Packers Future Draft Prospects: CFB Players to watch this Fall

Wisconsin Badgers linebacker

(47) rushes the quarterback during the fourth quarter against the Troy Trojans. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Future Draft Need: EDGE Rusher

Outside linebacker is currently one of the Packers deepest positions on their roster, but this may not last long.

Both Mike Neal and Nick Perry are set to become free agents after this season, and Julius Peppers only has one year remaining on his contract following the 2015 season. And at age 35, the Packers will want to find his successor soon.

Now, Green Bay does have a few promising young players like Jayrone Elliott on their roster to build around. Clay Matthews could also move back to outside linebacker full-time if Green Bay found a more permanent solution at inside linebacker.

However, 2016 might be the year the Packers seriously consider adding another talented EDGE rusher to their roster–someone who can consistently create pressure to pair with Matthews for the foreseeable future.

CFB Players to Watch

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84). Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If you want to find good edge rushers in college football, the first place you should look is Georgia. The Bulldogs boast a top outside linebacker duo in Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd.

Both players have the potential to go in the first round next spring, and are ideal fits as 3-4 outside linebackers. Jenkins plays all out. He’s tough, explosive, and possesses a relentless motor. Floyd is the better athlete and more versatile–he can also play on the inside and drop in coverage.

Both players would be great additions to the Packers defense.

However, the Packers might not need to look that far for their next edge rusher. They may only need to look in their backyard. Wisconsin’s Vince Biegel is an explosive outside linebacker who can rush off the edge in a two-point stance and get after the quarterback.

He already has three sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss on the season. The Wisconsin native would be a great fit in the Packers system. He brings a certain fire to the field that is easy to admire.

Other Edge Rushers to Track: College football is full of excellent edge rushers who will be eligible for the 2016 NFL Draft. However, top pass rushers like Joey Bosa, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Shaq Lawson seem like better fits as 4-3 defensive ends in the NFL than 3-4 outside linebackers.

This doesn’t mean, however, they couldn’t play in the Packers system. Boss will most likely be a top-ten pick and out of the Packers reach, but guys like Ogbah and Lawson could be available at the end of the first round when Green Bay will probably pick. If they test well enough in the spring, they could get consideration at outside linebackers.

Next: Top CFB TEs to Watch