The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a rundown of the top 100 prospects that the Green Bay Packers might snag in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers seem to have a pretty solid cornerback crew on paper. Jaire Alexander is a top-tier player. Carrington Valentine showed some real potential as a seventh-round rookie last season. Keisean Nixon is back to hold down the nickel spot. If Eric Stokes can find his rookie form again, the Packers could have a strong foundation.
There are, of course, some concerns with this group. Can Alexander and Stokes stay healthy? Will Valentine hit a sophomore slump? With these questions looming, it wouldn't be surprising if the Packers add another player to beef up the cornerback lineup at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
One potential Day 2 target for the Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft is T.J. Tampa, ranking at No. 37 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit from Florida, Tampa became a full-time starter for the Cyclones in 2022. He notched five tackles for loss, one interception, and nine pass deflections. In the most recent season, Tampa recorded three tackles for loss, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections.
Tampa brings size and length to the table, standing at 6 feet tall. His long strides help him recover if he's beaten off the line, and his length makes throws difficult for quarterbacks. Once the ball is in play, Tampa is adept at containing receivers and limiting yards after catch.
During his high school career, Tampa played wide receiver, which is evident in his exceptional ball skills. He tracks the ball like a wideout and challenges receivers effectively. Over the last two seasons, Tampa intercepted three passes and broke up 16 more.
Tampa's film study is a crucial part of his game. His instincts, athleticism, and length make him effective in both man and zone coverage.
Tampa is aggressive in coverage and occasionally showcases his physicality in run support. During the first nine games of the season, he missed just two tackles, but in the final three games, he missed eight.
Tampa primarily played on special teams in his first year at Ames and accumulated 301 special teams snaps during his collegiate career.
In an ideal scenario, Alexander and Stokes stay healthy, ensuring the Packers are set at cornerback. However, considering recent history, Gutekunst, the Packers' general manager, would be wise to add another talented cornerback. Tampa could fit that bill with his length and ball skills, potentially providing the Packers with a secondary playmaker.
Tampa describes himself as a long, extremely athletic cornerback with a high football IQ. He believes his coverage skills and run support abilities, coupled with his adaptability to different defensive schemes, would benefit any NFL team.
A year after drafting Anthony Johnson Jr., Gutekunst might once again turn to Ames, Iowa, for secondary help. Tampa's physical attributes make a strong impression, and he has the ability to shut down a significant portion of the field.
With the Packers holding four picks on Day 2 of the draft, Tampa could be a prime target for Green Bay on April 26th.
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