Green Bay Packers: Why was Josh Myers the pick at 62?

The Green Bay Packers entered the 2021 NFL Draft with very specific needs. After letting Corey Linsley walk in free agency, center rose to one of the top on the list.

It was unclear how the team would address the issue. Elgton Jenkins had experience in college and for the Packers in short stints, and they had used a day three pick last year on Jake Hanson.

The Packers weren’t satisfied with either of those options, and opted for selecting one in the 2021 NFL Draft. Plenty of talent was available in the second round, and a couple top prospects fell into their lap. One of those prospects was Creed Humphrey, who many believed to be best in the class.

Instead of selecting Humphrey, the Packers opted to select Ohio State center Josh Myers, continuing on the line of Buckeyes anchoring the offensive line. The selection baffled fans and analysts, not only because Humphrey was still available, but because Quinn Meinerz, who the Packers held a private workout for, was as well.

So why was Myers the selection for the Green Bay Packers over guys like Humphrey and Meinerz?

It comes down to a couple things, but the most important of the reasons is scheme. Under Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers have transitioned to a more zone-heavy running scheme, which places importance on the center position. The center has to be in control, know their assignments, be quick out of their stance to get quick leverage, and be quick working to the second level.

When looking at someone like Humphrey, who is extremely talented, the fit is tougher to explain. Humphrey is a mauling type who excels very well in a phone booth. His skills in pass protection are excellent, and he has the power in his lower half to drive things in a power/gap scheme. However, his initial quicks and lateral agility skills aren’t at the level the Packers want in their center.

Moving over to Meinerz, it’s a similar argument against selecting him. While Meinerz also fits better in a power and gap scheme, he also doesn’t have as much experience at center. Now, Meinerz got some reps down in Mobile at center, but those were in 1v1s in pass protection. It would be a difficult transition for Meinerz to make right away in his young career, and the Packers needed an immediate starter.

Unlike the other two, Myers has experience in some zone concepts. He’s flashed the initial quickness out of his stance to get position and leverage early after the snap. He can get to the second level and seal off linebackers to create big lanes for running backs. His experience is also something to consider, having 21 starts in his final 22 games as a Buckeye.

While Myers still has things to iron out in his game (consistency in zone concepts being the big one), it’s understandable why the Green Bay Packers opted to select Myers over other top prospects at the position. The combination of a better fit and experience ultimately made the decision.