Packers of the Future: 6 combine player visits

The fastest combine in NFL history has “run its course” and the NFL draft process now begins in earnest. The question NFL fans will be asking for the next two months is “which players will my team draft?” General managers’ first indication of interest in specific players happens in official meetings at the combine. This article will look at the 6 players Brian Gutekunst officially met with at the combine (c. Easton Butler) who may become the Green Bay Packers of the Future.

Brandon Cisse – Cornerback, South Carolina

Brandon Cisse played cornerback for South Carolina. In his junior year in Columbia, he recorded 27 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, and 5 passes defended. At 6’0” and 190 lbs with excellent athletic testing in the limited combine events he participated in, Cisse is a prototypical Packers’ cornerback.

Lance Zurlein of NFL.com evaluates Cisse as a cornerback with excellent athleticism on tape, but who also has issues with technique that limited his production in college. Cisse is exactly the kind of player that Gutekunst is always looking to make a Packer of the Future.

NFL Mock Draft Database currently has Cisse projected to be an early 2nd round pick.

Lee Hunter – Defensive Tackle, Texas Tech

Lee Hunter played 3-tech on the defensive line for Texas Tech. In his senior year in Lubbock, Hunter recorded 41 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. At 6’4” and 325 lbs with an RAS score of 3.72, Hunter is not the elite athlete the Packers usually draft in early rounds. Hunter was a participant in the Senior Bowl where he was noted for having a dominant bull rush.

Zurlein evaluates Hunter as a player who can use his size and strength well as a run stopper, but who lacks the quickness to stay on the field on late downs. Hunter could be a Packer of the Future as a future nose tackle or rotational 3-tech on early downs.

NFL Mock Draft Database currently has Hunter projected to be an early 2nd round pick.

Darrell Jackson Jr. – Defensive Tackle FSU

Darrell Jackson Jr. played 3-tech DT at Florida State. In his senior year in Tallahassee, he recorded 44 total tackles and one sack. At 6’6” and 315 lbs, he is larger than most players at his position and adds to this with a 7’2” and huge 11” hands. Jackson Jr. was a participant in the Shrine Bowl where was noted for having an effective bull rush.

Zurlein evaluates Jackson Jr. to be a player with excellent physical features, but who lacks good fundamentals and technique. Jackson Jr. could become a Packer of the future as a 3-tech on heavy run downs or even as a nose tackle with the potential to develop as a solid interior pass rusher.

NFL Mock Draft Database has Jackson Jr. projected to be a mid 3rd round pick.

Harold Perkins Jr. – Linebacker, LSU

Harold Perkins Jr. is an off-ball linebacker from LSU. After missing most of 2024 with an ACL tear in 2024, he finished his Junior year with 55 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 interceptions. Although smaller than most players at his position, at only 6’1” and 220 lbs, he ran an incredible 4.45 40 yard dash. In addition to attending the combine Perkins Jr. participated in the Shrine bowl.

Zurlein notes his strengths as being able to play well through the line with timing and force, but says that he often seems confused in coverage. He also noted that Perkins Jr. was excellent on special teams as a freshman. Perkins Jr. could become a Packer of the Future as a replacement for Ty’Ron Hopper on special teams and rotating at linebacker if Quay Walker is not resigned and Hopper gets a starting spot.

NFL Mock Draft Database currently has Perkins Jr. projected to be a mid fourth round pick.

TJ Hall – Cornerback, Iowa

TJ Hall played outside cornerback for Iowa. In his senior year in Iowa City, he recorded 47 total tackles, 1 interception, and 10 passes defended. At 6’0” and 190 lbs Hall meets the Packers usual threshold for size, but his RAS of 6.2 falls below their standard.

Zurlein evaluates Hall as a cornerback with the athleticism, technique, and aggression necessary for a press corner, but needs to get his head around towards the ball when playing man. TJ Hall could be a Packer of the Future as a rotational outside cornerback to match with big receivers or help shore up the outside run defense.

NFL Mock Draft Database currently has Hunter projected to be a late 5th round pick.

Jalon Daniels – Quarterback, Kansas

Jalon Daniels played quarterback for Kanas. In his Senior year in Lawrence, Daniels threw for 2,531 yards, 22 touchdowns, 7 interceptions and ran for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns. At 6-1 and 219 lbs he is slightly smaller than what the Packers usually like to draft, but did test well in the 40 yard dash and 10 yard split.

Zurlein evaluates Daniels as a quarterback with a strong arm and good escapability, but who struggles to read defenses and consistently make short and intermediate passes. Daniels could be a Packer of the Future as a training camp quarterback with the opportunity to win the backup spot that is almost certainly going to be vacated by Malik Willis.

NFL Mock Draft Database currently has Daniels projected to be a 7th round pick.