Packers 2016 Draft: “Red” and “Black Dot” players on defense

Our “Red Dot” Cornerbacks

Kyle — Eric Murray, Minnesota

Green Bay doesn’t need someone to step in and contribute immediately at any position in the secondary. That said, you can never stop developing depth. Murray can be a little grabby and will draw the pass interference flag. He needs to work on being more disciplined in this area. If he gets good coaching, his aggressiveness could allow him to be a great nickel cornerback. He also plays the run exceptionally well. I view Murray as someone like Micah Hyde who might even find a fit at safety. At a minimum you get an impact special teams player.

Dan — William Jackson III, Houston

There’s a lot to like about Jackson’s game. His combination of size (6-1, 190) and speed (4.37) make him an ideal fit as a boundary corner in the NFL. He’s physical playing style is something to admire at the position. He led the nation in 2015 in passes defended with 23 and finished near the top in interceptions with five. Despite the Packers depth at defensive back, I would not complain one bit if they added another capable boundary corner.

Freddie — Artie Burns, Miami

There’s a lot to like about Artie Burns. He has good size, speed and athleticism and excels in press coverage. Burns might need a bit of time to develop his game in the NFL, but he has all the tools to shine.

Our “Black Dot” Cornerbacks

Kyle — Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

Putting Kendall Fuller on my black dot list is a tough call because he is a really talented player. He is a natural playmaker and comes from a great football family. Some even wonder if he might have the ability to be better than his brother, Kyle. My issue is with Fuller is his injury history. He has been plagued by injury in two consecutive seasons at Virginia Tech. While he could definitely bounce back to health, a cornerback with a history of knee problems combined with speed concerns adds up to a red flag for me. Pair that with the fact that he probably requires a second round pick, and I am happy to let another team take that risk.

Dan — Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

Alexander is a great cover corner and a prospect a lot of people like going into the NFL. However, he’s not a good fit in the Packers defense. First, a shade under 5-foot-10 he doesn’t meet their 5-foot-11 minimum threshold they often set for the position. The fact he didn’t record a single interception at Clemson also has to be a concern and something the team typically shies away from. In the past, the Packers targeted defensive backs who demonstrated an ability to make plays on the ball and force turnovers.

Freddie — Jonathan Jones, Auburn

Jones doesn’t have ideal size which could limit him to playing in the slot. Jones misses far too many tackles and he gives a number of flags due to being over aggressive.

Next: Safeties