Post-Senior Bowl Mock Drafts Focus on Cornerbacks for Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. – With the Senior Bowl complete, there’s a fresh batch of NFL mock drafts. While there’s a new defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers with the arrival of Jeff Hafley, the focus remains the same.
Cornerback.
It’s an obvious need stemming from the midseason trade of Rasul Douglas and with slot Keisean Nixon headed to free agency.
Here is a look at the latest mock drafts.
ESPN.com: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, there is a “code-red need at cornerback.” So, in a two-round mock draft, he double-dipped. With No. 25 of the first round, he grabbed Iowa’s Cooper DeJean.
Noting defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s desire to play press-man coverage, DeJean is a do-it-all corner capable of playing outside corner, slot, safety and punt returner. He grabbed seven interceptions the past two years.
“DeJean is a master in coverage, and he's the kind of playmaker Green Bay doesn't have in its current secondary,” Miller wrote.
The first of the team’s second-round picks was used on Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who had almost as many pass breakups as catches allowed in 2023. The other second-round pick landed a running back.
NFL.com: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm used the same thinking as Miller in grabbing DeJean.
“The Packers have needs at corner and safety, and I believe DeJean could end up at either spot in the NFL. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has used a lot of single-high looks, and I can picture a player like the rangy DeJean fitting that role.”
Pro Football Network (seven rounds): Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell
Everyone knew about Mitchell’s athleticism entering the Senior Bowl. But how would he fare against big-boy competition? After a strong week at the all-star showcase, Mitchell likely cemented his first-round standing. He was the pick for the Packers in this seven-round mock.
“With eye-popping production in college, Quinyon Mitchell offers elite speed and explosive movement,” Owain Jones wrote. “Not only does Mitchell have absurd acceleration, but he also has enough physicality and body strength to nullify receivers at the catch point.”
The team’s two third-round picks were used to fill holes in Hafley’s defense with Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper providing “sideline-to-sideline” range and Utah safety Cole Bishop provide the run-stopping support Hafley’s scheme demands.
Pro Football Focus (two rounds): Iowa CB Cooper DeJean
In their latest podcast, Trevor Sikkema and Connor Rogers produced a two-round mock draft. Once again, DeJean was the pick.
Cornerback is a big need. So is safety, with Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens headed to free agency. With the second of Green Bay’s second-round picks, the choice was Miami safety Kamren Kinchens. His snap count from 2023 is interesting, with 379 deep 110 in the box and 113 in the slot. He had five interceptions but allowed four touchdowns in 2023.
Click here to see the full mock.
CBS Sports: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
CBSSports.com’s Josh Edwards focused on a cornerback, as well, with McKinstry. In three seasons at Alabama, Pro Football Focus charged him with just a 47.9 percent completion rate with one touchdown allowed in each of those seasons. His 40-time during pre-draft testing will be critical.
McKinstry also was the choice in a post-Senior Bowl mock at Yahoo.
The Draft Network: Washington OT Troy Fautanu
With David Bakhtiari coming off his fourth and fifth knee surgeries and having played just one game in 2023, and with the team not sounding totally sold on Rasheed Walker, Keith Sanchez grabbed Fautanu over DeJean or Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat.
Fautanu was a two-year starting left tackle. He allowed two sacks in 2023 and zero in 2022.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Fautanu his 16th-best prospect. As part of a more extensive scouting report, Jeremiah said: “In pass pro, he is a very easy mover, bends well and has a sharp/jolting punch.”
The 33rd Team (two rounds): Arizona OT Jordan Morgan
Morgan was a three-year starting left tackle for the Wildcats. He allowed five sacks in 2021 but one in 2022 and two in 2023. He’s athletic and a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme, as well.
The second-round picks were spent on a safety and defensive lineman. Click here to see those other picks.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Morgan his 31st-best prospect. As part of a more extensive scouting report, Jeremiah said: “In pass pro, he is quick out of his stance to meet and cover up speed rushers. In the run game, he is more finesse than power.”
Touchdown Wire: Washington DE Bralen Trice
Doug Farrar bypassed three cornerbacks to grab Trice, the productive edge rusher for the Huskies who had 16 sacks and 23.5 tackles for losses during his final two seasons. His pass-rush win rate of 17.6 percent was one of the highest in the draft class, according to Pro Football Focus.
