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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 Virginia Tech tight end Dalton Keene:
What he can do
– 6-4 but doesn’t really look 253 pounds on tape. A little lean, could probably add more weight. Long arms, big hands
– Athleticism is a big plus. Ran 4.71, with good jumps and a three-cone time of 7.07 seconds. Did 21 reps on the bench. High RAS player
– Versatility as an H-back, fullback and move tight end. Played all over the formation at Virginia Tech. Would be used similarily in Green Bay
– Has some run-after-the-catch ability. Can tell he was a high school running back. Good patience, vision as a runner. Created chunk plays off of screen plays
– Nice burst upfield with the ball in his hands
– Not a powerful head-on blocker. Effort is high and willingness is there. Blocked from multiple spots on the field. Can block on the move
– Three-down player who can pass protect, including from in the backfield
– Toughness and competitiveness aren’t in question
– Durable. Played 39 career games over three seasons
– Caught only 59 career passes, targeted only 71 times. Turned almost 15 percent of total catches into touchdowns
– Majority of production was schemed up on misdirection plays. Will need to prove he can beat man coverage at the next level
– Could have seam-stretching speed. Made a tough, extended catch up the seam vs. Pitt
How he fits
Here’s the Danny Vitale replacement. Keene can play all over the formation and has vast experience operating within roles that easily translate to duties asked of tight ends and fullbacks in Green Bay. Given his athleticism and ability in the open field, Keene could be a far more productive receiver at the next level than at Virginia Tech, especially if put into a scheme that will provide more opportunities to run routes downfield. Keene can’t be pigeonholed into one position and might not be a starting-level player at any one position, but his versatility and movement ability should provide opportunities to impact the game in a positive way within a modern NFL offense. In Green Bay, Keene’s versatility could free Jace Sternberger to play a more specific role in the passing game.
NFL comp
His size and athleticism profile is almost identical to Ian Thomas, a third-round pick out of Indiana in 2018. Keene’s most favorable comparison as he transitions to the next level might be former Packers tight end Lance Kendricks. Like Kendricks, teams will want Keene moving around the formation. And while he’s not as polished as a receiver, the potential is there.
Where Packers could get him
Day 3. Keene’s lack of production at the college level will likely cancel out his versatility, and although he’s a good athlete, teams aren’t going to spend a pick during the first two days on an H-back prospect. The Packers have seven picks on Day 3, and it wouldn’t be surprising if one is used on Keene.
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
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
QB Jalen Hurts
WR Tyler Johnson
IOL Cesar Ruiz
DB Ashtyn Davis
WR Quez Watkins
OT Ben Bartch
IOL Matt Hennessy
WR Isaiah Coulter
RB J.K. Dobbins
OT Lucas Niang
RB A.J. Dillon
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