Unpacking Future Packers: No. 29, SFA CB Charles Demmings
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The cornerback room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue needs a makeover, and the mini-remodel began in free agency with the addition of Benjamin St. Juste. The former Minnesota Golden Gophers prospect signed a two-year deal with the Green Bay Packers .
The remodel will continue during the 2026 NFL Draft, where Brian Gutekunst could double-dip at the position. A potential target on Day 3 is Charles Demmings . The Stephen F. Austin cornerback checks in at No. 29 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A Texas native, Demmings recorded one interception and four pass deflections during his second season with the Lumberjacks. In 2023, Demmings recorded one tackle for loss, two interceptions and 10 pass deflections. The following season, Demmings recorded one tackle for loss, two interceptions and 12 pass deflections. This past season, Demmings recorded four interceptions and nine pass deflections.
At 6-1, 191 pounds with 32-inch arms, Demmings looks good off the bus. A former track and field athlete, Demmings showcased his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, clocking a 4.41 40-yard dash. He posted a 42-inch vertical and an 11-00 broad jump.
Flip on the film and the first thing that stands out about Demmings is that he’s a physical press cornerback. He uses his length to redirect wide receivers and disrupt their timing. He's fluid in his backpedal and has good footwork to stay in the wide receiver’s hip pocket. He accelerates quickly to top speed.
"Demmings is an aggressive press-man corner that likes to get his hands on receivers, disrupt their timing, and utilize his length and recovery speed to play through the hands of receivers," Devin Jackson, an NFL Draft writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, said. "While his hip flipping is a little stiff, he consistently finds the ball in the air."
Demmings battles wide receivers at the catch point. He shows good pattern recognition and is able to jump routes. He uses his length and leaping ability to occupy air space and give quarterbacks a small window to throw into if they are brave enough to throw into his area code. He had outstanding ball production during his time with the Lumberjacks (nine interceptions and 35 pass deflections).
"His ball skills are among his best attributes," Jackson said. "He has laid out for interceptions and high-pointed the football for interceptions. His adequate length also allows him to deflect the ball when receivers attempt to catch the ball outside their frame or in 50/50 situations with him."
Demmings is willing to throw his body around in run support. The tenacity snap-to-snap needs to be more consistent and the urgency to get off blocks doesn't always seem to be there. He's quick to get his man to the ground in coverage to limit YAC. According to Pro Football Focus, Demmings gave up just 40 yards after the catch this past season.
"His tackling is okay, but the effort is there, but the angles and technique aren’t always sharp," Jackson said. "He’s one of those players who either makes an impactful play in the backfield or takes a bad angle to give up a big run. He’s solid at getting receivers to the ground when they catch the ball in front of him. He doesn’t get off blocks consistently either."
Fit with the Packers
This past season, the duo of Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine combined for one interception. In short, the Packers need a playmaker or two in that cornerback room.
Enter Demmings. The Lumberjack cornerback checks the boxes with his athleticism, frame and ball skills. If he's still on the board when the Packers are on the clock in the fourth or fifth round, he could be the pick.
"I would draft Demmings because he checks the box athletically, fits the modern NFL in the size department and has the attitude and ball skills to stick in the NFL beyond one contract," Jackson said. "He’s a developmental player who has the skill set to be a key contributor to an NFL defense. Special teams will be his calling early in his career but he could start games at some point."
The Packers need an infusion of playmaking ability in the cornerback room. Add in the fact that Nixon and Valentine are both entering contract years, and it's widely expected that Gutekunst will add a cornerback or two, or maybe even three in the upcoming draft.
Demmings certainly has the tools to develop into a quality boundary cornerback and could prove to be a steal as a Day 3 pick. It should also be worth noting that Jamal Lett, a defensive quality control coach for the Packers, got to coach Demmings during Senior Bowl Week. So there is familiarity there.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 29, SFA CB Charles Demmings
