Packers trade up five spots to No. 163, select versatile Duke center

Jacob Monk.

The Packers saw the need to move up five spots in the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday, sending the Bills pick Nos. 168 and 219 in the fifth and sixth round, respectively. The move up resulted in Green Bay adding Duke center Jacob Monk to the roster.

Monk was a five-year starter for the Blue Devils, utilizing his extra year of eligibility thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season. He started 58 of 59 game appearances during his time at Duke.

Not only does he bring extensive starting experience, but he also brings experience all along the right side of the offensive line. After starting all 12 of his freshman-year games at right tackle, he spent the next two years starting at right guard before splitting his time over his last two seasons between right guard and center.

The Packers have Josh Myers as their starting center as the last three years. He’s never graded out phenomenally, according to Pro Football Focus, but he’s not bad enough that Monk should be expected to start in 2024. Monk likely comes in as a backup center and a sixth-man on the offensive line.

Due to his versatility at Duke, Monk has the ability to fill in in a pinch at any position on the line as a backup. If he develops strongly over the next year, there’s a chance that he can take over for Myers, who is playing in a contract year. This gives Green Bay a year to determine its plan at center moving past the 2024 season.

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