Green Bay Packers NFL Draft prospect profile: CB Marcus Peters
Player Information:
Marcus Peters
6-0, 198 pounds
Hometown: Oakland, CA
NFL Combine:
40 yard: 4.53
Bench: 17
Vert: 37.5″
Broad: 121″
3 cone: 4.08
Shuttle: 7.08
News and Notes:
Peters has been listed as one of the top cornerback prospects in this upcoming draft, mostly because of his size and physical style. 15 NFL teams have him scheduled for private visits (the Packers are not one of them). He appeared at his Washington Pro Day but did not work out. Allowed less than 40% of passes targeted at him to be completed in his last two seasons. He was dismissed from the team late this past season by head coach Chris Peterson for incidents that Peters admitted fault for, including a confrontation with an assistant coach.
What they’re saying about him:
- CBSSports.com: Physicality and athleticism regularly stood out against top competition. Among his best attributes is recognition, as Peters plays the receiver very well, turning back toward the ball as the wideout does and frequently knocking the ball away or intercepting it. . .a physical hitter who looks to intimidate opponents. Clearly must answer questions surrounding his dismissal from the Washington football team. Was ejected from one game early in 2014 and rubbed some the wrong way when he was seen laughing on the sideline toward the end of a blowout loss to Oregon. He can get too grabby downfield and has struggled with inconsistency, playing to the level of his opponent.
- NFL.com: Prototype size for the position. Fluidity in his hips to flip and run. Competes hard out of press-man coverage and tries to intimidate receivers with his physicality. Can redirect talented receivers with his length and flat-out stuff receivers with marginal foot quickness and strength. Stays in pocket of vertical receivers while turning to locate and track ball. . .often comes away the winner on 50/50 throws. Outstanding feel for space with ability to track multiple receivers and quarterback at the same time. Closes on throws with above-average burst and brings some force on contact. Suspended for one game in 2014 by head coach Chris Petersen for a sideline tantrum that followed personal foul penalty. Inconsistent with footwork and loose with technique. Lacks patience in press and will open up early. Grabby off line of scrimmage and downfield when beaten. Average mirror-and-match and long speed. Overly emotional and prone to mental mistakes because of it. Slower than expected to squeeze routes in space. Doesn’t take coaching.
Video:
Video Analysis:
- This is a highlight reel so none of Peters’s weaknesses are shown on film
- Very active and has good ball instincts
- Very physical, as advertised but will that be a problem in today’s NFL?
- Takes good angles and closes on the ball well, both in pass and run defense
- Can be an asset at the line of scrimmage as well as in coverage
- Tall enough to make bigger receivers work for the catch
- No shortage of fire in his belly. A very confident player with plenty of swagger
If drafted by the Packers
I had a chance to watch Peters in person last season and he was all over the field that day. Some mock drafts have Peters to the Packers at the #30 spot in round one, however and as mentioned above, he is not scheduled to visit with Green Bay. Peters is the classic high upside physical talent with many question marks about his personality and attitude. The Packers tend to shy away from players who may become more disruptive and have character concerns. There is no doubt that the Packers could use the size and talent that Peters has on the outside to replace Tramon Williams. With as much nickel as Green Bay uses, Peters could become a versatile weapon that can run blitz or add more pressure on the pocket. That would allow Casey Hayward to remain in the slot, where he has proven most effective. Despite some scouts stating that they wouldn’t take Peters in round one or even two, he won’t likely be there for the Packers beyond their first pick. No signs point to the Packers having an interest level in Peters consistent with that of a first-round prospect, but with general manager Ted Thompson, you never know. Another big factor in whether Peters is Green Bay’s choice is what the Packers’ plans are to address their needs at linebacker. Ultimately the Packers would have to decide if a player like Peters is worth the risk at such a high spot.
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Jason Perone is an independent sports blogger writing about the Packers on AllGreenBayPackers.com
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His red flags are problematic, and a strong senior presence in the locker room at the position to mentor him would be helpful, but the Packers really don’t have that established senior statesman at CB.
It’s starting to look like Kevin Johnson is moving up the board away from the Packers, but Jalen Collins or P.J. Williams might not be bad selections at #30 if TT decides that CB offers the best combo of value/need at that spot.
I think maybe that CB will be picked at the end of round 2 or even 3. Byron Jones from UConn, Eric Rowe from Utah, or Alex Carter from Stanford…just to throw out names.
Peters has too many off field issues. So much that the Packers are not one of 15 teams to schedule a private visit with him. That says it all. I just don’t like the idea of spending a first round pick on a CB at all. See my post above.
