/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66709357/1185045039.jpg.0.jpg)
The Green Bay Packers have a whole new set of reserves on the offensive line. General manager Brian Gutekunst drafted three players to bolster the depth on the line, particularly on the interior, with his three sixth-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Each of these players will be expected to start contributing on the interior line, even as one of them was a full-time tackle in college. That player is Michigan tackle Jon Runyan, Jr., the Wolverines’ left tackle for the past several years. The Packers announced him as a guard, however, and he will likely compete for a backup spot behind Elgton Jenkins and Billy Turner in 2020.
The Packers’ second of the three picks was Oregon center Jake Hanson, an experienced all-Pac-12 player. Hanson allowed just two sacks in four years as a starter. Finally, the third choice will effectively have a medical redshirt year in 2020, as Indiana guard Simon Stepaniak tore his ACL during preparations for the Hoosiers’ bowl game last December. However, he brings a nasty demeanor to the interior.
There’s a common theme among these players, however:
The #Packers used all three of their 6th rd picks on offensive linemen.
— Joe Kipp (@joepkipp) April 25, 2020
What do they all have in common?
Experience. Each redshirted in 2015 and played 4 years thereafter.
Jake Hanson: 50 games (49 starts)
Simon Stepaniak: 41 games (31 starts)
Jon Runyan: 34 games (26 starts)
Here are some more detailed looks at what each of these players can bring to the Packers’ roster from analysts across the NFL universe.
6.192: Jon Runyan, Jr., OL, Michigan
Jon Runyan played snaps at each Guard and both Tackle positions during his time at Michigan.
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) April 25, 2020
Runyan's highest graded game for his career came against Notre Dame last season (88.3) #Packers pic.twitter.com/Ir9hBw2QVJ
Owen called this a month ago and knows OL play. Wonder if Runyan will get a chance to replace Corey Linsley (who was a fifth round pick) https://t.co/sVcUaLgu2s
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) April 25, 2020
I see Jon Runyan Jr. being an eventual starter for Green Bay at G!
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) April 25, 2020
Athletic as hell and smart! Watch his tape vs Chase Young
From Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
He has adequate athleticism and body control to fit into a variety of run schemes but may not excel in any. Runyan’s protection experience at tackle improves his draft value as a later-round, backup-caliber guard.
Runyan on himself:
“Just getting on the field regardless of position — guard, center, tackle — has never been a problem for me.”
“Coach Stenavich was actually at Michigan when I was getting recruited. It’s kind of crazy things coming full circle with coach Stenavich.”
“I remember one time in 8th grade, my dad caught me patting some defensive player on the back after a good hit and he gave me a stern talking-to after that and told me never to do that again.”
6.208: Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Jake Hanson has 3400+ snaps under his belt at Oregon...
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) April 25, 2020
Has only allowed 2 sacks & 4 QB Hits in his career
Jake Hanson goes to the #Packers at pick 208. A rare 4-yr starter. Quick, sniffs out blitzes, twists. Good strength at 295 pounds. Could compete for a starting job if Linsley walks in 2021. #NFLDraft2020 #GoPackGo
— Ralph Mancini (@ReverendRalph) April 25, 2020
Jake Hanson played all of his 3,500+ snaps from the Center position at Oregon.
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) April 25, 2020
Hanson didn't allow a sack until his Sr. season. #Packers pic.twitter.com/mggKS3EPrr
6.209: Simon Stepaniak, OT, Indiana
Simon Stepaniak - Strong! Another Big 10 OL! pic.twitter.com/R3Y1WF7WRf
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) April 25, 2020
#Packers doubled down on OL here with @IndianaFootball OG Simon Stepaniak. He's got pretty good athleticism that shows really strong technique in his setup in pass pro. Has the look of an offensive tackle playing inside.
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) April 25, 2020
Simon Stepaniak logged 458 pass-blocking snaps last season, allowing only (1) sack and 14 total pressures.
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) April 25, 2020
Stepaniak posted his highest pass-blocking, run-blocking, and overall grade during the 2019 season. #Packers pic.twitter.com/gy9pj7kj4p