Packers select Oregon C Jake Hanson with 208th pick

The Packers have selected Jake Hanson, a center from the University of Oregon, with the 208th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Packers acquired pick 208 in a trade with the Tennessee Titans, sending Reggie Gilbert south in exchange for the selection late in training camp last year.

Hanson, a 6-5, 303 pound prospect, started 12 games at center for the Ducks in 2019, committing just one penalty over 746 offensive snaps. He reportedly did not allow a sack over his first three seasons in Eugene, providing a consistent, steady presence on the offensive line. He was awarded third-team All-Pac 12 honors during his final season in Oregon.

Though testing numbers aren’t everything for a center, Hanson didn’t do much to his credit in Indianapolis, posting a glacial 5.5 second 40-yard dash, a number he didn’t get a chance to improve at a pro day thanks to the ongoing pandemic. Hanson did well on the bench press, though, putting up 33 reps at 225 pounds.

Described as “a center you might be willing to work with” by an anonymous NFC scout, Hanson will compete for the Packers’ backup center spot and could offer an option at other interior line spots.