The Green Bay Packers added developmental options from the Big Ten at need positions with their first two picks on Day 3 of the NFL draft.
Minnesota linebacker Kamal Martin, the pick at No. 175, and Michigan offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr., the pick at No. 192, should provide help in the middle of the Packers defense and for the depth of the offensive line.
Martin played several different positions for the Golden Gophers but eventually settled in as an off-ball linebacker. He flashed athleticism and some hitting power during a career year in 2019, although missed tackles and a knee injury marred the season. In Green Bay, he’ll join Christian Kirksey, Oren Burks, Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton at linebacker, one of the team’s weakest positions. Opportunities are available after Blake Martinez and B.J. Goodson departed in free agency.
Runyan Jr. looks like another prototypical Packers offensive lineman. He’s athletic, with strong agility numbers, and he played left tackle in college (24 starts the last two years). The Packers may want to move him inside to guard or center while maintaining him as a depth option at offensive tackle, especially after all the quality reps he produced against top Big Ten rushers the last two seasons.
In the past, the franchise has had a lot of success transitioning left tackle inside to guard or center. The Packers need depth along the interior, and Runyan could even provide insurance behind Corey Linsley, who is a free agent after the 2020 season.
The Packers have four more picks on Day 3, including two more in the sixth round. They hold picks at 208, 209, 236 and 242.
[lawrence-related id=43894]