Green Bay Packers: Cole Madison may be next late-round gem

The Green Bay Packers could be looking for another late-round gem on the offensive line and Cole Madison is just the man they’re looking for.

Washington State tackle Cole Madison followed up a good college career with a ho-hum performance at the NFL combine.

His 5.33 40-yard dash time ranked 21st among offensive linemen and his 20-yard shuttle was only good enough to place him 28th overall. Not much to write home about considering only 48 linemen participated at the combine.

However, despite his limited athleticism, Madison was a 2017 second team All-Conference player in the PAC-12. He was the cornerstone of an offensive front that favored the air attack, as Washington State threw 713 passes last year (first in the nation) and Madison was the starting right tackle in every game.

Madison won’t pop out as the strongest or most athletic prospect at his position, and it’s pushed his draft stock to the later rounds. Some mocks have him going as low as the sixth round in the upcoming draft.

However, Madison’s low draft projection actually bodes well for the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers are known for finding mid- to late-round gems on the offensive line who develop into All-Pro talent. If Madison doesn’t mind taking the TJ Lang route transitioning from tackle to guard, he might be next.

During the combine, NFL analyst Mike Mayock spoke highly of the product from Mike Leach’s high volume passing offense:

"This kid pops out of his stance at Washington State. He’s a vertical set guy that pops out of his stance and I think he’s going to be a starting guard."

Madison is quick off the ball and has the natural knee bend coaches look for. This along with his high football IQ helped him be one of the nation’s top pass protectors in 2017.

His main weaknesses are his length and sluggish lateral movement when facing speed rushers. Scouts note that at times, he plays through his hands very well but sometimes they go erratic.

Hence why analysts believe he should slide over to guard. Madison would be able to better stand his ground on the interior. That way he would put his good pad-level and play strength to better use.

This pick makes a lot of sense for Green Bay. The Packers need help on the right and Madison is already accustomed to playing on that side.

The aging twelve-year guard Jahri Evans is waiting to be re-signed and tackle Bryan Bulaga might be starting the 2018 season on the PUP list.  Bulaga, who is recovering from his second ACL tear, made encouraging remarks about his rehab back in early March.

When the injury bug hit Bulaga and other linemen last season, the Packers turned to stop-gap guard/tackle Justin McCray. He had a good campaign for a guy who was working at a hotel only a few months prior to the 2017 season. McCray is expected to compete for the starting right guard spot in training camp.

In the last five drafts, Green Bay has selected six offensive linemen and 2018 is not looking like the time to stop. If McCray and healing right tackle Jason Spriggs are anchoring the right side, the offense could struggle. Not only protecting Aaron Rodgers but also assisting in the run game.

The Packers will need other options.

Madison possesses a lot of what the Packers look for in their offensive line- versatility and hardened awareness. His potential is noticeable on tape and proves he is a worthy investment for Green Bay.

Next: Packers' three-round mock draft

If Madison is available to start the fifth round, new general manager Brian Gutekunst will have a difficult time passing him up.