Packers get versatility on offense and scheme fit on defense in the fifth round of the NFL Draft

The Packers waited a long time to make their two fifth-round selections. After their fourth-rounder, Evan Williams, at pick 111, the Packers had to sit until the end of the fifth to make another selection. But Brian Gutekunst got tired and moved up from 168 to 163, giving up a sixth-rounder (219) in the process […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Jacob Monk
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers waited a long time to make their two fifth-round selections. After their fourth-rounder, Evan Williams, at pick 111, the Packers had to sit until the end of the fifth to make another selection.

But Brian Gutekunst got tired and moved up from 168 to 163, giving up a sixth-rounder (219) in the process to select experienced offensive lineman Jacob Monk, from Duke. Then, with a compensatory selection the team received for losing wide receiver Allen Lazard in free agency last year, they took safety Kitan Oladapo, from Oregon State.

The big four

When the Packers are drafting, the four most important things for them are experience, athleticism, versatility, and upside. So the 163rd pick couldn't have been more on brand. Jacob Monk played primarily as a center, but he's truly an all-around lineman.

Look at Monk's college track record:

  • 2019: 12 starts at RT
  • 2020: 11 starts at RG
  • 2021: 12 starts at RG
  • 2022: 5 starts at C and 5 at RG
  • 2023: 7 starts at C and 6 at RG

So, experience and versatility are checked. He's also is an elite athlete, with a 9.74 RAS, including elite explosion and speed. In terms of upside, it might not be so high — and that's why he waited until the fifth round. But he's a valuable piece.

Before the draft, the only interior offensive linemen on the Packers roster were Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, and Royce Newman. First-round pick Jordan Morgan can play inside too, but Jacob Monk gives them a lot of flexibility to operate.

Defensive fit

With the 169th pick, the Packers selected safety Kitan Oladapo. In 2023, according to PFF, he had a 91.3 run defense grade, first among Power Five safeties.

His pro comparison according to NFL Network's draft analyst Lance Zierlein is Jaquiski Tartt, who played under Jeff Hafley for the San Francisco 49ers. The fit for the new defense is obvious.

Oladapo is also a really good athlete, with an 8.18 relative athletic score, which includes elite size and a good combination of speed and explosion.

Remaining picks

The Packers traded up twice in rounds 4 and 5, giving up picks 190 and 219. After moving these selections, Green Bay was down from three to one sixth-round pick (202). Brian Gutekunst also has two seventh-round picks (245 and 255).

Related Articles