Green Bay Packers draft radar: Four college players to watch Week 7

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.

We’re about halfway through the college football season and the 2017 draft class is beginning to take shape. Over the remaining six weeks of the season, plus numerous Bowl games, it will now be easier to adjust our focus on viable prospects for the Packers to target in the draft next spring.

Green Bay’s future needs may vary, depending on how the rest of the 2016 season goes and who the team decides to keep from their free agent list.

Today, I’m going to highlight two players on offense–a halfback and a tight end that can stretch the seam. I’m also going to highlight two front seven players that are just plain fun to watch and could help the Packers in the future.

Now, I know the secondary is a currently bigger need on defense, but after highlighting a cornerback the past three weeks, I thought I’d give some of the other positions some love. Also, the Packers have several players in their front seven, specifically at outside linebacker, that could enter free agency after this year.

Here are my four college players to keep an eye on this weekend.

Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU

A lot remains to be seen at the running back position for the Packers. Eddie Lacy is in the last year of his contract and James Starks hasn’t played well so far this season.

It seems likely the Packers will keep Lacy in their future plans. He’s running hard and has returned to being an effective weapon out of the backfield. However, Starks may be out of Green Bay after this season, which would make running back one of the thinnest positions on the roster.

While it’s unlikely the Packers would address the position early in next spring’s draft, there may be several mid-round running back prospects that could intrigue Green Bay.

Standout BYU halfback Jamaal Williams could be steal anywhere from the third to the fifth round in the draft. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he’s built similarly to Starks. He’ s a one-cut runner with good power and quickness.

A relative unknown prior to the 2016 season, Williams is grabbing the attention of draft enthusiasts this fall. He’s already rushed for 866 yards and 10 touchdowns over the first six weeks, and he ranks second in the nation in both categories.

Last week against Michigan State, he tore the Spartans defense up for 163 yards on the ground. Two weeks prior, he also ran for 169 yards against West Virginia. Both are respectable programs known for being stout on defense, but in two contests Williams has gotten the better of them.

Even if the Packers manage to re-sign Lacy for the foreseeable future, it would be wise for them to bring in another talented halfback to share the load with No. 27.

When to Watch: Mississippi State vs BYU this Friday night on ESPN at 9:15 central

Next: 2. Top tier SEC Tight End

Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball against Clemson Tigers safety T.J. Green (15) during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

2. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Howard grabbed national attention with his game-breaking performance against Clemson in the National Championship game last January. Against the Tigers, he record five receptions for a whopping 208 yards and 2 touchdowns for a ridiculous 41.60 yards per catch average.

Many wondered if Howard would ride this momentum and declare early for the 2016 draft. However, the 6-foot-6, 251-pound tight end decided to return to Alabama for his senior year.

Expectations were high for Howard going into the 2016 season. However, his first six weeks have been anything but impressive. His game has come back down to earth a bit. He’s only caught 13 receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown so far this year.

However, a close examination of the tape shows that Howard is still exemplifying all of the explosiveness and potential in the passing game he did late last season. The opportunities just haven’t been there, especially with the inconsistent quarterback play for the Crimson Tide this year.

Howard still has all of the tools to be a first or second-round pick next spring. He would give any NFL team a big, athletic target over the middle of the field to utilize in the passing game. He’s also a pretty decent run blocker.

The Packers could use a guy like Howard if things don’t work out for Jared Cook after this season.

When to Watch: Alabama vs Tennessee this Saturday on CBS at 2:30 central

Next: 3. Gritty Wisconsin Defender

Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Iowa won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Big Ten so far this season is the outstanding play of Wisconsin edge rusher T.J. Watt.

While many viewed the junior outside linebacker as a late-round prospect entering the season, Watt has certainly turned heads with his play over the first six weeks. He’s currently tied for the lead in sacks in the Big Ten with 5.5. He’s also recorded five quarterback hurries and 7.5 tackles for loss.

Watt entered the season flying under the radar because he was just a rotational player as a sophomore. However, with Joe Schobert now in the NFL, Watt has taken over the starting spot at outside linebacker in the Badgers 3-4 front.

In addition to Schobert’s departure, the other Badgers highly-touted pass rusher Vince Biegel has been limited for an extended time because of a foot injury. Watt has had to take the bulk of the responsibility for generating pressure on the quarterback, and so far, he’s answered the call.

Watt is a hard-charging downhill edge rusher with great length (6-5, 243) and power. Even though he may not possess the elite athleticism to be an early-round prospect in the draft, he should still warrant mid-round considerations because of his ability to make plays on the field.

When to Watch: Ohio State vs Wisconsin this Saturday on ABC at 7 pm central

Next: 4. Talented Big Ten Linebacker

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

4. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State

Many draft analysts feel McMillan is a top-five talent at linebacker. Watch any Ohio State game and you’ll quickly see why.

The Buckeye defender swarms all over the field and makes stops. He’s a great balance between being stout (6-2, 243) in the middle of the defense, taking on blockers and stuffing the run, and show good athleticism and speed in the open field to hold his own in coverage and make plays outside of the tackle box.

Even with all of the Buckeyes talent on defense last year (Darron Lee, Joey Bosa, Josh Perry, and Vonn Bell), McMillan led the team in tackles with 119 stops. Outside of Lee and Bosa, he may have also been Ohio State’s best athlete on the defensive side of the ball, putting together impressive film as a sophomore.

This year, McMillan is already off to a strong start, leading his team in tackles yet again with 33 stops.

After losing several key players to the draft last year, Ohio State has needed more defensive playmakers to step up. McMillan has certainly done that.

He won’t always wow anyone with gaudy box score numbers, but on tape, he consistently dominates the point of attack and really dictates the tone of the run defense.

He’ll face a steep challenge this week against Corey Clement and Wisconsin’s offensive line.

When to Watch: Ohio State vs Wisconsin this Saturday on ABC at 7 pm central

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