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

Position of Need #1: Cornerback

Position Outlook: What happens with Sam Shields following the season is going to determine the outlook of the cornerback position going forward. Shields suffered his fifth concussion in the season opener down in Jacksonville, and now the seven-year veteran’s career might be in jeopardy.

If Shields has to retire early, as many have suggested, then finding a starting-quality cornerback has to be the Packers’ top priority in the spring. LaDarius Gunter has emerged as a decent young defensive back, but like Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, has had his fair share of struggles in the secondary.

The Packers simply need to add more talent to the group. Their secondary has been a clear weakness on the roster this season, and if it wasn’t for decent safety play, the damage could have been even worse.

Top-5 Cornerback Prospects

1. Quincy Wilson, Florida (6-1, 213)

2. Jalen “Teez” Tabor, Florida (6-0, 201)

3. Sidney Jones, Washington (6-0, 180)

4. Gareon Conley, Ohio State (6-0, 195)

5. Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson (6-1, 195)

It’s splitting hairs between Wilson and Tabor in determining who is the top corner in this draft class. They have both made plenty of plays in coverage (seven combined INTs) and have shown the ability to lockdown their man and take him completely out of the game. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged in the low 30s for quarterback rating throwing in their direction.

However, I give Wilson a slight edge as the nation’s top corner because of his size and ability to be physical up at the line of scrimmage. Both Florida prospects should be off the board in the draft relatively early, but Green Bay might get a chance at one of them if they pick in the middle of the first round.

Jones and Conley are two more junior cornerbacks that many expect to forgo their senior year and declare early for the draft. They’re both excellent cover corners with speed and good instincts. They both excel in man coverage.

Tankersley is perhaps the top senior cornerback prospect. He’s tall and physical and matches up well against bigger boundary receivers. As a two-year starter, he’s recorded eight interceptions and 19 pass breakups.

Other Notable CBs: Marlon Humphrey (Alabama), Desmond King (Iowa), Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State), Adoree’ Jackson (USC), Jourdan Lewis (Michigan), Tre’Davious White (LSU), Brandon Facyson (Virginia Tech), Cam Sutton (Tennessee), Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado)