The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2020 NFL draft with a chance to use the team’s 10 draft picks to build on a roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game in 2019. GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.
Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at offensive tackle:
On the roster
David Bakhtiari, 28, signed through 2020
Ricky Wagner, 30, signed through 2021
Alex Light, 23, signed through 2020
Yosh Nijman, 24, signed through 2020
John Leglue, 24, signed through 2020
Cody Conway, 23, signed through 2020
Short term need
Moderate to high. The Packers decided they weren’t going to be able to re-sign long-time starter Bryan Bulaga, so they added Lions castoff Rick Wagner on a cheap, two-year deal. Almost 31 and coming off a terrible year in Detroit, Wagner is nothing more than a patch over the hole. In fact, the Packers probably want to acquire someone who can legitimately compete with Wagner to start in 2020. Behind Wagner, the depth is shaky at best, especially if free agent Jared Veldheer isn’t retained. Alex Light looked in over his head as the swing tackle in 2019. Nijman, Leglue and Conway are big projects.
Long term need
High. By 2021, the Packers will likely need a brand new starter at right tackle. And don’t forget: All-Pro David Bakhtiari has an expiring contract following the 2020 season. There’s a good chance the Packers will get a new deal done there, but it’s going to be costly, and Brian Gutekunst has to be prepared should the negotiation get out of hand. Taking a future starter in this draft would ensure there’s at least one offensive tackle in place for 2021.
Chances of drafting position
High. Offensive tackle is a premium position, the Packers have short term and long term needs and the draft class is strong. That mix of factors should guarantee the Packers draft at least one tackle. Taking one or more offensive tackle prospects isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially considering the Packers have an abundance of Day 3 picks to play with. It’s been four years since the Packers drafted a true offensive tackle.
Depth of draft class
It’s very strong at the top, with as many as six or seven players with first-round potential, and there should be some appealing developmental options on Day 2 and in the middle rounds. Expect the Packers to tap into a deep class and extract a player they believe can eventually start on the left or right side.
Potential options
– Josh Jones, Houston
– Austin Jackson, USC
– Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
– Lucas Niang, TCU
– Jack Driscoll, Auburn
– Ben Bartch, Saint Johns (MN)
– Matt Peart, UConn
– Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
– Jon Runyan, Michigan
– Cameron Clark, Charlotte
Last OT drafted
2016. The Packers took Jason Spriggs out of Indiana with the 48th overall pick.
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