The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL teams can never have enough versatile chess pieces on defense. Jesse Luketa is one of the most intriguing hybrid defensive players in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Penn State defensive playmaker checks in at No. 62 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
During his time at Happy Valley, Luketa played on special teams. He played linebacker and he played defensive end.
“It’s extremely important to my game, I’ve never viewed myself as a one-dimensional player,” Luketa said. “Being versatile presents so many different scheme opportunities to be effective and disruptive.”
In 2020, Luketa recorded 59 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. This past season, Luketa made the switch from linebacker to defensive end and recorded a career-high in tackles (61) and tackles for loss (8.5).
“Leading up to this past season there were plenty of question marks as to where my defensive staff felt the most comfortable placing me,” Luketa said. “Going into camp there became an immediate need at defensive end. I felt putting the team first and embracing the role as well as the opportunity at the defensive end position would allow our defense to be so much more versatile and dominant.”
That we before attitude will endure Luketa to NFL teams. The Penn State edge rusher said that his greatest strength is the way he carries himself on and off the field.
“My leadership and demeanor are my two biggest strengths,” Luketa said. Also, the level of physicality that I play with.”
Luketa is a twitched-up edge rusher. He has an explosive first step and screams off the edge. He uses his quickness to set up inside rush lanes. He plays with a relentless motor.
Luketa needs to develop his pass rush plan. That’s something that will come with more playing time at the position, as he continues to get more comfortable on the edge.
“The first thing that comes to mind is relentlessness,” Luketa said. “As I continue to polish and master my rush technique, I feel the sky is the ceiling for me.”
Luketa plays like his hair is on fire. That really shows up against the run. He’s slippery and does a good job of using his hands and long arms to keep him free from blockers. He plays with good leverage and uses his power at the point of attack. Luketa has good range and has the speed to chase down plays at the line of scrimmage.
“Striking my keys and playing through my hands has always been a strength of mine,” Luketa said. “I still have plenty of areas to improve upon.”
The Penn State prospect looks comfortable dropping into space. He has a loose lower half that allows him to turn and run with running backs and tight ends in coverage.
Luketa has all the traits to be a special teams demon. He’s physical, quick, and has a motor that’s always running. With over 600 snaps on special teams, Luketa could step in from day one and help any team on special teams.
“It’s an area I know I’ll be able to contribute to immediately,” Luketa said. “With well over 600+ snaps under my belt, I’m comfortable in every phase on special teams.”
Fit with the Packers
Luketa could help the Green Bay Packers in a number of areas. Firstly, the Packers were terrible (again) on special teams this past season. Luketa could help immediately on coverage units.
Secondly, the Packers will likely be looking to improve their depth at edge rusher this offseason. Luketa’s athleticism and explosiveness off the edge are game-changing. He could step in and serve as a designated pass rusher as a rookie, with hopes of him developing into Rashan Gary’s long-term running mate.
Lastly, Luketa could provide quality depth at inside linebacker. His best long-term position is on the edge, but his ability to line up at linebacker is another reason why Luketa would be an attractive day two or early day three selection for the Packers.
“I love the game of football, although it may sound cliche from the moment I left Canada at the age of 13 all I was passionate about was achieving my goal of playing collegiate football at the highest level than the NFL,” Luketa said. “If you want someone who’s going to be a leader, culture driver, a selfless teammate then you should draft me.”
