Packers 2016 Draft: Red and Black Dot players on offense
By Dan Dahlke
Our “Red Dot” Offensive Linemen
Kyle — Connor McGovern, OG/OT, Missouri
Ted Thompson likes players that can play all along the offensive line. In his time at Missouri, McGovern has played guard and both tackle spots. He possesses top shelf strength, but also has above average athletic ability. You notice his movement skills and quick feet. He just might be athletic enough to be a right tackle, but I think he has Pro Bowl potential as a guard. I think you start thinking about him in the fourth or fifth round and give yourself offensive line depth in 2016 and insurance in case Lang or Sitton get away in free agency next year.
Dan — Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
Garnett is just simply fun to watch. He’s a tough road grader who will lock his arms on a defender and drive him out of the play. He may be the most physical run blocker in this class, and he’s also athletic enough to hold up well as a pass protector. Even though the Packers normally draft college tackles and then move them to guard, Garnett is one player I’d love to seem them select come draft day. A guy that embraces the physical nature of the game and prides himself on taking out the biggest and baddest defenders on the field can always have a spot on my team.
Freddie — Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
Shon Coleman is a great success story after overcoming and defeating cancer. On the field, he is a big man and a talented run blocker. He’s still a little raw after sitting out of the game for three years, but there’s a lot to like about his potential with a bit of development at the next level.
Germain Ifedi, OG, Texas A&M
Germain Ifedi will likely make the transition from tackle to guard at the next level, but his ability to play multiple positions will make him a valuable depth option along the offensive line. Ifedi is a huge man with excellent length, and he has good lateral movement to avoid getting beaten by speed. He needs some development, but in Green Bay he would be afforded some time.
Our “Black Dot” Offensive Linemen
Kyle — Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
Alexander is big, so you want him to be that guard that can dominate defenders in the run game. I don’t see that kind of player on film. Alexander’s feet often look heavy and slow. He often plays off-balance and allows his man to make the play. I am not sure he’s a smooth enough athlete to be more than a career backup in the NFL. I’m in no hurry to pull the trigger on a big body that hasn’t put it together on the field.
Dan — Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Clark has ideal size and is a really good athlete as a lineman. However, the fact he played in a up-tempo Texas Tech offense that relied heavily on three-step drops and first-read pass plays, makes me concerned how well Clark would adjust to life in the NFL. He’s a quick athlete, but his footwork needs a lot of work and he bends too much at the waist when dropping back in his stance. He could potentially be a very good tackle in the NFL, but his game needs a lot of refinement. Given he’ll probably require a first or second round pick, I’d rather go in another direction with an early-round selection.
Freddie — Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford
Kyle Murphy might be asked to move to guard at the next level as there are concerns whether he has the tools to play at either tackle spot. He has struggled against bull rushers.
Landon Turner, OG, North Carolina
There’s no doubting Landon Turner has plenty of talent to play at the NFL, but he doesn’t seem like a good scheme fit in Green Bay. Turner is best suited to a run-first offense as he lacks quickness in pass protection.
Next: Lombardi Ave roundtable mock draft: Round 1