Packers Prospects: 5 Cornerbacks to Know in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Packers could be in the market for a cornerback early in the upcoming draft.
By markoldacres
Cornerback is a strong position in this year’s draft, and Green Bay could have interest in taking one early, with the strength of the group behind Jaire Alexander questionable.
Like any other position, the Packers have certain measurables they want cornerbacks to hit for them to consider drafting that prospect.
Under Brian Gutekunst’s tenure, ignoring Shemar Jean-Charles, who it is well known did not adhere to their usual thresholds, the Packers have not drafted a corner shorter than 5’10.2” or lighter than 193 lbs. Similarly to receivers, they generally like their corners bigger.
Here are five cornerback prospects who fit the traditional size and athleticism mold the Packers look for:
Quinyon Mitchell - Toledo
With other corners like Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry yet to test, Mitchell is by far the top corner in the class who has already proven himself a Packers type. Unfortunately, his rise throughout the draft process may mean he is out of their reach at pick 25.
He blazed a 4.33 40 at the combine, helping him to an ‘elite’ speed Relative Athletic Score (RAS). He also achieved a ‘good’ explosion score and has good size, too at 6’0”, 195 lbs.
His tape is excellent, with the only question being level of competition. If Mitchell is available when the Packers pick in the first round, they may just sprint the card to the podium.
Max Melton - Rutgers
The brother of current Packers receiver Bo, Melton had an exceptional workout in Indy, earning a ‘great’ speed score with a 4.39 40 and an ‘elite’ explosion score.
At 5'11” on the nose and 193 lbs, he fits the bill as the type of corner the Packers look for, and they should get all the information they need on the former Rutgers corner from his brother.
Melton is another player who has shot up mock draft boards as the pre-draft process has gone on, and could be in play on day two for Green Bay.
Jarrian Jones - Florida State
Jones is another strong day two option who showed out at the combine. His scores for speed and explosion were both elite. He ran a 4.38 40 and jumped nearly 40 inches in the vert.
His movement skills are evident on tape, and Jones plays smart and with great effort. He needs to refine his footwork and play with more balance, and has experience playing both outside and in the slot.
Jones is an under the radar name to watch on the second day of the draft.
Khyree Jackson - Oregon
Jackson is a supersized corner at 6’3.6” and 194 lbs. His 4.50 40 is fine, albeit nothing to shout about, but he registered a ‘great’ explosion score to ease any concerns about his athleticism.
His frame is a real asset and allows him to shrink the target quarterbacks have to throw at, as well as helping him win at the catch point.
There are unrefined elements of Jackson’s game, and he may always struggle a bit with the NFL’s speediest wideouts, but his unique profile makes him an intriguing early day three option.
Marcellas Dial - South Carolina
Dial looks plenty athletic on tape and proved it at the combine with a 4.46 40 which helped him achieve a ‘great’ speed score. He also managed an ‘elite’ explosion score.
At 190 lbs he is a touch lighter than Green Bay usually likes, but a few points should not be an absolute dealbreaker.
There is some debate over whether Dial will end up as a safety at the next level, but he could be a worthwhile day three pick either way.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (55)
T7Steve
March 19, 2024 at 02:26 pm
Unbelievable speed and size. Stick with Melton 'cause he can live with his brother and learn the NFL ways faster. I bet they pushed and improved each other all their lives.
Packer_Fan
March 19, 2024 at 04:02 pm
The only cornerbacks that will be selected will be day 3 picks. Think... The Packers have all the same cornerbacks that they had at the end of the season, Six guys. but I could see adding a day three pick to develop.
Leatherhead
March 19, 2024 at 05:25 pm
I've noticed that. Alexander, Stokes, Nixon, Valentine, Ballentine, and two guys named Anthony Johnson. If the top 4 stay healthy, we're in business, but you can never have too many quality cover guys. Adding one more to the gameday roster would really help.
I like Melton and I could see us taking him at #88 or so.
