Green Bay Packers: Scouting Report on UDFA IDL Willington Previlon

Here is what one draft analyst had to say about Green Bay Packers undrafted free agent defensive tackle, Willington Previlon of Rutgers.

While many were fixated on the receiver, linebacker, and tackle positions this offseason for the Green Bay Packers – and for good reasons – it could be argued that the bolstering the interior defensive line was the biggest need of all.

Of course we all remember how last season ended in the NFC Championship Game with the San Francisco 49ers running wild on this Packers’ defense. And while that game was easily their worst performance, Green Bay struggled to defend the run all season long.

However, with no major additions made to the defensive tackle position this offseason, the Packers are relying on players already on the roster to take a step forward or someone like free agent signee Treyvon Hester to make an impact.

Regardless of where the production comes from, the Green Bay Packers need a player or two to provide Kenny Clark some help in 2020 if they hope to make another Super Bowl run.

Enter undrafted free agent (UDFA) defensive tackle, Willington Previlon of Rutgers who will have to have a very good showing this summer if he hopes to crack the 53-man roster. With that said, we’ve seen players at this position do it before. Most recently was Tyler Lancaster who would also contribute during his rookie season.

During his Rutgers career, Previlon would appear in 36 games where he would total 71 tackles, 11.5 of which were for a loss, along with four sacks, and three pass breakups. As expected, his senior season was his best season and as a result he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media and received Rutgers’ Homer Hazel Award which is given to the team’s most valuable player.

However as I’m sure you can tell, given that Previlon played in 36 games, that is some pretty modest production and as is the case with any UDFA, his game needs refinement. Not to mention that getting stronger is a must for Previlon.

Yet at 6’5″ – 295 pounds, he has very good length and he is an excellent athlete. Two things that cannot be taught. It’s also worth pointing out that while at Rutgers he was moved around the defensive line quite often and that versatility is right up Mike Pettine’s alley.

For a closer look at Previlon’s game and what he brings to this Green Bay Packers team in 2020, here is what Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network had to say in his final pre-draft scouting report:

"“Career Snapshot: First-year starter who made 35 tackles (7.5 for loss) with one sack as a senior in 2019. Made two starts as a junior and totaled 24 tackles (three for loss) with two sacks.Positives: Explosive, slightly undersized defensive lineman who shows versatility. Bends his knees, plays with proper pad level, and keeps his feet moving. Quick in all aspects, effective with his hands and easily changes direction and alters his angle of attack.Negatives: Lacks bulk and strength. Easily controlled at the point of attack. Turned in average production at Rutgers.Analysis: Previlon has nice length and growth potential and great athleticism. He’s still rough around the edges after he was moved around on the defensive line at Rutgers, but he comes with upside and should receive practice-squad consideration.”"

Considering that Previlon’s game needs some work and that as I already mentioned he needs to bulk up, the practice squad will be his most likely route to making the team. From there he can treat 2020 like a “red-shirt” season and perhaps in 2021 he makes a push at the 53-man roster.

However, before we get ahead of ourselves, Previlon has to have a good showing this summer and display that he can put his physical tools to good use.