Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft from NFL.com shows the Green Bay Packers getting help for the offensive line at the end of the first round.
Jeremiah’s simulated draft sent the Oklahoma state offensive to attack Teven Jenkins for the Packers in 29th overall.
Jenkins’ choice would give the Packers valuable depth in the offensive tackle and a potential long-term right wing tackle against 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 attack mainly used Rick Wagner and Billy Turner in the tackle on the right in 2020. Turner can play several positions and may need to play the tackle on the left to start 2021, while Wagner – despite a strong 2020 season – can be one. low this offseason. Packers can also lose Corey Linsley, All-Pro center, in the free agency, probably requiring guard Elgton Jenkins or Lucas Patrick to enter.
Here is Jenkins’s synopsis of Jeremiah’s big picture:
Jenkins is a big and powerful right. He leaves his position very quickly in the passing game and can cover the ground in a hurry. He has no problem kicking to cover up speed brokers. However, it has some problems when it needs to quickly redirect inwards, which leads to some permissible pressures. He has strong and violent hands, but he is sometimes very aggressive, which affects his balance. It absorbs Power Rushers quite easily, however. He’s fun to watch at the racing game. It can twist and dump electricians over the nose. He collects many knockdowns. It has the speed to cut at the back and is very efficient in climbing to the second level. Overall, Jenkins has some balance issues to correct, but I love his size, speed and meanness. I see him as a good NFL starter in the right tackle.
Jenkins is the 26th overall player on the Pro Football Focus big board. According to the website, he allowed only four total pressures when playing tackle last season.
Keeping Aaron Rodgers safe should remain a long-term priority for the Packers. The 37-year-old quarterback took just 20 sacks in total in 16 regular season games during his MVP season in 2020.
The Packers have not drawn a real offensive tackle since Jason Spriggs in the second round of 2016. The need for the position would lessen if Wagner were back in 2021, but he is only under contract for another season and has had injury problems in the past.
Jeremiah’s first draft of the offseason had the Packers taking the Louisville receiver, Tutu Atwell.