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

By Dan Dahlke

Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston defensive back William Jackson goes through a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston defensive back William Jackson goes through a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Need #9 – Safety

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) stiff arms Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) stiff arms Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Top-10 Safeties

  1. Darian Thompson, Boise State (6-2, 208, 4.69)
  2. Keanu Neal, Florida (6-0, 211, 4.62)
  3. Vonn Bell, Ohio State (5-11, 199)
  4. Jeremy Cash, Duke (6-0, 212)
  5. DeAndre Houston-Carson, William&Mary (6-1, 201, 4.54)
  6. Tyvis Powell, Ohio State (6-3, 211, 4.46)
  7. Karl Joseph, West Virginia (5-10, 205)
  8. T.J. Green (6-2, 209, 4.34)
  9. Miles Killebrew, South Utah (6-2, 217, 4.65)
  10. Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee State (5-11, 216)

Risers: T.J. Green , DeAndre Houston-Carson, Tyvis Powell
Fallers: Darian Thompson, Kevin Byard, Jayron Kearse

After an impressive combine performance and further film work, I have moved Neal up as my second-rated safety. Although he didn’t blow anyone away with his forty time, Neal led all safeties in the broad jump (132 inches) and finished second in the vertical (38 inches).

Both drills assess a player’s explosive ability, and on film, Neal’s short area burst and quick twitch really stand out. He may be the top downhill safety in this class. He’s an ideal strong safety prospect in the NFL.

T.J. Green is another guy that warrants a closer look after the combine. His 4.34 forty was the second-fastest time among all defensive backs, and considering his size and athletic traits, he could climb up into the second day of the draft.

Green is definitely a player I’m going to try to find more film on to study before this April. He’s one of the more intriguing guys at the position.

Powell and Houston-Carson were two more players that really impressed in drills and workouts in Indianapolis, while Kearse and Thompson were disappointing.

Thompson has slipped some on my board, but his film is still strong enough to where I still feel confident ranking him as my top safety in the draft.

New Names: T.J. Green (6-2, 209, 4.34), K.J. Dillon (6-0, 210, 4.53), Justin Simmons (6-2, 202, 4.61)

In addition to Green, I’m also going to try to study Dillon and Simmons some more. Their workouts at the combine were sensational, and I’d like to see if these athletic traits translate to on the field production.

Next: Yes to Forte, no to Bennett

Stay tuned to Lombardi Ave for all of the latest Green Bay Packers free agency and draft news.

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