In the last 4 drafts, only 1 out of 15 1st round CBs has made it to the Pro Bowl. It’s not worth it and is the most over hyped position come draft time.
PJ Williams arrested overnight for DUI.
It’s almost as if he knew I would be talking about him…
Maybe it’s just me but the tapes I’ve seen of this guy do little to make me want him at #30…too much contact downfield…he’s a PI call waiting to happen !
Ahmad Carroll 2.0!
Spending a 1st pick on a CB is risky. It’s a tough position to draft in general. Look at the very limited success of 1st round CBs in the past four drafts. Only one CB was elected to the Pro Bowl.
Let’s keep in mind that Tramon Williams and Sam Shields were undrafted. So TT and MM know they can find value in CBs past the 1st round (i.e. Casey Heyward in the 2nd rd 2012).
2014 1st rounder CBs: Justin Gilbert (#8), Kyle Fuller (#14), Darqueze Dennard (#24), Jason Verrett (#25), and Bradley Roby (#21).
Pro Bowls: 0
2013 1st round CBs: Dee Milliner (#9), DJ Hayden (#12), Desmond Trufant (#22), Xavier Rhodes (#25).
Pro Bowls: 0
2012 1st round CBs: Morris Claiborne (#6), Stephon Gilmore (#10) and Dre Kirkpatrick (#17).
Pro Bowls: 0
2011 1st round CBs: Patrick Peterson (#5), Prince Amukamara (#19), Jimmy Smith (#27).
Pro Bowls: 4 (all Peterson)
No pro bowls is true, but I see 5 or 6 quality starting CBs in your list of first round picks.
I think you guys will be proven wrong by Peters IF (and only if), he learns to channel his emotions properly. I talk to a scout that knows Peters well, knows his family, seen him work out many times and has studied him extensively. Scout believes the behavioral issues will go away and he shows a lot of similar qualities to Charles Woodson. We’ll see…
I agree that time will tell, although it’s difficult to see the Packers taking someone who was kicked off his college team after numerous run-ins with his coaches. That sounds like a guy who has a problem with authority. The Packers did take a chance on Colt Lyerla, but they also didn’t bother to spend a draft pick on him, and certainly not a 1st round pick.
Tyronne Mathieu tumbled to the 3rd round a couple years ago and seems like he’s straightened his life out, so there’s hope.
NFL.com had a quote from an NFC personnel director: “I wouldn’t take him inside the first two rounds. He’s good, but he’s not that good that I would be willing to deal with his emotional issues.” Who knows, I could be wrong. I wish the guy well. I just don’t want to see him in green and gold.
Mock drafts are 50/50 whether he goes before pick 30. Many think he is most talented CB in this draft. He may turn out great but TT/MM don’t touch this guy with a 10′ pole, IMHO. Personally I would need to spend time with him to know if I would take a chance on him.
WR is at least 10 deep in this draft. So is DT. So are edge rushers. RB are deep. OL is deep. DB, ILB and TE are so-so. Easy to tag 50 good prospects. Let’s hope Pack gets two of them @30 and 62.
Many suspect GB will trade down in this draft to get value at CB/ILB.
As much as we need ILB and CB, I’d like to see two DL studs myself.
TT will be hard pressed not to go WR in rd 2 or 3. Value will be extreme.
I don’t see TT using a 1 or 2 on a RB though I would for Todd Gurley. TT likely to go to offense in R3.
Agreed. Defense, defense, defense. RB help is needed, but not until the 3rd round at the absolute earliest.
Have Guion mentor him?
Guion & Raji could score him the best weed in GB. Rumor has it Raji has his own weed farm in da UP. That is why he hangs in GB year-round. TT obviously pays him $4MM/yr to stay in GB for more than just his NT talent. Sap was great and he loved the weed. What’s Raji’s excuse? All written in humor.
Could CB Byron Jones be the Packer’s first pick after a small trade down to 35 range??? That would be exciting. Quentin Rollins would be a heckuva S pick late in R2. I would not want to give Burnett another mega-contract. I’m on record favoring DL picks w GBP’s first two picks but Jones/Rollins would excite me too. Just don’t see R1 value at ILB. Now if we were to acquire the Kendricks brothers, that would be interesting.
Won’t be recruited by the Pack with personality issues…personalities are molded by age 6 or thereabouts. There is no way the locker room makes a change and turns this guy into an angel. Forget it.
Nevertheless, I would draft a corner back at 30, the very best they can get, and ILB next.