Packers: Scouting Report On Seventh Round Draft Pick Jonathan Garvin

JONATHAN GARVIN, EDGE, MIAMI

THE SKINNY

Garvin, a four-star recruit, bypassed offers from Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma and others to sign with Miami.

Garvin started all 12 regular-season games for Miami as a junior in 2019 and posted five sacks, nine tackles for loss and 37 tackles. He finished with four sacks in the last four games, then sat out the Hurricanes’ bowl game.

As a sophomore in 2018, Garvin had 60 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5 1/2 sacks, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups. 

As a freshman he had a pair of strip sacks and fumble recoveries.

He’s nicknamed “Spider” for his length and agility.

MEASURABLES

Height: 6-4

Weight: 263

Bench press: 23

40-yard dash: 4.82

Vertical jump: 36”

Broad jump: 125”

Arms: 34”

Hands: 9 5/8”

SCOUTING REPORT

After a strong 2018 season, Garvin didn’t play with the same effort and intensity in 2019. He had the talent to be selected in the top three rounds, but inconsistency pushed him back to the seventh round.

Garvin is long, smooth and extremely fluid with the first three steps of his rush. He has the flexibility to turn the corner on tackles and knows how to use his length.

His effort level has been substandard at times, though, and he needs to play faster. His play strength and balance are also mediocre and he needs more time in the weight room.

Garvin has a high ceiling, but will never reach it if his work ethic doesn’t improve.

PACKERS’ PREDICAMENT

Green Bay certainly didn’t need an outside linebacker after investing heavily in the position over the last 12 months.

The Packers signed Za’Darius Smith (four years, $66 million) and Preston Smith (four years, $52 million) to high-priced, free agent deals in March, 2019. Green Bay then used the 12^th pick in the first round of the 2019 draft on Rashan Gary.

Both Smiths had sensational seasons in 2019, while Gary did next to nothing to justify his lofty draft status.

Mike Pettine’s defense relies on hard charging, pass rushing outside linebackers, though. And while Garvin is still green and at times, lacks effort, the right coaching staff might be able to make him a player.

THEY SAID IT

Garvin on his best position: ““Both of them. It doesn’t matter because both of them, I’m going to be on the edge, I’m going to be a rusher. I can drop. I can do anything that they ask me to do. It doesn’t matter. Just line me up, and I’ll do it.”

Garvin on his long wait Saturday: “That doesn’t matter. I’m here. I’m a Green Bay Packer now. For me, I was joyful throughout the whole thing. You know you’re about to go to the NFL. You’re happy to be wherever you’re going to be and I’m definitely happy to be a Green Bay Packer.”