Analysis:
After spending their top two picks on future needs the Packers finally began addressing some immediate needs. In the third, they found a potential partner for Jace Sternberger, had no pick in the fourth and in the fifth picked up an ILB. With their first of three sixth-round picks, the Packers selected Jon Runyan Jr. An OT from Michigan.
You may recognize the name. His father Jon Runyan Sr. had an outstanding 12-year career with the Huston Oilers/Tenessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles. Though the NFL legacy is strong, some of Runyan’s tangibles leave something to be desired.
Runyan is one of those tweener linemen. He comes from pro-style coaching at Michigan where he started at tackle but many projections have him moving inside to guard. The Cheesehead TV Draft guide projects him as a swing-tackle for the Packers.
Runyan is an athletic lineman, something the Packers and most NFL teams desire as defensive front sevens become increasingly fast and athletic. At 6′ 4″ and 304 pounds Runyan posted a 5.04 second 40-time (11th), put up 24 on the bench press and more than 30″ vertical (9th).
I would have liked to see the Packers use a higher pick at the o-line position, but Runyan provides depth to a strong group.
Team Fit
After Brian Bulaga departed for the sunny skies of Los Angles in free agency, o-line became a need for the Packers in 2020. In fact, many projections had the Packers taking a tackle in one of the first three rounds.
If this draft has taught us anything it’s that the Packers are looking to improve their running attack in 2020. Which is good news for their sixth-round pick. Runyan consistently graded higher in run-blocking than pass protection. He is quick off the ball and gets to the second level with speed where he has no problem taking on linebackers and secondary players.
His pass-pro definitely lacks. He struggles with quick, outside pass-rushers and has difficulty keeping his hands on their pads.
Taking Runyan in the sixth doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll make the team. We’ve seen sixth-rounders cut or placed on the practice squad. Despite the loss of Bulaga, the Packers still have a solid core with Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Linsley and Turner anchoring the group. But Runyan would add depth since the Packers don’t have much beyond their starting 5 and could play nearly any position on the line.
If Packers fans are looking for something to be excited about, Michigan’s offensive line did hold number two overall pick Chase Young to one of his worst performances of the year.
Get to know Jon Runyan Jr.:
