New mock draft from former NFL GM has Packers passing on DBs to take mammoth OT
A new mock draft from ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum — a former NFL general manager — has the Green Bay Packers passing on defensive backs such as Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry in favor of Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton at No. 25 overall in the first round of the 2024 draft.
Tannenbaum said Guyton — who is mammoth-sized at 6-8 and 322 pounds — reminds him as a prospect of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who went to Tannenbaum and the New York Jets at No. 4 overall in 2006 and went on to play in 160 straight games in the NFL.
From Tannenbaum: “With longtime Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari moving on and guard Jon Runyan signing with the Giants, Green Bay has to address quarterback Jordan Love’s protection. Guyton’s smooth movement skills remind me of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, whom I drafted in 2006 while with the Jets. Guyton is a plug-and-play guy from Day 1 at left tackle, after starting 14 games over the past two seasons at Oklahoma since transferring from TCU. He allowed only one sack in that time.”
Guyton played over 1,000 snaps at right tackle for Oklahoma between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He did make one start at left tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, Guyton allowed two sacks and 16 total pressures over the last two seasons.
The Packers could see Guyton as the ideal developmental prospect at either left or right tackle. Green Bay released David Bakhtiari and let Yosh Nijman depart in free agency, creating depth issues at offensive tackle even if Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom are likely starters entering 2024. Guyton may need a season before he’s ready to start at left or right tackle. Additionally, Tom has five-position versatility, so the Packers could — in theory — move him around to create a long-term spot for Guyton along the offensive line.
Guyton’s is the No. 29 overall player on PFF’s big board. He is the No. 22 overall player for Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network.
Here’s Jeremiah’s breakdown:
Guyton is a tall, long and rangy right tackle. He doesn’t have a ton of starting experience (15 total starts over four years at Oklahoma and TCU), but he is very gifted. In pass pro, he explodes out of his stance and has the range to cover up speed rushers. He is very fluid and smooth in his redirect versus counter rushers. He plays with excellent knee bend. His problems arise versus power rushers, where he can look a little flimsy up top and get tugged/pulled. He has very good awareness for someone with limited reps. In the run game, he moves like a tight end. He can reach and cut off easily, excelling in space. He is exceptional as a puller because of his athleticism and balance on the perimeter. He does a great job staying off the ground. Overall, Guyton is still a work in progress, but he has elite traits and tools.
Guyton’s Relative Athletic Score coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine was 9.74 out of 10.0, cementing his status as one of the most athletic offensive line prospects in the draft class. After declaring as a redshirt junior, Guyton checks the boxes as a young, athletic prospect at a premium position for the Packers to consider in the first round.
