2025 Draft Prospects for Packers

[tynimiller]

Let's visit a few more CBs

Zy Alexander - LSU (by way of Southeastern Louisiana) 6'2' 194lbs

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This young man is a guy that many noticed in his three years at SE Louisiana...but when he transferred to LSU for last year's college season many wondered could his talent translate from the FCS straight to arguably the hardest conference in college football. Well 2023 didn't go as he hoped and he for sure did go through some growing pains...his best games last year came against Arkansas and Ole Miss with the Ole Miss game being the film from that year that everyone saw how good he could be. Choosing to stay at LSU and try and upgrade his draft stock (Day 3/UDFA type before) for the 2025 draft....Zy has done just that.

Tied for the 9th best PFF coverage grade in all of college football for CBs with significant snap counts, that grade is 87.7
5th best PFF overall defensive grade for all CBs that have significant snap counts - 86.2
89.2 zone coverage grade (5th best) and a respectable 67.2 man coverage grade...LSU plays more zone.

Why I love a Zy pick...often times the NFL is simply too much/too fast for prospects, even top flight college players every year hit the NFL and stall or fail to be what some expected. Zy has cut his teeth...fought up from being a lower recruit, getting noticed and then transferring to LSU...where he had to fight and cut his teeth again and DID. His ability to get "punched in the teeth" and refuse to stay down tells me Zy might just be that perfect fit to have as your CB2.

Do I see an All Pro type CB....maybe. But what I predict is a guy like Zy to never relinquish a starting CB role in the NFL and sees a second and third contract.

I am tentatively saying 2nd rounder grade on Zy.

 

[tynimiller]

So I want to just put in writing my VERY early thoughts on one of the most intriguing athletic offensive skill position players I've seen in a while.

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This cat I'm telling you right now is special...last year due to injury stole a chance of him going into the draft and I think, we may be looking at the second coming of an elite Jimmy Graham or Travis Kelce type TE with a touch more grit to him.

The crazy thing is he is as at home split out detached from the OL and standing in the slot as he is with his hand in the dirt tucked inline. When detached from the line, his size + footwork+release+hips make you think of guys like AJ Brown or Mike Evans....when he is inline you'd swear you're watching a young Jimmy Graham or a prime Kelce type guy. He is not as swift as Musgrave, but if Luke continues to in my opinion be less of a TE than Kraft - I think there is a world where a pick like Gadsen in the 2025 draft makes a TON of sense...

- The bottleneck of contracts coming for the WRs AND Kraft and Musgrave running on same contract schedule make you think of creative ways to mitigate potential weapon losses when you have to decide to sign Watson or Doubs...or let them both walk if Reed and Wicks and company show that as an option...
- We have never had a guy with this pure of ability as a WR and as a TE...Musgrave is the closest type of guy we've had, but his routes rely more on his speed than his footwork, hips or route tree...Gadsen is a true route runner with feet of a WR and a body of a TE...and while a guy NOT purely one or the other likely not being a top 10 pick....I could easily see a world where Gadsen sneaks in as a late first round pick which is where we hope to be.

For those wondering on his history....2022 was his big breakout year, that sophomore year Gadsen put up 61 receptions / 975 yards (16.0 Avg) / 6 TDs...last year was stolen by injury but he has hit the ground running already just two games in amassing 13 receptions / 201 yards (15.5 avg) / 3 TDs. He is a redzone threat of all redzone threats without the factor defenses have no clue where he is going to be, playing a factor in their personnel decisions...

This season he has 45 snaps Inline and 54 in the slot and even 5 out wide...
In 2022 his big season he saw 82 inline / 501 in the slot / 148 out wide / 18 in the backfield

When you hear prospects talked about that are that TE that can slot out....it isn't a normal thing. For Gadsen he is a WR that can be slid inline as a TE and he is a TE that can be shifted out to the slot or wide truly.


I predicted a 75 catch / 1,100 yards / 12 TDs season.....and everyone noticing him in a big way...he hasn't disappointed at all through two weeks.

Wanted to provide an update on my thoughts on Oronde. While I'm still a Gadsen fan, I will say I've cooled some having made a point to watch him as much as I can.

This year he didn't quite hit my predicted mark but put up 73 receptions for 934 yards or 12.8 ypc and 7 TDs - which includes a MASSIVE Holiday Bowl vs WSU putting up 4 catches for 74 yards and 2 TDs.

He is a true receiving TE who switched from WR before the 2023 year but still continued to line up split out into the slot A LOT - this year he saw 381 lined in slot and 351 inline.

He did grow this year in his blocking which is what I think keeps him a Day2 TE IMO - and I disagree with some folks saying he is a Day3 guy because he is neither a TE or a WR. To me he would be an incredible pairing with Musgrave and would operate as that TE3 for GB's offense and mitigate the loss of a Kraft or Musgrave providing at minimum a threat through the air and one who will grow in blocking (he comes in IMO on par with Musgrave or better as a prospect).

A name to know and a guy I'd love to see us able to grab on Day2, preferred third round.

 

[shockerx]

Musgrave will be gone in two years...when they re-new Kraft. But doest matter much till they start using the TE more. Kraft should of had 10 targets against vikes... ML just will not leak him out in that 5 yard area to move the chains....its killing me!...stop the long devloping routes with the throw off the back foot on 3rd in 3.

 

[milani]

Musgrave will be gone in two years...when they re-new Kraft. But doest matter much till they start using the TE more. Kraft should of had 10 targets against vikes... ML just will not leak him out in that 5 yard area to move the chains....its killing me!...stop the long devloping routes with the throw off the back foot on 3rd in 3.

Yes. Just need to hit the 6-8 strike for a 1st down just like Goff and Darnold do.

 

[OldSchool101]

So Tyni you had mentioned him, but he when doing my initial run through at DT before I saw your nice write up, he’s someone that would look great in Green n Gold.

Traits.
Deone Walker Standing at 6’6” and weighing 348lb you wouldn’t expect to hear the word Athletic. Yet he can really move for a big man (think Vita Vea). He can also play along the inside D front and what’s funny is they said he could even line up at DE on occasion This is a high impact player in BOTH run and pass sets and is the ideal anchor for these teams WB sneaking on 4th n 1. There is no sneaking around Deone! Best run to another gap towards Clark or Wyatt.
The way you start upfront is everything and he has both a powerful first step and exceptional hands. This is a guy that will give lots of Centers nightmares. Walker’s uses a variety of Pass Rush moves and that array makes him formidable across a swath of OL types. He also possesses a nice motor that Walker shows as a consistent Run defender and he controls the line of scrimmage. He can take Double Teams and has the strength to shed blocks or clog lanes regularly.
r a player of his size, Walker has exceptional athleticism. He moves similar to Wyatt whereas he can actually move down the LOS to pursue RB’s looking for holes.

Walker is also scheme versatile into a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme or a defensive tackle in a 4-3, or even on occasion was used as a 5T and had a disruptive feel.

Walker fits the Gutey type. High work ethic with leadership on and off the field. He’s known to be one of the hardest working players on the team. Great Lockeroom presence W/HIGH football IQ.

I’m seeing a consensus Top 50 player (likely going as a top 10 selection in RD2) Maybe maybe late Day1 upside with a strong Combine or Visit.
Personally at this early juncture I’d perfect a trade back with KC, TN or Cleveland. I’d feel comfortable moving at most when the Sun goes Down on Day 1 or At Sunrise of RD2.

 

[tynimiller]

I'm going to jinx us further into not likely drafting a single CB and discuss another one of my favorites:

Tacario Davis - Arizona - 6'4' 195lbs (Junior)

So Tacario is a dude that caught my eye when I was watching Arizona tape (focused on Morgan) last year but didn't want to share any future draft thoughts then. I had Tacario on my early favorite 10 CBs list for this year's draft. There is a chance he could decide to not declare and circle back, but I STRONGLY think Davis is going to play and likely test his way into a Top 50 pick this year and will declare. With the likes of Benjamin Morrison and Shavon Revel both getting hurt the CB2 slot after current CB1 (Will Johnson) is to some up for grabs potentially (me personally those are my top 3 regardless of injury)....but Davis is one of the guys mentioned fighting to be considered.

