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

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

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The 2016 college football season concluded last week with conference championship games, and the NFL draft season has officially begun.

Only bowl season remains to get a last look at the top prospects of the 2017 draft class. However, we have a good indication at this point who the top players are at each position.

With the Green Bay Packers still in the playoff hunt and four games remaining on their schedule, a lot is still in front of them before the offseason picture is clear. The Packers could still make a run this season, which could go a long way in determining how many of their 10 potential free agents will return to the team next year.

Notable names like Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Datone Jones, Eddie Lacy, and T.J. Lang all have contracts set to expire after this season. Depending on what the Packers front office does with these players will go a long way in determining their roster needs come draft time.

The following is an early look at the top five prospects at each position of the upcoming draft class. I prioritized the position previews based on perceived need on the Packers roster heading into the offseason.

South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) catches the ball as Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) tackles during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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)

Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the second quarter as South Florida Bulls linebacker Danny Thomas (53) defends at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #2: Running Back

Position Outlook: Eddie Lacy is another veteran player who’s future in Green Bay is up in the air at this point. Despite struggling to keep his weight in check, Lacy looked rejuvenated this season. He was running hard and had a couple of nice performances against the Lions and Giants.

However, Lacy has struggled to stay healthy and an ankle injury in Week 6 landed him on IR for the rest of the year. It’ll be interesting to see if the Packers try to offer him a new contract after this season or if they’ll let him walk and test the market.

James Starks has also struggled to stay healthy and has been abysmal in Lacy’s place when on the field. The Packers ground game isn’t going anywhere as long as they keep trying to feed Starks the ball. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and his overall game seems to be diminishing. It’s likely Green Bay moves on from him in the offseason.

If the Packers decide to hit the reset button at running back and move on from Lacy and Starks, retooling their backfield should be one of their top priorities when it comes to the draft. And, even if the Packers manage to bring back Lacy, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find another talented back to pair with him.

Top-5 Running Back Prospects

1. Leonard Fournette, LSU (6-1, 235)

2. Dalvin Cook, Florida State (5-11, 213)

3. Nick Chubb, Georgia (5-10, 228)

4. Jamaal Williams, BYU (6-2, 220)

5. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (6-0, 202)

Fortunately for the Packers, running back is the strength of the 2017 draft class. There are several guys who could be real game changers, and there should be plenty of starting-quality talent available well into the middle rounds.

Fournette and Cook are truly special players who in the right system could have a similar impact as rookies as seen with Elliott in Dallas this year. They both offer very different skillets, but they’re equally effective. They should both go in the first round of the draft.

Chubb is also a special player, who at one point could have challenged Fournette and Cook for the top spot at the position. He’s an excellent blend of speed and power. However, an ACL injury in 2015 has really hurt Chubb’s draft stock. He returned in 2016 and had a nice season, but nagging injuries throughout the year have made many wonder if he’ll stay on the field in the NFL.

McCaffrey is a household name, and for good measure. He’s an excellent college running back. He’s simply a playmaker, whether it be in the running game, passing game, or as a returner. For the second year in a row he’s among the nation’s leaders in total yards from scrimmage.

However, I have concerns about McCaffrey’s size and build. I wonder how well he’ll hold up at the next level as a featured back. He’s seems better suited as a utility player or change-of-pace guy than a true three-down halfback in an NFL offense. Granted, he’s still a guy that can do a lot on the field, and in the right offense, be a very effective player.

Williams is the overlooked running back prospect. He’s a bruising downhill runner with good speed and cutback ability that can carry the ball 20-25 times a game. He’s such an explosive runner. He was on a pace to have a monster 2016 season, but an ankle injury in late October hindered him down the stretch. A significant knee injury last year has also hurt his overall draft stock.

Other Notable RB Prospects: D’Onta Foreman (Texas), Royce Freeman (Oregon), Kareem Hunt (Toledo), Corey Clement (Wisconsin), Samaje Perine (Oklahoma), Donnel Pumphrey (San Diego State), Jeremy McNichols (Boise State), Brian Hill (Wyoming)

Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Ryan Lewis (38) during the second half at Heinz Field. Virginia Tech won 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #3: Tight End

Position Outlook: A healthy Jared Cook has given the Packers a little life at the tight end position, but it’s still unclear at this point whether he has a future in Green Bay. His play over the final four weeks of the season will largely determine that.

Richard Rodgers is a solid receiver but he’s not a dynamic offensive weapon and his run blocking has been inconsistent. It’s also hard to say what Justin Perillo and Kennard Backman offer down the road.

Depending on what the Packers do with Cook, tight end could be a major need on this roster going into the 2017 season.

Top-5 Tight End Prospects

1. O.J. Howard, Alabama (6-6, 251)

2. Jake Butt, Michigan (6-6, 248)

3. Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech (6-7, 245)

4. Jordan Leggett, Clemson (6-5, 260)

5. Evan Engram, Ole Miss (6-3, 235)

The upcoming tight end class is deep at the top, but then it thins out quickly once we get to mid and late-round prospects.

Howard has the frame and athleticism for the NFL. However, the production hasn’t always been there, but many credit this to his under-utilization in Alabama’s offense. Granted, he’s still shown flashes of impressive receiving acumen and downfield playmaking ability, and that’s what has scouts and draft analysts excited about his game.  He’s also a reliable run blocker, which is rare for tight ends built for the passing game.

Butt is a solid prospect and probably the safest choice of the group. He may not be a standout in any one aspect of the game, but he does everything well. He’s a reliable receiving target over the middle of the field. He’s a starting quality tight end in the NFL.

Hodges, Leggett, and Engram are all more big slot receivers than true tight end prospects. They lined up more in the slot or out wide than the traditional in-line tight end position. All three are big receiving targets with good athleticism.

Hodges is probably the best athlete of the group, and his tall frame makes him one of the more intriguing players at the position. He could create mismatch problems over the middle of the field at the next level. However, he’s had stretches of his college career where he disappeared from games, especially against top competition.

Leggett is not quite the athlete as Hodges or Howard, but he has size, is an excellent route runner, and his hands are consistent.

Engram has had a super productive career at Ole Miss (65 rec, 926 yds, 8 TDs in 2016), but his size makes him a difficult projection for the NFL.

Other Notable TE Prospects: Jeremy Sprinkle (Arkansas), Gerald Everett (South Alabama), Cole Hikutini (Louisville), Blake Jarwin (Oklahoma State), George Kittle (Iowa)

Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #4: Edge Rusher

Position Outlook: The Packers could lose Nick Perry, Julius Peppers, and Datone Jones this offseason, leaving the outside linebacker position pretty thin.

Clay Matthews has also struggled to stay healthy and is now on the wrong side of 30. Rookie Kyler Fackrell has flashed some promise, but the Packers will need more playmakers on the edge going forward.

Even if Green Bay manages to bring back Perry or Peppers, drafting another talented edge rusher would be a smart decision because it is such a vital position in a 3-4 defense.

Top-5 Edge Prospects

1. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M (6-5, 270)

2. Carl Lawson, Auburn (6-2, 253)

3. Tim Williams, Alabama (6-4, 245)

4. Derek Barnett, Tennessee (6-3, 265)

5. Takkarist McKinley, UCLA (6-2, 265)

This is a very talented and deep edge group. There are several top-end players, and a few should even be available for the Packers to draft in the first round if they decide to go in this direction.

Garrett is the clear-cut top overall prospect in the 2017 draft class and will be off the board in the first five picks. However, after that, there is much debate on whether Lawson, Williams, or Barnett is the next best edge player.

If you’re looking for a pure pass rusher who can generate consistent pressure, then Williams might be your man. He’s a natural fit as a 3-4 rush backer and would fit in nicely in the Packers defense. However, Williams still needs to make strides as a run defender. He’s a bit undersized and primarily gets to the quarterback with speed. He’ll need to get stronger to be a complete three-down player in the NFL.

Barnett is the opposite. He has a stockier build and he holds a stronger edge, similar to Nick Perry. He’s equally as good against the run as he is at getting after the quarterback. However, he’s not quite the quick-twitch athlete like the other top players at the position. Nonetheless, 32 career sacks and 27 quarterback hurries speaks for itself.

Lawson is a bit of the best of both worlds. He has Williams’ explosiveness and athleticism around the edge, but he’s also strong enough to hold his own against the run. Nine sacks and 24 hurries in 2016 alone is insane production. However, there are some injury red flags with Lawson. He missed six games in 2015 with a hip injury, which could ultimately hurt his stock on draft day.

Other Notable Edge Prospects: Taco Charlton (Michigan), Charles Harris (Missouri), Vince Biegel (Wisconsin), Ryan Anderson (Alabama), Dawuane Smoot (Illinois), Solomon Thomas (Stanford), DeMarcus Walker (Florida State), Devonte Fields (Louisville), Sam Hubbard (Ohio State), Jordan Willis (Kansas State), Daeshon Hall (Texas A&M)

Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) rushes in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #5: Wide Receiver

Position Outlook: Wide receiver isn’t necessarily a major need on this roster, per se. Jordy Nelson is still a reliable veteran target. Randall Cobb still plays hard and is capable of making plays with the ball in his hands, and Davante Adams is steadily ascending into becoming the top playmaker at the position.

However, is there a guy currently on the roster that really scares opposing defenses? Rather, the Packers receiving corps is full of good players, but lacking true impact players that can be legitimate big-play threats downfield.

Green Bay has not gotten this with youngsters Jeff Janis and Trevor Davis, despite their blazing speed. The Packers certainly have plenty of solid receiving options on their team, but they could use a top-end player that can gain separation and be a downfield threat even against the elite defensive backs of the NFL.

Top-5 Wide Receiver Prospects

1. Mike Williams, Clemson (6-3, 225)

2. Corey Davis, Western Michigan (6-3, 213)

3. John Ross, Washington (5-11, 190)

4. JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC (6-2, 220)

5. Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma (6-0, 176)

The Packers should go with a receiver early in the draft or just go into next season with what they already have at the position. Green Bay could certainly be in play for at least one of top-five receiver prospects in the draft.

Williams and Davis both meet all of the requirements of a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL. They both have size, speed, athleticism, and an ability to go up and haul in contested catches. Even though he’s a smaller school prospect, Davis is the more polished route runner and probably the safest receiving option in the draft. However,  Williams playmaking ability is exciting and would be a great weapon for the Packers to add to their receiver group.

Smith-Schuster also has good size and strength as a boundary receiver, but he’s not a straight-line burner. He’s more of a possession receiver with decent ability after the catch.

Ross and Westbrook may not boast ideal frames for the position at the next level, but they’re both incredibly electric athletes.

Ross may contend for the fastest prospect in the draft, but his game is more than just blazing downfield position. He’s a true playmaker with the ball in his hands. The dynamic receiver can make defenders miss in the open field and he can be utilized in a variety of ways on offense.

Westbrook is also a better boundary receiver than people give him credit for. He may be a bit wiry, but he hauls in so many tough contested catches. He has excellent concentration and he does a great job high-pointing the ball. He’s an extremely gifted athlete and has a bit of Donald Driver to his game.

Other Notable WR Prospects: Josh Reynolds (Texas A&M), Isaiah Ford (Virginia Tech), Amara Darboh (Michigan), Jehu Chesson (Michigan), Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington), Courtland Sutton (SMU), Stacy Coley (Miami), Zay Jones (East Carolina), Travin Dural (LSU), Damore’ea Stringfellow (Ole Miss), Taywan Taylor (Western Kentucky)

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) prepares to hit Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #6: Inside Linebacker

Position Outlook: It’s hard to tell at this point if inside linebacker is really a legitimate need on the Packers roster. Blake Martinez has shown a lot of promise as a rookie, but he’s also had his fair share of mishaps.

Jake Ryan has certainly taken a big step in his second year, and when healthy, he’s one of the Packers top run defenders. However, he’s still a bit suspect as a pass defender.

Joe Thomas also has had flashes of solid play, but then he’s had games where his lack of size was exposed and he got washed out of plays by opposing offensive linemen.

The Packers still don’t have a complete inside backer on the roster, so if they get an opportunity to draft one of the top prospects of this deep group of inside linebackers, it may be tempting. In the very least they should use a mid-round pick to add depth to the position.

Top-5 Inside Linebacker Prospects

1. Reuben Foster, Alabama (6-1, 240)

2. Josey Jewell, Iowa (6-2, 235)

3. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State (6-2, 245)

4. Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt (6-4, 230)

5. Jarrad Davis, Florida (6-2, 238)

I love the 2017 class of inside linebackers. Bama’s Reuben Foster checks all of the boxes for a true impact player on defense at inside linebacker. He’s a tackling machine against the run and he has the speed and athleticism to hold his own in coverage. He’s an electric player.

Cunningham is also a big-time playmaker, and he’s quickly rising up draft boards. People seem to love his athleticism and nose for the ball. However, the Vanderbilt standout can also be very reckless on the field and needs to learn to play with better control. His size and frame also make him a better fit as a weakside 4-3 linebacker than a true inside prospect.

McMillan is as solid as they come. He’s rarely out of position and he quietly makes play after play, even if he lacks the flash of Cunningham and Foster’s game. The Buckeye standout is a selfless player that finds ways to impact the game, and he stays on the field on all three downs. With his ability to take on blocks in the middle, I like him a lot as a 3-4 inside linebacker prospect.

Davis is also a fun player to watch, but like Cunningham, he can be a bit out of control at times and tends to over pursue plays. He’s also probably better suited in a  4-3 defense because like Cunningham he also struggles stack and shedding blocks.

My sleeper prospect at the position–Josey Jewell–has yet to declare and may return to Iowa for his senior season. He’s an incredible linebacker to evaluate on film and does everything at the position well. He’s a true three-down prospect. If he returns to Iowa for another year look for him to be the top inside linebacker in the 2018 draft class.

Other Notable ILB Prospects: Anthony Walker (Northwestern), Azeem Victor (Washington), Kendell Beckwith (LSU), Duke Riley (LSU), Steven Taylor (Houston), Elijah Lee (Kansas State), Jalen Reeves-Mabin (Tennessee), Calvin Munson (San Diego State), Micah Kiser (Virginia)

Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #7: Defensive Line

Position Outlook: I like the Packers young defensive line, even though they still have some growing to do. Mike Daniels is an impact player that brings it every game, and Letroy Guion is a reliable veteran run stopper.

Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry are just scratching the surface of their potential, but it often takes defensive linemen a bit longer than other positions to get the hang of the NFL game. Regardless, the small sample size we’ve seen this season has been encouraging.

Mike Pennel‘s future is a bit up in the air in Green Bay, given he’s about to serve his second suspension of his career. And, it’s a bit unclear how far Christian Ringo has really developed on the field. The Packers could use another player or two from the upcoming draft to provide more depth at the position.

Top-5 Defensive Line Prospects

1. Jonathan Allen, Alabama (6-3, 290)

2. Chris Wormley, Michigan (6-5, 303)

3. Malik McDowell, Michigan State (6-6, 280)

4. Caleb Brantley, Florida (6-2, 314)

5. Davon Godchaux, LSU (6-4, 299)

The Packers won’t have a shot at Jonathan Allen, who’s an exceptional interior defensive lineman and should be off the board in the first ten picks.

McDowell is a bit overrated, but he’s still a likely first-round talent. He has all of the physical tools to be a good player in the NFL, but his effort and impact on gameday has been inconsistent. He’s a bit of a boom or bust prospect.

Wormley is an ideal 3-4 defensive end at the next level. He has the strength, length, and size to take on blocks and two-gap. He holds a hard edge against the run, and he’s also an explosive enough athlete to generate pressure and get after the quarterback.

Brantley and Godchaux are both disruptive players at the line of scrimmage and can stay on the field on third down to generate interior pressure. Either player would serve well in the Packers two-down linemen nickel look.

Other Notable DL Prospects: Jaleel Johnson (Iowa), Vita Vea (Washington), Elijah Qualls (Washington), Lowell Lotulelei (Utah), Jarron Jones (Notre Dame), Montravius Adams (Auburn), Ryan Glasgow (Michigan), Carlos Watkins (Clemson), Charles Walker (Oklahoma)

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) blocks USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #8: Offensive Line

Position Outlook: When healthy, the Packers offensive line is one of the best position groups on their roster. However, T.J. Lang and JC Tretter are set to be free agents this offseason.

It’s unlikely the Packers will be able to afford to bring back both players. Lang is a Pro-Bowl caliber player still at the height of his career. However, he’s quickly approaching 30 and he’ll be the more expensive option of the two.

Tretter is a young ascending player who could kick over to guard if Green Bay loses Lang. However, in an ideal world the Packers find a way to keep both players.

Top-5 Offensive Line Prospects

1. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama (6-6, 326)

2. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin (6-6, 314)

3. Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana (6-4, 310)

4. Billy Price, OG, Ohio State (6-4, 315)

5. Dorian Johnson, OG, Pitt (6-5, 300)

If the Packers keep both Tretter and Lang then offensive line is a low priority to address in the draft.  However, they could still spend a Day Three pick on a player to offer depth on the offensive line.

