Last year leading up to the draft I wrote a couple of pieces on later-round or likely to go undrafted prospects I thought made sense for the Packers, so I thought I’d do the same thing this year. Instead of trying to target late round selections though, I’m just going to look at players whose fit I like for the Packers. 

This short series leads up to night one, so we’ll get through 25 players before the 2021 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 29th. We’re back this week with the second installment of the series, bringing five new draft prospects to your radar. If you missed Part I, you can check that out here. Otherwise, let’s get started: 

Caden Sterns, S, Texas

I love the way Sterns would fit in the safety room behind Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. He posted one of the top relative athletic scores (RAS) for all free safety prospects in this draft class with a 9.57, boasting elite explosion and speed. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and has an impressive 42-inch vertical. He started 28 of 29 games for the Longhorns and finished his career with five interceptions, eight passes defensed, and 173 total tackles. Sterns is aggressive to the football and a willing tackler, but sometimes his overaggressive pursuit causes him to miss tackles, which is something defensive backs coach Jerry Gray can take care of. He’s got high upside and could be one of the steals of the draft if Green Bay lands him late day two or early day three. 

Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU

The Packers need a big guy in the middle of the defense, and there might not be anyone bigger in this year’s draft class than Tyler Shelvin, the pure nose tackle out of LSU. He measured in at a whopping 350lbs at his Pro Day last week at 6-3. While he opted out of the 2020 season, there’s a lot to like when you watch his game. Shelvin is the definition of a true anchor along the defensive line, playing primarily run-contain. He’s a space-eater known for taking on double-teams, which would free up a player like Kenny Clark to do what he does best, rush the passer. 

Jimmy Morrissey, IOL, Pittsburgh 

With All-Pro center Corey Linsley departing in free agency, Jimmy Morrissey is a name to keep an eye on. The 6-3, 303lb offensive lineman started out as a walk-on at Pittsburgh before becoming a four-year starter and team captain. With a RAS of 8.97, Morrissey has poor size by position-standards, but great explosion and elite agility for a big guy. He started every game but one at center in his career, with his lone remaining start coming at right guard. Draft Network’s Joe Marino likes him best as a center at the NFL level, but proving he could also play guard would go a long way in boosting his draft stock. We all know how much Green Bay likes position-versatile linemen. 

Trill Williams, CB, Syracuse 

Just like Adebo last week, Trill Williams is another one of my favorite cornerbacks in this year’s class. He’s incredibly versatile, having played boundary corner, in the slot, and at safety during his time at Syracuse. At 6-2, he’s got great size to play outside which is likely where the Packers would use him. He also just turned 21 so he’s a young prospect. Williams is a super physical, aggressive corner who puts his body on the line when he makes tackles. He also has a nose for the football and is seemingly always where the action is. He returned one punt for a touchdown as a freshman, forced three fumbles as a sophomore (returning one for a touchdown,) and had four interceptions his junior year, returning one of those for a 90-yard score, too. Williams has had a virtual meeting with the Packers. 

Daelin Hayes, EDGE, Notre Dame

While the Packers were able to retain all three starting edge rushers in Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary, a player like Daelin Hayes would provide excellent depth at the position, offering versatility (there’s that buzz word again!) to the room. He’s already met with the Packers virtually and has proven he can play off the edge, standing over tackle, or on the inside. At 6-3 and roughly 250lbs, he’s got a good NFL frame to add size and develop his pass-rushing repertoire. Pro Football Network likes his fit best as a run defender to start, but he has all the physical tools to be effective in a pass-rushing rotation. He's got a slight injury history that's worth monitoring, but as a day three selection, Hayes is a locker room leader and checks all the boxes as a developmental player with long-term upside.