Three hidden draft gems for the Packers to keep on the radar

CB Elijah Jones, Boston College

There is an obvious connection here, because Elijah Jones played under Jeff Hafley at Boston College — even though he was recruited before Hafley took over as BC's head coach in 2020.

"I love coach Haf,” Jones said at the Combine. "Great football mind. The biggest thing I think he helped change with my game is how I learn about football. It's not just going out there and playing the game. It's more about understanding your opponents and how you're going to get attacked. He was just a great teacher."

Jones is the 145th prospect on the consensus board, which means he's expected to be something around a fourth-round pick.

In 2023, he had a 90.8 man coverage grade according to PFF, first among all cornerbacks in this year's draft. He also allowed the lowest completion percentage (32.5%) in the class. Jones has a solid athletic profile.

So why isn't he a higher-graded prospect? He's thin and has shown signs of trouble to change directions. The fact that he didn't make any agility drills doesn't help his cause.

G Brandon Coleman, TCU

The Packers don't have any problems taking players who had better performances two years before the draft than in their last college seasons. And that's exactly what happened to offensive lineman Brandon Coleman, the 124th prospect on the consensus big board.

Athletically, he couldn't be any more Packers-y.

His tape also shows great flashes.

Consistency has been an issue, though, and he played particularly bad over the final half of last season. His PFF grade was 57.7 in 2023 after a 79.6 season in 2022.

Another positive, though: he played snaps at four of the five offensive line positions (center is the exception). Last year, he played 465 snaps at left tackle and 255 at left guard. In the NFL, he's projected to move inside, but his 34-inch arms allow him to eventually move to tackle.