He is a slighter built guy but that 6'4' frame weighs more than it looks at 195lbs.

His instincts and reads are elite level, BUT his best reps always come in zone snaps - if he can build his man coverage grades the second half of the college season and illustrate improvement perhaps at the Senior Bowl against elite WRs - Davis for sure could be a guy that hears GB call his name in the 1st or 2nd.

Put on his reps/film from last year against Washington and UCLA for some of his best work.

He struggled second half of season and has decided to not declare but entered transfer portal - he will be a guy to watch for 2026 for sure.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Sure here's some early names folks likely should be familiar with at positions GB could or likely will be looking to, Cornerbacks:

Trending to be Day1 Guys

Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame....I expect he adds a touch to his 186lb frame to meet our 190 typical threshold...and even if we hit on our 7th round steal perhaps this year and Valentine proves not to be a rookie hit wonder...Jaire's contract is growing and nearing its end...Stokes will need a contract and could prove to be too expensive....I strongly think we dip back into a top 100 pick at CB next year at a likelihood of around 65% IMO. Morrison has played incredibly well for the Irish since he arrived and has posted 118th best of 917 CBs PFF grade in 2022 and 104Th best of 852 CBs in 2023. Solid outside corner for a high level program since his first snap as a freshman. His hips are above average, his speed looks game wise to be in the sub 4.4 or close range and he plays the ball very well and has to with just a 6 foot frame. His arm length I don't think is incredibly long, but I bet is typical. Out the gate against Ohio State his first game ever he allowed just one completion for 12 yards and had a PBU. His freshman year he had 6 INTs and allowed 22 receptions on 51 targets for just 296 yards and 1 TD. 2023 he arguably got better, as he had 3 INTs but 8 credited PBUs on 51 targets allowing 25 receptions and only 279 yards (3 TDs). What is promising in his first two years he has NEVER played terrible against top flight teams...his worst game was Duke 2023 but otherwise he truly seems to play his best in big games.
Morrison has an early Day1 tag on him on my VERY EARLY board.

Will Johnson from Michigan....another Day 1 guy that honestly is everything Morrison above is, just two inches taller and I believe is longer too. He might not be as fast in the forty, but his footwork is step above Morrison I'd argue right this moment. Both he and Johnson are vying for first round easily...and could be battling to be first CB by the end of the 2024 season. Only Ohio State in 2023 arguably could say they got the better of Johnson in his two years...and like Morrison he is again an outside only type CB.

Denzel Burke from Ohio State....if you asked me name a potential top 50 CB that is the most GB type it would likely be Burke, just from pedigree, build and all that. Arguably had the best 2023 season of these first three listed - he however has had some growing pains at Ohio State in his first two seasons relative to Morrison and Johnson...that doesn't necessarily mean anything other than he has fought and is now one of the best CBs in collegiate football. 6'1' 193lbs he quite likely is a blend of the above two when it comes to speed, agility, hips and feet....I don't see the hands on him like I do in Morrison or Johnson but then again we are talking about CB not WR.

A name that many will learn about either in the season or predraft process that likely you don't know now:

Cobee Bryant from Kansas....I'm telling you right now it blows my mind how many folks have no clue who this back to back First Team All Big12 corner is in his first two seasons in college. He caught my eye in 2022, but needed to grossly improve in his technique and his tackling.....2023 season CHECK. The ONLY hurdle Bryant has is his own physical make up. He is a slender build and last I heard when I got information this summer was that he was nearing his goal of 180lbs by the season as he has played closer to 170 the last two seasons. Listed at 6 foot...I see more a guy in that upper 5'11' range but the fight and dog this dude has in him is special and isn't something which could be taught. I think if he can get his weight up to that 183 or more range and stay sub 4.45 he could be my FAVORITE CB in this upcoming draft to go outside the first three or so. Not too mention it would be pretty cool to hear the stadium after an INT or PBU yelling "Cobeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"


