Packers 2017 NFL Draft: Top five players at each position of need

Position of Need #9: Safety

Position Outlook: Safety might be the only position on defense that the Packers don’t need to address in the offseason.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett are a good tandem in the secondary. Kentrell Brice and Marwin Evans are also decent developmental prospects.

The Packers may retain Micah Hyde after this season, but they should only do so to offer depth at safety. He’s struggled as a cornerback.

Top-5 Safety Prospects

1. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan (6-1, 208)

2. Jamal Adams, LSU (6-1, 213)

3. Malik Hooker, Ohio State (6-2, 205)

4. Justin Evans, Texas A&M (6-1, 195)

5. Budda Baker, Washington (5-10, 192)

It’s unlikely the Packers will target any of the top safety prospects. It’s too bad though because this is a very good group, especially at the top end.

Peppers is a special player that can do so many things on the field. He’s very effective up in the box. He’s also decent in a nickel linebacker role, and he can even make plays as a slot corner. Not to mention the impact he’s made as a returner and halfback on offense. He’s a special athlete, but teams may also struggle to find the best fit for him because he’s not a traditional safety.

As a pure safety prospect, there isn’t a better player than Adams. He can do everything at the position. He’s tough against the run, instinctive, and holds his own in coverage.

Hooker is excellent in coverage. He led the Big Ten in interceptions with six this season, but he’s a redshirt sophomore and it’s unclear at this point if he’ll declare for the draft or return to Ohio State for his junior year.

Evans and Baker also make a lot of plays in the secondary and should get considerations on Day 2 of the draft.

Other Notable Safety Prospects: Armani Watts (Texas A&M), Marcus Maye (Florida), Eddie Jackson (Alabama), Marcus Williams (Utah), Josh Harvey-Clemons (Louisville), Marcus Allen (Penn State)