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 Missouri defensive lineman Jordan Elliott:
What he can do
– Was really versatile for Missouri. Played all over the defensive line, including nose tackle, three-tech and five-tech. Might have the length to play end in the three-man front, but arms are short. Should be ready to contribute in several different ways
– Showed flashes of serious bull-rushing power. Can bench-press guards and centers deep into the backfield
– Impressive and encouraging production as a pass-rusher. Tallied 34 total pressures over just 290 pass-rushing snaps in 2019, per PFF. Had the top pass-rush win rate among interior defenders in the class. Good reason to believe he’s just tapping into his ability as a rusher
– Looks really labored getting off the ball. Not an explosive player. To his credit, he’s great playing uphill and winning late. But when he’s really late off the ball, the end result is ugly
– Will be interesting to see if he can consistently handle two-gapping responsibilities at the next level. Inconsistent here
– Hands never stop working. Often gets pressure by manipulating blockers with strong, active hands. Can win late in reps
– Mostly reactive against the run. Doesn’t always take the fight to the opposition. Can be a non-factor for long stretches
– Has a quick little swim move that works well when rushing. Sets it up with an outside jab step to get the offensive lineman leaning
– Wasn’t effective as an outside rusher. Not going to win pass-rushing reps against NFL offensive tackles
– Did some of his best work on third down in obvious pass-rushing situations
– Ran himself out of too many plays. Ball awareness is an issue
– Ten-yard split was 1.71 seconds, a great time for a player over 300 pounds. Shows up on film when he wiggles himself free and can close space. Would like to see it translate to more consistent quickness off the ball at the next level
– Will quickly rip through blockers and lasso down running backs for losses
How he fits
The Packers’ need for help along the defensive line is no secret. The team hasn’t added a veteran in free agency, so the draft might be the best avenue for improvement. Elliott has experience playing in odd-man fronts and could have multi-positional versatility upfront, especially if he can handle more five-tech duties. There are some inconsistencies in his run-defending abilities but he brings legitimate potential to the table as a rusher. The Packers really like athletic big people, especially if they can play a versatile role. This looks like a good fit.
NFL comp
Sharrif Floyd. Like Floyd, Elliott is quick for his size and possesses pass-rushing potential, and he’ll likely have some positional versatility along the defensive line. The Vikings made Floyd the 23rd pick in the 2013 draft.
Where Packers could get him
Opinions on Elliott are split. Some consider him a first-round talent and a potential top-30 pick. Others see him as a Day 2 player. Big, athletic guys with collegiate production don’t hang around on the board for too long. Elliott should go in the first three rounds.
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