The Green Bay Packers signed a modest eight undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. It was one of the smallest classes across the league and one of Green Bay’s smallest in recent memory. Former South Florida offensive lineman Donovan Jennings was the standout. A Packers undrafted free agent has made their initial 53-man roster 19 years in a row. Jennings has the best chance to extend that streak to 20.
The Packers signed Jennings to a contract that contained $100,000 in total guaranteed money, according to Spotrac. That made him general manager Brian Gutekunst’s highest-paid undrafted free agent. That financial commitment insinuates the Packers had a draftable grade on Jennings, and it increased his chances of making the team.
The Packers showed consistent interest in Jennings throughout the entire pre-draft process. “My meeting with the Green Bay Packers went very well,” Jennings told TDN following his appearance at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. They later hosted him on an in-person visit. The Packers kept tabs on him the entire way and inked his services after being impressed with his versatility and performance at the annual all-star game.
The #GoPackGo gave OL Donovan Jennings $100,000 in total guarantees in undrafted free agency.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) May 10, 2024
That gives him a great chance to make their roster.
Packers fans should familiarize themselves with @Donovan_Blu via @TheDraftNetwork Interview:https://t.co/l4Y1j6ypDp
Jennings is an experienced prospect who departed the Bulls after making a program-record 54 appearances. Primarily a left tackle at South Florida, Jennings has been making a successful transition to guard due to modest arm length. The Packers routinely appreciate versatility across their offensive line.
The Packers have also always valued athleticism. Jennings put forth an outstanding performance during his pro day. The Tampa native ran a 5.02 40 with incredible splits of 2.91 and 1.77. Jennings also posted a 3-cone result of 7.6 and displayed strength via 28 bench-press reps.
The Packers have done some reshuffling across their offensive line this offseason. First-round pick Jordan Morgan is expected to begin his career at left tackle, where he can provide competition for Rasheed Walker. Morgan could also play right tackle should Zach Tom kick back inside to guard. Or finally, the top-25 selection could provide a solution at right guard after last year's starter Jon Runyan Jr. signed with the New York Giants in free agency.
It's former third-round pick Sean Rhyan that's expected to receive the first crack at replacing Runyan Jr. in the starting lineup. Rhyan played less than 200 offensive snaps as a sophomore last season and struggled through limited action. Pro Football Focus assigned him a pass-blocking grade of 52.5 and a run-blocking score of 50.2.
If Tom and Morgan stay outside at tackle, which is the likelier outcome, Jennings will quickly have an opportunity to be a first-choice backup at guard. ESPN lists Jacob Monk, Royce Newman, and Lecitus Smith as the current backup guards. That's not exactly a murderer's row of competition. Monk is a rookie fifth-rounder, Newman is a former fifth-rounder, and Smith is a 2022 sixth-rounder who struggled when thrust into action.
Jennings' chances of being the ninth-or-10th offensive lineman throughout training camp and the preseason are strong. The Packers gave him significantly more guaranteed money than their history with UDFAs suggests. Jennings will extend the Packers' undrafted streak to 20 consecutive years by making the 53-man roster.