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 05:34 pm
Stokes is a real wildcard for GB Leather. If he struggles to stay on the field this year. he probably doesn't stay for the 5th year extension. They could be looking for his replacement soon. That said, Elijah Jones has been talked about because of his ties to Hafley. Would he be a 5th rounder?
Leatherhead
March 19, 2024 at 07:51 pm
I think Stokes is a wildcard, but they all are. Look at how much Alexander made while he wasn't able to play last year. In a perfect world, we'd line up healthy versions of Alexander, Stokes, and Nixon at CB. We'd have Valentine/Ballantine to replace the first guy who got hurt
A CB at #25 makes all the sense in the world, except when you start running them through the filters like height, weight, etc., it's a pretty small pool of CBs that would merit a #25 but we do like to get defensive players in the first round. I really don't know anything about Elias Jones, but finding a DB on Day 3 who can cover and tackle is about as good as you can hope for. You can never have too many of these guys.
I like Max Melton at #88, or better yet, we've engineered a small trade down or two that gives us an extra pick around 70 or so, and then take him there . I'm going to look at Elijah Jones and see if he's a guy we'd like to get.
TKWorldWide
March 19, 2024 at 07:53 pm
Plus save on Melton Mortgage Money!
GregC
March 19, 2024 at 02:57 pm
I saw a mock draft yesterday that had the Packers taking Ennis Rakestraw, at 183 pounds and not particularly fast, in the first round. Hard to believe. These five all look like more realistic choices.
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 04:15 pm
I agree Greg, a lot of these mocks, especially if they go past 3 rounds, seem to not care who they pick for the Packers. I don't think they even bother to do the homework on what GBs needs are. In the early days of mock draft season, one 7-round mock had GB selecting 2 midround QBs. Now, it seems like the "Dream" Packers drafts are the worst. They are all ridiculous.
splitpea1
March 19, 2024 at 03:45 pm
Why these five, with the exception of Melton? There are a lot of good prospects between Mitchell and Melton, such as Arnold, Kool-Aid, Tampa, and Rakestraw--all of whom have played against top competition. I was sort of intrigued by Sainristil, but re-signing Nixon erased that possibility.
I do like Melton, though. He'll need some development, but we can probably bridge the gap with a player like Ballentine, who didn't perform badly when he was out there.
I really hope we'll not be concentrating so much on combine measurements with this position group, but more on technical skills and physicality when actually out on the field.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 04:07 pm
Rakestraw is out if you look at the Packers thresholds. Too small and too slow. Good tackler but not all that great in coverage.
Since TT became GM Shemar Jean-Charles is the only DB they've drafted under 190 lbs. I think they might go under that a bit this year because there's a few players between 185 and 190 that otherwise are right in their wheelhouse. But I seriously doubt they'd go under 185.
Tundraboy
March 19, 2024 at 11:11 pm
And Tackling!
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 03:59 pm
Khyree Jackson didn't play a lot of slot snaps at Oregon but might be better suited to move inside in the NFL. Not a great 40 but his 10 yard split was tied for 5th among CBs at the combine. That, along with his jumps and length point to a guy that could fair well inside.
Elijah Jones played for Hafley at BC and should have been included in this list. A little lighter than the Packers normal threshold but had outstanding jumps and good long speed. Probably goes in the 4th or 5th round.
https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1767900921340862740?t=XS5mxchx9ajELZ...
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 04:55 pm
He ran 4.50 @ the combine LL. That's fast enough, especially with the bonus of his size 6'3.5.
Why do you think he would move inside, he is described as very physical too. He would be a steal @ #88 or #91.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 07:03 pm
4.5 is borderline for an outside CB in a press system. Fine for Fangio cover 2.
Very physical? Sounds great for a slot defender.
jannesbjornson
March 20, 2024 at 02:24 pm
He may be better at the safety position..
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 04:42 pm
T J Tampa-Iowa State and Khyree Jackson have been my favorites since day 1. I figured we would be picking OL with #25, and Safety @ #41. So one of those two was sure to be available @ #58 or #88.
Lately I have eliminated CB from my first five picks so I could select LB @ #58 because we will be hard pressed to get 1 of the top 5 after that.
