By: Paul Bretl 7/15/2024
With Green Bay Packers training camp on the horizon, I’ll be doing a position-by-position preview. Next up is the offensive line.
If you missed any of the previous position previews, you can find them below:
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Tight ends
Wide receivers
Roster: Jacob Monk, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, Lecitus Smith, Elgton Jenkins, Donovan Jennings, Royce Newman, Zach Tom, Andre Dillard, Travis Glover, Caleb Jones, Kadeem Telfort, Luke Tenuta, Rasheed Walker, Jordan Morgan
‘Best five’ on OL won’t take shape until the pads come on: If the hope was to come out of these OTA and minicamp practices with an idea of what the Packers’ starting offensive line is going to look like this summer, well, you’re going to be disappointed. The constant movement and lack of pads made that a very tall task.
“No, I don’t think so,” said Matt LaFleur when asked if there is clarity around what the starting line will look like. “I mean there’s been some good work that’s been put in. I think it’s really important to work on the fundamentals, but the fact of the matter is we’re not in pads.
“And I don’t think you’ll really, truly know until we get out there, we get pads on. I thought for the most part our guys up front did a pretty decent job taking care of one another.”
During Wednesday’s practice alone, there were two different starting offensive line configurations utilized. The first consisted of Rasheed Walker at left tackle, followed by Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, and Andre Dillard. Jordan Morgan would then end up taking Rhyan’s place at right guard for some reps.
Throughout the five OTA and minicamp practices that have been open to the media, in addition to the configurations described above, we’ve seen Morgan at both tackle spots and left guard, along with Dillard at left tackle as well, all of which has resulted in a number of different starting combinations utilized in a very short amount of practice time.
“I think it (the starting offensive line) will kind of unfold when we get into camp and especially when we get into the preseason games,” added LaFleur. “We’ve got two opportunities to practice against somebody else, so I think it will unfold for us in training camp.”
What we know so far is that Walker has been taking the bulk of the left tackle reps. Myers has been the center, Rhyan has played mostly right guard and Jenkins left guard with Zach Tom sidelined with a pec injury.
The wildcard in all of this seems to be where Morgan will end up. Once that is decided, it seems like the starting offensive line unit will begin to take shape.
Josh Myers sole focus is on the center position: Versatility is a hallmark element of the Green Bay Packers offensive line, providing them with seemingly endless combinations when it comes to constructing the starting five. However, for Josh Myers, his sole focus is on playing center.
“We need depth, so we’re going to cross-train them all,” said offensive line coach Luke Butkus. “Obviously, Josh Myers is our center but as far as everybody else, we’re going to cross-train them and put the best five out there. It’s competition so it’s making everybody better.”
Myers has battled up and down play throughout his career with the Packers, which is why, particularly over the last year, his role as the starting center has been brought into question, at least from those outside of the organization.
As last season progressed, much like the rest of the offense, Myers’ play improved. In five of the Packers final six games of the season, Myers allowed just three combined pressures and one sack. In the previous 13 games, he allowed four sacks and 19 pressures.
In total, Myers ranked 19th out of 38 centers in pass-blocking efficiency and 33rd in PFF’s run-blocking grade.
“Just to continue to grow, just like our expectations for everybody,” said Butkus. “Every day, get better. That’s where Josh excelled last year. He did get better as the year went on and he had command of this offense and took charge, was a little bit more vocal toward the end in commanding this offense. So, what do we need from him? Just to get better every single day. Keep improving.”
Although Myers’ play on the field is going to garner most of the attention – and understandably so – as offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich has pointed out, and what can go unnoticed, is the leadership role that Myers took on last season within the offensive line room.
Also, not to be forgotten about, is Myers’ rapport with Jordan Love, along with his ability pre-snap to identify blitzes and communicate protection responsibilities so that everyone is on the same page. Of course, at the end of the day, a player has to perform on the field, but at the center position, all of these other elements matter as well.
