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Green Bay Packers: What’s next at cornerback?

By Freddie Boston

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Sep 20, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) celebrates his interception against the Georgia State Panthers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Expect Thompson to draft a corner early

Even with pressing needs at inside linebacker and defensive tackle, don’t be surprised if Thompson opts for a cornerback with the 30th overall selection of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) warming up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

The big names amongst the pool of cornerbacks in this year’s draft include Washington’s Marcus Peters and Michigan State’s Trae Waynes.

If Peters falls to the 30th overall pick, Thompson could pick him up. On talent alone, he would most likely be taken way before then.

At 6 feet and 197 pounds, Peters has good size. He is athletic and great when playing outside. Peters picked off 11 passes in his three years with Washington.

Unfortunately, there are some red flags over his off-the-field attitude. Peters was kicked out of Washington after an alleged fallout with the coaching staff.

For the Packers, they would need to establish whether he is mature enough off-the-field and that he wouldn’t have a negative impact on the locker room.

According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press Gazette, Peters is looking to put the issues in the past:

"“He’s already started making amends for his past. After the college football season ended, Peters returned to Seattle. He was there to pay off a traffic ticket, he said. He ended up visiting his old coach’s office. Peters and Petersen worked out their differences. Before leaving, he accepted an invitation to participate in Pro Day at Washington in early April.”"

Wood also noted that the Packers interviewed Peters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A player swiftly moving up draft boards is Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson. I wrote about the potential of Johnson joining the Packers last week:

"“Kevin Johnson had an impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. According to ESPN, he finished the 20-yard shuttle drill in 3.89 seconds (second-best among cornerbacks) and the three-cone drill in 6.79 (fourth). He recorded a 41.5-inch vertical jump (third) and 130-inch broad jump (third). Lance Zierlein of NFL.com likened Johnson to Sam Shields. It’s possible that he could be lining up next to Shields for the Packers next season. Johnson has great athleticism and height for the position (6-0), but could do with bulking up a little. He has the ability to slow down receivers and disrupt routes; this could make him a potential starter right away.”"

At this stage, it seems the Packers would need to use their first round selection to be able to pickup Johnson. Of course, the possibility to trade up in the second could come into play should he drop that far.

Remember the name, because he could well be headed to Green Bay on April 30.

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