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The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers have their starting offensive tackles, with Jordan Morgan set to protect Jordan Love's blindside and Zach Tom at right tackle.
A priority for Brian Gutekunst is to add a swing tackle with a potential target on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, being Enrique Cruz Jr. The Kansas offensive tackle checks in at No. 8 in the Unpacking Future Packers.
A three-star recruit out of Chicago, Cruz started his college career at Syracuse. After redshirting in 2021, Cruz started four games at right tackle and one game at left tackle during the 2022 season. The following season he started 13 games at left tackle. After losing his starting job in 2024, Cruz transferred to Kansas for the 2025 campaign and started 12 games at right tackle for the Jayhawks.
At 6-5, 313 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Cruz is well-put-together. Cruz was a four-sport athlete in high school, and that athleticism was showcased at the NFL Scouting Combine. He clocked a 4.94 40-yard dash, a 1.74 10-yard split, and a 35-inch vertical.
That athleticism is on display when watching him run block. He quickly pops out of his stance to cover up defenders. Cruz doesn’t labor reaching the second level. He sustains his block to create movement in the run game. The Syracuse transfer has aggressive plays with aggressive hands to initiate contact. He has a high football IQ and understands angles to help seal outside runs.
"His appeal comes from how explosive and smooth he is as a mover," Chris Trapasso, the founder of the Draft Gradebook, said. "The leg churn once he latches on is as good as any in the class."
Cruz has quick feet and plays with good knee bend. He has the lateral quickness to match rushers wide of the pocket. He's patient in his pass sets and uses a timely punch to get into the frame of rushers.
During the 2023 season, while playing exclusively at left tackle, Cruz gave up zero sacks and 13 pressures. This past season, while playing the majority of his snaps at right tackle, Cruz gave up two sacks and six pressures, with one sack and six of those pressures coming against a Texas Tech defensive line that will have three players drafted in the Top 100.
"His explosiveness helps him beat outside speed rushers to the pass-rush apex," Trapasso said. "That is a core element to becoming a quality offensive tackle in the NFL."
The Packers have historically had success at drafting offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. The Packers need a swing tackle and depth along the interior of the offensive line. Cruz could kill two birds with one stone. He has experience at both tackle spots and could play guard.
Cruz is a college offensive tackle who could kick inside to guard. Check. He's athletic and was a multi-sport athlete in high school. Check. The Kansas product screams Day 3 Gutekunst special.
"I'd draft him for the athletic upside altogether," Trapasso said. "It's not easy to find those types of athletes at his size with his length later in the draft. There's also guard potential here as well."
Cruz is a Packers type all day long. He moves like a tight end and has experience playing both tackle spots. If he's still on the board in the sixth round, it would not be shocking to see Gutekunst select the Jayhawk product.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 8, Kansas OL Enrique Cruz Jr
Continue reading...
The Green Bay Packers have their starting offensive tackles, with Jordan Morgan set to protect Jordan Love's blindside and Zach Tom at right tackle.
A priority for Brian Gutekunst is to add a swing tackle with a potential target on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, being Enrique Cruz Jr. The Kansas offensive tackle checks in at No. 8 in the Unpacking Future Packers.
A three-star recruit out of Chicago, Cruz started his college career at Syracuse. After redshirting in 2021, Cruz started four games at right tackle and one game at left tackle during the 2022 season. The following season he started 13 games at left tackle. After losing his starting job in 2024, Cruz transferred to Kansas for the 2025 campaign and started 12 games at right tackle for the Jayhawks.
At 6-5, 313 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Cruz is well-put-together. Cruz was a four-sport athlete in high school, and that athleticism was showcased at the NFL Scouting Combine. He clocked a 4.94 40-yard dash, a 1.74 10-yard split, and a 35-inch vertical.
That athleticism is on display when watching him run block. He quickly pops out of his stance to cover up defenders. Cruz doesn’t labor reaching the second level. He sustains his block to create movement in the run game. The Syracuse transfer has aggressive plays with aggressive hands to initiate contact. He has a high football IQ and understands angles to help seal outside runs.
"His appeal comes from how explosive and smooth he is as a mover," Chris Trapasso, the founder of the Draft Gradebook, said. "The leg churn once he latches on is as good as any in the class."
Cruz has quick feet and plays with good knee bend. He has the lateral quickness to match rushers wide of the pocket. He's patient in his pass sets and uses a timely punch to get into the frame of rushers.
During the 2023 season, while playing exclusively at left tackle, Cruz gave up zero sacks and 13 pressures. This past season, while playing the majority of his snaps at right tackle, Cruz gave up two sacks and six pressures, with one sack and six of those pressures coming against a Texas Tech defensive line that will have three players drafted in the Top 100.
"His explosiveness helps him beat outside speed rushers to the pass-rush apex," Trapasso said. "That is a core element to becoming a quality offensive tackle in the NFL."
Fit with the Packers
The Packers have historically had success at drafting offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. The Packers need a swing tackle and depth along the interior of the offensive line. Cruz could kill two birds with one stone. He has experience at both tackle spots and could play guard.
Cruz is a college offensive tackle who could kick inside to guard. Check. He's athletic and was a multi-sport athlete in high school. Check. The Kansas product screams Day 3 Gutekunst special.
"I'd draft him for the athletic upside altogether," Trapasso said. "It's not easy to find those types of athletes at his size with his length later in the draft. There's also guard potential here as well."
Cruz is a Packers type all day long. He moves like a tight end and has experience playing both tackle spots. If he's still on the board in the sixth round, it would not be shocking to see Gutekunst select the Jayhawk product.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 8, Kansas OL Enrique Cruz Jr
Continue reading...
