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 Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu:
What he can do
– Absolute unit. 6-5, 330. Has length (arms over 34″), thickness in arms and the lower half and huge hands. Just a massive human being
– Surprisingly agile for his size. Can really shoot off the ball
– Has the frame and strength to be a two-gapping run-stopper, certainly at the nose but possibly at defensive end in the three-man front
– Big, powerful hands and arms give him ability to lock out blockers, find the ball and shed
– Needs to play lower and make sure he’s rooted to the ground against double teams
– Teammate helper. Wants to take on blocks and clear alleyways for others to make plays
– Will chase down plays laterally, and looks really quick and athletic doing it
– Might only be a two-down player at the next level. Doesn’t have much pass-rushing juice. Can jolt a blocker off the ball and begin collapsing pocket, but isn’t a refined rusher technique-wise and didn’t always finish
– Flashed an intriguing arm-over swim move that worked on occasion. Much more effective as a rusher in 2018 over 2019
– Looked best when he fired off the ball and used his power and length to manhandle one-on-one blocks
– Way too many plays that ended in nothing more than a stalemate. Rarely dominated
– Wasn’t a full-time player and didn’t produce huge numbers. Finished with 14.5 tackles for losses and 4.5 sacks over final two seasons
How he fits
Fotu’s combination of size, power and quickness could make him an intriguing addition to the Packers defensive line, even if his pass-rushing ability is limited at this point in his development. The Packers line probably needs more overall size and run-stopping ability. He’d be even more appealing if the Packers thought he could play on the nose and some at the five technique, adding versatility and increasing his chances of impacting the defense next to Kenny Clark. Mike Pettine likes to play light behind the defensive line, making block-eaters like Fotu more valuable. He will demand respect at the line of scrimmage. The Packers met with Fotu before the draft.
NFL comp
Some similarities coming out of college with Chicago Bears defensive lineman Eddie Goldman. Like Goldman, Fotu is a massive lineman with the physical traits to dominate against the run and flash as a rusher. NFL.com likes former Packers defensive lineman Mike Pennel as a comp.
Where Packers could get him
Projections on Fotu range, but most have him as a third- or fourth-round pick if the medicals check out. The Packers have one of the last picks in the third round and could entertain taking him there. Anytime on Day 3 could be good value.
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
TE Dalton Keene
DL Jason Strowbridge
TE Adam Trautman
WR Joe Reed
CB Michael Ojemudia
RB D’Andre Swift
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