Maybe it’s his immaculate mullet, but Royce Newman has been one of the Green Bay Packers most impressive rookies during the 2021 preseason. The Packers have a history of turning overlooked offensive linemen into quality starters. It’s starting to look like Newman could be next.
Back in April, Green Bay used a fourth-round pick to select Newman out of the University of Mississippi. A two-year starter in college, Newman switched between guard and tackle during his junior and senior seasons. So far, the Packers have mostly utilized him at guard, where it appears Newman is most comfortable.
According to Pro Football Focus, Newman is the highest graded rookie guard through the first two weeks of preseason. It’s a small sample, but he has the potential of a future NFL starter.
This week, we are taking a look at Newman’s film against the New York Jets. Newman started the game at right guard and finished with 35 total snaps. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Newman’s abilities as both a run blocker and pass blocker. Let’s jump right in.
I thought Royce Newman was pretty solid at the point of attack yesterday. pic.twitter.com/eSC0CwLWyX
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 22, 2021
Newman does a great job firing off the ball. With a little help from the tackle, he is able to drive his man back four yards. Newman shows he has solid balance, bend, and play strength to be a productive run blocker.
Nice hook block by Newman pic.twitter.com/CpACRcIfoi
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 22, 2021
Another look at the hook block by Royce Newman. The three-tech literally just gave up by the end of the play. pic.twitter.com/UyLp2mYYSL
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 23, 2021
Hook blocks are not easy, especially when you have to cross the face of the defender. Newman fires off the ball so quickly here that this battle is almost over before it starts. Once engaged, he begins to flip his hips to seal off the defensive lineman and open the rushing lane. By the end of the play, Newman’s man has basically given up.
Newman has a hand on the tackle engaged with Myers while keeping an eye on Ben Braden at right tackle. The rookie has a nice feel for the game. pic.twitter.com/WWuoaskUa8
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 22, 2021
Here is a great example of Newman’s awareness. Even when he doesn’t have a rusher, he is peeking outside to see if the tackle needs help out on the edge. Meanwhile, his left hand is feeling out the pressure of the nose tackle. It’s these little things that showcase Newman’s attention to detail even as a rookie.
The #Packers need guards who can perform in the screen game. Solid job by Newman getting out in front as a blocker. pic.twitter.com/7YZhDdKlUb
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 22, 2021
An effective screen game is a staple of Matt LaFleur’s offense. However, in order to do so at the highest level, you have to have athletic linemen to lead the charge. Newman does a great job getting out in front showing off his athleticism. With Newman’s help, Green Bay may be able to generate big chunk plays off of screens.
Geez Newman got killed on this inside move pic.twitter.com/BLzHVsqQsq
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 22, 2021
Against an explosive defensive end or tackle, Newman could run into trouble. This Jets lineman uses his explosive first step and lateral quickness to get an advantageous angle against Newman to help blow up this run call. Newman’s ability to execute reach blocks against quicker lineman will be something to monitor.
Good job by Newman getting to the second level pic.twitter.com/P1u9pi87Kg
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 22, 2021
When your O-line is consistently getting to the second level, you will likely have a good day running the ball. Newman has solid fluidity in his transition between blocks, and he’s quick to process who to engage with. It looks like Newman should be able to use his athleticism to effectively climb to linebackers.
Newman is so physical and I love it. He’s taking his man wherever he wants to. pic.twitter.com/B9bqptcVx5
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 24, 2021
Who doesn’t love a punishing run blocker? Newman wins this rep with good hand placement and arm extension to control his man. The defender ends up on the ground.
Had to slow this one down to show Newman’s ability to counter the rush. pic.twitter.com/ZU8VCAWS6Q
— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) August 24, 2021
Let’s finish it off with a great pass set by Newman. The three-tech implements a club move to knock away Newman’s right hand and looks for the rip. However, notice how Newman uses his free hand to help get control. When Newman recovers with his right arm, he is able to get solid hand placement to fend off the Jets rusher.