Packers: Players to watch during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

Day 2: Kickers, offensive linemen, and running backs

Kickers

This is a position the Packers aren’t likely to draft anyone. Mason Crosby is technically a free agent, but I don’t think anyone is really all that worried that he won’t be a Packer next year. But just in case, here is a kicker worth watching.

Rodrigo Blankenship – Georgia

The kicker with the famous thick black glasses is entering the NFL. He consistently kicks the ball through the back of the end zone on kickoffs and can hit 50-yard field goals. He has a career 82.5 field goal percentage and 92.7 percent on kicks under 40 yards. IF the Packers need their kicker of the future, he’s their guy.

Offensive linemen

If the Packers are unable to sign Bryan Bulaga, I honestly think this is the most important position to replace. Bulaga had a great season and will be tough to replace. Jared Veldheer could fill in for a season, but he isn’t nearly as good and is not the long-term solution. Here are some offensive linemen that could make sense for the Packers.

Jack Driscoll – Auburn

Driscoll came to Auburn from UMass, and fit right in. As a four-year starter, he has plenty of playing experience. He may fit in better as a guard because he has shorter arms but may be able to play tackle in a pinch. This move may allow the Packers to move Billy Turner to tackle if they need to and stick Driscoll in on the interior of the line.

Calvin Throckmorton – Oregon

If you are looking for a versatile lineman, look no further. Throckmorton has played tackle, guard and center. He was a four-year starter on one of the best offensive lines in the country at Oregon. He is extremely smart but physically limited. Like Driscoll, he may be able to help if the Packers move people around on the line.

Josh Jones – Houston

Jones is a raw prospect. He has the size to play line at the next level, but his technique needs some work. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein seems to think most of his problems can be improved with coaching, so he could be a player the Packers could snag later and stash for a year and let him learn and improve.

Charlie Heck – North Carolina

Charlie Heck is the son of Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line coach Andy Heck. Heck started the last three seasons for the Tar Heels. He played right tackle his sophomore and junior seasons before switching to left tackle last season. According to Zierlein, “Heck has the talent to handle swing tackle duties and should be fully functional in all run-blocking schemes.”

Running backs

Both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are entering the final year in their contracts. It would be hard to see the Packers signing both of them to a second contract. Last season, they drafted Dexter Williams who couldn’t seem to find the field, which isn’t a good sign. I could see the Packers drafting another running back in the later rounds.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Louisiana State

Edwards-Helaire is a smaller back but built a bit like Jones. He’s quick and explosive. He has good speed and has a great ability to avoid being tackled. He is also effective in the passing game, has good hands and can run crisp routes. On top of that, he has the ability to return kicks too, something the Packers were hurting for most of the season.

Eno Benjamin – Arizona State

Benjamin is an undersized running back. He won’t run between the tackles with a whole lot of power. He is more effective on the outside or in the passing game. When he gets space to work in, that is when he is most effective. LaFleur could use someone like Benjamin in the screen game as well as for his end-around plays. Benjamin wouldn’t be a workhorse running back, but a nice change of pace/speed guy.

Anthony McFarland Jr. – Maryland

McFarland had a down 2019 season, but that may have been thanks to a high ankle sprain sustained early in the season. He’s not afraid of contact and will be physical but also has home-run hitting capabilities. Could struggle in pass protection.

Zack Moss – Utah

If Moss were to fall to the Packers in the middle rounds, I think the Packers would have to take him. He is a physical runner who has good vision and patience. He is tough to take down and will run through contact all day. The only downside is the tread left on him. He was a workhorse at Utah.