Packers GM pretty much rules out drafting two heavily linked prospects

The Green Bay Packers have been heavily linked with tackles Amarius Mims and Tyler Guyton, who are potential first-round targets. They hosted both players for top-30 visits.

Mims and Guyton are among the most talented offensive linemen in a deep class but would require the Packers to go against some of their strict thresholds.

Packer Report's Ross Uglem noted that every tackle Green Bay has drafted in the top four rounds since 2007 was shorter than 6-foot-6, lighter than 322 pounds, and had at least 28 college starts. There are other factors, but these are the important ones for Mims and Guyton. Mims is 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds with only eight college starts. Guyton is 6-foot-7 and 322 pounds with 14 starts.

Another important factor is their lack of versatility. The Packers love offensive linemen who can play multiple spots. Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom are perfect examples. They have experience at all five positions.

It's impossible to ignore the boxes Mims and Guyton do check, including their athleticism. Green Bay also hosted them for pre-draft visits.

However, general manager Brian Gutekunst may have thrown cold water on the idea of drafting either player.

Brian Gutekunst's comments show why Packers may avoid potential first-round targets

During Gutekunst's pre-draft press conference, Andy Herman of the Pack-A-Day podcast asked about the bigger offensive tackles, like Mims, Guyton, and JC Latham, and whether their height/weight is an advantage or disadvantage.

"Bigger, faster, stronger is always certainly something that's enticing to us," said Gutekunst. "We do some things in our run game that are maybe a little different than some teams. There is some schematics in there that maybe certain guys fit a little bit more than others."

It was Gutekunst's next comment that was particularly interesting.

"One of the things we've done pretty good with our offensive line in the past is being versatile enough that guys can play inside, play outside, so there's not just one-position players," said Gutekunst. "We'll probably try to continue that as we go forward."

That's notable. Mims and Guyton are likely one-position players in the NFL.

They lack the positional versatility of other linemen in the class, including potential first-round targets. Both played right tackle in college, which is likely where they will stay in the NFL. Other potential top targets for the Packers, including Duke's Graham Barton, Washington's Troy Fautanu, and Arizona's Jordan Morgan, could line up at tackle, guard, or even center in the NFL.

Gutekunst's comments were fascinating. While it doesn't rule out drafting either player—it is lying season, after all—it highlights the Packers' preferences and perhaps shows why they could target a more versatile lineman like Barton ahead of an out-and-out tackle like Mims or Guyton.

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