The Green Bay Packers have been linked to University of Washington cornerback Marcus Peters with the 30th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. After losing two cornerbacks in free agency, the Packers are desperate for some secondary help. However, is Peters' stock taking a hit that will force him to fall out of the first round? After all, he was kicked off the Huskies' team last year.
Overall, it seems that the reaction to that one incident may have been premature. Peters is received fantastic reviews at his pro day workout at Washington last week, and ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. now actually projects him to be selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 26 pick in his Mock Draft 4.0.
"The Ravens could use another pass-catcher, but the tape makes Peters one of the best bets from this draft class to be a useful cornerback right away," Kiper wrote. "Last year, injuries played a big role in Baltimore's pass defense becoming a major liability for the first time in years. You just can't overstate the value of depth at this position. I've noted before Peters has some question marks - he was dismissed from the team at Washington this past season - but if it's purely a question of talent, he's a potential steal at this point in the first round. He's more than just a good player; he's the kind of talent that can turn bad throws into points for the defense."
Even if the Ravens do snag Peters, Green Bay may still have some enticing cornerback options. LSU's Jalen Collins doesn't have a ton of starting experience in college but he is flush with talent and would develop well with the Packers.
The big problem for Green Bay is that there are so many CB-needy teams in this year's draft, especially those that pick in front of them. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Ravens, New England Patriots (who select after the Packers but are known to trade up on occasion), etc. all need to add at least one corner. Will Green Bay be able to get their guy?
The NFL Draft kicks off on April 30.