CB gets pushed back to last 2 rounds and these are the 3 later players I like, check them out:
Kamal Haddin-Tenn. 6'1 200lbs runs low 4.4s No huge stats but has great coverage skills No RAS
DeCamerrion Richardson-Miss State- 6'2 190 runs low 4.3s and had 79 Tackles last year- 9.8 RAS
Storm Duck-Louisville 6'0.5 200lbs runs high 4.3s He has the best name ever, At N Carolina he played every game his freshman and senior years, then transferred to Louisville-great tackler and a ballhawk No RAS
Bonus Player is a late round LB. Nathaniel Watson-also Miss State 6'2 235lbs 4.6 40 2023 stats-Led the SEC with 137 tackles 10 sacks 2 FF, His RAS is 6.87 but hedidn't do all the drills. Good in coverage too. Miss St. is usually strong defensively
Alberta_Packer
March 19, 2024 at 05:21 pm
gp1 - it appears that you are a deep draft diver. So I'd like to introduce my super draft sleeper - CB Quan'tez Stiggers. Stiggers played no college ball because of a family tragedy (father's death). After 2 post high school years of non-football - his mom and fiance convinced him to try again - which he did in the 7-on-7 indoor league - becoming an all-star. This resulted in a CFL tryout last year - when he was the Most Outstanding Rookie and an East All-Star. This notoriety got him an invitation to the East West Shrine Game - where he was one of the stand-outs.
Living in Calgary, I saw Stiggers play live football vs. the Stampeders. First, he is sticky in coverage with good instincts. Also, he's fast, an aggressive tackler, young (22) and with good size (6.0 ft and 200 lbs.).
I have not seem one mock draft select Stiggers. Although I read that Detroit was looking at him. IMO, he is a Day 3 gem.
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 05:43 pm
I enjoy looking for sleepers at every position Alberta. What the hell, I am retired. I think I read a story about him before the Shrine game. He has a great name to boot.
My early mocks on PFN had so many trades I ended up with 18 picks. Even then I couldn't get everyone I wanted.
Alberta_Packer
March 19, 2024 at 06:09 pm
I am semi-retired - so I also enjoy mining for draft gems. At the very least, Stiggers is a Day 1 "cool name" pick.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 06:52 pm
I’ve taken Stiggers late, privately. I like the size speed combination and rather physically. He’s kind of off the radar here, but at this point most 3rd dayers are for most pundits. I just happened to come across him digging for CFL entries.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 05:10 pm
Jackson is a gamble. Great burst, physical, he seems to be projected outside but lacks top end speed. He’s also notably stiff. He has tended to be grabby, possibly partly due to struggles to adjust. That lack of fluidity hiders his ability in man coverage and is probably why most see him as an outside type when his body and athleticism point to inside. I’d pass.
With the exception of Melton and maybe Mitchell, all of these should be firmly day 3 picks. Mitchell goes higher only on his RAS, he’s going to need some work but he has the tools. Dial had a very slow 3 cone, but might actually be a good day 3 flyer on a physical slot corner. The higher RAS guys are as raw and Jones is a similar but less explosive raw athlete to Robert Rochelle, a PS pickup (originally a 4th rounder) whom we resigned today.
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 05:48 pm
Coldworld, have you seen anything on DeMerrion Richardson-Mississippi State-big and fast. Pretty big tackle numbers for a CB @ 79 with 43 solo. Had a 9.8 RAS which the Packers love.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 06:22 pm
He’s interesting. Very fast, but a little stiff perhaps and liable to get stiff armed. Needs a little work in the weight room. He’s a willing tackler and although his first step/explosiveness isn’t good, he’s just so fast by step 2 it doesn’t matter. I think he’s a prospect I’d like to draft (I’ve mocked him a few times).
