The Ann Arbor News

For someone who grew up without loyalty ties to any one NFL city, T.J. Lang felt at home in Green Bay almost immediately.

As one of his 10 pre-draft visits, the working-class Wisconsin town was a place that represented a blue-collar mentality ? a characteristic that had come to define the former Eastern Michigan University offensive lineman.

So when the Packers selected him on Sunday with the ninth pick of the fourth round (109th overall) of the NFL Draft, Lang knew he was headed to the right place.

"I can't even describe what it feels like," Lang said in a phone interview Sunday afternoon. "I'm just glad to be a Packer."

Lang became the second Eastern Michigan standout in two years to be drafted. The Tennessee Titans selected former Eagles defensive lineman Jason Jones in the second round of the 2008 draft.

At 6 feet, 4 inches and 312 pounds, Lang will have a chance to earn a spot immediately.

The Packers may have an opening on the right side of the line as Mark Tauscher is coming off reconstructive knee surgery and remains unsigned. In time, Green Bay may also be looking for a replacement for 10-year veteran Chad Clifton.

Lang will leave for Green Bay on Thursday to take part in the Packers' rookie camp.

Lang started 26 games at left tackle and started 10 more games on the right side. Green Bay offensive line coach James Campen told reporters in Green Bay that Lang's versatility made him attractive.

"We'll certainly try to hone him into a (specific) position," Campen told reporters Sunday. "But (Lang) is a very tough Football player ? he's a big-effort player."

And for Lang, his work ethic is his biggest selling point.

"(Green Bay) is a small town with hard-working people and that's what I am all about," Lang said. "They have people (on the offensive line) that are just like me, and so I am going to have to go in and keep working hard just like I always have."

Lang's Chicago-based agent Mike McCartney called Lang's signing with the Packers a "home run."

"I don't think things could have worked out any better for T.J. than they did," McCartney said Sunday afternoon.

Lang received the call from Green Bay shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing," Lang said. "So I will enjoy it for the next few hours and then go back to work (today) and get ready to go to Green Bay."

Jeff Arnold can be reached at jarnold@annarbornews.com or 734-994-6814.