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8 Combine Prospects to Watch at Packers Positions of Need

By Paul Bretl

COLLEGE PARK, MD - OCTOBER 30: Boye Mafe #34 of the Minnesota Golden tackles Taulia Tagovailoa #3 of the Maryland Terrapins during a college football game on October 30, 2020 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - OCTOBER 30: Boye Mafe #34 of the Minnesota Golden tackles Taulia Tagovailoa #3 of the Maryland Terrapins during a college football game on October 30, 2020 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers Position of Need: Interior Defensive Lineman, DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M

The Green Bay Packers only have Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, TJ Slaton, and Jack Heflin under contract for the 2022 season currently–making the interior defensive line position a need once again. And not do they need players, but investing some premium draft capital into the position wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Leal is a very versatile defender, playing up and down the defensive line during his time at Texas A&M, which spanned three seasons. During that span, Leal would go on to record 79 pressures, 13 sacks, and 25 tackles for loss.

"“As a prospect, Leal possesses rare size, athleticism, and functional strength that makes him a dominant and versatile defensive lineman,” said The Draft Network. “In the Texas A&M defensive scheme, Leal lines up in every alignment and is impactful at every position. He has the power to collapse pockets from the interior and the speed to be an effective edge rusher. In the NFL, Leal will be best utilized as an interior defensive lineman who can overwhelm offensive linemen with his ability to convert speed to power.”"

Green Bay Packers Position of Need: Cornerback, Roger McCreary, Auburn

The Green Bay Packers may have Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, but behind them on the depth chart are three players with 38 combined defensive snaps over their respective careers. We all saw in 2021 how important depth at this position can be.

As primarily a boundary cornerback, McCreary was targeted 179 times over his career at Auburn, allowing a catch rate of 52.5% and 13.4 yards per catch. He also logged 28 pass breakups and six interceptions.

"“In the passing game, he is elite. In press-man, he demonstrates good upfield speed to open and run with receivers,” said Harris. “He can mirror and has outstanding closing quickness at the top of the route. In zone situations, he plays with good feel, instincts, and awareness.”"

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