1 Green Bay Packers Undrafted Free Agent to Watch

Over the last few years, the Green Bay Packers have done very well when it comes to developing undrafted free agents. Last season, wide receiver Malik Heath ended up playing a significant role with the team, playing in 13 games with one start.

When injuries hit the position, Heath was able to step into the lineup and produce. He caught 15 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown, while also providing some toughness in the running game as a blocker.

During the offseason, the Green Bay Packers lost Allen Lazard to the New York Jets in free agency. Heath wanted to bring a similar attitude to the offense, someone who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work on offense.

He succeeded in that, as he now looks to be a regular part of the team’s 53-man roster with no wide receivers added this offseason. Who could make a similar impact for the team this season as an undrafted free agent?

In the opinion of Thomas Valentine of PFF, that player could be offensive tackle Trente Jones. The Michigan product received a draft grade as high as the sixth round by some evaluators but had a seventh-round/priority-free agent rating by most.

“Not unlike the Browns, the Packers have made developing offensive linemen into something of an art form in recent seasons. Jones has had limited game time at Michigan but earned an 81.1 pass-blocking grade for his work in 2023, splitting his time between left tackle, right tackle and as an extra offensive lineman, but could kick inside to guard on the Packers roster,” Valentine wrote.

That kind of versatility is something that the Green Bay Packers love in their offensive linemen. It enables them to fill several different areas on the roster without having to take up extra spots with a second or third player.

As Valentine noted, Green Bay has a strong track record of developing offensive linemen regardless of draft pedigree. They will be looking to do it again with Jones, who faces a steep battle to the 53-man roster after the team used three selections on players in the trenches in the 2024 NFL Draft.