The top prospects probably won’t be in play for Green Bay unless the Packers somehow lose both Tretter and Lang in the offseason.

In a weak offensive tackle class, there are two prospects that could get first-round considerations. Both Robinson and Ramczyk are solid tackle prospects with starting ability at the next level.

The strength of the this offensive line class, however, is at guard. Feeney, Price, and Johnson are all top-end prospects who should make immediate impacts at the next level. They’ll be Day 2 picks in the draft.

Other Notable OL Prospects: Ethan Pocic (C, LSU), Quenton Nelson (OG, Notre Dame), Erik Magnuson (OT, Michigan), Chad Wheeler (OT, USC), Zach Banner (OG, USC), Mason Cole (C, Michigan), Roderick Johnson (OT, Florida State), Pat Elflein (C/G, Ohio State), Conor McDermott (OT, UCLA), Tyler Orlosky (C, West Virginia)

LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #9: Safety

Position Outlook: Safety might be the only position on defense that the Packers don’t need to address in the offseason.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett are a good tandem in the secondary. Kentrell Brice and Marwin Evans are also decent developmental prospects.

The Packers may retain Micah Hyde after this season, but they should only do so to offer depth at safety. He’s struggled as a cornerback.

Top-5 Safety Prospects

1. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan (6-1, 208)

2. Jamal Adams, LSU (6-1, 213)

3. Malik Hooker, Ohio State (6-2, 205)

4. Justin Evans, Texas A&M (6-1, 195)

5. Budda Baker, Washington (5-10, 192)

It’s unlikely the Packers will target any of the top safety prospects. It’s too bad though because this is a very good group, especially at the top end.

Peppers is a special player that can do so many things on the field. He’s very effective up in the box. He’s also decent in a nickel linebacker role, and he can even make plays as a slot corner. Not to mention the impact he’s made as a returner and halfback on offense. He’s a special athlete, but teams may also struggle to find the best fit for him because he’s not a traditional safety.

As a pure safety prospect, there isn’t a better player than Adams. He can do everything at the position. He’s tough against the run, instinctive, and holds his own in coverage.

Hooker is excellent in coverage. He led the Big Ten in interceptions with six this season, but he’s a redshirt sophomore and it’s unclear at this point if he’ll declare for the draft or return to Ohio State for his junior year.

Evans and Baker also make a lot of plays in the secondary and should get considerations on Day 2 of the draft.

Other Notable Safety Prospects: Armani Watts (Texas A&M), Marcus Maye (Florida), Eddie Jackson (Alabama), Marcus Williams (Utah), Josh Harvey-Clemons (Louisville), Marcus Allen (Penn State)

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Position of Need #10: Quarterback

Position Outlook: It’s unlikely the Packers are in play for a quarterback in the draft. Aaron Rodgers still has plenty of good years ahead of him and Brett Hundley is a reliable backup. Green Bay also has Joe Callahan as a developmental prospect on the practice squad.

Top-5 Quarterback Prospects

1. Deshaun Watson, Clemson (6-2, 207)

2. DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame (6-4, 230)

3. Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina (6-3, 220)

4. Brad Kaaya, Miami (6-4, 209)

5. Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech (6-3, 219)

The Packers are fortunate that quarterback is currently not a need on the roster because the 2017 quarterback class does not look good at this point. It’s lacking clear top-end prospects.

Deshaun Watson still appears to be the top quarterback of the draft despite a really inconsistent 2016 season. He was a hot name a year ago around this time, but it seems scouts and analysts have cooled on him.

Kizer has the right skillset to be a decent NFL quarterback, but like Watson, he’s also been incredibly inconsistent. Many believe he could return to Notre Dame for his junior year to refine his game.

The buzz around UNC’s Trubisky continues to grow, but this seems more out of desperation for analysts to find a legitimate first-round talent from the group than because Trubisky is a true can’t-miss prospect.

Kaaya and Mahomes are decent quarterback prospects, but they don’t project as immediate starting NFL talent. Like just about every quarterback prospect in this class, they need a lot of time to develop and grow behind a veteran at the next level.

Other Notable QB Prospects: Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State), Luke Falk (Washington State), Davis Webb (California), Josh Allen (Wyoming), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Joshua Dobbs (Tennessee), C.J. Beathard (Iowa)

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