Packers Add Two Offensive Linemen to Practice Squad
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers came back from their bye on Tuesday with two new faces on their practice squad. Or, more accurately, one new face and one familiar face.
The returning player was interior offensive linemen Michal Menet. Menet, a three-year starting center at Penn State, was drafted in the seventh round last year by Arizona.
“I'm going to outwork people,” Menet said upon being drafted. “I’ve always prided myself on doing that, just being able to outwork people and compete. ... It’s a childhood dream come true. It definitely goes to show that if you put in the hard work... and love the game, the game will love you back.”
Menet failed to make the Cardinals’ roster and served two stints on their practice squad before joining Green Bay’s practice squad in December. The Packers released him among their final cuts in August.
The newcomer is offensive tackle Jean Delance, a three-year starting right tackle at Florida. An undrafted free agent, he spent the preseason with the Chicago Bears, logging nine snaps in two preseason games. He recently spent a couple weeks on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.
“Athleticism is very easy to see when watching the tape seeing him move on screens and into the second level,” read part of his NFL Draft Bible scouting report. “Recognizes the blitz and instinctively sets out wide to counter the rusher. Foot speed is very impressive even with his lighter frame. A battle-tested player that performs well in the pass rush against current NFL players.”
Delance played in the East-West Shrine Game.
"I think I proved that I’m a hard worker with an aggressive edge," he told The Draft Network. "I like to finish plays as an offensive lineman. I honestly love playing the game with a mean streak. That’s how the position is meant to be played. I think I handled the process very well. A lot of teams are looking for tough-natured offensive linemen"
At the Gators’ pro day, he measured 6-foot-4 1/4 and 303 pounds. He ran his 40 in 5.23 seconds and boasts excellent overall athleticism.
According to his University of Florida biography, Delance can play the tuba, flute, clarinet, trombone, trumpet and the baritone. He was active off the field, too.
"I’m more than just an athlete and football player," he told The Draft Network. "Doing those things provides me a different outlet to reach the kids and better their lives. It’s honestly just about being a good person at the end of the day. It’s about gaining perspective outside of football. We’re human beings at the end of the day. A lot of people don’t fully realize that. I like to do things that give back and cheer people up."
Both players worked out for the team this week.
In corresponding moves, the Packers released defensive tackle Jack Heflin and receiver/returner Dede Westbrook.
Westbrook joined the practice squad last month and immediately was the most accomplished punt returner on the roster. But he never got on the field, with Green Bay sticking with Keisean Nixon in both phases of returns.
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