The 2024 NFL Draft is just a week away. As of now, the Green Bay Packers have the 25th overall pick in the first round and five picks in the top 100 including two second round picks and two more in the third round. This is the next in a series of articles looking at players the Packers may be interested in selecting in the early rounds of this year’s draft. The only players listed here are realistic possibilities for the Packers GM Brian Gutekunst to pick in the first or second round of the draft or who fill specific needs for the team right now. Today we will examine interior offensive linemen. Here are five interior offensive linemen the Packers could select in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
You can find our article on offensive tackles here, cornerbacks here, linebackers here, and safeties here.
The State of the Packers Interior Offensive Line Entering the 2024 NFL Draft
The Packers have some questions along the interior of the offensive line and certainly need more depth. The team lost starting right guard Jon Runyan, Jr. in free agency when he signed with the New York Giants. The starting left guard remains the reliable Elgton Jenkins with Josh Myers returning as the incumbent at center. Myers is entering the final year of his contract, and the team could be looking to upgrade at the position as Myers never lived up to his billing as a second-round pick.
Sean Rhyan is the heir apparent at the right guard spot but he’s yet to start a game in the NFL and needs work on his pass blocking. Royce Newman remains on the roster, but the team would not be confident if he has to play significant snaps.
The Packers will need a player to compete at right guard and some depth players before the start of training camp. They may also be looking for competition at center.
The interior offensive line is not typically considered a premium position. Gutekunst remains open to drafting college tackles with shorter arms and converting them to guard or center in the NFL. The Packers also value versatility along the line.
So here is a list of possible interior offensive linemen the Packers may take early in the 2024 draft. They are not listed in any particular order. These are not the best available players but are players the Packers could take if they use the 25th pick or trade up grab them a bit sooner.
Interior Offensive Linemen the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Number One: Graham Barton, Duke
Graham Barton checks a lot of boxes for the Packers. We can start with his versatility. He started at left tackle and center at Duke but is projected inside in the NFL. He could likely line up in any of the five offensive line positions in a pinch.
Barton is a strong run blocker who has the tools to be a good pass blocker but needs to work on his technique, especially if he moves to guard or center. That could come with coaching.
The former Duke star also dealt with injuries last season that limited him to nine games. He was more dominant the previous season but that hasn’t scared the Packers from drafting similar players in the past.
Barton could give the Packers help anywhere along the line and would be a solid addition to the team.
Number Two: Troy Fautanu, Washington
Troy Fautanu would also give the Packers versatility. He started 31 games in college including two at guard and 29 at left tackle. He is projected as a guard in the NFL and may be a fit at center.
Washington has a pass-oriented offense and Fautanu did well in that system. He has long arms that help him in both run and pass blocking. He can also get to the second level on run blocks and be effective there. Fautanu also scored an impressive 9.44 RAS which Gutekunst seeks.
The Packers could plug Fautanu in at right guard or try him out at tackle first. He will need some work on his technique against speed rushers, but he is a first-round lock with a lot of upside who could help the Packers immediately.
Interior Offensive Linemen the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Number Three: Christian Haynes, Connecticut
Christian Haynes is an older prospect at 24. He also scored a 9.11 RAS and started for Connecticut at right guard for four seasons.
Haynes has a low center of gravity and strong legs which gives him the ability to move defenders off the line when run blocking. He also has an aggressive mentality which can sometimes get him into trouble as he can lunge and take himself out of position.
With a little coaching to improve his pass blocking technique, Haynes could be a long-term starter at guard. He would add juice to the Packers run blocking, something the team could use.
Number Four: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Would the Packers take a chance on Jackson Powers-Johnson after one outstanding season in college? The 21-year-old Oregon alum played left and right guard and even started a game on the defensive line but became a full-time starter at center in 2023 and earned All-America honors.
The tools are all there. As a pass blocker, Powers-Johnson did not allow a sack and permitted just one pressure. We don’t have an RAS for him because of a hamstring injury he suffered during Senior Bowl week. He needs to get a little lower with his pad level and perhaps to cut down on the penalties, but he’s already a strong run blocker and an effective pass blocker.
Powers-Johnson is a Packers type and would be a great pickup in the first two days of the draft if Gutekunst believes he’ll fulfill his potential.
Interior Offensive Linemen the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, Number Five: Zach Frasier, West Virginia
If you’re looking for a tough, smart center who can be a fixture in the middle of your team’s offensive line, Zach Frasier fits the bill. He may not be an elite athlete by NFL standards, but he’s got guts and a high football IQ. He also started nine games at guard in college so he can be moved along the interior offensive line if needed.
Fraser has a strong work ethic and was a leader in college. He uses his strong lower body to push off defenders and uses his hands well. If he needs to work on anything it’s his ability to adjust mid-play when he’s beaten early. That can come with coaching.
Frasier is the type of teammate you love to have in your locker room. He may not be spectacular, but he’s tough, steady and dedicated and would solidify the Packers interior offensive line if the Pack selects him.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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