The Green Bay Packers signed 15 undrafted free agents following the 2020 draft.
We take a closer look at 10 of the most intriguing undrafted free agents signed by the Packers:
RB Patrick Taylor, Memphis: He fell off the radar during an injury-plagued 2019 season, but Taylor is a big back (6-1, 217) who looks the part and has the skills to challenge for a spot on the roster or practice squad. He scored 32 total touchdowns for Memphis during the 2017-18 seasons, displaying power and the ability to run through tackles. He might also have some three-down value at the next level, with receiving skills (55 career catches) and the size to be a strong pass protector.
WR Darrell Stewart, Michigan State: The Spartan slot receiver doesn’t wow with vertical speed and his ability to consistently catch the football comes and goes, but he brings to the table a bunch of toughness, good size and an understanding of how to wiggle himself open against man coverage from a variety of alignments. Last year’s tape against Ohio State tells the story. Stewart found ways of getting open and producing passing windows, often against the man coverage of cornerback Shaun Wade, but he dropped at least three passes. He was on his way to a big year when injuries hit in 2019. If he can correct the drop issues, Stewart could have some value as a slot contributor.
OL Zack Johnson, North Dakota State: Johnson played right tackle and right guard for the most dominant FCS program in the country. He started 46 straight games over his final three seasons, helping the Bison rush for over 4,000 yards each year. Johnson is a massive offensive line prospect who moved well enough to play on the edge but is big and tough enough to survive inside. It’s possible the Packers will want him to play some tackle. He’ll battle a host of incoming rookies along the offensive line for a roster spot.
OT Travis Bruffy, Texas Tech: A two-year team captain, Bruffy started 34 games at left tackle or right tackle and was one of the top pass-blocking offensive tackles in the Big 12. In 2019, Bruffy allowed just two total sacks, per Pro Football Focus. He needs to add weight and power to his game, but his experience surviving on an island in pass protection will be appealing to the Packers, especially after they passed on taking a true offensive tackle prospect in the draft.
LB Krys Barnes, UCLA: While undersized, Barnes played a ton of different roles at UCLA and has the athleticism and nose for the ball to stick around at the next level. He’s also landing in Green Bay, where the inside linebacker position remains in a constant state of flux. This is a great opportunity for an experienced college player to come in and earn a job with a strong summer.
OLB Delontae Scott, SMU: His combination of size (6-5, 246) and collegiate production give him intriguing potential as a pro pass-rusher. Long and athletic with closing speed, Scott finished his career with more tackles for losses (36) than starts (28). In 2019, he had 18 tackles for losses and 10 sacks for one of college football’s most disruptive pass-rushing defenses. He could be in the mix to be the fourth or fifth outside linebacker on the rsoter.
OLB Tipa Galeai, Utah State: The length, athleticism and production from Jordan Love’s college teammate certainly stand out. He tallied 15 sacks and 22.5 tackles for losses over his final two collegiate seasons, using long arms, an explosive burst upfield and a nice spin move to consistently disrupt the quarterback. Galeai is too lean at 6-5 and under 230 pounds, but he’s a slippery rusher with clear upside. It’s possible he could become the Kyler Fackrell replacement.
CB Will Sunderland, Troy: The Oklahoma transfer picked off four passes as a senior and has the length and athleticism the Packers covet at cornerback. He’s 6-2 and can run, with long arms and ballhawking instincts. The Packers didn’t draft a cornerback, and they’ve never had a problem stashing undrafted free agents on the roster if they prove they can play. Don’t be surprised if Sunderland makes noise this summer.
CB Stanford Samuels III, Florida State: He has the length and the know-how to play up at the line of scrimmage and press receivers. Samuels also intercepted eight passes, proving his big-time ball skills. Does he have the speed to survive at corner? He’s certainly talented, but his 4.65-second finish in the 40-yard dash was concerning, and likely the big reason why he went undrafted.
S Henry Black, Baylor: The former cornerback played all over the place for Baylor’s defense, including snaps in the slot in man coverage and in the box as a hybrid linebacker. Sound familiar? Pro Football Focus gave him high marks in coverage.