The upcoming NFL Draft offers several safety prospects that could be intriguing for multiple organizations, including the Green Bay Packers.
In this 3rd installment for the Green Bay Packers potential NFL Draft targets, we switch to the defensive side of the ball. The Packers boast one of the best starting safety duos in the NFL, comprised of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. With a pair of that caliber, it might be hard to believe that safety is a draft need but GM Brian Gutekunst is always a step ahead. In 2022, the depth behind Amos and Savage is lacking. Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry wants to field three safeties that can be versatile and be trusted to cover. Looking long-term, both starters could be gone after this season. The Packers have shown they prepare for the future as much as getting help now. Luckily for them, this draft features a talented safety class with guys that can do both. Without further adieu, here are Potential Packers 2022 Safety Prospects.
Daxton Hill – Michigan (6’0″ 192 pounds)
Daxton Hill is an intriguing prospect. While he played safety at Michigan, Hill is so good and coverage that some NFL teams might see him as a cornerback. He has the speed and fluid hips to make the switch if asked to. Green Bay would love this prospect to play the third safety role with no problem covering the slot wide receivers. Hill also has the instincts to play single-high safety allowing Savage to be a roaming playmaker. This rookie would make a loaded secondary faster and more deceptive right out of the gate. Hill’s closing speed cuts down the field and takes aways time for opposing receivers.
Jaquan Brisker – Penn State (6’1″ 200 pounds)
Jaquan Brisker is a tough, well-rounded safety that will do anything asked of him. A coach’s dream, he is assignment sure and a leader. There is a lot of Adrian Amos to Brisker’s game. In 2021, he played with a shoulder injury that hindered him in run support. However, looking back to 2020, Brisker proved that he’s not afraid to take on running backs. His 4.49 40-yard dash time doesn’t do justice to his game speed. He clicks and closes space in an instant. Brisker might not be the splash play guy of this draft but he’s as safe a pick as most safety prospects.
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Jalen Pitre – Baylor (6’0″ 197 pounds)
I just love what Jalen Pitre brings to the table. He is a vicious athlete that sets the tone for the whole defense. Pitre excelled in Dave Aranda‘s “star” position and Green Bay would likely do the same. Pitre moved all around the defense and was the highest-rated safety in run support. During his collegiate career, he consistently made field tilting plays in both the run and pass games. His instincts and ability to read and jump routes are both excellent. Pitre can read a quarterback and take an interception to the house with the best of them. His knocks are that he’s a little lean but I don’t see a red flag there. Pitre is a good football player and would be a special teams ace early.
Lewis Cine – Georgia (6’1″ 200 pounds)
Oh you know, just another early draft pick off the dominant Georgia defense. Lewis Cine is a plus athlete that does his best work playing downhill. At times, he might play a little reckless and out of control but NFL coaches will love his football demeanor. I don’t think Cine is a free safety at the next level but more of a true strong safety. He does possess the speed to cover ground, but his best work comes closer to the line of scrimmage. Cine’s physical style also would be welcomed on special teams.
Nick Cross – Maryland (6’1″ 215 pounds)
The other safeties listed all play with an edge but Nick Cross is truly physical. Built like a linebacker, Cross has the stopping power from his muscular frame. He’s not just big, but also fast (4.34 40-yard dash) and explosive (37″ vertical jump). Cross has that blend to be a strong safety or a hybrid linebacker in sub-packages. Either way, somebody is getting an enforcer that wide receivers would not want to Cross.
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JT Woods – Baylor (6’2″ 193 pounds)
JT Woods lined up next to Jalen Pitre at Baylor. He is not the football player Pitre is. Nor does he have the same elite level of football IQ as his collegiate teammate. However, his athleticism will likely get him drafted. Woods was the man at the combine but makes too many mistakes on the field to be counted on right now. In small defensive duties and a major factor on special teams, Woods would make a lot of NFL rosters right away. If he can put it together, he could be a future starter in the pros. Woods flashes signs of play-making ability with his track speed but needs to refine the mental side of the game.
Thank you for reading Potential Packers 2022 Safety Prospects. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL Draft content available on Full Press Coverage.
– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.