Unpacking Future Packers: No. 42, Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with offensive tackle talent. With Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom on the roster, the Green Bay Packers don’t have a pressing need at the position.
With those two entrenched as the two starting tackles, the Packers need to find their swing tackle.
A potential prospect that the Packers could target in the upcoming draft is Blake Fisher. The Notre Dame offensive tackle checks in at No. 42 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A four-star recruit from Indiana, Fisher finished his career at South Bend with 27 career starts at right tackle.
“Fisher’s presence can’t be understated,” Liam Gaudet, the senior editor for The Irish Tribune, said. “He’s certainly a leader and has been since his commitment to Notre Dame years ago. He was one of the first commits in his class to take the reins and start recruiting other talent to South Bend, so he’s a Notre Dame man through and through. He’s beloved by his fellow teammates who are likely sad to see him go, but happy that he’s chasing his dreams a season early.”
At 6-5 with 34-inch arms, Fisher looks the part of an NFL offensive tackle. He has the frame that NFL teams are looking for and has the tools in the shed to develop into a cornerstone piece along the offensive line.
“Fisher’s athleticism is his greatest strength and is part of the reason he was so highly touted out of high school,” Gaudet said. “At 6-6 and 310-pounds, he put together a quality combine that played to his strengths – his agility despite his size. With some polishing, he’ll translate into a quality tackle at the next level.”
Fisher pops out of his stance in pass protection and has the lateral quickness to protect the corner. With his length, he’s able to get into the chest plate of defenders to stop them in their tracks. He showed improved awareness in pass protection during his tenure at South Bend.
Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher really gets out of his stance pic.twitter.com/wa5LE89MLh
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 29, 2024
“Fisher’s work in pass protection has vastly improved since he first arrived on campus,” Gaudet said. “He proved that he can protect well against quality opposition this year, but would like to see him improve off the ball. As mentioned, his athleticism allows him to be great when he needs to be a mobile blocker, especially when pulling or getting downfield. Another year at Notre Dame would have helped him round out his technical skills from a pure blocking standpoint.”
Fisher has good movement skills and is powerful at the point of contact. He’s a people mover as a run blocker. He’s comfortable getting out in space and knocking defenders out of the way.
“Fisher is a versatile blocker in the run game, and never takes a play off,” Gaudet said. “He’s very good at keeping his eyes downfield and pushing toward the second level once his assignment is accounted for.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to add depth behind Walker and Tom. Considering the fact that the Packers haven’t drafted an offensive lineman in the first round for 13 years, there is a good shot they wait until Day 2 or Day 3 to add an offensive tackle. If that’s the case, Fisher checks a lot of boxes with his age (21), frame and athleticism.
“I’d draft Fisher simply for his value based on the depth of talent at the tackle position this year,” Gaudet said. “This is a guy who is likely a late first-rounder if he stays another season, but will likely be a steal due to the depth of the class. With a developmental curve of about a season or two, this is a starting NFL tackle.”
The Packers are a Walker or Tom injury away from having a glaring hole at left or right tackle. They need to fortify the offensive line and adding a player like Fisher would go a long way in ensuring that the offensive line wouldn’t turn from strength to weakness if an injury happened to Tom or Walker.
