Unlike defensive draft picks Kenny Clark and Blake Martinez, rookie offensive tackle Jason Spriggs might not get much playing time this year. If injuries happen, however, Spriggs is already looking like he’ll be ready to step in.
Drafted in the second round out of Indiana, Spriggs has drawn the coaches’ attention during pass-blocking drills. These one-on-one combat sessions between an offensive lineman and a defensive pass rusher are graded as wins, losses, or ties. Spriggs got off to a fast start, earning an 8-3-2 record in the early days of training camp. Through Tuesday, he has added on eight straight wins, so he now stands 16-3-2 against some tough and talented pass rushers.
How has achieved such a result? Spriggs possesses an impressive combination of strength and quickness. He is 6’6” tall and weighs 301 pounds – but for the current crop of tackles, that is considered scrawny. At this year’s NFL combine, 6’6” was the average height – only three of the 25 tackles who participated were under 6’5”.
At 301 pounds, Spriggs tied with one other as being the lightest of the group. It seems likely that in a year or two Jason will be able to add up to 20 pounds to his long frame.
When tested for strength, Spriggs did 31 bench press reps, ranking him second among his peers. He was one of only three who managed more than 27 reps.
As for quickness, his 4.94 time in the 40-yard dash was easily the fastest of the group. His 10-yard split time and agility scores were also among the best of the bunch.
It’s safe to say the Packers are pleased – and probably a little surprised – with Spriggs’ performance and physicality at camp. He’s already right behind David Bakhtiari on the depth chart and he’ll get plenty of playing time in the preseason games.
Currently, however, the Packers appear set with their starting offensive tackles. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga, a first-round draft pick who turned 27 in March, signed a five-year contract in 2015. Left tackle Bakhtiari has been solid in each of his three years on the team and is currently motivated by a contract year.
Bakhtiari is an established and proven veteran, even though he is still only 24 years old. We’ve predicted that one or two of the team’s current offensive line starters will go elsewhere next year – primarily due to the salaries they will command. Bakhtiari might be too expensive for the Packers to keep.
It was probably in anticipation of this scenario that the Packers traded up in this year’s draft from the 57th overall pick so they could select Spriggs with the 48th pick. That strategy could prove to be brilliant if Spriggs lives up to the potential he is showing so far at training camp.