Unpacking Future Packers: No. 90, Penn State OL Hunter Nourzad
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.
Death, taxes, and the Green Bay Packers turning Day 3 offensive linemen into high-quality starters. David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, Corey Linsley, and JC Tretter are just some of the names of Day 3 offensive linemen who have found success at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
Zach Tom, a former fourth-round pick, has turned into one of the best right tackles in the league. Rasheed Walker, a former seventh-round pick, played well enough down the stretch at left tackle to give the team hope he could replace Bakhtiari if the Packers opt to move on from the veteran tackle this offseason.
With Walker, Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan and Tom on the roster, the Packers could have their starting five right there. The issue is, there isn’t a ton of quality or proven depth behind those five.
A year after selecting zero offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s a safe bet that Brian Gutekunst adds an offensive lineman or two on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. A potential target is Hunter Nourzad. The Penn State offensive lineman checks in at No. 90 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Probably the best rep of the OL/DL period came from @PennStateFball C Hunter Nourzad. Stones his guy with a great stab and controlled the rep with hand placement and grip strength. Really impressive pic.twitter.com/7m3HzTeTsj
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2024
Nourzad, a Cornell transfer, ever heard of him? Before transferring to Penn State, Nourzad started 20 straight games at right tackle and also logged snaps at left tackle during his time at Cornell.
During his first season at Happy Valley, Nourzad started eight games at left guard and took snaps at center and right guard.
This past season, Nourzad made the full-time switch to center, starting all 13 games for the Nittany Lions.
“Nourzad provided consistent, reliable play on the interior of the offensive line for Penn State in 2023,” Daniel Gallen, a Penn State reporter for Lions247, said. “He seemed to have a good rapport with quarterback Drew Allar, and he improved at the position throughout the season. He was also an intelligent, veteran presence at a position that is as much mental as physical.”
During his collegiate career, Nourzad has started games at right tackle, left guard, and center, while taking 170 snaps at left tackle and 25 snaps at right guard. That versatility, along with his athleticism could make him an appealing Day 3 target for any team looking to add depth along the offensive line.
“Nourzad was regarded as one of the better overall athletes on the team, even at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds,” Gallen said. “Nourzad was able to pull and get out in space well, and he had a bit of a nasty streak when it came to finishing blocks. If he gets invited to the NFL combine, he should test well.”
This past fall marked Nourzad’s first full season playing center and he made a seamless transition, as he gave up zero sacks and 16 pressures. He’s patient in his pass sets and has a strong base to anchor down against power. He has a high football IQ and is quick to pick up stunts.
Penn State C Hunter Nourzad has looked excellent in one on ones so far. pic.twitter.com/dGlnxeVZJc
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 28, 2024
“Nourzad has good strength and is able to move well on the interior, so he’s able to get into position against pass rushers,” Gallen said. “The solid play of tackles Olu Fashanu and Caedan Wallace also allowed Penn State to dedicate more blockers to the interior, so he worked with double teams sometimes.”
As a run blocker, Nourzad is powerful and keeps his legs driving at contact to move defenders out of the way. A mean streak and tenacity can turn on when he’s out in space. He shows no restrictions pulling or climbing to the second level.
“He wasn’t the road grader of the group, but his athleticism allowed him to pull and get out into space when the plays called for that,” Gallen said. “I thought he did a good job of opening up some holes, especially later in the year.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to add depth along the offensive line. While Nourzad may not be able to hack it at left or right tackle in the NFL, he’d provide much-needed depth along the interior of the offensive line.
“I would draft Nourzad to get a strong and cerebral interior offensive lineman,” Gallen said. “I’m very curious to see how he tests at the combine because we’ve heard about that athleticism in the weight room. The versatility on the interior is valuable as well, and we saw another former Penn State center, the Texans’ Juice Scruggs, start at guard during his rookie season. Nourzad developed in his move from the Ivy League to the Big Ten, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue with the NFL.”
Given his versatility, athleticism and football acumen, Nourzad is worth a look on Day 3. The Packers are starved for bodies on the interior of the offensive line and Nourzad could battle for the starting right guard position with Rhyan, while possibly being the long-term solution at center if Myers doesn’t earn a second contract with Green Bay.
