The Green Bay Packers are set to host Arkansas State’s center, Jacob Bayer, for an official pre-draft meeting on April 7, as reported by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Bayer, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 315 pounds, has a collegiate track record with 46 starts at center, including 24 during his tenure at Arkansas State. He earned All-Sun Belt honors twice and was the first Arkansas State player since 2015 to participate in the Senior Bowl.
After sustaining an ACL injury in April 2024, Bayer made a comeback, playing in 12 games in his final college season. Over the past two years, he conceded three sacks and 19 total pressures, while Pro Football Focus awarded him high run-blocking grades.
In terms of overall performance, Bayer was ranked seventh among centers in 2024 and secured the second spot in 2023, just behind Jackson Powers-Johnson. According to Brandon Thorn’s analysis for Bleacher Report, Bayer exhibits below-average agility but possesses the size, strength, and attitude to vie for a backup center role with potential to play during his rookie deal, provided he improves his footwork.
Thorn projects Bayer as a possible fifth-round selection on Day 3. With Josh Myers, their 2021 second-round choice, leaving in free agency, the Packers might be looking for a center to develop.
