Ranking the Packers Draft Needs Post-Free Agency

Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) deflects a pass from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83). Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

9) CORNERBACK

The Packers seem set at corner with the re-signing of Sam Shields this offseason. Shields and Tramon Williams make a pretty solid starting tandem and a returning Casey Hayward offers some playmaking ability as a nickel cornerback.

Davon House, Jarrett Bush, and Micah Hyde also offer depth at the position, and Coach McCarthy made it known to the press this offseason that he would like to see an expanded role for Hyde next season, whether that be at safety, nickel, or corner.

Cornerback currently appears crowded on paper, which is a good problem to have going into camp.

Williams does turn 32 this year and will be entering the final year of his contract. However, the veteran defensive back hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, so it may be too soon to draft his successor.

Utah Utes defensive back Keith McGill participates in pass catching drills during the 2014 NFL Combine. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

DRAFT OUTLOOK

One scenario I could see the Packers drafting a cornerback is if they do in fact plan on moving Hyde to safety or plan on letting Williams and Bush walk after next season.

The Packers are a BAP team on draft day, so they may just bring in another talented cover cornerback like Lindenwood’s Pierre Desir or Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller, if they feel he’s the top player on their board when it’s their turn to pick.

The Packers may draft a cornerback like Florida State’s Lamarcus Joyner or Utah’s Keith McGill, with the intent of moving him to safety.

So there are a few scenarios out there that the Packers would draft a cornerback despite it not being a major need on their roster.