The Michigan Wolverines are sending four starting offensive linemen from the 2019 edition of the team to the 2020 NFL Draft, all of which seem as if they are draftable. Jon Runyan Jr. might be the least publicized man of the bunch, but worked his way into being an All-Big Ten performer that has a shot to stick in the NFL.
Here is Runyan’s background and what he brings to the table as a prospect heading into the draft.
Info
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 306 pounds
School: Michigan
Position: OT
Projected: 7th round-undrafted
Combine Results: 5.08 40-yard dash | 24 bench press reps | 30.5 inch vertical | 107 inch broad jump | 7.57 second 3-cone drill | 4.69 second 20-yard shuttle
Player Comparison: Joe Dahl
What he brings to the Packers
The Packers are going to love what Runyan brings to the table and gives them a really solid depth piece with some positional flexibility, though he probably sticks at guard at the next level. His attitude should fit right in with what the Packers like to do on offense.
Strengths
- Smart player and a “lunch pail” type of guy. Effort has always been high and never has come into question. One of the most respected players in the Michigan locker room.
- Always on high alert and is able to process what he sees and reacts quickly.
- He takes tremendous angles to help win battles against more athletic pass rushers. Shurt down Chase Young during meeting with Ohio State in 2019.
- Athletic profile will help him adapt to whatever scheme he winds up in.
- Moves well in space and more than adequately finds his target.
- Stays on and finishes his blocks upon making contact.
Weaknesses
- Hand placement and usage is inconsistent and often times all over the place. When you place your hands too high, it takes away from your ability to adequately power through defenders and steer them the direction they need to go.
- Despite being impressive as an athletic standpoint, he is not all that physically imposing.
- He might wind up benefitting from a kick inside to guard.
Overview
Runyan Jr. took over at left tackle for the Wolverines ahead of the 2018 season and struggled in the season opener at Notre Dame, but developed into an All-Big Ten performer by season’s end and did the same this past year. Offensive line coach Ed Warinner did a tremendous job with him as the unit as a whole, as evidenced by what they send to the NFL Draft this time around. Runyan was a steady college player, but does not project to be a Pro Bowler or stalwart like his father was. His football acumen and smarts on the field are by far the biggest positive to his game and that should wind up being something that at the very least gets him onto a preseason roster. It might take a slide inside to guard to crack an offensive line rotation at the next level, but his IQ and ability to offset some of his limitations by smart angles and decision making makes him draftable. He left a pretty strong impression at the end of the season by handling OSU edge rusher Chase Young (who will likely be a top-two pick) and keeping him out of the backfield mostly on his own.