Packers 2016 Draft: Top Prospects to Watch in CFB Bowl Games

Baylor Bears wide receiver

(1) eludes the tackle by Rice Owls safety VJ Banks (19). Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

It’s clear the Packers offense has lacked some firepower with Jordy Nelson sidelined this season. Although Green Bay will get their top receiver back next year, along with rookie Ty Montgomery who was just placed on IR this past week, the Packers could still use some help in finding playmakers on the perimeter.

Davante Adams‘ second year has been nothing short of disappointing. He has not stepped up in Nelson’s absence and become the reliable receiving target he flashed late in the 2014 season.

James Jones may not be back with the team next year. Jeff Janis remains a mystery, and Jared Abbrederis is still unproven.

I love the way Randall Cobb competes each and every week, but he can’t do it alone. It’s clear at this point he’s better as a No. 2 receiver in the offense.

Even with Nelson back next season, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the same player we saw in 2014. He’ll be 31 next year, coming off a major knee injury. The Packers would be smart to draft a young, dynamic receiver to develop behind Nelson and Cobb and to compete with Adams and the other young receivers on the roster.

The Packers can’t afford to go through another season with wide receivers that struggle to get open the way this 2015 group has.

Although it’s not Ted Thompson’s style, I would be all for the Packers taking a guy like Baylor’s Corey Coleman at the end of the first round. Coleman was not only very productive in 2015, recording 74 receptions for 1363 yards and a whopping 20 touchdowns, he also possesses all of the desired attributes of a top-end receiver in the NFL, except for height (5-11).

As a master route-runner, Coleman is excellent at creating separation, especially in short and intermediate routes–something the Packers desperately need on offense. He also possesses blazing speed (4.38), which makes him deep threat and a guy defenses would have to respect downfield.

Measuring a shade under six feet, there’s a good chance Coleman will fall further in the draft than his ability warrants, which could be a blessing for a team like the Packers that could use another playmaker on offense.

Bowl Game: Russell Athletic Bowl, Dec. 29th, 5:30 pm et. (ESPN) — North Carolina vs. Baylor

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