Pick-6: Packers 2017 College Draft Prospects to Watch - Week 2

After the electric start to college football season last weekend this weekend feels like a bit of a letdown as far as match-ups go. This week I'll identify six prospects from one game that I think could interest the Packers in next year's NFL Draft.

Western Kentucky vs Alabama Saturday, September 10, 2:30PM on ESPN 2 Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 

Jonathan Allen, DT/DE, Alabama- 6'3 294lbs, 2015 Stats: 36 TKL (19 solo) 14.5 TFL 12 SCK 6 QBH 2 FF 4 PBU

Allen is arguably the best interior defensive lineman the country. He has a great first step to rush the quarterback, often times overwhelming opposing lineman with his quickness. Allen is equally stout vs the run. Having experience in a 3-4 defense Allen understands how to two gap properly and keep himself clean to make plays in his gaps. Allen also has the strength to disrupt running plays in the backfield using brute power. He got off to a great start this year registering two sacks vs USC last week. Allen looks to be a sure fire top 10 pick in next year's draft.

Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama- 6'1 240lbs, 2015 stats: 73 TKL (48 solo) 8 TFL 1 SCK 3 QBH 9 PBU

It's easy to identify #10 on the field, just look for the ball. Foster is next in line of great inside linebackers to come out of Alabama. Foster is more in the mold of CJ Mosley than Reggie Ragland meaning that Foster can do everything asked of a linebacker on the field. He is athletic enough to cover tight ends and running backs, and is aware in zone. Foster also can fill running lanes extremely well, and does a nice job getting off of blocks to make plays. He has the speed to play sideline to sideline. Foster will more than likely hear his name called on day 1 of the draft.

OJ Howard, TE, Alabama- 6'6 242lbs, 2015 stats: 38 REC 602 YDS 15.8 AVG 2 TD

You may remember OJ Howard from last year's National Championship game vs Clemson where I think he's still running wide open scoring touchdowns. While Howard doesn't get used as much in Alabama's offense he has all the physical gifts in the world to be a serious threat. Howard has the physique of a Greek god and the athletecism to match. Howard presents mismatches vs anyone he goes against, too big for cornerbacks and safeties, and too fast for linebackers. Howard also does a nice job blocking in Alabama's run first offense. Howard may not have the most production out of draft eligible tight ends but he will more than likely still be a first round pick.

Tim Williams, OLB/Edge, Alabama- 6'4 237lbs, 2015 stats: 19 TKL (13 solo) 12.5 TFL 10.5 SCK 4 QBH 1 PBU

Tim Williams is an explosive pass rusher for Alabama's 3-4 defense. Last year he was primarily brought in on pass rushing situations but will see the field more this season as an every down player. Williams has a lightning quick first step to threaten the edge against offensive tackles and has flashed a devastating spin move that has made more than one OT look silly. Williams has also displayed strong hands to bull rush tackles and push the pocket. It remains to be seen how he sets the edge vs the run but with his physical tools he should have no problem. Williams is widely considered a top 3 edge player in the draft and should be a first round draft choice.

-I could list a lot of other Alabama players such as Cam Robinson OT, Ryan Anderson OLB/Edge, Marlon Humphrey CB, Eddie Jackson S,  it's really an embarrassment of riches of talented projects projected to go early in the draft but I want to inform you of two prospects I like for Western Kentucky.

Forrest Lamp, OT/OG, Western Kentucky- 6'4 300 lbs, Career: 39 starts - 36 at left tackle and three at right guard

Lamp doesn't get a lot of recognition yet but if he plays well vs the great OLB's of Alabama you'll hear his name start to get more buzz. Lamp is extremely stout in pass protection giving up zero sacks last year and only 11 pressures according to PFF. He also graded extremely high in run blocking blowing open holes for his running backs all season. Lamp may not have a height or length NFL teams like at tackle so a move inside to guard could be in his future. He reminds me a bit of Cody Whiteair, the Bears 2nd round pick from Kansas St. last year. If Lamp continues his strong play particularly against good competition like he faces this weekend, he could easily cement his status as a day 2 type draft prospect.

Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky- 6'1 195lbs, 2015 Stats: 86 REC 1467 YDS 17.1 AVG 17 TD

Taylor is one of the more productive wide receivers in the country regardless of conference. He's been the main receiving target in both the intermediate part of the field as well as the deep threat for the Hilltoppers. Taylor seemingly easily beat cornerbacks deep every week using his speed and nice route running. Taylor can be dangerous after the catch showing some nice agility and a pretty good stiff arm. He'll have his hands full this weekend trying to get open but if he has a good performance he will garner more attention. As of now Taylor looks like a middle round prospect with the potential to move up into day two.

 

0 points
 

Comments (3)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
EdsLaces's picture

September 09, 2016 at 06:27 pm

Christian McCaffrey please!!!!!!!!

0 points
0
0
4EVER's picture

September 09, 2016 at 06:40 pm

Alabama player stats - for the most part - are pedestrian...I would tread cautiously on what round you select. Most get a round to half-a-round bump, just because of the school they went to.

Edit: I for one think the criticism of Alabama draft picks is warranted.

0 points
0
0
Hematite's picture

September 10, 2016 at 10:29 am

Since the Packers will be picking 32nd none of the blue ribbon prospects will be available to them.
This is an exercise in futility.

0 points
0
0