With their second pick in the fourth round (122nd overall) in the 2013 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers select J.C. Tretter, Tackle, Cornell.
PLAYER DETAILS:
J.C. Tretter
Tackle
Cornell
6’4″/307
COMBINE:
5.09 40 yard dash, 29 bench, 29.5″ vertical, 109.0″ broad, 7.48 3 cone, 4.69 shuttle
CAREER NOTES:
When Tretter arrived at Cornell in 2009, he lined up at tight end. The 238-pound freshman appeared in all but the Harvard clash, catching his only pass for the year vs. Columbia, good for 18 yards. The following season, he played in all ten games, as the now 250-pound tight end generated 62 yards with a touchdown on four catches, returned a kickoff 14 yards and recorded four tackles.
Tretter bulked up during the offseason and when he returned to school at 276 pounds, the coaches shifted him to left offensive tackle for the 2011 campaign. Tretter embraced the move and excelled on the field. He posted ten touchdown-resulting blocks while helping the Big Red lead the Ivy League and finish fourth in the nation with an average of 341.5 yards per game passing.
STRENGTHS: Possesses an athletic frame with room for additional muscle mass. Quick off the snap, demonstrating light feet with lateral agility and balance. Shoots his hands into the chest of his opponent and flashes some nastiness to knock defenders to the ground when he senses them off-balance. Shows surprising football intelligence considering his lack of experience. Recognizes blitzes and adjusts to stunts well, showing the ability to slide off of double-teams and take on the defender looping around. Takes the game seriously, showing the attention to detail to improve. An ascending talent who is just scratching the surface of his potential.
WEAKNESSES: Obvious level of competition questions. Likely will be asked to make the transition inside, as he possesses shorter than ideal arms (32.25 inches) and, while quick against Ivy League defenders, does not possess the foot speed to handle NFL edge rushers. Lacks the strength and use of leverage to anchor against NFL defensive tackles. Possesses clear upside but may be strictly a developmental squad candidate as a rookie.
COMMENTARY:
The Packers wanted to get bigger, and they’re using the fourth round to do it. Another offensive lineman in the fourth round to go with their new toy from the second round, RB Eddie Lacy. Is Tretter a tackle in the NFL? I’m not sure. He’s athletic, but might be more of an inside player. Tretter is probably more of a development guy, but if Thompson wanted to send a message to his offensive lineman that it’s time to step up this season, he’s done it.
VIDEO:
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Adam Czech is a a freelance sports reporter living in the Twin Cities and a proud supporter of American corn farmers. When not working, Adam is usually writing about, thinking about or worrying about the Packers. Follow Adam on Twitter. Twitter .
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interesting pick, but again they needed another interior guy.
Another interesting idea; I have a feeling that Charles Woodson comes back. Woodson’s only interest was from SF, who picked Eric Reid in the 1st. Any safety picked this late probably can’t be expected to play now. Woodson would probably also be amendable to a veteran minimum or close to that at this point, and he knows the defense. Makes sense to me at least.
I don’t see it. Athletes are funny about taking a cut in pay and returning to their teams. And Woodson is very prideful in that way. Jennings and McMillan especially might develop significantly in his 2nd season.
I’d love if Woodson came back — as a coach.
I hope you’re right about woodson
Another OG for the Packers to develop. Per CBS doesn’t have the quickness or feet to play OT in NFL, but is a good developmental prospect at OG. Clearly Thompson is working to fortify the interior OL. Both 4th rd picks project to OG in the NFL.
Thompsons had some success w/ 4th rd choices. Lang and Sitton both small school OT taken in the 4th and have become good Starting OG for the Packers. Sitton being quite a bit better than good.
I am a little surprised we haven’t gone WR yet?
I never thought WR was much of a need. I’m not surprised. If a WR was a real value I’m sure they would take one, but I don’t think it was considered a priority position in the draft.
I’m a little upset we didn’t get Da’rick Rogers.