One reason is that I think, with development, he could play both inside and out. He would also add another return option if needed. Needs some work on his technique, he is a work in progress as shown by his 95% QB completion rating surrendered, but shows natural recognition skills. Even if not returning, he looks a natural STer with his willingness to tackle. I’d be very happy with him later on day 3 as a high upside developmental guy and STer.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 06:10 pm
I’m going to throw out a draft for once. Why? Largely because it didn’t exactly go my way yet felt relatively realistic in the dilemmas it threw up and also throws out a few names worth discussing later, I think:
31. Graham Barton OG Duke. Simply the BPA by some way and at a position of need.
41. Zach Frazier OC West Virginia. Well if the gods want OL, this is a gift I’m going to double dip to take.
58. Trevin Wallace LB Kentucky
88. Cole Bishop. S Utah.
91. Jaden Hicks S Washington State
126 Jaylan Ford LB Texas.
162. Isaac Guerendo, RB Louisville
169. Brevyn Spann-Ford TE Minnesota
202. Edefuan Ulofoshio. LB Washington
211. De'Corian Clark WR UTSA
219. Austin Reed QB Western Kentucky
245. Sundiata Anderson, EDGE Grambling State
255. Frank Crum OT Wyoming
Just for fun. I traded back three times, not my initial plan. The picks up to 91 are probably recognizable. Ford is a bigger run-stopping ILB option. Guerendo was simply the best option available at that point. OTs and RBs just fled from my picks. After that it’s:
A big blocking first TE with upside in Spann-Ford,
a big wingspan, rangy cover ILB in Ulofoshio.
A big, fast, physical perimeter WR who can play X and has decent route polish to provide a backup for Watson in that role in De’Corian Clark.
And at the back end, a relatively raw QB with some upside and fire, an athletic speed rusher and an athletic OT to develop.
Alberta_Packer
March 19, 2024 at 06:41 pm
CW, the most realistic draft I've seen to date. Plus very Gutie-centric - as we know that he is very likely to make trade(s) and select; a WR, QB and someone off the radar screen. My only question is the quantity of picks - 13. Would this be too much of an infusion of young players?
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 07:05 pm
I like competition, not just to get winners but to allow if some busts. Some of these are possibly PS candidates in my mind potentially, but that’s needed these days. We have numbers to fill and the FA pool is thinner than I like. So I’m comfortable getting my competition via the draft.
RBs that I liked flew off earlier, big run on OTs at the top and then a second one on day 2. None of my personal favorites fell to close me in the early rounds, so I had to make do. Also there weren’t for once improbably bizarre fallers. It’s that that made it interesting to me and thus I posted it, which I normally don’t do.
Alberta_Packer
March 19, 2024 at 08:47 pm
I am a believer in diverse asset allocation - which is the approach I took with this Draft -relative to the Packers roster. Thus my allocation plan - of the 11 picks draft capital - are as follows:
O-line - 3 picks (3)
CB-Safety - 3 picks (2)
LB-Edge - 2 picks (4)
RB - 1 pick (1)
WR/TE - 1 pick (2)
QB - 1 pick (1)
Interestingly your draft had somewhat a similar allocation (in brackets) - but based on 13 picks. Curious that you didn't select a CB but ultimately we follow the Board - not the other way around.
Also, after seeing your mock, 13 picks would not seem too many. Still I wonder about roster displacement- with that many picks - making a young team even younger. Perhaps too young? Nevertheless, better to have too many picks than too few.
T7Steve
March 20, 2024 at 07:28 am
I think he's counting on Gute trading back to earn those other 2 picks, as he usually does.
golfpacker1
March 20, 2024 at 10:56 am
It would be fantastic to score an extra pick in the 4th and 5th rounds. Maybe a small trade back from #58 would gain 1 or 2 later picks. And we would still get our LB. It increasingly seems like all the top 5 LB will be gone by #80, so if we stay @ #58 we for sure get to choose from 3 of the Top 5 LBs. I like Wallace and Colson the best and they should be available there.
Pick #91 is also a spot to move back because we could score two 4ths from the right team that wants back up to the 3rd. Those mid round picks have so much to choose from at our needs.
stockholder
March 19, 2024 at 06:57 pm
Watch Barton right foot Projection IOL/C
Frazier - No way another C
Cole Bishop - Best Pick/ Need
Jaden Hicks - Not a strong tackler -
Playing downhill is strength @91 works
Try this if Gute is a man of his word.
