Mock Draft Vision
Mike Tannenbaum, who served as the New York Jets general manager from 2006 to 2012, recently outlined a vision that reimagines the entire NFL through a mock draft exercise. In his hypothetical scenario, he puts himself in the shoes of every team’s general manager. For the Green Bay Packers, his choice at No 23 overall would be East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel, a selection aimed at easing long-standing uncertainties in the secondary.
Assessing the Need at Cornerback
The Packers have addressed their cornerback depth by adding Nate Hobbs through free agency. However, with lingering questions surrounding the performance of Jaire Alexander, doubts remain about the solidity of their defensive backfield. Tannenbaum’s hypothetical move to choose Revel underscores the urgency to bolster this position further, with Revel viewed as a promising candidate to restore defensive dominance.
Revel’s Breakout and Proving Skills
Shavon Revel emerged as a breakout performer during the 2023 season at East Carolina, earning attention that placed him among first-round prospects. Early in the following season, he demonstrated his ball-hawking abilities by intercepting two passes in the first three games. A setback came with a torn ACL during practice, but his physical measurements remain impressive at nearly 6-foot-2 and possessing a 32 5/8-inch arm span. Revel has consistently emphasized the advantages of his size, crediting it as a tool that has defined his play. His performance metrics, including a 42.2 percent completion rate and a low tackle-miss percentage, further affirm his potential as a reliable defender.
Fitting into a Reshaped Secondary
Last season’s Packers secondary featured players like Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Javon Bullard, with Hobbs already contributing size through free agency. Shavon Revel is expected to enhance the group by adding both physical presence and skill in coverage. His blend of length, agility in change-of-direction, and physicality in run support positions him as an ideal complement to an evolving defensive strategy. Tannenbaum envisions Revel as being ready for action by training camp, potentially offering a solution to the lingering cornerback concerns.
Looking Ahead
This offseason, the Packers experienced significant turnover in their defensive backfield, losing key players and facing potential changes with Jaire Alexander. Integrating players like Hobbs and Revel could provide the team with a renewed defensive identity. Revel himself has drawn comparisons with Alexander, noting that he admires the pressing style and instinctive approach that have become synonymous with that role. With his blend of talent, size, and determination, Revel is set to challenge established norms and help redefine the Packers’ defensive future.
