Green Bay Packers' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future
Aside from filling obvious holes in the defense at inside linebacker and cornerback, the Green Bay Packers have few dire needs in the 2015 NFL draft.
If general manager Ted Thompson can target starting-caliber players at those positions—or if head coach Mike McCarthy can develop players on the roster to step into those starting roles—the Packers will have one of the league's most complete rosters on both sides of the ball.
Nevertheless, the draft is about building for the future; ideally, a team isn't looking for too many players to start during their rookie seasons. In that regard, there are plenty of positions the Packers, as the league's best draft-and-develop team, could look to address this season to strengthen the team down the line.
Though these position groups aren't all true needs, the Packers should look to address almost all of them with their nine selections this year (potentially more if Thompson executes a trade). These are not the consensus top-ranked players at each position; if that were the case, there would be very few players the Packers would be in position to draft.
Rather, these are the players I have identified as the best fits for Green Bay, as well as where in the draft the team might reasonably look to address those positions. For instance, many of the inside linebacker and cornerback prospects have Round 1 or Round 2 grades, while the offensive line prospects are concentrated in the middle rounds.
Note that prospects are categorized based on the position they played in college, but if they would be better suited at another position for Green Bay, I've noted that in their breakdown.
Inside Linebacker
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After cutting A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones this offseason and letting Jamari Lattimore walk in free agency, the Packers are looking to the draft to rebuild the inside linebacker position.
Sam Barrington should have the middle linebacker spot locked down, and Green Bay has a few candidates on the roster to step in next to him, including outside linebacker converts Carl Bradford and Nate Palmer, as well as 2014 undrafted free agent Joe Thomas.
Clay Matthews should also spend time inside this season, as he did in 2014, but if the Packers can hit on one of this year's pro-ready, complete inside 'backers, that player has a great chance of winning the second starting job.
Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Quite possibly the most complete inside linebacker in this year's class, Eric Kendricks has now solidified his status as the first player likely taken at the position and potentially in Round 1.
Since Barrington has about an inch and 10 or so pounds on Kendricks, who stands at 6'0", 232 pounds, Kendricks would likely be the "Jack" in Green Bay's defense to Barrington's "Mike."
However, what Kendricks lacks in size, he makes up for in agility and motor. He's excellent at diagnosing plays and can chase sideline to sideline and man coverage in space, traits the Packers have been lacking in the middle with Hawk and Jones.
"Kendricks lacks the bulk of a traditional 3-4 inside linebacker but his instincts, speed and ball-skills could be the quick fix GM Ted Thompson is looking for," writes CBSSports.com's Rob Rang.
Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
Clemson's Stephone Anthony could be the perfect fit for the Packers at inside linebacker, both in value (Thompson could maneuver to take him in Round 2 if he trades out of the first or trades up in the second) and measurables.
Anthony has the best size at the position in this class, aside from the hulking Benardrick McKinney (who did not make this list due to his lack of skill in coverage), at 6'3", 243 pounds.
In fact, if the Packers manage to land Anthony, and if his football acumen is as sharp as advertised, he could take over the Mike spot as the stronger, run-stopping "quarterback of the defense," while Barrington moves over to the Jack spot.
Like Kendricks, Anthony is one of the most complete prospects in this class, with the ability to come downhill and make a play on the ball as well as chase sideline to sideline. He's consistent in his tackling, a small but fundamental skill that Hawk and Jones struggled to perfect.
"He diagnoses early and does a good job of putting himself in position to make plays between the tackles against the run, and will hold his own when asked to drop back in short zone and cover the middle against the pass," write CBSSports.com's Derek Stephens and Rang.
Paul Dawson, ILB, TCU
If Thompson wants to stay put at No. 62 in the second round, Paul Dawson could be the inside linebacker for him.
Though Dawson looks fantastic on tape, scouts raised worries early in the process about his character. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein notes that scouts have questions about his "commitment to the process" and that he's not a "film studier."
Dawson also had a subpar performance at the combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.93 seconds and recording a 28-inch vertical jump. However, he redeemed himself some at his pro day, with a 4.75 40 time and a 30-inch vertical jump.
Still, Dawson is now projected to go in the late second or early third round, and that could mean huge value for Green Bay. What he's put on tape hasn't changed; his instincts are perfect, and he's demonstrated his ability to make plays in coverage.
"Dawson has the agility and instincts to star if protected up front by a stout defensive line and allowed to roam free," writes Rang.