25 Cooper DeJean DB. Iowa.
41 Payton Wilson ILB NC.
58 Javon Bullard. S Georgia
88 Christian Jones. OT Texas
91 Jaylon Wright RB Tenn.
125. Javon Soloman Edge Troy.
168 Beaux Limmer. IOL Ark.
201. Tanor Bortolini. IOL WI
219. Jawon Briggs. DT. Cinn.
245. Ryan Watts. DB. Texas
255. Jase McCLellan RB Al
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 07:07 pm
Cherry picking drafts aren’t very helpful, or, to me, interesting.
I posted mine because it was steadfastly not letting it turn into a wish list, and thus was something other than my list of preferences. No apologies on a C and an G though, just not the order I expected.
stockholder
March 19, 2024 at 07:32 pm
I didn't cherry pick.
Even if DeJean is Gone.
Nubin should be the pick.
Sure Tackler - Old school football.
Perfect SS. much like X
Sets the draft and Replaces Owens or Ford.
Lions will take him.
Bullard was the senior Bowl best safety.
Also plays the slot. Yes over CB.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 07:21 pm
You bitch about Coldworld taking two centers and then take two centers? 🤣🤣🤣
stockholder
March 20, 2024 at 05:49 am
I think he's just trying to make Gutey look good.
No way he takes two centers.
If Gutey takes those picks
he'll be doing what Sherman did
when replaced by TT.
DRAFTING POORLY.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 07:11 pm
De'Corian Clark had another knee surgery again in November after a complete knee tear in '22. It was expected to be a 10 month recovery. I think he returned to school.
Leatherhead
March 19, 2024 at 09:09 pm
Well, we agree on Graham Barton. He gives you a backup at every spot and a good lineman for the Love Window. I know you're a fan of shuffling the line around, and I'm kind of wondering if the Packers will leave Jenkins and Tom where they're at, or move them around and draft to fill in the gaps.? Tom to Center and draft a a RT?
Coldworld
March 20, 2024 at 12:49 am
It’s possible. It’s also possible they swap them. Now it’s the off season I lean towards looking for a C and leaving Tom at T as the ideal solution.
PackEyedOptimist
March 20, 2024 at 04:24 am
Nice Mock CW. I too try to do realistic drafts; I even ignore some of the "players available" who I think are ridiculous drops.
Adding Barton and Frazier would be a huge boost to this OL room. Lots of people want an OT, but they've forgotten that Elgton Jenkins was a pretty good OT just a couple years ago.
I like Trevin Wallace too, though I haven't picked him that high.
Bishop is a pure Gute pick, with his high RAS.
With Jackson, Dillon, and Wilson, Guerrendo might be the best-possible RB to draft this year.
We don't need Spann-Ford, but he might well be the BAP at some point. I like him.
Ulofoshio is the kind of player who ends up being a "surprise star."
golfpacker1
March 20, 2024 at 11:04 am
Why do you like Spahn-Ford over Tip Reiman PEO?
golfpacker1
March 19, 2024 at 06:49 pm
Cold, do think Barton would get the edge over Powers-Johnson if they were both available. My guess is Barton would based on ability to also play OT, but if they are both playing inside anyway I would pick JPJ because he is better @ C/OG than Barton.
All I know about Frazier is the video of him getting trucked by T. Sweat in the bowl practices. I am sure that has happened to multiple players last year.
Wallace is the right guy for GB. Colson 2nd. No to Cooper and Wilson. But we won't get any if we pass @ #58.
I hope the Packers get Bucky Irving, but Guerendo could be the best RB in this draft. He is still learning.
If I pick a QB later in draft, it is Reed or Milton. They both looked fabulous at the combine. Reed surprised Daniel Jerimiah with his accuracy and strength. Milton is just a freak, and he looks so smooth and effortless.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 07:16 pm
JPG had gone. I’d like to see him test more completely, personally, but I didn’t select Barton over him.
