Unpacking Future Packers: No. 17, North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that might be chosen by the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the 2023 NFL draft.

Brian Gutekunst has now sat within the captain’s chair of the Inexperienced Bay Packers draft conflict room 5 occasions. Since taking up Gutekunst has drafted a complete of 48 gamers, with 11 of these prospects being offensive linemen. 

When trying on the background of all 11 offensive linemen that Gutekunst has chosen, it’s clear that he values gamers which might be able to taking part in a number of positions and have been multi-year starters in faculty. 

Cole Madison, the primary offensive lineman that Gutekunst ever drafted, was a 47-game starter at proper sort out, however the staff considered him as a guard. 

Elgton Jenkins began video games at middle, left sort out, left guard, and proper sort out throughout his time at Mississippi State. 

Jon Runyan began video games at left sort out and proper sort out throughout his time at Michigan and most scouts considered him as a guard. Jake Hanson was a 49-game starter at middle for the Oregon Geese. Simon Stephaniak began video games at each guard spots throughout his time at Indiana. 

Josh Myers, a four-year starter at guard throughout his prep profession, completed his time at Ohio State with 21 begins at middle. Royce Newman began video games at left guard and proper sort out throughout his time at Ole Miss. Cole Van Lanen began 19 video games at left sort out for the Wisconsin Badgers. 

Sean Rhyan, now a guard, began 31 video games at left sort out for UCLA. Zach Tom began 23 video games at left sort out and 14 at middle for Wake Forest. Rasheed Walker was a 32-game starter at left sort out for Penn State.

A participant that falls beneath the versatile and skilled umbrella within the 2023 NFL Draft is Cody Mauch. The North Dakota State College offensive lineman checks in at No. 17 within the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

Mauch, a graduate of Hankinson Excessive Faculty the place he performed tight finish, arrived at NDSU as a walk-on and made the transfer to offensive lineman in 2018 after redshirting in 2017. He completed his profession at Fargo as a 39-game starter with 37 begins coming at left sort out and two at proper sort out. 

Throughout his time at NDSU, Mauch labored laborious so as to add mass to his body, placing on 80-plus kilos throughout his collegiate profession. It doesn’t appear like he carries any dangerous weight. 

“His dimension and athleticism make him engaging,” Sam Herder, a senior analyst for HERO Sports activities mentioned. “He can transfer and has good toes for his dimension. He arrived at NDSU as a good finish, placed on good weight, and moved to sort out whereas nonetheless sustaining his athleticism.”

Mauch’s athleticism is on full show as a run blocker. He strikes like a good finish. He reveals no restrictions getting out in house and shifting laterally or climbing to the second degree. He performs with a bully mentality. Mauch retains his toes shifting at contact to drive the defender downfield or into the bottom. 

“NDSU is a run-first staff, usually working energy,” Herder mentioned. “To start out for the Bison, it’s a must to be a mauler on the offensive line. NDSU ran to its left fairly a bit behind Mauch, who was usually seen burying defenders.”

Very fast out of his stance and has fast toes to guard the sting. He has a versatile decrease half. He’s coordinated in his actions. Every little thing from prime to backside is in sync. He’s acquired a strong punch and powerful mitts. In accordance with Professional Soccer Focus, Mauch gave up one sack and 9 pressures this previous season. 

“As soon as he will get his fingers on you, you most likely aren’t going wherever,” Herder mentioned. “He has the toes to defend defensive finish strikes and the power to cease a bull rush in its tracks.”

Resulting from his shorter arms (32 ⅜), Mauch is a candidate to kick inside on the subsequent degree. It’s one thing he did throughout Senior Bowl week when he performed middle, guard, and sort out. Mauch was named the Nationwide staff’s offensive lineman of the week for his efforts down in Cell. 

“He by no means performed inside at NDSU, so it might be an adjustment,” Herder mentioned. “He was a dominant left sort out on the FCS, however a motive some could undertaking him on the inside is he doesn’t have fairly the attain as different NFL tackles. His former NDSU teammate Cordell Volson went from an FCS sort out to beginning at guard for Cincinnati as a rookie. So whereas it might be an adjustment, Mauch could play his greatest soccer within the NFL on the within.”

Match with the Packers

Because it stands proper now, the Packers don’t have a urgent want alongside the offensive line. In actual fact, the case might be made that the Packers are set. They’ve their 5 starters on the roster and because of Gutekunst dipping fixed sources into the place, the Packers have high quality depth behind their prime 5. 

Dig a little bit deeper and the argument might be made that the Packers want to usher in competitors for Runyan and Myers. Regardless of his shorter arms, they might view Mauch because the long-term reply at proper sort out. 

Together with his versatility and athleticism, Mauch might be excessive on Inexperienced Bay’s board when day two of the draft rolls round. 

“NDSU runs a professional system, making the transition simpler in comparison with an offensive line coming from an expansion offense,” Herder mentioned. “The Bison have had nice success sending guys to the NFL, a lot of whom have began loads of years and video games. Billy TurnerTurner, Joe Haeg, Dillon Radunz, Cordell Volson. Mauch is a man you’d really feel snug beginning in your offensive line from day one.”

Mauch’s means to play all 5 positions might make him a lovely goal for the Packers within the second spherical. He’s pro-ready and might be a plug-and-play starter at sort out, guard, and even middle. 

If Mauch have been to land in Inexperienced Bay, he might battle Runyan for the beginning proper guard spot, whereas additionally offering Myers with some competitors at middle. Even along with his shorter arms, the Packers might view Mauch because the long-term reply at proper sort out. 

No one has a clue on what Gutekunst goes to do within the 2023 NFL Draft. One factor that’s a protected assumption is that he’ll draft a minimum of one offensive lineman. Together with his versatility and athleticism, Mauch might be the one Gutekunst has his eyes on.