Older guy not to overlook:

Jahdae Barron from Texas.....many folks like me thought he'd come out last year, but he is part of that group hoping to make 2024 their year. I put him here because many folks push aside the older guys....the reason I won't do that so quickly with Barron is he plays a HIGH HIGH level slot corner and I still hate that Javon Bullard is the only guy I would say plays better slot corner on the Packers roster right now other than Jaire...draft Barron if Nixon again proves to be average at best...solve the slot woes immediately IMO and overlook the fact he'll be a fifth year type guy - likely a Day2 pick due to this truthfully and worth it.

Good analysis Ty, thanks. The first pick is almost certain to be a CB so I appreciate all the detail here. Ideally they grab one of your top three and then get Barron on the second day. I have seen mocks with Barron going to GB in rd 1.

Another route is FA and the draft. The FA market for CBs is pretty weak. Even so, it's a good way to add veteran help you can get one of the top guys available. I don't count on JA being back. If Gluten can grab one of the top FA corners and get a corner in round 1 at value, well that's probably the better way to go. As odd as he can be, JA is a great corner, just can't stay on the field. He would probably be worth a 3rd and 4th round pick and $17 mil in cap relief if they could trade him.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I know I highlighted CBs above...but I just got done watching some more film on Morrison and the safety that is in town with him Xavier Watts. Notre Dame's secondary could compete to be one of the most complete secondary groups in college football this next year with those two as the tip of the spear.

Watts IMO could have went pro this last year and likely pushed for a Day2 picking....but if he does in 2024 what he did in 2023 he's a lock for a Top50 level type pick IMO. Last year Watts took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy - given to the best defensive player in college football...putting up 7 INTs / 4 PDs / 52 Tackles (3TFLs) and boasting a 37.8 passer rating allowed when targeted (eighth best in Power Five).

A guy who came to ND originally to compete at WR...switched to safety his third year and showed immense chops and then this past year was one of the best in the business at safety. 6'0' 201lb frame that I know from his camp he wants to add another 4-5 lbs of muscle without impeding any production/performance - and if he can illustrate better tackling and run support this year he is going to catch eyes as one of the best safeties available come April of next year. He isn't a speed demon but he is already sub 4.5 and is pushing to be in that mid 4.5 range by April hopefully.

While I said his tackling could use some growth it is less about his ability to hit and wrap and more about run recognition and choosing the right angle...he is a million mile a minute attacker given his LB past and loves to fly around pushing the limit which is one reason why he is a massive playmaker.

Want a player comp? Extremely raw version of a Bob Sanders....

I'd have no problem taking a S if he is the BPA among all secondary candidates.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'm going to do something I rarely do this early and for a prospect which is injured to boot....

Shavon Revel CB East Carolina - Is his year's Quinyon Mitchell - but sadly won't get to showcase it like Mitchell did
6'3' 193lb
East Carolina's, by way of JUCO transfer from Louisburg College), has evolved into an absolute physical unicorn at his position yet plays with a hip sink, fluid hips, always on his toes and agility of his smaller counterparts. His pathway to recognition has not been easy, low recruited prospect he went to the JUCO Louisburg but struggled to keep his grades up while also working at an Amazon warehouse....with a 2.2 GPA he headed to a ECU prospect camp and blew everyone out of the water with at his size running a 4.4 forty and jumping 11 feet in the broad...the staff told him if he got his grades up they would most definitely have a spot for him.

In 2023 his season caught the eyes of a TON of programs...NIL offers poured into Revel...some reaching as high as six figures. What did Revel do? Stayed with ECU.

"I love the game of football. Three years ago, there wasn't no NIL, I stuck to my word. I love the atmosphere at ECU and my teammates." A school that took a chance on him, was now getting repaid in him sticking with them.

