Green Bay Packers: 4 Tackles to Know at Pick 29 in NFL Draft
By Paul Bretl
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Unlike Teven Jenkins, the sample size for Jalen Mayfield is much smaller–really just the 2019 season where he started all 13 games. Otherwise, he has only five appearances during the 2018 and 2020 seasons combined. With that said, the talent is evident as Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network projects Mayfield to be a “high-quality starting offensive lineman.”
In 2019, Mayfield was the Wolverines’ starting right tackle, and over 458 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed only one sack along with 27 pressures–although it’s worth noting that Mayfield went up against some elite pass rushers that season, including Chase Young and Yetur Gross-Matos, among others.
Despite playing in only two games this past season — where he allowed a sack and two pressures — Crabbs also notes that Mayfield had shown “impressive improvement from Year 1 to Year 2.” For a closer look at Mayfield’s game, here is what else Crabbs had to say:
"“Jalen Mayfield projects as a high-quality starting offensive lineman at the NFL level. He’s got ample size and athleticism to play in space in pass protection and with just two years of starting experience under his belt, Mayfield is only going to continue to get better with more repetitions… …I think Mayfield is a high-level right tackle prospect who could be trained to switch sides and play on the left or, alternatively, be left to continue to grow on the right side. His athletic profile and build wouldn’t hinder him from a transition to guard either—in case his small sample size of strong play isn’t sustainable and he struggles at the NFL level on the outside. Given his physical skills and the multiple avenues to get on the field, I’m betting Mayfield ends up a big hit in the pros.”"
Coming to Green Bay would afford Mayfield the opportunity to get those additional reps he needs while also not having to be “the guy” right away either. If the Green Bay Packers want, they can have Turner and Elgton Jenkins play the tackle positions until Bakhtiari returns, allowing Mayfield to refine his game, but if he appears ready, he could also be starting at right tackle Week 1. It’s an ideal situation for a rookie where the opportunity to play is there, but also not necessary either.