Packers Hosting Athletic, Experienced Lineman for NFL Predraft Visit
There aren't many players in the 2024 NFL Draft with more experience than South Florida lineman Donovan Jennings. Here's why the Green Bay Packers are interested.
GREEN BAY, Wis. – South Florida offensive tackle Donovan Jennings is scheduled to have a predraft visit with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Why are the Packers interested in the experienced Jennings? Here’s what you need to know.
Who Is Donovan Jennings?
Jennings started 47 games in six seasons at South Florida, with 45 games at left tackle. He started 12 games at left tackle in 2021, missed most of 2022 following a broken leg and returned to start 10 games in 2023.
According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks and 18 total pressures during his final season. Of 96 offensive tackles in this draft class who played at least 650 offensive snaps, he finished 39th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency, which measures sacks, hits and hurries per pass-protecting snap.
In six seasons, Jennings played for three head coaches and five offensive coordinators. He also got his degree, is closing in on his master’s and is ready to make his dream come true in the NFL.
“Since I was a little kid, I think that I have had a big personality,” he told Forbes. “Mom would tell me that I was always waving at everybody and always smiling. I think that has carried on through my life as I have kept that same positive attitude.”
How Would Donovan Jennings Fit With Packers?
The Packers have a long history of turning college offensive tackles into guards. That would be the plan with Jennings, too. At 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds, he ran his 40 in 5.02 seconds and posted a Relative Athletic Score of 8.93. However, with 33-inch arms, he’ll likely play guard in the NFL.
At the East-West Shrine Game, he spent the entire week at his new position.
“I’m happy with how the transition is going. I didn’t know what to expect heading into the East-West Bowl, but I feel really great coming out of it, though,” he told The Draft Network. “I think I was downright dominant at times.
“I showcased my athleticism. Athletic movements helped me at tackle, so it should definitely help me at guard, where my opponents are a little less athletic than those edge rushers are. Strength and get-off were also on display. I can play in those tight quarters. I think it went great.”
What Is Donovan Jennings’ Round Projection?
Jennings is the 253rd overall prospect at PFF and is considered a priority free agent by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. So, this could be a case of using a visit as undrafted free agent recruiting.
In The Draft Network story, Jennings pinpointed his meeting with the Packers as one he enjoyed at the East-West game.
“You’re not just getting a great football player. You’re getting a great human being, as well,” he said in the story. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help my teammates. I’m an extremely hard worker that’s a team-oriented guy who loves being around the locker room. I love building those relationships.
“You’re also going to get a fast, physical, and athletic offensive lineman. I’m proving my versatility throughout this process. I think any team would be blessed to have me in the 2024 NFL Draft.”
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