Unpacking Future Packers: No. 52, Missouri OT Javon Foster

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

Death, taxes, and the Green Bay Packers drafting offensive linemen on Day 3 and developing them into studs. Those are the three constants in life. 

With the Packers needing to bolster the depth across the offensive line it’s a safe bet that Brian Gutekunst uses one or two picks on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft on an offensive lineman. 

A potential Day 3 target as the Packers look for tackle depth is Javon Foster. The Missouri offensive tackle checks in at No. 52 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Foster, a three-star recruit out of Michigan started 41 games at Missouri, with 39 of those starts coming at left tackle and the other two coming at right tackle.  

“Consistency is what I think of when looking at Foster,” Parker Gillam, the Missouri beat writer for RockMNation.com, said. “He’s been a mainstay in the starting rotation and has always been a player that Drinkwitz and Co. can trust to both run behind and protect the quarterback. His 6-foot-5, 319 lb. frame is ideal for an NFL tackle, but his large wingspan is perhaps his most notable physical attribute.”

At 6-5 with long arms, Foster has an ideal frame and looks every bit of the part of an NFL offensive tackle. He pesters edge rushers with his length. He has powerful, active hands to thwart edge rushers. This past season, Foster gave up just one sack and 13 pressures. 

“Reliable is a term thrown around loosely, but it fits Foster perfectly,” Gillam said. “Brady Cook really didn’t fear his blind side during the 2023 season because he knew Foster wasn’t letting anybody by without a fight. He generally took on the opponent’s top pass-rusher and held his own, and I’ll again point at his reach and athleticism as major reasons why. On top of that, after so many years within the program, Foster’s technique is really strong.”

Foster shows good mobility as a run blocker and is comfortable on his feet. He latches onto a defender and can drive them downfield. Foster dominates at the point of contact and overwhelms defenders with his strength. 

“Foster has worked within a running scheme that requires him to display great quickness in pulling or getting to the edge, as the stretch zone system that the Tiger offense has employed for years forces its linemen to be athletes,” Gillam said. “Foster has done well to adapt and become a guy that defenders fear when they see him coming down the tracks. It was a group effort for sure, but Cody Schrader’s phenomenal 2023 campaign can be attributed to the consistency, athleticism and mastery of the system that Foster displayed.”

Fit with the Packers

As it stands right now, Rasheed Walker is the starting left tackle and Zach Tom is the starting right tackle for the Packers. Barring an injury, those two former Day 3 draft picks figure to be the week-one starting tackles for the Packers. The depth behind those two doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.

With his experience starting at left and right tackle, Foster could be the ideal swing tackle for the Packers, with the potential to challenge Walker for snaps at left tackle. 

“Foster is a proven, reliable presence on the edge,” Gillam said. “He’s worth taking a mid-round pick given his experience in playing within a high-caliber league, physical tools and solid film. Foster may not step in and be a day-one starter for an NFL team, but with how he’s progressed over his time as a Tiger, it’s safe to assume that he should develop well given the appropriate coaching at the next level.”

Foster improved each season during his time at Missouri. He checks the boxes with his frame, experience, and athleticism. Given Green Bay’s track record of developing Day 3 offensive linemen, it would be a safe bet that Foster’s improvement would continue at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.