Cornerback
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Because the Packers have Casey Hayward as a potential starter on the outside opposite Sam Shields, it would be surprising to see Ted Thompson select a cornerback in Round 1—something he's never done.
However, when the talent is there, nothing can be ruled out, and it seems likely that Thompson will look to capitalize on the skill available in this year's cornerback class and select a player in the early rounds. Though developing cornerbacks at the NFL level is a difficult feat, these three could be instant starters.
Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
If Thompson does want to draft Wake Forest corner Kevin Johnson, he'll have to do it in Round 1.
Johnson was a star at the combine, as a top performer in the vertical jump (41.5 inches), broad jump (130 inches), three-cone drill (6.79 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (3.89 seconds). That performance matches up nicely with his tape, which tells the story of a prospect who excels in man coverage.
Johnson was a three-year starter at Wake Forest and had 44 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, in 2014. He's able to accelerate and change direction on a dime, and he is one of the few prospects in this class who look like instant contributors on the outside.
"While he lacks desired weight at the position, his cover skills, athleticism and competitiveness give him a shot to come in and start right away," writes NFL.com's Zierlein, who compares Johnson to Green Bay's own Shields.
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington (formerly)
Marcus Peters, former Husky, has a smudge on his profile regarding his dismissal from Washington, but if the Packers think he's shown enough maturity to excel in their system, they might not be able to pass up this oh-so-talented prospect.
Peters is a playmaker who also excels in coverage. He led the Huskies with five interceptions in 2013 and is a disruptive force when the ball is in play. Peters has the ability to win contested catches, and his physicality would allow him to match up against any of the NFC North's top receivers.
"Ted Thompson's kept plenty of weapons in his secondary to help soak up the loss of Tramon Williams, but he's not about to find a situation where he runs out of cornerbacks to plug in. Peters gives him further depth in the defensive backfield without exposing the rookie," writes CBSSports.com's Will Brinson.
Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
After a monster performance at the NFL combine and his pro day, Byron Jones has shot up from a prospect the Packers could have gotten at No. 62 to one that might be off the board by No. 33.
Especially with P.J. Williams' DUI arrest, Jones could be a player teams look to take in that spot at the end of the first or beginning of the second round out of sheer need, even though his tape shows a solid Round 2 prospect.
Jones has instincts for days, but his man-coverage skills could be better. His anticipation of routes is his calling card. Where Jones burst onto the scene, however, was in his shocking performance at the combine, where he was a top performer in every drill in which he participated: the vertical jump (44.5 inches), broad jump (147.0 inches, setting a combine and world record), three-cone drill (6.78 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (3.94 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (10.98 seconds).
Jones "uses instincts and adequate closing burst to disrupt the catch," Zierlein writes.
Tight End
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2014 third-round selection Richard Rodgers developed just fine for the Packers in 2014. At second on the depth chart behind Andrew Quarless and with five starts, Rodgers had 225 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 20 receptions in the regular season, and he added 48 yards and another score in the postseason.
Though Rodgers struggled in run blocking, his pass blocking improved throughout the season.
However, the Packers are still missing that elite threat down the seam and red-zone star in the tight end position, and this year could be the time to add one. A talented rookie would allow the Packers to utilize two-tight end sets and give Aaron Rodgers more options in the end zone.
How much better would the depth chart look with Rodgers and one of these prospects at the top of it?
Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
The consensus top tight end in this year's class, Maxx Williams would be an aggressive first selection for the Packers, especially given their obvious holes on defense.
However, the Packers like Williams, having interviewed him at the combine, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Ryan Wood. Don't count him out as being on Ted Thompson's radar if the chips fall a certain way on draft day. Tight end is the only possible upgrade the Packers could make to their star-studded offense.
Williams was a top performer in multiple drills at the combine, including the 40-yard dash (4.78 seconds), vertical jump (34.5 inches), broad jump (117 inches) and 20-yard shuttle (4.37 seconds). That performance was a nice complement to his tape, which shows a pass-catching tight end with exceptional athleticism and scoring prowess—82 percent of his catches were a first down or touchdown.
"Large, soft hands and focus to make natural adjustments on the ball without slowing his momentum, extending and snaring grabs in traffic," writes CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler.
Clive Walford, TE, Miami (Florida)
Further suggesting the Packers might look to take a tight end early, Wood noted that Green Bay also met with Miami product Clive Walford at the combine.
Walford is a tough, athletic, versatile prospect who lined up in-line, in the slot and as an H-back at Miami. He would be an excellent complement to Rodgers' pass-catching prowess, as Walford is an excellent blocker.
