Green Bay Packers draft radar: Four college players to watch Week 10

Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) runs after a reception past South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) in the second half of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Only four weeks remain in the 2016 college football regular season, meaning there are only a few more opportunities for draft prospects to impress NFL scouts on the field.

Midway through the Packers season, it is also now becoming clearer what their roster needs will be following this year.

Already the Packers could use more help at cornerback, running back, and tight end. And depending on what happens with their potential free agents, they could also target edge rusher, wide receiver, and offensive line next spring.

Fortunately for Green Bay, the 2017 draft class projects well at the Packers major positions of need.

Here are four college players playing this weekend that could be potential prospects for Ted Thompson and company to target next April in the draft.

Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) runs the ball while defended by Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

1. Carl Lawson, Edge, Auburn

Lawson is among the elite pass rushers of the 2017 class. While he isn’t on the level of Myles Garrett, Lawson is definitely a first-round talent who has the potential to be a difference maker as an edge rusher.

As an undersized defensive end (6-2, 253), Lawson has the quick-twitch athleticism and upfield explosiveness to make the transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. Lawson already frequently rushes from a two-point stance in Auburns defense, and he’s shown some ability to drop in coverage and play well in space.

In eight games this season, Lawson has recorded 7.5 sacks and an impressive 21 quarterback hurries. The Tigers impact defensive end wreaks havoc in the pocket and shows a good blend of speed and power off the edge.

Lawson is also a pretty active run defender, boasting a complete game as an NFL prospect.

The biggest thing working against Lawson is his injury history, which could drop him down some draft boards and make him available in the latter half of the first round. After a breakout freshman year in 2013, Lawson sat out the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. He also missed six games last year with a hip injury.

So far, Lawson has remained on the field throughout the entire 2016 season. However, two significant injuries on his college resume may give some teams pause before spending a first round selection on him.

When to Watch: Vanderbilt vs Auburn this Saturday on ESPN at 11 am central

Next: 2. Playmaking ACC Tight End

Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) runs the ball after a catch during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson

The Packers need a big target to stretch the middle of the field. The 2017 tight end class is one of the deepest groups we’ve seen in years. It would be a good year for the Packers to finally address this glaring need on the roster.

Because of the position’s depth, good players like Jordan Leggett could fall to Green Bay in the second or third round.

While Leggett doesn’t have the overall game of other top tight end prospects, O.J. Howard or Jake Butt, or possess the straight-line speed of Evan Engram, the Clemson prospect is still one of the more intriguing options at tight end in the draft.

At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Leggett has good size and length to make plays over the top of a defense. However, he’s also a very polished route runner and has a knack for finding the soft spot of a coverage and exposing the middle of a defense.

Last week alone was a prime example of what Leggett can do for an offense on the field. Against a tough Florida State defense and with the game on the line, Leggett took over the game, recording five receptions for 122 yards and the go-ahead touchdown.

Leggett’s playmaking ability as a tight end prospect should make him a hot commodity come draft day. He’s a tremendous receiving option split-out wide or aligned in the slot. He’d be great for a team that prefers the spread offense.

However, Leggett still has plenty of gains to make as an in-line blocker. His one-dimensional game may drop him down some draft boards.

When to Watch: Syracuse vs Clemson this Saturday on ABC at 2:30 pm central

Next: 3. Intriguing Cornerback Prospect

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) intercepts the ball from Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

3. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

If one thing is clear this season is that Green Bay could use some help in the defensive backfield. While they still have some potentially good players in Damarious Randall and Quentin Rollins, outside of LaDarius Gunter, the team really lacks size at cornerback.

Gunter is the only player at the position six-foot or taller. The Packers could use another talented boundary corner with size to compete with the Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffries of the world.

Marlon Humphrey checks off all the boxes as a cornerback prospect. He’s 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds. He has excellent straight-line speed and athleticism. He can be physical up at the line of scrimmage, and he possesses very good ball skills. He’s already recorded six interceptions and 12 pass breakups in the last two seasons as a starter.

However, Humphrey is only a sophomore and his game could still use some refinement, despite his high potential. Although even though he’s a young prospect, many believe the Alabama defensive back will declare for the 2017 draft after this season.

If he does, this would add another highly talented corner for the Packers to consider selecting in the first round.

Humphrey should face a stiff challenge this week against LSU wide receivers Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural.

When to Watch: Alabama vs LSU this Saturday on CBS at 7 pm central

Next: 4. Speedy Pac-12 Wide Receiver

Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs after a reception as Utah Utes linebacker Kavika Luafatasaga (55) pursues the play during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

4. John Ross, WR, Washington

Young receivers are beginning to emerge on the Packers offense, but Green Bay can still never have enough weapons for Aaron Rodgers to throw to.

Even with guys like Davante Adams and Ty Montgomery developing into playmakers, it is still clear the Packers could use more speed on offense.

While only 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, John Ross is a speedy wideout with big-play potential. He’s already recorded 38 receptions for 534 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 14.05 yards per catch average is among the leaders of the Pac-12.

Many believe Ross will run a sub 4.4 forty time at the combine in February. While Trevor Davis and Jeff Janis also possess top-end speed, Ross is a far more polished receiver and overall playmaker. Ross can be a legitimate downfield threat and would bring a new element to the Packers offense.

When to Watch: Washington vs California this Saturday on ESPN at 9:30 pm central

Previous CFB Players to Watch: Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9