As to QB, I picked one with upside and mindset and I have t dug into the whole class and likely won’t: most of these guys slip by most people (and me). I pay almost no attention to the combine for QBs. If they can throw on film, that’s a better test and more realistic. Their athleticism is not a big driver.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 07:17 pm
Barton's arms are shorter than Bulaga's were, he's an iOL. JPJ didn't run or do agilities in at either the combine or Oregon's pro day and could slide. Somebody is giving him very questionable advice or they knew his numbers would be so bad it would crash his draft stock. Power running teams won't be as worried about those things so he could still go in the 1st but zone teams will wonder what's up. I guess the Packers took Myers without testing so it could happen but doubt it in the 1st.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 07:24 pm
It was t my plan, I traded back twice, but he was the best G by far and I thought the best player. I like him as a G. I didn’t expect to take a G in round one, even at 31, but I’m happy with doing so as that draft fell.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 07:27 pm
Frazier definitely did NOT get tricked by Sweat at the Senior Bowl. He only participated in non contact drills because he was 10 weeks removed from a broken leg.
4 time State Wrestling Champion in high school, toughest O lineman in the draft.
PackEyedOptimist
March 20, 2024 at 04:09 am
Frazier is my dream pick at 41 if we don't take Powers-Johnson at 25.
golfpacker1
March 20, 2024 at 07:40 pm
Don't get mad at me LL. I saw the video and it happened in the Senior Bowl Drills, not the game. Look it up if you don't believe me. I am not a fan of Sweat at all, but that video almost made me a believer. Sweat folded Frazier almost in half. At #88 I would take Sweat.
gsd3
March 21, 2024 at 04:38 pm
My pick if he falls to 58. Possibly 41.
Leatherhead
March 19, 2024 at 09:19 pm
Barton could start Game 1 on the bench, come in to replace Tom for two series on Game 2, replaced an injured Jenkins on the next two games, etc.. Then he could sit, and learn, and practice. Then Walker gets a big injury, and Barton is our starting tackle. For a team without any depth at any position on the offensive line, this guy will be useful for the next couple of years. He'll probably be the starting Center eventually.
GregC
March 19, 2024 at 09:45 pm
Josh Myers is in the last year of his contract, and after this season he could very well get an offer like Jon Runyan did. It's just too much for an interior O-lineman who is not a standout type of player. So maybe the Packers need to keep rotating these guys when their first contracts expire, unless they get a really good one like Elgton Jenkins.
LLCHESTY
March 20, 2024 at 01:35 am
That's a nice dream.
Alberta_Packer
March 19, 2024 at 11:24 pm
Tyrone Tracey Jr. is my 4th ranked back - well ahead of Irving and Guerendo
PackEyedOptimist
March 20, 2024 at 04:07 am
TT Jr. is an interesting RB; he reminds me of some of the good RBs from the 70s/80s.
Many of the stars back then made a living on contact balance more than pure speed.
If he ran a 4.4 he'd be higher on my list, but as is, he's a pretty solid fourth round pick.
He also would be great covering kicks; I think he'd be very hard to block.
Alberta_Packer
March 20, 2024 at 10:59 am
He officially ran a 4.48 - which is OK. However, his vertical, broad jump, shuttle, cone and 10 yd split were all very good - which suggests that he is an explosive athlete - which his film shows. Plus he's only been a RB for 1 year (having converted from a WR) - so he hasn't had the usual wear and tear of a 3 year College RB. He is also a KR and probably could back-up as a slot receiver. Your point about contact balance is also important because he rarely goes down on initial contact. Plus he almost always eludes the first tackler. In short, much to like. A 3rd-4th round pick for me.
golfpacker1
March 20, 2024 at 07:48 pm
Tracy had a good senior year and a good combine, but he is a 6th round pick. But he is not better than Irving, Guerendo, Lloyd, Estime, Allen and Shipley.
Definitely not better than Benson, Wright, Brooks and Corum.
gsd3
March 21, 2024 at 04:36 pm
Limmer was the guy getting trucked.