Instant Takeaways from the Packers Selection of Edge Kingsley Enagbare
By Paul Bretl
After selecting Romeo Doubs and Zach Tom in the fourth round, the Green Bay Packers spend their fifth-round selection — after trading back — on a needed edge rusher presence in Kingsley Enagbare from South Carolina.
Instant takeaways from the Green Bay Packers selection of Kingsley Enagbare
– I have to admit, I’m surprised it took this long for the Green Bay Packers to address the edge rusher position. For one, it’s a fairly big need, and it’s a premier position, which the Packers typically covet early on in drafts.
– Why is edge rusher a need with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith? Well, as good as Smith and Gary are, edge rusher is a heavily rotated position — both were on the field for about 68% of the snaps last season — and there was a significant dropoff in play when those two were on the sidelines.
– OLB coach Jason Rebrovich would like a rotation of four players. We know that Gary and Smith will be the top-2, but the remaining spots are up for grabs.
– Enagabare measured in at 6’3″ – 258 pounds and posted a RAS of 6.26, which is below the typical 8.0 mark that the Packers have coveted.
– I can’t explain the drop, but Enagabare was the 69th-rated prospect on Dane Brugler’s big board. Green Bay got him at 179. Another very good Day 3 value for the Packers.
– Enagbare has four years of playing experience with 1,497 career snaps, according to PFF ($$), but by far, his most productive season came in 2021. He would record 45 pressures, four sacks, and his pass-rush grade was the third-highest among all edge rushers.
– An area where Enagabre will really have to improve is against the run, but if he can earn playing time right away, we should see him on third downs and on obvious passing situations. He will compete with Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, Randy Ramsey, and La’Darius Hamilton for those snaps.
– The Green Bay Packers now have four picks remaining, all of which will come in the seventh round.
– For a closer look at Enagabre’s game, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had to say:
"“Enagbare is long and strong but lacks explosiveness, which could create diverging opinions regarding his position and how best to play him. He’s heavy-handed and physical but will never be confused for a playmaker on the edge. He’s best suited as a cubicle defender where his power and length can benefit him in smaller spaces. He has played heavier in the past and teams might ask him to pack the pounds back on in order to compete as a run-defending interior lineman in an odd or even front.”"