But don't count Walford out as an offensive weapon, either; he had 127 receiving yards against Florida State in 2014 and had seven touchdowns on the season.
"With teams looking for versatile [tight ends] to create matchups in [two-tight end] sets, Walford's stock should be high," writes NFL.com's Zierlein.
Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State
Heuerman also met with the Packers at the combine, as Acme Packing Company noted. The 6'5", 254-pound prospect was underutilized at Ohio State, which could make him something of a sleeper prospect considering how productive he could be in the NFL.
The athletic Heuerman is one of the more complete tight ends in the class and could be both a pass-catching threat and a solid blocker at the NFL level. He's a "strong finisher as a ball-carrier with excellent toughness, refusing to go down after the catch," according to Brugler.
Heuerman would give the Packers a dangerous red-zone threat and give them the ability to utilize two-tight end sets.
"Heuerman has the versatility to line up inline, backfield and in the slot and should have a much better NFL career than in college if he stays healthy," writes Brugler.
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Defensive Tackle
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The Packers have given themselves some insurance at defensive tackle this season, re-signing both B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion to strengthen the defensive line.
However, don't underestimate Ted Thompson's proclivity to take the best available player on the board, even if it's not at a position of immediate need. If he decides to keep the Packers' pick at No. 30, that might be Florida State's Eddie Goldman, who could be a longtime starter at nose tackle long after Raji's and Guion's one-year deals have expired.
Drafting a solid defensive tackle this season gives the players a groomed and developed player to plug into nose down the line.
Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Despite his imposing 6'4", 336-pound frame, Eddie Goldman is more than just a space-eater. While his tape doesn't show a consistent or elite pass-rusher, he is a monster against the run, which is what the Packers really need on the defensive line.
Goldman is a two-gapper who can shed blocks, and his best fit is in a 3-4 scheme, where he can be a versatile contributor. He also has long arms to stop ball-carriers in their tracks and keep them from penetrating into the second level of the defense.
"His power at the point of attack and ability to discard blockers and actually make plays rather than just eating space will have 3-4 teams very excited about their potential nose guard of the future," writes NFL.com's Zierlein.
Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
Carl Davis is on the bubble between Round 1 and Round 2, and the Packers may not be in position to draft him or at least like the value of the pick. But if he does fall to them, Davis is an intriguing developmental prospect.
The pipeline from Iowa to Green Bay flows strong. Current Hawkeyes on the Packers roster include Mike Daniels, Bryan Bulaga and Micah Hyde. But it's up front where Iowa's defense is such a good match for the Packers.
“We two-gap the whole time. I took on a lot of double-teams in college,” Davis told reporters at the combine about his role for the Hawkeyes, via Packers.com's Vic Ketchman.
Perhaps the most enticing thing about Davis is that he's not necessarily another backup at nose tackle to Raji and Guion. Davis is a versatile and athletic lineman, and he could line up at any of the three defensive line positions in Green Bay's scheme. That makes him a chess piece who could contribute in his first year.
"Plays with excellent base strength and isn't an easy player to move, handling double-teams well and not allowing himself to be swallowed up by blockers," writes CBSSports.com's Brugler.
Ellis McCarthy, DT, UCLA
UCLA's Ellis McCarthy is a true developmental prospect who likely wouldn't play in his first season. But that could make him an excellent option behind Raji and Guion.
An ideally sized nose tackle (6'5", 338 lbs), McCarthy might have projected higher than Round 6 were it not for struggles with his weight and injuries at UCLA, which limited him to just eight starts in his career with the Bruins. It also means his potential could be largely untapped.
As a sophomore, when he started eight games, McCarthy had 31 tackles, including four for loss, and two sacks, earning him honorable-mention all-conference honors. As a backup nose tackle and defensive end last season, he had 21 tackles and three sacks.
McCarthy "possesses the core strength to anchor against double-teams and has long, strong arms to latch on and drag ball-carriers to the ground," according to Rang of CBSSports.com.
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
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The Packers have plenty of pass-rushers on the roster, but the way to keep a given position a strength is to continue addressing it. Julius Peppers is the only pass-rusher under contract through 2016 and has a cap hit of $10.5 million that year, according to Spotrac, while Nick Perry will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season.
Though the Packers will likely re-sign Perry if the money is right, he hasn't lived up to his 28th overall draft position.
With Clay Matthews likely to continue taking snaps at inside linebacker in 2015, having another edge-rusher in their arsenal couldn't hurt the Packers. Many of the outside linebacker prospects in this year's class would also be better suited inside.
For those college defensive ends who wouldn't move outside to linebacker, Green Bay could use more depth on the line, as Josh Boyd is currently the primary backup for both Mike Daniels and Datone Jones.
Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington
Shaq Thompson projects as a 4-3 weak-side linebacker, but the Packers may nevertheless see a role for him on their defense. He's also been projected as a safety.
But teams who may pass on Thompson for not having enough size to play the 4-3 could leave him available for Green Bay.
The Packers might see Thompson as a potential "Jack" linebacker next to Sam Barrington on the inside, but the beauty of selecting someone seen as a 'tweener early is that in some ways, the Packers get three players in one. They can also use Thompson as a safety in the dime and off the edge as a pass-rusher.
Thompson is a reliable tackler in space and a weapon in blitz packages, and he has the added benefit of strengthening depth at the safety position as well.
"Given his football intelligence, Thompson might be able to handle a hybrid role in which he's asked to play linebacker and safety, on occasion, giving a creative defensive coordinator a moveable chess piece to match up against today's athletic tight ends and massive slot receivers," writes CBSSports.com's Rang.
Henry Anderson, DE, Stanford
Stanford's Henry Anderson is built like a prototypical 3-4 defensive end, and if he can add some mass, that could be the position he plays in the NFL, rather than moving to outside linebacker. He also lined up at tackle at Stanford as well as the nose.
Anderson was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2014 and led the team in tackles for loss (15) and sacks (8.5). For his size, he also demonstrates athleticism and quickness off the snap: he ran a 7.20-second three-cone drill and 4.19-second 20-yard shuttle, a top performer in both.
Dom Capers would love Anderson's versatility and experience playing in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts, as the Packers continue to try out some 4-3 looks up front.
"Anderson varies his pass-rush speeds and chops with hands to create space and slip into the backfield. He's more flexible than he looks and uses his long arms to lasso ball-carriers," writes Rang.
Mike Hull, OLB, Penn State
Given that they cleared house at the position this offseason, depth at inside linebacker is just as important as starting-caliber prospects. That's why productive Penn State linebacker Mike Hull could be a great candidate as a backup "Mike" linebacker for Green Bay.
The latest product of "Linebacker U," Hull is the son of former Packers linebacker Tom Hull. As a starting outside linebacker in 2013, Hull had 78 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. However, it was after he moved inside in 2014 that he had his best performance, leading the Nittany Lions with 140 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
"He has excellent diagnose skills to break down the action and attack in the blink of an eye and is the type of player that the ball-carrier seems to find every snap," writes CBSSports.com's Brugler.
Hull followed in his father's footsteps at Penn State. Could he do the same in Green Bay?
Offensive Line
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The 2015 Packers offensive line is solid, with multiple players who are near the top of the league in their positions and starting-caliber depth in Don Barclay, along with J.C. Tretter.
Still, a good offensive lineman is never a bad investment, and Ted Thompson has drafted one every year he's been in Green Bay.
Let's take a look at some prospects who could add valuable depth along the line.
Rob Havenstein, OT, Wisconsin
Thompson had started to develop a reputation for avoiding Wisconsin players in the draft, as wideout Jared Abbrederis was the first Badger he has taken in 10 years at the helm in Green Bay.
With one already on the roster, why not another? Rob Havenstein didn't have a great combine, running a 5.46-second 40-yard dash and benching only 16 reps (he later benched 20 reps of 225 pounds at his pro day).
But size doesn't lie, and Havenstein is 6'7", 321 pounds with 33 ¾" arms. Despite that size, however, he has quick feet and uses that to his advantage in run blocking.
For a backup right tackle, Havenstein has plenty of raw athleticism and talent that Green Bay could develop.
"With surprising feet to pair with good length and balance, Havenstein has the tools to be a starting right tackle in the league," NFL.com's Zierlein writes.
Austin Shepherd, OT, Alabama
A right tackle at Alabama, the best fit for Austin Shepherd in the NFL would be inside at guard, where he could add valuable depth on Green Bay's line, as Don Barclay is the perfect backup at right tackle.
Shepherd was a two-year starter for the Tide, demonstrating solid technique and a surprising lightness of foot given his size (6'4", 315 lbs). However, he could better use that size in leverage.
"He's a big, tough kid, and he understands how to play the game. He's not the most talented player, but he's the kind of player you love to coach," an unnamed NFC North scout told Zierlein.
Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina
South Carolina tackle Corey Robinson has massive size, at 6'7", 324 pounds, yet he is "surprisingly coordinated," per CBSSports.com's draft analysts. His arm length is an unbelievable 35.63", and he knows how to use it.
Per NFL.com's Zierlein, Robinson "uses length to redirect pass-rushers beyond quarterback when beaten by speed." To play at tackle in the NFL, he will have to improve his foot quickness, Zierlein writes. However, for Green Bay, Robinson could be a good candidate to move inside to back up the guard position.
"Robinson could provide a club impressive value," CBSSports.com also noted.
Running Back
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The Green Bay Packers have a stacked backfield, led by Eddie Lacy and James Starks. But after letting DuJuan Harris walk in free agency, they'll want to strengthen the position and ensure that Lacy has plenty of players available to spell him due to his hard-nosed, bruising running style.
The Packers could also benefit from a player at the position who is a more skilled pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
Drafting a running back in Round 2, where Jay Ajayi is projected to come off the board, would be an aggressive move by Ted Thompson to say the least. But the Packers like Ajayi, having met with him at the combine, according to Walter Football, so he'll certainly be on their radar.
Perhaps a trade down from Round 1 to gain an extra pick in Round 2 is the only scenario in which Ajayi would hear his name called by the Packers.
If it's pass-catching rushers we're talking about, Ajayi is it. He's the only player in FBS history with 1,800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in a single season. Like Lacy, Ajayi keeps his feet churning for extra yards after contact and doesn't go down easily.
He set school records for rushing yards (1,823), carries (347), all-purpose yardage (2,358), rushing touchdowns (28) and 100-yard rushing performances (10) in 2014.
"Athletic pass-catcher to make errant throws look like routine catches with soft hands, collecting himself well after the grab to turn downfield. Experienced lining up out wide and running routes," writes CBSSports.com's Brugler.
Dominique Brown, RB, Louisville
Green Bay also met with Louisville product Dominique Brown at the combine, according to Walter Football, and Brown's Round 5 projection is much more realistic for the Packers' needs.
At 6'2", 234 pounds, Brown would be the biggest back on the Packers' roster. However, though he has the size and power to be a punishing back, his work ethic was a question mark the Packers may not want to have to answer.
Brown still produced for the the Cardinals in 2014, leading the team with 825 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, adding another 228 receiving yards and a score.
"Brown isn't a burner, but has the size, burst and physicality to be that cut-and-go zone scheme runner at the next level," writes CBSSports.com's Derek Stephens.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas
Malcolm Brown is a versatile weapon considering he'll likely be drafted in the fifth round. He's able to catch passes out of the backfield and motor his way to extra yards after contact.
Brown was the nation's top running back recruit out of high school but didn't quite live up to expectations at Texas. Still, he had three straight 100-yard games in 2013 and led the team in rushing in 2014 with 708 yards. He also improved his combine 40-yard-dash speed (4.62 seconds) at his pro day (4.52 and 4.50 seconds).
Brown "possesses the size, toughness and ability to play on all three downs and that will catch the eyes of teams looking for depth at running back," per Zierlein of NFL.com.
Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
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Among Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams at the Nos. 1-3 receiver positions and Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis available to compete for snaps in four- and even five-wide sets, receiver is far from a true need for the Packers.
However, they could use a skilled returner as well as a special teams gunner after cutting Kevin Dorsey and letting Jarrett Boykin walk in free agency.
Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
The projected heir apparent to Randall Cobb before he re-signed with the Packers, Tyler Lockett could still be a target for Green Bay if it can land him in Round 3.
In 2014, Lockett moved past fellow Kansas State alum Nelson for second in school history in receiving yards. With Cobb locking down the slot, Lockett wouldn't get many snaps unless Cobb suffered an injury—and to that end, 2014 was Cobb's first 16-game season, so a little insurance wouldn't hurt. Nelson had to run 52.1 percent of his routes out of the slot in 2013 when Cobb missed 10 games, per Pro Football Focus.
Lockett could also be a fantastic punt returner from day one for the Packers, with his combination of speed (4.40-second 40) and elusiveness.
"Lockett is a film rat who can come in and compete for a slot receiver spot right away and should be an NFL punt returner," writes NFL.com's Zierlein.
Ty Montgomery, Stanford
As a solid fifth-round prospect, Ty Montgomery could be an ideal selection to shore up the Packers' return game, as head coach Mike McCarthy makes it his mission next season to improve special teams.
Montgomery struggled with a shoulder injury last season at Stanford, but in 2013, he earned consensus All-American honors as a kick returner, averaging 30.3 yards per return and multiple scores. He also led the team with 61 catches for 958 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Drops were sometimes an issue for Montgomery at Stanford, but that wouldn't be as much of an issue if the Packers planned to use him as a full-time kick returner.
"Montgomery can flip fields and change games with his ability in the return game and might be best-utilized in a dynamic, open-minded offensive system that gets the ball in his hands quickly and allows him to use his run after catch talents," writes Zierlein.
Devante Davis, UNLV
Devante Davis is a developmental prospect worth a seventh-round pick. He combines size (6'3", 220 lbs) with speed (4.57-second 40-yard dash). He improved his speed at his pro day, running the 40 in 4.53 seconds.
Davis is second in UNLV history in career receiving yards (2,785) and 100-yard receiving games (11), third in touchdown catches (22) and fourth in receptions (186). He has never had anything approaching a great quarterback throwing to him.
His size allows him to come away with 50-50 balls. He's also "as good as you could ask for at tracking deep ball—never loses sight of it," per Zierlein.
"Outstanding awareness with diligent footwork near sideline and back of the end zone," Zierlein writes. "Runs a subtle, effective deep post."
Quarterback
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Quarterback is, of course, the most solid position on Green Bay's roster—unless or until Aaron Rodgers gets hurt.
It's too early to be looking to draft Rodgers' eventual replacement, but without drafting a quarterback, the Packers would head into training camp with just two quarterbacks on the roster after re-signing Scott Tolzien to a one-year deal and letting Matt Flynn walk in free agency.
It's possible that Ted Thompson looks to add a third quarterback through the draft to ensure the depth of the position, lest another disaster like 2013 occur. Mike McCarthy said this offseason he hopes to develop another quarterback, per Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
Bryce Petty will reportedly meet with the Packers for a predraft visit, per ESPN.com's Rob Demovksy.
Is it a possible smokescreen by the Packers in the hopes that by expressing interest in Petty, a Round 3 or earlier prospect, another player falls to them? Perhaps, but given that each team is only allowed to conduct 30 predraft visits, for now we're taking this seriously.
Petty has all the traits you'd want in a starting quarterback: arm strength, size, mobility and touch. However, the tape doesn't always show the sum of all those traits. Petty, who ran a spread offense at Baylor out of the shotgun, doesn't respond well to pressure.
Still, all the tools are there, and McCarthy could be just the person to assemble them into a reliable backup (or eventual trade-worthy starter) in his offseason quarterback school.
"When he gets in a rhythm, Petty is highly efficient passing downfield, showing touch, timing and placement, especially when peppering zone coverage with quick throws underneath," writes CBSSports.com's Brugler.
Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama
Many teams may think twice before drafting Brandon Bridge, who combines an unbelievable arm with incredibly raw fundamentals.
But McCarthy and the Packers have the system and the time to spend refining those fundamentals and getting the most out of that elite arm strength.
Bridge had a solid 40-yard dash of 4.72 seconds, per NFL.com (faster than Bryce Petty and Jameis Winston). But where he really popped was in the throwing drills, showing off one of the best arms in this class.
"Has enough arm to make off-balance intermediate and deep throws that few (if any) in this draft can make," wrote NFL.com's Zierlein. "Can drop deep ball into a bucket with accuracy and had a completion of 42 yards or more in eight of his 11 games in 2014." That's something you can't teach.
Bridge's footwork is messy, his touch is off, and his accuracy in the intermediate game is questionable.
However, "that size, arm and athleticism are definitely traits worth taking a chance on," Zierlein writes.
Cody Fajardo, QB, Nevada
Nevada's Cody Fajardo ensured he'll be drafted, even if it's in Round 7, with his performance at the combine in February. He was a top performer in the 40-yard dash (4.63 seconds), three-cone drill (6.95 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.10 seconds).
Fajardo's tape, however, is erratic. Sometimes he appears to be an accurate, mobile passer with good read recognition. At other times, he appears to get stuck on his first read and looks jumpy rather than mobile.
Fajardo seems like somewhat of an odd fit in Green Bay's system, as a run-pass quarterback using a lot of zone-read in a pistol spread offense at Nevada. However, the Packers liked him at the combine, per Jersey Al of AllGreenBayPackers.com, where he looked very smooth in his drills.
The question is whether he can be productive in the NFL coming out of a non-pro-style offense.
"He's a willing learner and has a chance to be a third quarterback with 'package' potential thanks to his toughness as a runner," writes Zierlein.
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