Everyday we inch closer to free agency and the NFL Draft. Many things are unknown and this time of year brings the inner-GM out of us. I brought up some potential first-round targets for the Packers last month. This time we will dive a little deeper by looking at some guys that Green Bay can grab in the second round.
Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Baun could stay in-state here if he falls to the end of the second round. The former Badger is a genius on the football field. He has a very high football IQ which allows him to make plays all over the field. Baun can rush the quarterback and he excels off the ball when he’s allowed to use his instincts. He will be best-served when used across the front seven of a defense, relying on his football smarts.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Mims has elite straight-line speed that can take the top off of a defense. He isn’t the most agile laterally but he did have the fastest three cone drill of any player at the combine this year (6.66). Mims has a huge catch radius and is strong at high-pointing the football. He’s able to make contested catches at an impressive rate, which may not be needed if Aaron Rodgers is throwing him the ball.
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Claypool is a physical specimen and he showed the world at the combine. The Notre Dame product was measured at 6’4, weighing 238 pounds, ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, and jumped 40.5 inches in the vertical. Claypool could be converted to tight end at the next level but I think he’s best used as a mismatch. You can line him up anywhere on the field and watch him do his thing. He joined Calvin Johnson as the only two players to be 6’4 or taller, weigh at least 235 pounds, and run faster than 4.45 in the 40. Claypool is too big for corners and too fast for linebackers.
Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Another Notre Dame talent makes my list. Kmet is the top tight end on most drafts boards and stands a good chance of being the first one selected in April. He shows very soft hands as a pass-catcher and is a clean route runner, despite not being the most agile player. Kmet has not reached his full potential but he displays the willingness block as a traditional tight end. This isn’t the strongest tight end class so Kmet may not last this long. With that being said, if he falls in the draft, this is a great value pick.
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Harrison bring a lot to the table as a tackling machine. He projects best as a middle linebacker due to his aggressive nature and his ability to read and react to the opposition. The former Buckeye is very physical and welcomes contact. He will take on offensive lineman and work to shoot gaps to make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Harrison leaves a little to be desired when he drops back into coverage. With proper coaching, he can be turned into a three-down linebacker.
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