NFL Combine: Three EDGE/OLB prospects the Packers should keep an eye on
Out of all the ways the Packers can create cap space, the quickest route -or routes- is to do something about the contracts of Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith. The former is set to count a whopping $27.6 million against the cap and the latter is going to take away a little over $19 million […]
Out of all the ways the Packers can create cap space, the quickest route -or routes- is to do something about the contracts of Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith.
The former is set to count a whopping $27.6 million against the cap and the latter is going to take away a little over $19 million out of Green Bay's pockets. Those two numbers constitute the second- and fourth-highest cap hits on the team, respectively.
The Packers have an ever-improving Rashaan Gary still on the roster, so it wouldn't be a disaster if they were to lose one of the Smith Bros., but, it would be a good idea to go ahead and draft a pass rusher. Mainly because 2022 represents the final contract year for both players and they're both going to have big cap hits, even if one -or both- of the contracts are reworked.
So, who should the Packers keep an eye on when it comes to outside linebacker/EDGE prospects?
*Please note this exercise only lists healthy players who have been invited to the combine
Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State Nittany Lions
Pre-combine target range: Round 1-2
Ebiketie's stock is likely to soar after the combine and for good reason. He is long, athletic, and has a big enough frame at 6-foot-3, 256-pounds to play outside linebacker in Joe Barry's system. But no matter what happens after, the Packers need to keep an eye on him during the combine.
The redshirt senior transferred to Penn State for his final season and went out with a bang. He recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks, 18.0 TFLs, and 62 total tackles through 12 games. Per Pro Football Focus, he was second among all Power 5 defenders with a pass rush win rate of 31% on third down in 2021.
His best game came against the Michigan Wolverines, where he notched 2.0 sacks, seven tackles, and a forced fumble.
There are questions regarding Ebiketie's effectiveness when it comes to run defense and there is definitely room for him to grow and polish his skills. As well as add more strength and weight, to an extent. This actually works in the Packers' favor if they choose to draft him. It's likely one of the Smiths stick around and then there's Gary. Ebiketie can be a situational guy in Year One and then the Packers can decide where to go from there.
Isaiah Thomas, Oklahoma Sooners
Pre-combine target range: Round 4-5
Thomas is an interesting prospect. He played mostly with his hand in the dirt at Oklahoma, but his body size (6'4", 258lbs) and wingspan (33-7/8") suggest he could work better in a 3-4 defense at the NFL level.
This is where the combine comes in. A strong showing in the right areas could prompt the Packers to draft Thomas. He's flashed plenty of pass rush skill and the 15.5 sacks over the last two years prove he can get the job done.
There are plenty of instances where 4-3 ends have converted to 3-4 EDGE rushers in the NFL. Jason Pierre-Paul has done it with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most recently, Robert Quinn of the Chicago Bears posted an 18.5-sack season during his second year as a 3-4 OLB/EDGE.
If the Packers like what they see then Thomas could certainly be a draft target in April.
Boye Mafe, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Pre-combine target range: Round 3-4
All eyes are likely to be on Mafe after he slayed the Senior Bowl. He has all of the tools to make it big as a 3-4 linebacker in the NFL and he showed that in Mobile.
If the Packers draft Mafe, they'll have to chisel him out, much like the aforementioned guys. But again, Mafe can play a situational role while he sits behind Gary and one of the Smiths (assuming one or both stick around). The Packers aren't going to find many plug-and-play guys at pick No. 40. So, unless they make a move, they'll have to look for guys who can get on the field in 2022, but will need grooming for a full-time role.
But there's always a chance you can land on an impact player in the middle rounds and sure enough, Mafe is one of those guys.
He's really good in space and his combine results should reflect that. Some of the workouts to watch will be his short shuttle, 60-yard shuttle, and 3-cone. If Mafe can show that he has loose hips and the ability to change direction at the NFL level, then his stock will likely jump into the second round, at minimum.
There are plenty of other options out there, but these guys make a lot of sense and fit what Green Bay is looking for. OLB/EDGE players are scheduled to work out on Saturday, March 5.
