Packers have virtual pre-draft visit with defensive tackle Leki Fotu

The Packers will reportedly hold a video conference with draft prospect Leki Fotu.

The Green Bay Packers need to strengthen the defensive line. That much is obvious after watching their No. 23-ranked run defense last season. Or just the embarrassing performance in the NFC Championship Game, of course.

And while the Packers are yet to make any additions to the defensive line in free agency, that’s bound to change in the draft.

One player to watch is Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Packers will hold a video conference with Fotu ahead of the draft. Pre-draft visits aren’t currently possible due to the coronavirus pandemic so teams are instead speaking with draft prospects virtually.

Fotu could be a Day 2 or 3 pick for the Packers. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has him going in the fourth round (111th overall) to the Houston Texans in his post-free agency mock draft.

Fotu would add depth at defensive tackle and could be a good addition in the middle rounds. He spent four years at Utah, making 4.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

The Packers need to consider drafting a defensive tackle early but considering their other important needs at wide receiver, inside linebacker and right tackle, they might have to wait. It won’t be possible to address all of their needs early in the draft which could mean waiting until the final day before selecting a defensive lineman.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network wrote that “Fotu is a tank against the run that won’t be moved by a single blocker”. He also noted that his worst trait is pass rush.

But if he could contribute on early downs against the run, he could make an immediate impact in Mike Pettine’s defense. The Packers are strongest on third down defending the pass but they struggle on early downs. A player like Fotu could help and it’s no surprise the team has interest in having a virtual pre-draft visit with him.