Packers trade up to select offensive tackle Jason Spriggs in 2nd round

With the No. 48 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected former Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs after moving up with a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. While he was overlooked in the pre-draft process given the existence of players like Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley, Spriggs is the kind of player who would have been in the discussion for a much higher draft pick in a weaker draft.

Spriggs was a four-year starter with Indiana, and set a school record for starts as an offensive lineman as a true freshman. He surrendered just two sacks in almost 1,000 snaps as a freshman. He didn’t allow more than two sacks in any of his four years as a starter, and finished his Indiana career with 47 starts in 48 games at left tackle.

He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten player in each of his first three years with the school, but finally made it all the way in his senior season. He was a first-team All-American, was second team All-Big Ten and was a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy. He was just the fifth player in Indiana history to be named a first-team All-American.

Spriggs comes from a spread offense, which can be hit or miss for offensive tackles when the transition is made to the NFL. The physicality is as such a different level, and Spriggs is considered just average when it comes to his strength. On top of that, he needs to work on his pad level -- he doesn’t get low enough.

But his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. He has the size to succeed in the NFL and he’s as athletic as any offensive lineman in this year’s draft. His burst off the line and agility are second to none, and he is great in both pass and run protection. He can also block well at the second level, and isn’t shy about laying down a huge block in open space.

Spriggs is well-suited to take on the pass rushers of the NFL. He should have no trouble with speed rushers given his athleticism and agility, and bull-rushers will only get the better of him if he doesn’t get good coaching in the NFL. Spriggs has all the looks of a future Pro Bowl player and his new team may have landed a gem.