The Packers went back to the offensive line with their only choice in the 4th round today, selecting Royce Newman from Mississippi with the 172nd overall choice.
Newman is 6-5, 305 and fits the mold for nearly every offensive lineman entering the NFL these days, he’s versatile. Outside of pure blind side protectors which are at a premium, most linemen have to be able to perform at multiple positions to hold a job. Newman is a case in point. He’s played both guard positions for the Rebels before kicking out to right tackle last year, playing in 42 games during his career with 33 starts.
The Pack’s Co-Director of Player Personnel, Jon-Eric Sullivan said that ability to handle several spots along the front was attractive:
Sullivan said Newman also held his own at the Senior Bowl, even taking some reps at center that week in Mobile.
Even though he’s already 24 years of age, Sullivan said he’s “nowhere near the cliff” of his playing career and that level of maturity with a couple extra years of life experience could be to his benefit when he begins competing in training camp.
And there will be plenty of competition with young lineman. Newman makes five offensive linemen drafted in the past two years, along with Friday night’s second round pick, center Josh Myers of Ohio State. Those two will join last year’s trio of sixth rounders, Jon Runyan, Jake Hansen and Simon Stepaniak.
Sullivan said there should be plenty of options to chose from after the summer competition sorts it all out.
The Packers were down to just one 4th round pick after trading the 135th choice to Tennessee if Friday night’s third round deal to climb up seven spots to select Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers.
