rookie.

Dane Brugler’s scouting report: “A four-year starter at Tulane, Pratt thrived in former offensive coordinator Slade Nagle’s scheme. After not playing football until high school, he showed steady improvements each season with the Green Wave, throwing a touchdown pass in 44 of his 45 games and breaking Patrick Ramsey’s school records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. Pratt is very clean in his setup and delivers a quick, accurate stroke, showing the ability to feather passes in between levels of the defense. Though he operates with rhythm from the pocket, he needs to continue developing his feel to spot the rush and hasten his process when needed. Overall, Pratt might not have the high-level physical traits to carry an NFL offense, but you don’t see panic in his game, and he has natural sense for where to go with the football. He projects as a quality NFL backup with starting upside in the right role.”

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report: “Highly experienced and a respected team leader, Pratt has shown consistent improvement from season to season. Pratt has done a nice job of making safe decisions instead of reckless ones and throws with touch over all three levels. He struggles to throw with consistent accuracy and placement on intermediate throws. Also, he appears to lack the anticipation and field awareness to beat NFL coverage across the field. Pratt has Day 3 potential but will be in a battle to win a future backup role.”

They said it: “I think he’s a guy that he definitely is a tough, fearless thrower and that to me is a prerequisite with the position. You gotta be able to stand in there and throw in muddy pockets, throw in the face of pressure and I think he exhibited that. I think he’s a winner, so we were excited. We were kind of shocked that he was still there in the seventh.” — Matt LaFleur

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Green Bay Packers 2023 seventh-round pick: WR Grant DuBose

The Green Bay Packers selected Charlotte receiver Grant DuBose in the seventh round (No. 256 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Charlotte receiver Grant DuBose in the seventh round (No. 256 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 201
Age: 21
From: Montgomery, AL

Breakdown: Well-built, smooth-moving receiver who caught 126 passes and 16 touchdowns over two seasons at Charlotte. Checks all the boxes for the Packers in terms of size, athleticism and collegiate production. Inspiring story to the NFL (DII, lost COVID season, try-out player at Charlotte). Senior Bowl participant. Long arms who makes plays away from his frame. Can return punts and cover punts on special teams. Likely X receiver in the NFL.

Charlotte’s Grant DuBose could be next Day 3 WR selected by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst

Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter at Charlotte, DuBose was a perimeter receiver in former offensive coordinator Mark Carney’s balanced scheme. After his career was in limbo during the pandemic, he found a home in Charlotte and led the 49ers in receiving both of his seasons with the program (only the fourth player in school history to surpass 1,500 career receiving yards). DuBose owns a good-sized frame and plays even bigger with his natural ball skills and mid-air adjustments, regardless of the coverage. But even with hesitation routes or double moves, he will struggle to create early or vertical spacing against NFL-level cornerbacks. Overall, DuBose plays with the body fluidity and catch point talent that increase his chances of finding a permanent home in the NFL, although he has work to do to be considered more than just a jump-ball weapon or zone beater. He has rotational value as an NFL rookie.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Raw receiving prospect with just two years of major college experience under his belt. DuBose possesses NFL size with an expansive catch radius. He’s talented at winning fade routes and jump balls, but he struggles to win in the early stages of the route against press and tight man coverage. DuBose is still in the learning stages but already displays some route talent. A lack of separation quickness could make his battle for a roster spot more challenging.”

They said it: “I like Davante Adams, our 40 times our pretty similar. I’ve taken things from his game. I like the big guys, like A.J. Brown and DK (Metcalf).” – Grant Dubose

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Green Bay Packers 2023 seventh-round pick: S Anthony Johnson Jr.

The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. in the seventh round (No. 242 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. in the seventh round (No. 242 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
Age: 23
From: St. Petersburg, FL

Breakdown: Highly experienced, versatile defensive back who started four seasons at corner before switching to safety in 2022 and excelling on the backend. Can cover, tackle in space and fill against the run but still learning to do all three from the safety spot. Good range. One of the most experienced special teamers in the class. Made 54 total starts. Team captain, four-time All-Big 12. Played snaps out wide, in the slot, in the box and as a deep split safety. Produced first two picks as a safety in 2022.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 33, Iowa State DB Anthony Johnson Jr

Brugler’s scouting report: “A five-year starter at Iowa State, Johnson played free safety in defensive coordinator Jon Heacock’s 3-3-5 base scheme, lining up mostly as a nickel in the slot. After four years at cornerback, he transitioned to a hybrid safety-nickel role as a super senior and passed former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy in the record books for the most career starts (54) in Big 12 history. Johnson plays with mirroring range in man coverage and against the run and reads concepts well in zone coverage to fluidly work his area. The ball seems to find him more than he finds the ball, and he is still learning the ins and outs as a true safety. Overall, Johnson might not have a sky-high ceiling at the next level, but his character, experience and functional size/speed traits raise his floor and will keep him earning an NFL paycheck. His game and journey are reminiscent of Rams’ 2019 seventh-rounder Nick Scott.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Cornerback turned safety with good athletic traits for the safety position and rare physicality from a former cornerback. Johnson has grown into a safety’s frame but is versatile enough to play near the line of scrimmage or line up over the slot. He moves fluidly with good play speed but is still processing angles and coverage responsibilities at his new position. He will come downhill and hit anything near the line of scrimmage with everything he’s got, but he needs to learn to control his aggression to become a more consistent tackler. Johnson’s traits, versatility and toughness give him a chance to become a starting safety or nickel safety.

