The Green Bay Packers may have finished 2014 as the tenth ranked passing defense, but losing two cornerbacks to free agency will set you back a bit. We know Aaron Rodgers and the offense will be fine (especially after re-signing wide receiver Randall Cobb and right tackle Bryan Bulaga). But the backend of this defense is a real question mark at the moment.
That's why Green Bay may look to the upcoming NFL draft for some help in their secondary. Specifically, Washington cornerback Marcus Peters.
"The Packers have a need at cornerback after losing both Davon House and Tramon Williams in free agency, and the value matches up well here with Peters (No. 21 on our board)," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "He brings with him some off-field baggage after multiple suspensions and run-ins with coaches at Washington, but I think at this point he's worth the risk. Purely based off of tape study, he's the best corner in this class, with very good size, strength, natural athleticism and playmaking instincts."
Peters was suspended one game in 2014 for a "sideline tantrum." Later in November he was dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons. However, Peters has been taken under the wing of mercurial running back Marshawn Lynch. Lynch's pro career got off to a rocky start with the Buffalo Bills before he righted the ship with the Seattle Seahawks. He's a perfect mentor for the talented yet embattled young cornerback.
The Packers hold the 30th overall pick in the NFL draft. If Peters is still available, his talent may be too much to pass up on at that spot.
