Tackle Eichenberg could step right in
Latest in a Packers Prospects series looking at players Green Bay could select in the April 29-May 1 NFL draft.
GREEN BAY – Before Liam Eichenberg ever played a down of varsity football in high school, Ohio State offered him a scholarship.
The Cleveland native had just finished his freshman year at St. Ignatius High when his home-state team ignited his recruitment. Eichenberg would later sign his scholarship letter with Notre Dame, but that's not really the point.
Eichenberg was a prodigious football prospect in a powerhouse high school program. He carried big expectations into Notre Dame. Once he arrived on campus, the 6-5, 302-pound offensive tackle did not disappoint.
Eichenberg, a durable picture of health at Notre Dame, was unable to attend a medical evaluation in Indianapolis after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. He started all 38 games at left tackle in his final three seasons at Notre Dame, blocking the blindside for one of the nation's top programs. Eichenberg was second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC last season, winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference's top lineman. He also was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given annually to the nation's top offensive lineman.
As a senior, Eichenberg allowed 15 pressures and no sacks in 431 passblocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He also allowed no sacks and 12 pressures in 496 pass-blocking snaps as a junior. Eichenerg blocked for a mobile quarterback in Ian Book, mimicking the reality that might await him if the Green Bay Packers select Eichenberg with their 29th overall pick in the first round later this month. Yes, Aaron Rodgers also likes to move around the field, especially outside the pocket.
Lacking exceptional athleticism, Eichenberg might be destined for right tackle in the NFL. That would work for the Packers, who plan on employing the NFL's best left tackle in David Bakhtiari for at least the next few seasons. Their bigger need is at right tackle, where Billy Turner filled in admirably after Bryan Bulaga's departure last season. Still, Turner's greatest value is his versatility. In a pinch, Turner can play anywhere but center. When Turner moves around the offensive line, it leaves right tackle exposed. The Packers' lack of tackle depth became apparent in last season's playoffs after Bakhtiari was sidelined by a torn ACL. Adding a versatile tackle like Eichenberg could go a long way toward solidifying the perimeter of the Packers' offensive line.
Scouting measurables: 6-5, 302 pounds, 323⁄8-inch arms, 95⁄8-inch hands, 4.57-second 20-yard shuttle, 7.53-second 3-cone, 33 bench-press reps.
Stats: 12 games, 12 starts, 15 hurries allowed, 0 sacks allowed.
Pro Football Focus analysis: Eichenberg earned certified “offensive line coach's dream” status earlier this year against Florida State when he played through a swollen-shut left eye. When he had both eyes, Eichenberg was undeniably one of the top tackles in the
country. With three years of starting experience at left tackle, he didn't allow a single sack the past two seasons. His feet in his pass sets are as crisp as you'll see in college football. He's a well-oiled machine at this point with his technique. He looks ready to contribute on Day 1.
Draftniks say: “There's some buzz around Eichenberg, who was the Fighting Irish's left tackle the past two seasons. He has great feet and packs a punch in the run game.” – Mel Kiper Jr.,
ESPN
Quotable: “The biggest selling point for me is, I think I'm consistent. I think I'm a guy you can plug in and play right now. I'm not a guy that needs a lot of development. I think I've been coached well. I use my technique, my fundamentals very well. So for me, a lot of people knock me for athleticism. I mean, I really don't – I mean, offensive line, I'm not running a route or anything. So I guess it's a little bit different, but I think I'm a guy who can go in there, get to the NFL and play right away.” –