Unpacking Future Packers: No. 60, NDSU OL Jalen Sundell
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 Green Bay Packers own 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. A year after not taking a single offensive lineman, it’s a safe bet that Brian Gutekunst will use multiple picks to address the offensive line.
Taking a look at the current state of the offensive line, Green Bay needs to add an offensive tackle for depth behind Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom.
With Elgton Jenkings, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan and Royce Newman, they could stand to add competition at right guard and center.
A potential target for the Packers on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft is Jalen Sundell. The North Dakota State offensive lineman checks in at No. 60 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A Missouri native, Sundell took a redshirt in 2018 and then was a reserve in 2019. In the spring of 2020, Sundell started nine games at center. The following fall he started 11 more games at center. In 2022, Sundell started five games at center before suffering a season-ending knee injury. This past season, Sundell kicked outside and started 15 games at left tackle.
I'm fascinated w/ @NDSUfootball C Jalen Sundell (6'5 295 Sr) – pulls a ton in this run scheme. 2yr starter. Former OT. From a VERY athletic basketball family.
14 players drafted from Missouri Valley Conference the last 2yrs, including 5 OL… Who's next?https://t.co/eBOY4Uch1Z pic.twitter.com/QsXntxaijl
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) July 13, 2022
“When the Bison ran the ball effectively, they went left a lot of the time,” Jeff Kolpack, the NDSU football beat writer for inforum.com, said. “Moreover, I think the quarterbacks felt a sense of calm in passing situations, NDSU was one of the least sacked teams in the Missouri Valley.”
Sundell brings five-position versatility. During his time at NDSU, he took at least one snap at every position, with 25 starts at center and 15 starts at left tackle. He took 47 snaps at right guard, nine snaps at left guard and one snap at right tackle.
“His versatility is probably his biggest asset,” Kolpack said. “He came to NDSU as a guard or tackle but moved to center, a position he never played. He did that well and with effectiveness, becoming a starter on a national championship team. With Cody Mauch off to the NFL, the Bison had an opening at left tackle, so Sundell was switched to that spot.”
Sundell fires out of his stance and has good range as a run blocker. He excels at getting out in space and hits his targets, showcasing nimble feet. He understands angles and does a good job of playing with proper leverage.
“Seems to have the right mentality to move guys off the ball,’ Kolpack said. “I think he’s been one of the more explosive guys in the FCS from what I can tell.”
Sundell has quick feet and active hands. He’s a cerebral player and aware of everything that’s going on around him. He plays with a low center of gravity and has good length for an interior lineman. He has the lateral mobility to slide with ease to cut-off pass rushers.
During his three seasons as NDSU’s starting center, Sundell gave up one sack and just eight pressures. As the team’s starting left tackle this past season, he gave up one sack and nine pressures.
“The guy is a really good athlete,” Kolpack said. “He was the Offensive Player of the Year in his class in Missouri. For an offensive lineman, that says something. Seems to have good feet and comes from an athletic family, his sister is a starting guard on the Kansas State women’s basketball team.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers own six picks on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Adding a player like Sundell, who could play center, guard or even tackle is a no-brainer. Even if he never earns a starting role, he’d provide quality depth at five positions.
“Reliability,” Kolpack said. “There’s a certain mindset of offensive linemen I’ve seen from NDSU, toughness mainly, and he fits the mold. These guys get coached pretty hard in college and that certainly won’t hurt him.”
Sundell’s best spot at the next level is likely at center. He has the chops to anchor a line and excels in close-quarters combat.
Josh Myers is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Packers may want to get out ahead of finding his long-term replacement. Sundell could be the long-term answer. In the short term he could provide competition at right guard for Rhyan, while potentially bringing the best out of Myers. He could also potentially serve as a swing tackle.
