A disappointing performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and a previous hip injury might have provided the Green Bay Packers with a chance to take a Day 2 talent at edge rusher on Day 3 of the draft. The team selected South Carolina’s Kingsley Enagbare at No. 179 overall in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Enagbare, who produced 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks over the 2020 and 2021 seasons, has long arms (34 3/4″), violent hands and a powerful play style as an edge-setter and pass-rusher. He’ll have a chance to step in and immediately contribute as a rotational edge rusher behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith.
In a best-case scenario, the 22-year-old Enagbare would replicate some of the things Za’Darius Smith provided the Packers defensive front as a powerful and versatile rusher.
Running a slow 40-yard dash time and performing poorly in the agility drills at the combine likely hurt his stock, but the Packers think he’s a good enough athlete for the position.
“He’s a guy who still needs to work on how he gets there, but he can bend, he’s powerful, he’s got a thick lower body,” assistant director of college scouting Patrick Moore said. “They did a good job of singling him up. Just really a power guy who can straight-arm guys. You saw at the Senior Bowl he ran right through the tight end that got drafted earlier. Really power is his game, but he can bend and get around the corner.”
Enagbare also had a significant hip injury that required surgery before his junior season and only finished with 15.0 sacks in 44 career games, two factors – medical and production – that might have dropped him into Day 3.
The value looks fantastic otherwise. Enagbare was Dane Brugler’s No. 69 overall prospect. The Packers got him at No. 179.
According to Pro Football Focus, Enagbare graded out as one of the best SEC pass-rushers each of the last two seasons. He produced 41 total pressures in 2021, including 16 quarterback hits, and his pass-rush win rate was 25.9 percent, so his volume stat totals might be deceiving.
Joe Barry’s defense needed the depth at edge rusher after losing Za’Darius Smith. Enagbare will compete with the likes of Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, Randy Ramsey and LaDarius Hamilton for snaps behind the two starters. Compared to his competition, Enagbare might be best suited for setting the edge against the run and contributing something as a pass-rusher, possibly making him the ideal backup for Preston Smith and the potential long-term replacement at the position.
The Packers probably didn’t think they could get an immediate contributor at edge rusher so late in the fifth round, but Enagbare fits the bill. He needs to stay healthy and develop more as a pure rusher, but with powerful traits and a high success rate against elite competition, Enagbare is entering the NFL with a pro-ready game and a chance to play a key role as a backup edge rusher for the Packers in 2022.
