Packers get offensive line help in new Daniel Jeremiah mock draft
The latest mock draft from Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has the Green Bay Packers getting help for the offensive line late in the first round.
Jeremiah’s mock draft sent Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins to the Packers at No. 29 overall.
The selection of Jenkins would give the Packers valuable depth at offensive tackle and a potential long-term starter at right tackle opposite David Bakhtiari. Jeremiah believes Jenkins can play both tackle and guard, providing another player with valuable versatility for the Packers offensive line.
Matt LaFleur’s offense used mostly Rick Wagner and Billy Turner at right tackle in 2020. Turner can play multiple positions and may need to play left tackle to start 2021, while Wagner – despite a strong 2020 season – could be a cap casualty this offseason. The Packers may also lose All-Pro center Corey Linsley in free agency, likely requiring either guard Elgton Jenkins or Lucas Patrick to move inside.
Here is Jenkins’ blurb from Jeremiah’s big board:
Jenkins is a big, powerful right tackle. He is very quick out of his stance in the passing game and he can cover ground in a hurry. He has no issues kicking out to cover up speed rushers. However, he does have some issues when he has to quickly redirect inside, which leads to some pressures allowed. He has strong, violent hands but he will get too aggressive at times, which affects his balance. He absorbs power rushers pretty easily, though. He’s fun to watch in the run game. He can torque and dump linemen over his nose. He collects a lot of knockdowns. He has the quickness to cut off on the back side and he’s very efficient climbing to the second level. Overall, Jenkins has some balance issues to correct, but I love his size, quickness and nastiness. I view him as a quality NFL starter at right tackle.
Jenkins is the 26th overall player on the big board at Pro Football Focus. According to the site, he allowed only four total pressures while playing right tackle this past season.
Keeping Aaron Rodgers protected should continue to be a long-term priority for the Packers. The 37-year-old quarterback took only 20 total sacks over 16 regular season games during his MVP season in 2020.
The Packers haven’t drafted a true offensive tackle since Jason Spriggs in the second round of the 2016. The need at the position would drop if Wagner is back in 2021, but he’s only under contract for one more season and has had injury issues in the past.
Jeremiah’s first mock draft of the offseason had the Packers taking Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell.
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