The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
Brian Gutekunst has now sat in the captain’s chair of the Green Bay Packers draft war room five times. Since taking over Gutekunst has drafted a total of 48 players, with 11 of those prospects being offensive linemen.
When looking at the background of all 11 offensive linemen that Gutekunst has selected, it’s clear that he values players that are capable of playing multiple positions and were multi-year starters in college.
Cole Madison, the first offensive lineman that Gutekunst ever drafted, was a 47-game starter at right tackle, but the team viewed him as a guard.
Elgton Jenkins started games at center, left tackle, left guard, and right tackle during his time at Mississippi State.
Jon Runyan started games at left tackle and right tackle during his time at Michigan and most scouts viewed him as a guard. Jake Hanson was a 49-game starter at center for the Oregon Ducks. Simon Stephaniak started games at both guard spots during his time at Indiana.
Josh Myers, a four-year starter at guard during his prep career, finished his time at Ohio State with 21 starts at center. Royce Newman started games at left guard and right tackle during his time at Ole Miss. Cole Van Lanen started 19 games at left tackle for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Sean Rhyan, now a guard, started 31 games at left tackle for UCLA. Zach Tom started 23 games at left tackle and 14 at center for Wake Forest. Rasheed Walker was a 32-game starter at left tackle for Penn State.
A player that falls under the versatile and experienced umbrella in the 2023 NFL Draft is Cody Mauch. The North Dakota State University offensive lineman checks in at No. 17 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
The Cody Mauch bandwagon has plenty of room for y’all 👀🥞🥞🥞
Welcome to the @seniorbowl for another @NDSUfootball OL – coming in at #50 on @dpbrugler Big Board pic.twitter.com/EHEF4AR8Gw
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 8, 2022
Mauch, a graduate of Hankinson High School where he played tight end, arrived at NDSU as a walk-on and made the move to offensive lineman in 2018 after redshirting in 2017. He finished his career at Fargo as a 39-game starter with 37 starts coming at left tackle and two at right tackle.
During his time at NDSU, Mauch worked hard to add mass to his frame, putting on 80-plus pounds during his collegiate career. It doesn’t look like he carries any bad weight.
“His size and athleticism make him attractive,” Sam Herder, a senior analyst for HERO Sports said. “He can move and has good feet for his size. He arrived at NDSU as a tight end, put on good weight, and moved to tackle while still maintaining his athleticism.”
Mauch’s athleticism is on full display as a run blocker. He moves like a tight end. He shows no restrictions getting out in space and moving laterally or climbing to the second level. He plays with a bully mentality. Mauch keeps his feet moving at contact to drive the defender downfield or into the ground.
Doesn’t take long for LT Cody Mauch to pop. NASTY finisher in space — will be fun to watch @ Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/Wbh21V4o2T
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 10, 2022
“NDSU is a run-first team, often running power,” Herder said. “To start for the Bison, you have to be a mauler on the offensive line. NDSU ran to its left quite a bit behind Mauch, who was often seen burying defenders.”
Very quick out of his stance and has quick feet to protect the edge. He has a flexible lower half. He’s coordinated in his movements. Everything from top to bottom is in sync. He’s got a powerful punch and strong mitts. According to Pro Football Focus, Mauch gave up one sack and nine pressures this past season.
“Once he gets his hands on you, you probably aren’t going anywhere,” Herder said. “He has the feet to defend defensive end moves and the strength to stop a bull rush in its tracks.”
Due to his shorter arms (32 ⅜), Mauch is a candidate to kick inside at the next level. It’s something he did during Senior Bowl week when he played center, guard, and tackle. Mauch was named the National team’s offensive lineman of the week for his efforts down in Mobile.
BREAKING: North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch (@CodyTud) has been voted National team’s OL Practice Player-of-Week by vote from his peers in National DL and LB groups.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/BK48ck6LSi
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 3, 2023
“He never played inside at NDSU, so it could be an adjustment,” Herder said. “He was a dominant left tackle at the FCS, but a reason some may project him on the interior is he doesn’t have quite the reach as other NFL tackles. His former NDSU teammate Cordell Volson went from an FCS tackle to starting at guard for Cincinnati as a rookie. So while it could be an adjustment, Mauch may play his best football in the NFL on the inside.”
Fit with the Packers
As it stands right now, the Packers don’t have a pressing need along the offensive line. In fact, the case could be made that the Packers are set. They have their five starters on the roster and thanks to Gutekunst dipping constant resources into the position, the Packers have quality depth behind their top five.
Dig a little deeper and the argument could be made that the Packers need to bring in competition for Runyan and Myers. Despite his shorter arms, they could view Mauch as the long-term answer at right tackle.
With his versatility and athleticism, Mauch could be high on Green Bay’s board when day two of the draft rolls around.
“NDSU runs a pro system, making the transition easier compared to an offensive line coming from a spread offense,” Herder said. “The Bison have had great success sending guys to the NFL, many of whom have started plenty of years and games. Billy TurnerTurner, Joe Haeg, Dillon Radunz, Cordell Volson. Mauch is a guy you’d feel comfortable starting on your offensive line from day one.”
Mauch’s ability to play all five positions could make him an attractive target for the Packers in the second round. He’s pro-ready and could be a plug-and-play starter at tackle, guard, or even center.
Cody Mauch played LT at NDSU but repped at all five OL spots at @seniorbowl, proving he’s only prospect in 2023 draft with legit 5-position versatility.
Checkout the summersault finish👇. Big man athlete!
Don’t be shocked when @codytud goes Round 1.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/2pob0d15bi
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 17, 2023
If Mauch were to land in Green Bay, he could battle Runyan for the starting right guard spot, while also providing Myers with some competition at center. Even with his shorter arms, the Packers could view Mauch as the long-term answer at right tackle.
Nobody has a clue on what Gutekunst is going to do in the 2023 NFL Draft. One thing that’s a safe assumption is that he’ll draft at least one offensive lineman. With his versatility and athleticism, Mauch could be the one Gutekunst has his eyes on.