They said it: “Go back to the versatility we’re talking about. The one thing that sold us on him was, he was the top of football character as you can possibly get, the way they talk about him there. That was one of those fun calls to make because the wiring was exactly what we were looking for.”  — GM Brian Gutekunst

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Green Bay Packers 2023 seventh-round pick: CB Carrington Valentine

The Green Bay Packers selected Kentucky cornerback Carrington Valentine in the seventh round (No. 232 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Kentucky cornerback Carrington Valentine in the seventh round (No. 232 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 193
Age: 21
From: Cincinnati, OH

Breakdown: Ascending, aggressive corner with length who is still learning how to play the positon. Led Kentucky in pass breakups in 2022. Tons of special teams snaps over three seasons. Explosive jumper (39″ vertical, 10-8 broad). Likely perimeter cornerback who needs development pathway before seeing the field.

Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter at Kentucky, Valentine was the boundary cornerback in defensive coordinator Brad White’s zone-heavy scheme. Still relatively new to the position after moving to corner as a junior in high school, his 2022 tape was a tad volatile, with plenty of flashes mixed in with some mistake-filled games. Valentine has an enticing blend of physical tools and physicality that fits the mold of what NFL teams want at the position. But he will lose route phase/positioning because of his lack of refinement (allowed eight completions of 25-plus yards in 2022), and his one career interception is a troubling stat. Overall, Valentine is long, aggressive and athletic and has yet to reach his ceiling as a cover man, but his ball instincts and technique are underdeveloped, making his draft grade much more of a projection than others. He projects best as a long-limbed press corner.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Valentine has the physical traits necessary for the NFL but the instincts and body control to extend his coverage against quality route runners leaves something to be desired. He’s solid at crowding vertical throws and can play press-and-bail, but he has had coverage busts in zone. Also, he bites too easily on double moves. Valentine’s lack of aggression as a run defender could make it tougher for zone teams to give him a chance.”

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WATCH: Best Ronnie Bell highlights from Michigan

Ronnie Bell balled out for Michigan last season, becoming an enticing target for the #49ers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft

Ronnie Bell will have a chance to make a difference for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 if he can show some promise in training camp and the preseason. As a seventh-round pick, he won’t necessarily be a lock to make the final roster in August but should get a shot at playing time with backups so the team can get a sense of what he brings to the table.

Whether he makes the team or not, Bell put together an entertaining highlight reel at Michigan that warranted his selection in the seventh round. Check out his best plays below to get a better idea of how he might fit in the 49ers offense:

WATCH: Best Jalen Graham highlights from Purdue

Jalen Graham was a key part of Purdue’s secondary in 2022 and shouldn’t be overlooked as the #49ers’ final selection of the 2023 NFL draft

Jalen Graham was the San Francisco 49ers’ last selection in the 2023 NFL draft, but shouldn’t be overlooked. His dynamic skillset was a boon for Purdue’s secondary last season, and he showed an ability to make plays in big moments to keep the Boilermakers’ heads above water.

Whether he will make an impact for the 49ers in 2023 is unknown, but judging from his highlight reel from college, he should be able to push for snaps in training camp. Check out his best plays from Purdue below to get a sense of what he might bring to the table for San Francisco ahead of the 2023 season:

Packers select Charlotte WR Grant DuBose at No. 256 overall in seventh round of 2023 draft

The Green Bay Packers selected Charlotte wide receiver Grant DuBose at No. 256 overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Charlotte wide receiver Grant DuBose at No. 256 overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft.

DuBose caught 134 passes for 1,788 yards and 16 touchdowns over 34 games and 20 starts. He played his final two seasons at Charlotte after being out of football in 2020.

At the combine, DuBose (6-2, 201) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds, hit 35″ in the vertical leap, covered 10-5 in the broad jump and finished the short shuttle in 4.32 seconds and three-cone in 6.89 seconds. His Relative Athletic Score is 8.79 out of 10.0.

DuBose joins Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks as the three receivers drafted by the Packers in 2023.

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Packers select Iowa State S Anthony Johnson Jr. at No. 242 overall in seventh round of 2023 draft

The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa State safety Anthony Johnson Jr. at No. 242 overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa State safety Anthony Johnson Jr. at No. 242 overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Johnson produced 243 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, 30 pass breakups and two intereptions over 62 games and 54 starts at Iowa State.

Johnson (6-0, 205) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds, hit 37.5″ in the vertical leap and covered 10-5 in the broad jump at the combine. He finished the three-cone in 7.07 seconds and the short shuttla in 4.31 seconds while doing 12 bench reps at his pro day. His Relative Athletic Score is 8.13 out of 10.0.

Johnson converted from cornerback. He could compete for playing time at safety as a rookie.

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WATCH: Best Andrew Vorhees highlights from USC

This polished offensive lineman was one of the Ravens’ best picks in the 2023 NFL draft, with highlights to back up the hype surrounding him

Andrew Vorhees wouldn’t have been around in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft if he hadn’t been injured during the draft process earlier in the offseason. This polished offensive lineman could push for starting time early in his career if he is able to fully recover from the injury, and should be considered the steal of the seventh round.

Several fanbases wanted their teams to draft Vorhees on Day 3, but the only franchise willing to take a chance on his talents was the Ravens. Check out his collegiate highlights below to get a better sense of his skillset ahead of the 2023 season: