National Football League

Green Bay Packers draft radar: Four college players to watch Week 6

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In this weekly series, we highlight four college football players to watch over the weekend that could be on the Green Bay Packers radar for the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Packers already shored up starting left tackle David Bakhtiari for the foreseeable future with a lucrative contract extension prior to the season opener. However, Green Bay still has a tall task in preventing a mass exodus of talent on their roster following the 2016 season.

A quick glance at players currently under contract with the Green and Gold shows nine significant players set for free agency this upcoming spring.

Positions like offensive line and outside linebacker could get hit the hardest. And looking ahead to 2018, the secondary may also need some help with veterans like Sam Shields and Morgan Burnett nearing the end of their current deals.

I know it may be too early in the season to worry about who the Packers may eventually lose, but if you’re going to watch college football with a scout’s eye, it’s good to keep in mind Green Bay’s potential roster needs, even beyond this next year.

The Packers will certainly do so when it comes to the draft.

With another great weekend of college football just around the corner, here are four prospects to keep an eye on this Saturday.

Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Eric Olson (76) during the first half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee

The Packers have plenty of talented pass rushers on their roster, from Pro Bowlers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers to ascending talent like Nick Perry, Datone Jones, and Kyler Fackrell.

However, three of the Green Bay’s top five outside linebackers are in the last year of their contracts, and the team can’t afford to re-sign all of them.

The Packers will have to make a tough decision between bringing back Peppers, Perry, or Jones. The way Perry is playing this season he may be the odds-on favorite, but if he plays well enough, he could also price himself out of Green Bay. This may also ring true with Jones.

If Green Bay loses even two of these three players they will most likely look to the draft to maintain their depth at the position.

One edge rusher I really like right now in college is Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive lineman is currently on a two-game hot streak, recording four combined sacks against SEC rivals Florida and Georgia.

Barnett also already has 8.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries on the year. He’s well on his way to matching his respectable 2015 and 2014 numbers, where he recorded at least 10 sacks and seven hurries each year as a starter.

Built similarly like Perry, Barnett is a college defensive end with a good blend of power and quick-twitch athleticism. The Packers normally like their outside linebackers bigger than most 3-4 teams, so Barnett would be a nice fit in Caper’s scheme.

He can set the edge well against the run, and he would give the Packers another versatile pass rusher who can bend the edge and beat blockers in multiple ways.

Barnett will get a good test this week against Texas A&M. While many will be talking about ultra-talented Aggies defensive end Myles Garrett, Barnett should show plenty on the field to warrant a late first-round projection.

When to Watch: Tennessee vs Texas A&M this Saturday on CBS at 2:30 central

Next: 2. SEC Wide Receiver

Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) makes a reception during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2. Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

Another player to note during the Volunteers-Aggies showdown this weekend is Texas A&M wide receiver Josh Reynolds.

Reynolds simply makes plays. He’s not the strongest, fastest, or flashiest wideout, but he always finds a way to impact the game. Among SEC receivers with over 20 receptions, Reynolds leads the group in downfield production with a 19.95 yards per catch average.

The 6-foot-4, 193-pound senior is not only the Aggies leading receiver on the season, but he’s also been their most impressive player on offense.

Reynolds’ route-running is smooth. He’s quick out of his breaks, and his hands are consistent. He can use his long frame to high-point the ball in coverage and he makes plays after the catch.

He would fit well in the Packers system, and Aaron Rodgers could certainly use another reliable boundary receiver to line up opposite Jordy Nelson.

When to Watch: Tennessee vs Texas A&M this Saturday on CBS at 2:30 central

Next: 3. Physical Defensive Back

Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Brandon Facyson (31) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Jumichael Ramos (85) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech

Facyson may not be a household name yet, but draft experts, like Draft Insider’s Tony Pauline, have been singing his praises over the first five weeks of the college season.

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound cornerback took the ACC by storm in 2013 as a true freshman when he recorded five interceptions and eight pass breakups lined up opposite Kendall Fuller.

Facyson faced an injury setback his sophomore season, which has led him to fly a bit under the radar now in his redshirt junior year.

Although the Hokie defensive back hasn’t recorded an interception since his freshman year, Facyson has shown on tape he’s still an excellent cover corner with the size and length to get his hands on the ball and contest catches.

He’s physical off the line, shows good speed downfield, and he’s a smart player who is rarely out position.

Teams looking for another viable cornerback who can hold his own in one-on-on man coverage will value the Virginia Tech product.

He’s a natural scheme fit for the Packers system. And with issues in the secondary and Hyde set to become a free agent this offseason, as well as Shields nearing the end of his contract, the Packers may address the position sooner than many expect.

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jaleel Johnson, DL, Iowa

While evaluating Iowa defensive prospects, Desmond King and Josey Jewell, No. 67 continued to jump off the film.

The Blackhawks defensive lineman is surprisingly explosive off the line for a guy who measures in at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds. He has the build to play the five-technique position in the 3-4 front, and his versatility in Iowa’s front playing both defensive tackle and defensive end showcase his value at the next level.

Johnson will get noticed for his ability to hold the point of attack and take on double teams against the run, but what will push Johnson into the early rounds of the draft is his ability to generate pressure as an interior defensive lineman.

He already has 2.5 sacks and two hurries on the season, and last year, he was one of the most efficient pass rushers on his team with 3.5 sacks and six hurries.

Johnson is a bit of a sleeper at defensive line when it comes to the 2017 draft class, but watch any Iowa game and you’ll see the versatile defensive lineman making plays and getting great push off the line.

He’s a guy that should get more hype as the college season progresses.

Previous CFB Players to Watch: Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5