The 2021 NFL Draft is over and so is the race to sign priority undrafted free agents. The Green Bay Packers have added nine players after the conclusion of the draft and they will battle in training camp to make the roster.
While the odds of any specific undrafted free agent making the team aren’t great, the Packers have done a great job of adding players after the draft. In 2020, for example, starting inside linebacker Krys Barnes made the team after going undrafted and he made an impact on the team.
Here are four undrafted free agents with the best chance to make the team in training camp this year:
1. S Christian Uphoff, Illinois
The Packers did not draft a safety which gives Uphoff a possible opening to make the roster. Uphoff has the size scouts love in a safety at 6’2” but needs to add some muscle to compete at the NFL level. He has good straight ahead speed and is a good tackler who has a nose for the ball in the box.
The reason Uphoff wasn’t drafted is that he struggles to change direction and that hurts him especially in deep coverage. He showed some potential in the Senior Bowl and with a little time and coaching, he could develop into a useful NFL player.
If Uphoff can prove his worth on special teams and shows some potential in the secondary, he may be able to make the roster or at least the practice squad.
2. DL/LB Carlo Kemp, Michigan
Kemp played defensive line in college but the Packers are listing him as a linebacker on their official Web site. Many scouts believe he would need to put on some more weight to his 6’3”, 286-pound frame to play all three downs along the d-line at the next level.
At Michigan, Kemp played several different positions and showed the ability to penetrate and get to the passer. He has good quickness of the snap of the ball and that helps make him an effective pass rusher.
He recorded five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss during his college career and recovered one fumble.
If he can make the adjustment to linebacker and the NFL, he could serve as a designated pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line or a blitzer from the linebacker spot.
3. OL Jon Dietzen, Wisconsin
The Packers value versatility in their offensive linemen and Dietzen fits the bill. The 6’5”, 320-pound Wisconsin alum started at three different positions along the offensive line during his college career. He has great size and strength and grades out higher as a run blocker than as a pass blocker. He’s a heady player who has seen a lot of different defenses in his time with the Badgers.
Dietzen struggled with speed rushers in pass protection so he’ll need to improve his technique to thrive in the NFL. He also has a lengthy injury history which caused him to stay in college for six years. He will need to stay healthy to give himself a chance to make the Green Bay roster.
Another obstacle Dietzen will face is the fact that the Packers drafted three offensive linemen in 2020 and three more in 2021 so there will be a lot of competition for roster spots.
4. DL Jack Heflin, Iowa
Heflin has good size at 6’4” and 312 pounds and he plays fundamentally sound football. He has a good release off the snap and keeps his pad level low which helps him battle against blockers at the line of scrimmage.
After three strong seasons at Northern Illinois, Heflin transferred to Iowa in 2020 and recorded one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss in eight games with the Hawkeyes. His most productive season rushing the passer with Northern Illinois came in 2018 when he recorded six sacks.
Heflin has a good motor and reads plays well. He locates the ball carrier and moves well laterally to shed blocks. The big question is whether Heflin has the pure athleticism necessary to excel at the next level.
Defensive line is a definite area of need for the Packers and they added only one player there in the draft. With a strong training camp, Heflin has a chance to make the roster and add some depth along the defensive line.
"four" - Google News
May 14, 2021 at 12:01AM
https://ift.tt/33FpPN1
Four Undrafted Free Agents with a Chance to Stick with the Packers in 2021 - Cheesehead TV
"four" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2ZSDCx7
https://ift.tt/3fdGID3
No comments:
Post a Comment