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 interior offensive line:
On the roster
– Corey Linsley, 28, signed through 2020
– Lane Taylor, 30, signed through 2020
– Billy Turner, 28, signed through 2022
– Lucas Patrick, 26, signed through 2021
– Elgton Jenkins, 24, signed through 2022
– Cole Madison, 25, signed through 2021
Short term need
Low, especially if Lane Taylor remains on the roster in 2020. The Packers return all three starters from last season and would have two veteran backups (Taylor, Lucas Patrick). Even if Taylor departs at some point between now and Week 1, the Packers still have a versatile backup in Patrick, who can play guard and center. Cole Madison remains a wildcard.
Long term need
Potentially high. Corey Linsley is a free agent following the 2020 season, and there’s no guarantee Turner will remain the starting right tackle past next season, creating two potential long-term holes. Jenkins was a terrific rookie and could soon find himself on a Pro Bowl track, either at guard or center, but the Packers will likely need to have a plan for having a new starter along the interior of the line in 2021.
Chances of drafting position
Moderate. If the Packers don’t think they’ll bring back Linsley after next year, establishing a long-term plan to replace him in this year’s draft makes sense. Also, it could be argued the Packers should be looking for competition for Turner, who had an OK first season in Green Bay. The Packers haven’t generally valued the interior of the line, but Gutekunst has already signed a veteran to a decent-sized deal (Turner) and spent an early Day 2 pick (Jenkins) on the position group.
Depth of draft class
Not great, although there are some intriguing offensive tackle conversion possibilities. The Packers like moving collegiate tackles inside to guard. Several players in the class should have positional versatility at the next level. The top-tier talent is lacking.
Potential options
– Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
– Matt Hennessy, Temple
– Nick Harris, Washington
– Damien Lewis, LSU
– Danny Pinter, Ball State
– Jon Runyan, Michigan
– Cameron Clark, Charlotte
– Cohl Cabral, Arizona State
– Kevin Dotson, Louisiana
– Cordel Iwuagwu, TCU
– Kyle Hinton, Washburn
Last IOL drafted
2019. The Packers drafted Elgton Jenkins out of Mississippi State with the 44th overall pick.
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