Green Bay Packers Draft: Pre-Combine Rankings for Positions of Need

Need #9 – Safety

Top-10 Safeties

1. Darian Thompson, Boise State (6-2, 215)
2. Jeremy Cash, Duke (6-1, 212)
3. Vonn Bell, Ohio State (5-11, 205)
4. Keanu Neal, Florida (6-1, 216)
5. Karl Joseph, West Virginia (5-11, 197)
6. Tyvis Powell, Ohio State (6-3, 209)
7. Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee State (5-11, 216)
8. DeAndre Houston-Carson, William&Mary (6-1, 197)
9. Jayron Kearse, Clemson (6-4, 220)
10. Miles Killebrew, South Utah (6-2, 222)

The Breakdown: Safety may not be a high priority for the Packers going into the draft. It’s difficult to see a scenario where early-round prospects like Thompson, Cash, or Bell land in Green Bay.

However, it’s possible the Packers target a physical safety with size, like Neal, Byard, or Killebrew, later in the draft with the intention of playing them at linebacker in their dime package.

The Packers could also use depth at the position, given Sean Richardson is likely to retire after suffering another neck injury. A guy like Houston-Carson is a versatile defensive back that could even play nickel corner in certain defensive looks and fulfill a Micah Hyde-type role on the team.

Next: Players to watch at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine