NFL Draft weekend was busy for the Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. After the dust had settled, Gutekunst made a total of 11 selections. But while fans were celebrating their new additions, Gutekunst and his scouting staff continued to work the phone. Eight rookies were signed after the draft. On the list of Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents, three prospects have grabbed our attention.
Green Bay Packers Undrafted Free Agents Include Some Intriguing Prospects
There wasn’t an NFL general manager who put more of an emphasis on signing undrafted free agents than Ted Thompson. It can be argued, that Thompson valued the process more than selecting rookie prospects. It sure was the case when it came to signing NFL free agents, a process Thompson rarely utilized.
Thompson not only emphasized the signing of undrafted free agents, but he thrived at it. Recently, JR Radcliffe of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote about some of the best Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents throughout their history. For many of those listed Thompson had a hand in signing. Players like fullback John Kuhn, tight end Robert Tonyan, and cornerback Sam Shields. All of them played a part in the Packers success.
While current general manager Brian Gutekunst doesn’t emphasize undrafted free agency like his predecessor, he still utilizes it. There is no doubt that he is hoping that some of the Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents he just signed can help bolster their roster. Out of the eight players the Packers added, we think three might have a chance to contribute in some sort of fashion for next season and possibly seasons to come.
Donovan Jennings, South Florida, Offensive Tackle
It appears that the streak of quality starting Packers quarterback play is alive in well. In his first season as the Packers starting quarterback, Jordan Love thrived. That is a driving force in Gutekunst’s emphasis on protecting his franchise quarterback.
Gutekunst selected three offensive linemen in this year’s NFL Draft. Jordan Morgan (first round), Jacob Monk (fifth round), and Travis Glover (sixth round) were all selected in this year’s NFL Draft. But Gutekunst wasn’t done, he also added South Florida offensive tackle Donovan Jennings via undrafted free agency.
At 25 years of age, Jennings is older than most rookies. But that experience might help Jennings earn a roster spot this season. He played mostly tackle at South Florida, but he is expected to transition to guard in the NFL. With Jon Runyan Jr. departing as a free agent, there will be a battle for the starting right guard position. Jennings should be involved in that competition. Gutekunst signed Jennings to a $100,000 guaranteed contract, with a $10,000 bonus, which makes you believe that Gutekunst is high on Jennings.
Peter Bowden, Wisconsin, Long Snapper
The fact that a long snapper is one of the three Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents to watch tells you how deep the Packers roster is. It also tells you how much of a need long snapper is for the Packers.
Peter Bowden was a three-year starter at Wisconsin. The fact that most Wisconsin football fans don’t even know who he is tells you how good he was for the Badgers. This past season, he was a finalist for the Patrick Manelly Award, an award given to the best college long snapper.
Veteran long snapper Matt Orzech served as the starting long snapper for the Packers in 2023. His overall performance was shaky at best. That should allow Bowden to win the competition in training camp if he has a strong camp. Also benefitting Bowden is that he will cost less than the veteran Orzech. NFL teams are always looking for ways to save money.
Jarveon Howard, Alcorn State, Running Back
It has been a busy off-season for the Green Bay Packers running backs room. The Packers parted ways with Aaron Jones and signed former Las Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs. They also re-signed former second-round pick AJ Dillon, who will serve as Jacobs backup this season. Gutekunst also spent a third-round pick on USC running back Marshawn Lloyd. Also joining the group is last year’s training camp darling Emanuel Wilson.
But even with the Packers running backs room being so crowded, it didn’t stop Gutekunst from signing former Alcorn State running back Jarveon Howard as an undrafted free agent. A transfer from Syracuse, Howard spent two seasons at Alcorn State. In his two seasons for Alcorn State, he totaled 2,048 yards rushing, 19 rushing touchdowns, and had a 5.1 yards per carry average.
Howard is built like a bowling ball being 5’10” and weighing 200 pounds. He also is blessed with above-average speed. It will be an uphill climb for Howard to make the 53-man roster with Jacobs, Dillon, and Lloyd in front of him. But if he has a good camp and flashes what he did at Alcorn State, he could have a chance to make the Packers practice squad and serve as the fourth running back.
His main competition will be Wilson. While Wilson had a strong 2023 training camp, he didn’t have the same success during the regular season. If Howard can show he can contribute on special teams, something Wilson didn’t in 2023, he has a chance of clinching a practice squad spot. Out of all the Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents signed, Howard intrigues us the most.
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