The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Missouri tight end Albert Okwuegbunam:
What he can do
– Huge frame. Stands 6-5, weighs around 260 pounds and has a wingspan of almost 80 inches. Just a massive individual
– Converted receiver with a basketball background, an attractive combo at tight end
– Did a ton of damage in the scoring area. Almost 25 percent of his career catches went for touchdowns. Lined up all over the formation and used his size to bully defenders in the red zone
– Seam-stretching speed. Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds at 258 pounds. NFL teams will like the opportunities that size/speed creates. Flashed ability to create separation down the seam in college
– Not a sudden player. Speed builds over time. Doesn’t really explode off the ball or in and out of cuts. Kind of a lumbering mover in short to intermediate areas. Not sure he’ll ever be a high-volume target because consistent separation could be an issue
– Caught 11 touchdown passes as a redshirt freshman in 2017 but big-time production eluded him during final two seasons at Missouri. Was injured a bunch in 2018 and 2019
– Played some inline, in the slot and out wide, similar to how the Packers used Jimmy Graham the last two years
– Would like to see more consistency making plays in traffic. Contested catch win percentage was low. Also had several big catches getting only one foot down inbounds. Generally speaking, ball skills are good
– Run-blocking is a work in progress. Shows the willingness to do it, just isn’t all that good at it. Should be much better at his size
– Not consistent catching the football despite flashes of impressive ability at the catch point. Dropped 12 passes the last three years, per PFF. Too many drops on limited target load
How he fits
The Packers seem to be prioritizing getting bigger and better in the middle of the field, with Devin Funchess and Jace Sternberger both expected to be contributors from the slot in 2019. “Albert O” could be another piece of that puzzle. In fact, it’s easy to envision him taking on a similar role as Jimmy Graham, with an ability to play some inline and in the slot. There’s a lot to like about Albert O’s size and ability to stretch the field between the hashes. Over time, he could develop into a mismatch weapon in the passing game who can play along the line of scrimmage and be a productive part of a tight end tandem. He has a high ceiling but also a low floor. He’ll need to become a much better run-blocker and more consistent in several areas of the passing game to fully realize his massive potential.
NFL comp
In terms of size and speed, Okwuegbunam is almost identical to Travis Kelce or Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He certainly isn’t as sudden as Kelce. Tight ends are a tough projection because their range of outcomes at the next level is so diverse. NFL.com likes Mark Andrews as a comp, highlighting his immense potential.
Where Packers could get him
Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently mocked Okwuegbunam to the Packers in the third round. Late Day 2 or early on Day 3 looks like the right range for him. He’s big, can run and has value in the passing game at a position with a scarcity of sure-fire starters.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott
DB K’Von Wallace
WR Bryan Edwards
DL Ross Blacklock
LB Logan Wilson
DL Justin Madubuike
RB Cam Akers
LB Malik Harrison
RB Darrynton Evans
WR Lynn Bowden Jr.
WR Gabriel Davis
LB Josh Uche
CB Trevon Diggs
DB Terrell Burgess
OLB Terrell Lewis
CB A.J. Terrell
WR Quintez Cephus