It’s been a busy day for the Green Bay Packers thus far on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. They started out with a Defensive Lineman, then went Quarterback, and a Wide Receiver. After trading down in the second round and gaining a second pick in the sixth round, the Packers used that pick to select Bowling Green Defensive Lineman, Karl Brooks.

Analysis

At 6’3″ 303 lbs Karl Brooks started all 13 games for Bowling Green in 2022. He posted 50 tackles (18 for loss) and 10 sacks. He also had 4 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Some overlooked Karl Brooks due to his lack of high competition at Bowling Green. But he could be a surprise pick. He was a team leader, voted captain twice, that plays with an explosive first-step getting out of stance and into the neutral zone.

Brooks has a great slap-and-slide technique that helps him beat out offensive linemen to the ball-carrier. He has the size and athleticism to develop into a three-down starter over time.

Team Fit

Karl Brooks should immediately compete for a spot on the Packers defensive line. He could be used on the inside or the outside given his frame and versatility.

With there now being seven defensive linemen on the Packers roster, Brooks may be competing for a roster spot in camp. Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and TJ Slaton are obvious locks. After them, Jonathan Ford and Chris Slayton have had some bright spots and will be strong competition.

Brooks will join fellow rookie Colby Wooden competing for a spot on the final 53.

Karl Brooks could be an underrated prospect. He may be a bit raw as far as competition level that he has faced. But a backup role or spot on the practice squad will help him develop watching guys like Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt.

It could take a year of development, but I believe Brooks could become an anchor of our defensive line.

Karl Brooks definitely checks all the boxes for a Brian Gutekunst-type athlete. He may be a steal this late in the draft if he develops well.

I will never complain about help for Kenny Clark on that Defensive Line. Hopefully Karl Brooks will fill help fill that void and be a Packer for years to come.

Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to PackersTalk as well as CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter at @gmeinholz. for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.

——————