Green Bay Packers draft radar: Four college players to watch Week 9

Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) is congratulated by linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) and teammates during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-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.

We’re on the cusp of the most interesting month of the college football season, and the standout players are beginning to emerge.

While we still have a couple of months before underclassmen declare for the NFL Draft, nine weeks into the season we’re already getting a good sense of how the 2017 draft class will take shape.

Fortunately for the Packers, many positions of apparent need next year are also positions of depth in the draft this spring.

The 2017 cornerback class appears to be better than it has been in years. The tight end group offers a lot more top-end talent than the last couple of years combined. And the running back group looks ridiculously good. Not to mention, linebacker and edge rusher are also particularly deep.

With a good draft, Green Bay could address many holes on their roster.

Here are five players that will be featured in this weekend’s college football action that may be potential targets for the Packers come draft day.

Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) intercepted the ball and ran it back for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers eduring the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Quincy Wilson and Teez Tabor, CBs, Florida

I never would have guessed cornerback would be a major need on the Packers roster after this season. Heading into 2016, Sam Shields was a legitimate cover corner and second-year players Damarious Randall and Quentin Rollins seemed to be just tapping into their potential.

I felt so good about the future of this group prior to this year I didn’t even see the loss of Casey Hayward as being a move that could impact this team.

However, as the 2016 season plays out, it is clear Green Bay could use some more help in the defensive backfield. While they’re set at safety, their lack of depth at cornerback has gotten exposed over the first seven weeks of the season.

Granted, Sam Shields has missed significant time with a concussion and is now on IR, and Randall and Rollins have been in and out of the lineup with nagging injuries as well. La’Darius Gunter has been their only consistent presence on the field, as far as health is concerned.

However, considering this is Shields’ fifth concussion of his career, it is not that far-fetched to believe his career could be done in Green Bay, or in the very least he’s one more concussion away. This is a scary thought, especially for a reliable 28-year-old veteran who has been a staple in the Packers defensive backfield since their 2010 Super Bowl run.

Even if they avoid the rash of injuries at the position next year, the Packers would be wise to target another young cornerback in the first few rounds of the draft next spring.

There will be plenty of good ones to choose from come April. Defensive back already appears to be one of the deepest positions of the 2017 draft class.

Headlining the group are two Florida Gator corners–Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson. The two juniors may both be top-five talents at their position if they both declare for the NFL following the 2016 season.

Tabor is the more recognizable name, and for good measure. In 2015 he recorded four interceptions (including two returned for a touchdown) and 14 pass breakups. At 6-0, 201 pounds he has decent size, but it’s his athleticism and ability to close in on the ball and make plays is what will get him drafted high. He already has four interceptions midway through the 2016 season.

Many believed Tabor was the top cornerback of next year’s class. That is until people began to take more notice of his teammate Quincy Wilson. Wilson offers better size and length (6-1, 213) and is more physical in coverage, especially when pressing up at the line of scrimmage.

His production doesn’t quite match Tabor’s. He’s recorded three interceptions and three pass breakups so far this season, but he may have the better overall game. Wilson is better in man coverage and may be the top lock-down corner in college football.

Both Tabor and Wilson offer very different skillets, but considering the depth of the cornerback class in the upcoming draft, Green Bay may have a good shot at either one of them with their first overall pick.

When to Watch: Florida vs Georgia this Saturday on CBS at 2:30 central

Next: A Dynamic SEC Running Back

Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

2. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Another player to take notice of when Florida and Georgia take the field this week is Bulldogs halfback Nick Chubb.

To be honest though, Chubb is difficult to miss on the field. The 5-foot-10, 220-pound junior has the ability to tear up any defense in college football. Already this season he’s put up big numbers against the Tar Heels and Gamecocks. Prior to this season, top defensive clubs like Alabama, Clemson, Missouri, and Auburn have also fallen victim.

This Saturday Chubb will look to showcase his talents in another marque matchup against the Gator defense.

The entire Georgia offense runs through Chubb and backup Sony Michel. Chubb did miss over half of the 2015 season with a significant knee injury. However, he’s already proven in 2016 that he’s the same back that put up eye-popping production as a freshman in 2014 (1547 rushing yards and 14 TDs).

Chubb brings a good balance of power and quickness to the halfback position. He’s very explosive in the open field and he can lower his shoulders and run over defenders.

He plays hard and would be a welcomed sight to a Packers team that severely lacks depth at running back.

Depending on what happens with Eddie Lacy and James Starks after this season, Green Bay could be in the market for a starting-caliber halfback to feature in their offense.

When to Watch: Florida vs Georgia this Saturday on CBS at 2:30 central

Next: An Under-the-Radar Tight End Prospect

South Alabama Jaguars tight end Gerald Everett (12) runs the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

3. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama

Not many people have been talking about Everett yet, but the athletic tight end should generate some buzz as the draft nears.

At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Everett can line up wide, in-line, in the slot, or in the backfield as an h-back. His versatility and explosive athleticism are the strengths of his game. He can go up and high-point the ball over defenders, while also showing a fearlessness to cross over the middle of the field and make plays down the seam.

As a receiving threat, Everett is the complete package at tight end. He would give the Packers another dynamic weapon on offense, and he could be an eventual replacement for Jared Cook if Green Bay decides not to re-sign the veteran.

From an evaluation standpoint, the main thing working against Everett is his level of competition, playing at South Alabama. While he’s had good production (34 receptions for 567 yards and 4 TDs), many will wonder if he could have made these same plays against Power Five defenses.

When to Watch: Georgia State vs South Alabama this Saturday on ESPN 3 at 4 pm central

Next: A Sideline-to-Sideline Linebacker

Indiana Hoosiers running back Devonte Williams (2) is tackled by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1) in the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

4. Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern

Inside linebacker is not an immediate need on the Packers roster. However, with only three viable options on the roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if Green Bay selected another linebacker in the middle rounds of the draft.

Northwestern’s Anthony Walker is a tremendous prospect and just flat-out fun to watch. He’ll face a big challenge against Ohio State’s offense this week, which should be a good litmus test for how he stacks up with the rest of the 2017 draft class.

The 6-foot-1, 245-pound junior grabbed national attention last year when he recorded 120 tackles and 20.5 tackles for loss, not to mention four sacks and four pass breakups as well. Walker is off to another solid start this year with 51 stops and 5.5 tackles for loss.

The Northwestern linebacker makes plays in all three phases of the defense. He’s very active against the run, swarms to the ball, and has the speed to chase down ball carriers. He also has the athleticism and ability to move smoothly in space to hold his own in coverage.

Inside linebacker is a position of depth in the upcoming draft, so Green Bay could get a shot at a talented guy like Walker well into the draft.

When to Watch: Northwestern vs Ohio State this Saturday on ESPN at 2:30 pm central

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