Packers Interested in Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox?
The Green Bay Packers are doing their homework on Georgia Southern safety J.J. Wilcox, according to one report.
By Zach Kruse
With a perceived deficiency at safety, the Green Bay Packers are taking their time evaluating Georgia Southern's J.J. Wilcox before the 2013 NFL draft.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Green Bay has "done a lot of work" on Wilcox, a former offensive player who spent just one collegiate season at safety. La Canfora predicts Wilcox will be off the board by the third round, with the Packers, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys in play.
Wilcox enters next week's draft as one of the more intriguing safeties in a deep class at the position.
After spending his first three seasons at Georgia Southern as both a slot receiver and running back, Wilcox successfully made the transition to safety in 2012. He started 13 of 14 games there last season. The Packers are likely trying to figure out—over a limited sample size—what he brings to the table at safety.
During his only season at the position, Wilcox made 88 tackles and broke up three passes.
Wilcox also has experience returning kicks, having done so 31 times for 780 yards (25.2 average) and one score in 2012. Such versatility on special teams could be appealing to general manager Ted Thompson.
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Comments (5)
April 18, 2013 at 01:03 pm
I wouldn't touch him until the 5th. His returner role is in the past. He isn't fast enough or shifty enough to be a real threat. Also, when you watch film on him, nothing stands out. He looks athletic and has decent size but he justs looks like another guy. Nothing special. I'm not saying he won't ever be a starter, but the sample size is too small to be a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
April 18, 2013 at 02:02 pm
I'd bet a cold Pabst that he'll be long gone by the 5th round. This guy is a very good player. He has the requisite size and speed to play safety, he tackles well, and he's a FOOTBALL PLAYER. Good guy, solid character. You watch video of him and he shows good instincts and reacts well.
Personally, I think he'll be taken in the Top 100.
And I think we'd like to relieve Cobb of his kick return duties.
April 18, 2013 at 03:10 pm
Could be. I guess i just didn't see that. I'd take Earl Wolff all day in the 3rd before Wilcox.
I want Cobb off of return duties too. I'll let Ross have another shot. Looked real good besides the one big oops!
April 18, 2013 at 06:03 pm
i second that, that game is long gone and ross deserves another chance.
in other news, lake mills is the greatest place on earth
April 18, 2013 at 09:06 pm
"During his first three seasons at Georgia Southern, Wilcox played three positions — flanker as a freshman, A-back in the wishbone as a sophomore and slot receiver as a junior. At each position, Wilcox was a premier playmaker." ( Scout.com). Sounds like quite a talented athlete, the kind of talent you'd like to see at safety. Will probably go in the late third or early fourth