The Packers recently signed Jarren Reed to their defensive line room. They have a solid rotation with most starters coming back from last year and Kenny Clark still holding down the middle. However, their defensive line coach spoke the other day and said they’d like to add a guy or two in the draft. A few targets could be,
Round 1 Jordan Davis Georgia 6’6” 341 RAS 10 View Highlights
2021 stats 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Strengths: He is an absolutely MASSIVE human. Very athletic for his size, speed, power, and agility all show up on tape. He’s good at diagnosing plays and quick to react. One of the most athletic to ever play defensive line.
Weaknesses: The numbers just don’t match the athleticism. He didn’t play many pass-rushing downs and teams have to wonder if he will be able to at the next level. Davis would benefit from losing 10-15 pounds and having his endurance higher. He needs to work on hand placement at the next level.
Round 2-3 Travis Jones Uconn 6’4” 325 RAS 9.4 View Highlights
2021 stats 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks
Strengths: He has a large frame that has filled out with functional muscle. He has a power rush in his skill set as well as finesse moves. He has good lateral movement to stretch run plays. Jones doesn’t mind taking on extra blockers to keep his second-level defenders free
Weaknesses: He played against lesser competition at Uconn and teams will hold that against him. He doesn’t have great recognition, often confused at the line about what was happening, if he was being doubled, if they were running the ball. He needs to work on his pass rush plan and not rely as much on power.
Round 2-3 DeMarvin Leal Texas A&M 6’4” 283 pounds RAS 7.43 View Highlights
2021 stats 58 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks
Strengths: Lots of production at A&M, 8.5 sacks for an interior rusher is exceptional. He played inside and outside so there is flexibility to move him around. He has good short-area quickness and can hold his ground against blockers. Does not get moved off often.
Weaknesses: He is in between a traditional inside guy and an outside guy. He doesn’t have the strength to consistently play inside in the NFL or the quickness to consistently play outside. Does not have a good bend when he rushes from the outside. Once he gets his hands on opponents he doesn’t really do much, if he can stay free he can have an impact.
Round 4-7 Phidarian Mathis Alabama 6’4” 310 RAS N/A View Highlights
2021 stats 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks
Strengths: He is a really strong traditional inside defensive tackle at the NFL level. He won’t get pushed off his spot and has a power rush that could translate into pressure in the middle. Does a really great job with recognition and isn’t fooled often.
Weaknesses: Projects as strictly an inside DT with limited flexibility in a defense. If he doesn’t win with power and strength he isn’t going to win. He doesn’t have a pass rush plan outside of power. He has trouble moving side to side when ball carriers cut on him.
Alabama defensive lineman Phil Mathis (48)
Photo by Evan Pilat
Round 4-7 John Ridgeway Arkansas 6’5” 321 RAS 4.73 View Highlights
2021 stats 39 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
Strengths: He is a true nose that disrupts the run game. He doesn’t give up space or get moved off easily, he is powerful and built enough to hold ground on doubles. Has a really good initial push as a pass rusher but it doesn’t always lead somewhere.
Weaknesses: As a rusher outside of his bull rush he doesn’t have a move. If he doesn’t win with that he doesn’t win as a rusher. He has a habit of losing his footing and falling on plays
Round 4-7 Haskell Garrett Ohio State 6’2” 300 RAS 4.57 View Highlights
2021 stats 22 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks
Strengths: He has a solid first step that shows a lot of explosiveness. Has really heavy hands that he uses to his advantage. He can toss lineman away from him to attack a ball carrier in a 2 gap system. Is described as a hustle player.
Weaknesses: He needs to get stronger, play strength doesn’t always match technique. Double teams will knock him off his base. He doesn’t have many pass rush moves and will need to develop plans for pass rush at the next level.
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