Unpacking Future Packers: No. 38, Oklahoma DL Jalen Redmond

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Oklahoma DL Jalen Redmond.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

Around this time last year, Green Bay’s defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery told the local media that he’d love for the Packers to add a twitchy defensive lineman. Brian Gutekunst delivered by drafting Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

“You’d love to add a high-level third-down pass rusher,” Montgomery said. “A little bit more twitchy of a guy that can add to the rush from the inside standpoint.”

A twitchy defensive lineman that Gutekunst could target in the 2023 NFL Draft is Jalen Redmond. The Oklahoma defensive lineman checks in at No. 38 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

“Fantastic athlete,” Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables said during the Senior Bowl roster reveal show. “Incredibly explosive. Really twitched up…His best football is ahead of him.”

During his first two seasons at Oklahoma, Redmond recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. After sitting out the 2020 season, Redmond recorded eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while playing in eight games during the 2021 campaign. This past season Redmond recorded 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. 

“Jalen Redmond had a solid final season in Norman,” Josh Helmer, the Co-Host of the Locked On Sooners podcast said. “His 10 tackles for loss and four sacks each ranked third on the Sooners. With the fourth-most snaps per Pro Football Focus among OU defensive linemen, Redmond delivered in his final campaign with the Sooners.”

Over the past two seasons, Redmond has recorded 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and 57 pressures. When he was on the field, Redmond was a disruptive interior force for the Sooners. With his athleticism, it’s a safe bet he’s on Green Bay’s board as they look to improve the front seven. 

“Redmond’s greatest strength has been rushing the passer throughout his time at OU,” Helmer said. “Over the course of his OU career, the Midwest City native racked up 31.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.”

Redmond explodes out of his stance. He’s twitched up and that short-area explosiveness was on full display at the combine when he clocked a 1.71 10-yard split. That time was tied for the second fastest among interior defensive linemen. That initial quickness and closing burst helped him get after the quarterback on a consistent basis for the Sooners. 

“Jalen Redmond brings those traditional edge pass-rushing traits potentially to the interior of an NFL defense,” Helmer said. “For the right price in this 2023 NFL draft, he could wind up being a steal if he stays healthy and proves he can hold up on a down-to-down basis.”

Redmond is strong at the point of attack. He has the lateral agility to sidestep blocks and showcases great range as a run defender. With his initial quickness he consistently disrupts the action in the backfield. Redmond played in 32 games during his time as a Sooner and finished with 31.5 tackles for loss.  

“Redmond’s 17 stops this past season are a good indication that he can help slow an opponent’s run game,” Helmer said. “Weighing in at 291 pounds at the NFL Combine, he could add a little bit to his frame. But, it’s his 1.71 10-yard split that I’m looking at from the Combine to showcase his explosiveness.”

Fit with the Packers

Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry have both left Green Bay this offseason via free agency. That leaves Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and TJ Slaton as the foundational pieces along the defensive line for the Packers.

That trio combined for 5.5 sacks last season. The Packers need to bolster their pass rush and by adding Redmond the Packers would be giving their interior pass-rush a much-needed shot in the arm. 

“I’m drafting Redmond because I feel like I could be finding a pass-rushing steal late in the draft,” Helmer said. “He could comfortably line up both inside and outside as he did at Oklahoma. If Redmond demonstrates he can stick his nose in there and be a factor in run support, then he’ll carve out a role for himself on an NFL roster.”

The Packers need to get Clark help up front. Wyatt is a candidate for a breakout campaign during his second year in the league and on paper is one of the most talented players Clark has ever played with along the defensive line. 

Redmond has the athleticism to develop into a disruptive force up front. With his tools, Redmond could develop into a force playing alongside Clark in Green Bay.

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