The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has done a great job of fortifying Green Bay’s offensive line. Gutekunst has sat in the Captain’s Chair of Green Bay’s war room six times and has selected 11 offensive linemen, with last year’s draft class marking the first time Gutekunst didn’t spend draft capital on the position group.
Elgton Jenkins, Zach Tom, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan Jr and Rasheed Walker are some of the more notable names that Gutekunst has selected.
With the Packers needing to add competition at right guard and center, while also bolstering their depth up front, it’s a safe bet that Gutekunst will double or potentially triple-dip on offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A player that Gutekunst could target on Day 3 is Sataoa Laumea. The Utah offensive lineman checks in at No. 46 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Laumea finished his career at Utah with 44 career starts. The four-star recruit out of California started 25 games at right tackle and 19 at right guard.
Want the name of 2024 #NFL Draft prospect not getting nearly enough love in media?
Utah RT Sataoa Laumea is that guy.
When it comes to evaluating players for @seniorbowl, Laumea is an easy one.
3x Pac-12 all-conference player has started 38 consecutive games (19 at RT and 19… pic.twitter.com/b0YPDM4lJW
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 22, 2023
“Sataoa is the epitome of a ‘Utah Man’- an extremely hard worker, and willing to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful,” Michelle Bodkin, an insider for Utah athletics at KSL Sports, said. “He’s not necessarily the noisiest or flashiest guy on the field, but he’s a good leader and someone that position coach Jim Harding always spoke very highly of. Like all of his teammates over the past two years, he was a key piece of getting through the devastation of losing two brothers on the team under shocking circumstances in less than a year’s span. The leadership he and others developed during that time will prove to be invaluable wherever Sataoa ends up.”
Laumea plays through the whistle and embraces the bully role as a run blocker. He has a powerful upper half and uses that strength to move and control defenders. The Ute offensive linemen shows no restrictions when on the move.
You DO NOT want to see Sataoa Laumea coming across the formation if you're a defenderpic.twitter.com/iYF1PNMnDx
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) July 31, 2023
“Utah loves to run the ball,” Bodkin said. “That is always priority number one under Kyle Whittingham, so having anyone on the line who isn’t a great run blocker isn’t going to fly. The proof is in the stats too. In 2022 Sataoa was part of a unit that ranked 11th in the country in rushing offense and second in the Pac-12.”
Laumea has good vision and is assignment-sound. His football instincts are through the roof. The versatile offensive lineman plays with good knee bend. He pounces out of his stance and has good foot quickness.
“I think Sataoa is great about finishing plays,” Bodkin said. “He’s either going to the whistle or until he knows the ball is out of his quarterback’s hands. Sataoa really has a great instinct or feel for knowing what is happening even if he can’t see what is going on.”
Laumea offers true four-position versatility. He’s taken snaps at every position across the offensive line, except for center. Aside from his versatility, Bodkin notes Laumeau’s attitude and leadership will have offensive line coaches pounding the table for the Ute product.
“It’s got to be his kindness and love for his teammates and the community he’s in,” Bodkin said. “Sataoa has demonstrated a lot of love for others over the years whether it’s been helping with Sunday Super or any of the other Crimson Collective charities that the Utes are required to participate in. He’s just always there and always positive.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to add competition at right guard, depth along the interior and depth at offensive tackle. Laumea helps in all three of those areas of need. The Utah offensive linemen could battle Sean Rhyan for starting reps at right guard. If he loses out on that battle he would be an upgrade over the current backup guard, Royce Newman. Laumea could also kick out to tackle in a pinch.
“We touched on it a bit, but I think the fact he has a lot of experience not only playing guard, which is where he projects at the next level but tackle as well is huge,” Bodkin said. “When a guy is capable of fitting multiple needs at any given moment you are simply getting more bang for your buck.”
Laumea would bolster Green Bay’s offensive line. On top of what he would bring to the football field, Laumea would appear to be a player that Matt LaFleur and his staff would value having in the locker room.
“I personally am into high-character guys and he certainly fits that bill,” Bodkin said. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of collecting a paycheck and being done for the day, but Sataoa is the kind of person who is really going to make an effort to be a positive influence in the locker room and the community at large.”
