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It’s an odd situation when an NFL legacy and two-time All-Big Ten first-team left tackle slides all the way to the sixth-round of the NFL draft. But such is the case for Jon Runyan Jr.
No, Runyan doesn’t have prototypical size, particularly in arm length, to be an NFL offensive tackle. But there’s a reason why he slid inside to guard as a result, and given his ability to hold his own against top pass rushers — he held No. 2 overall pick Chase Young close to statless this year — it’s still surprising that teams wouldn’t take a chance on a proven playmaker.
Surprising, but not unexpected.
Runyan was anticipated to be a late day-three pick, and that’s precisely what happened, as he was selected at No. 192overall in the sixth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.
He was one of the few Wolverines to participate in most all of the NFL Scouting Combine drills this past month, and posted good numbers, including a 5.08 40-yard dash at a measured 6-foot-4, 306-pounds.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein sees him as a likely backup in the league, but given that was also Runyan’s prognosis in college, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him earn his role in the NFL.
Overview
Determined and smart, Runyan held his own as a Big Ten tackle despite a lack of desired physical and athletic traits. He’s inconsistent taking control into initial engagements, but stays after it and recovers back into the second phase of the block. He plays with high hands that diminish power and control, but that should improve as he slides inside to guard. He has adequate athleticism and body control to fit into a variety of run schemes but may not excel in any. Runyan’s protection experience at tackle improves his draft value as a later-round, backup-caliber guard.
Strengths
- Father was a Pro Bowl tackle
- Very smart and observant pre- and post-snap
- Quick recognition of games by defensive fronts
- Tackle experience is a bonus in pass protection as a guard
- Clamps are quick to cinch and secure if rushers aren’t active enough
- Footwork is patient but consistent in-line
- Athletic ability makes him scheme diverse inside
- Determined to stay connected to blocks once he lands
- Takes smart angles to secure blocks
Weaknesses
- Needs to play with better suddenness in his hands
- Lands way too high on the frame on down blocks
- High hands diminish leverage and natural strength
- Below average as drive blocker
- Lateral slides feature slightly heavier feet
- Windup needs to be eliminated from his punch
- Needs to throw hands with better timing and force
- Could struggle to mirror edge-to-edge rushers effectively
With this pick, Runyan is reunited with former Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary, the first-round pick by the Packers in 2019.
Runyan’s selection also marks all four Wolverines offensive linemen in the draft being picked, as Cesar Ruiz was selected No.. 24 overall to the Saints, Ben Bredeson picked in the fourth-round by the Ravens and Michael Onwenu in the sixth-round to the Patriots.