Third game of the year...Shavon hit the turf with a significant injury....and was later confirmed ACL tear.

What does this mean for his draft stock?

Unless some news comes out of his camp of rehab issues - this young man was a first round prospect in my books, and STILL IS. When you have a corner that is as fast as he is, as agile as he is, with a sink and hip flip like his, explosive vertically as he is and as good of a tackler as he is......YOU DON'T OVERTHINK IT...and he is all that plus a 6'3' long armed frame to boot. He will remain in my Top5 CBs for this draft despite this injury...healthy biasness may take him out of my Top3 where he currently is but again - barring setbacks, there is not a single other CB that can check as many boxes as he seems to (some may be slightly better in certain things...but not as many can check as many boxes).

Why he makes sense for GB?

Stokes and Ballentine contracts expire after this season....Carrington Valentine if needed has shown capable of playing that CB2 position, but you gotta have three corners minimum in this league...drafting a high level guy like Revel who should be fully healthy by the start of his rookie year (if not very close) is not something a team likely drafting when we do should normally have a shot at a guy, his injury changes that. He could still go top 15....or there is a chance I'm screaming bloody murder when the Chiefs late or a team in the early second round somehow gets this bloke.

We, GB, also don't have a corner built like him. Hafley could slide him around and even use his size as a small box type defender similar to what some are calling for with Evan Williams at times. Revel has that dog in him and attacks the ball carrier with violence and unless it is a high end TE or OL, wideouts and backs will not be able to block this joker in space - he is too strong and too quick and has too much fight in him.

If next April, in GREEN FREAKING BAY, the name you hear us call on Day 1 is Shavon Revel - rest assured of one thing, you just got a young man that has seen adversity in the mirror multiple times in life - and has come out the other side after smashing it time and time again.

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Yeah but East Carolina?

 

[Heyjoe4]

So since Gute's been here let's look at day ones:

Jaire - absolutely worth it.
Rashan Gary - despite down year, absolutely worth it
Darnell Savage - NFL starter level player so you could easily say worth it, I could also hear argument in hindsight now underachieved and I'm in that camp
Eric Stokes - was absolutely worth it till injury struck and that is the gamble you run with every player you pay. He has to have an asterick *
Quay Walker - NOPE, in his third year now I'm personally confident before I usually am on a rookie - he again is worthy of NFL roster but not where picked cuz he is not a starter level guy
Devonte Wyatt - Wyatt fits my normal hesitation for third year verdicts...he is trending towards putting it together and being solid. His next half season and next he could become everything they hoped and worthy...or he settles in to that Darnell Savage type - not a massive bust but a miss.
Lukas Van Ness - just vastly too early to declare, we can say he's trending towards that Savage type possibly at the moment but still crazy early.

So out of 7 guys I see his record as 2 HITS (Jaire/Gary), 1 Miss in Savage, 1 BUST in Quay, a * in Stokes, and two I'm uncomfortable saying in Wyatt and LVN.

To draft 7 guys and likely ALL of them see a second contract and likely many will see a third one to boot means hes' doing decent.

Another good analysis. Gluten has drafted well imo. My biggest disappointment is Walker. He sure looked like a first rounder and he still looks like an incredible LB given his height, speed, and range. But he never put it together. There may still be a place for him if Cooper can elevate the play of the LB group. But I like Wilson and McDuffie more than Walker.

Walker is an example of a "can't miss" first round prospect missing.

 

[tynimiller]

Another good analysis. Gluten has drafted well imo. My biggest disappointment is Walker. He sure looked like a first rounder and he still looks like an incredible LB given his height, speed, and range. But he never put it together. There may still be a place for him if Cooper can elevate the play of the LB group. But I like Wilson and McDuffie more than Walker.

Walker is an example of a "can't miss" first round prospect missing.

To be fair, I'm coming around to pulling BUST off of Quay. I do feel he is possibly coming into his own and could have just not lived up to first round hype but if drafted in Day 2 likely wouldn't have the same feelings towards him.