Musical chairs for Jordan Morgan: As already mentioned, with Morgan playing every position except for center this spring, once the Packers determine where he will be playing, the starting offensive line configuration will begin to take shape, and for Morgan, who has had a lot thrown at him already, he’ll finally be able to focus on one–or maybe two–positions.
it’s not only Morgan who is learning as an incoming rookie, but the Packers’ coaching staff is also trying to learn where he fits best in conjunction with the other four members of the offensive line unit. Remember, as the Packers search for the “best five,” it’s not necessarily about where Morgan is best but what combination makes the unit as a whole the most cohesive. When it comes to offensive line play, the sum of the parts are greater than any one individual.
In part, the Packers are moving Morgan around because they believe in the value of cross-training linemen in case injuries strike. But also, in order to properly evaluate where Morgan fits best amongst the group, the Packers need a large enough sample size of him playing each position.
This is why, throughout the practices, he has been playing musical chairs along the offensive line, which has put a heavy workload on Morgan’s shoulders. Not only is he adjusting to the speed of the NFL game and learning a new playbook, but he’s being asked to play both sides of the line and both guard positions after spending all his time in college at just left tackle.
“Yeah I think certainly he’s got a long way to go in terms of just mentally,” said LaFleur on Tuesday. “Physically, he has all the tools that you look for and we’re gonna keep pushing him and he’s gotta understand that and I think for rookies, it’s just everybody has a different learning curve in terms of how fast they can acclimate themselves to just how we play at this level, but I think he’s approaching it the right way and we’re gonna continue to push him.”
Once the Packers get into training camp, the pads come on, and they get a better idea of what that starting offensive line lineup will look like, LaFleur said Morgan will start to get regular reps at one position rather than continuing to juggle a bevy of different roles.
Admittedly, the Packers have put a lot on Morgan’s plate. But as we’ve seen throughout the years with other draft picks, this isn’t something the Packers do to every incoming rookie. There are a few examples of other early round picks who didn’t start right away while trying to fill just one or maybe two roles. Only the players that they believe can shoulder the workload are asked to do so.
“There’s nothing he can’t do,” said LaFleur. “For him, it’s just about putting it all together mentally. I think there’s been a lot put on his plate, and I think at times his head is spinning. But you’ve just got to keep chopping and grinding and working through it. There’s gonna be mistakes. I think a big part of this is just being resilient throughout that process and making sure that you don’t lose confidence because certainly he has all the skills to be as good as he wants to be.”
Rasheed Walker is confident: The Green Bay Packers drafted left tackle Jordan Morgan in the first round, providing competition for Rasheed Walker. However, after playing 974 snaps last season, Walker is confident in his ability to prepare and perform on the field.
“I feel elite,” said Walker after Tuesday’s OTA practice. “Names and labels don’t really dictate how I move. I see man just as man is. I’m in a good spot. I’m never really worried about who I’m going against. It’s am I prepared? What do I have to do to prepare? That’s where I keep my focus on.”
With David Bakhtiari’s season ending after the first game, Walker was thrust into the starting left tackle role. As should have been expected, there were ups and downs as Walker navigated starting for the first time. He finished the 2023 season, allowing six sacks and 36 pressures. Out of 50 eligible tackles, Walker ranked 35th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric and 41st in run-blocking grade.
When either Matt LaFleur or Adam Stenavich have been asked about Walker’s play, they both noted the athleticism and flashes he showcased, along with the need for more consistency over the course of a game, “playing 70 plays at a high level,” as LaFleur put it.
While Walker’s overall numbers show up and down play, like many of the Packers’ young players on offense last season, he began to find his footing during the second half of the season. During Week 9, the Packers introduced an in-game rotation at left tackle with Walker and Yosh Nijman that lasted six games before Walker asserted himself as the full-time starter.
Over Green Bay’s final six games, including the two playoff games, Walker gave up just one sack and nine pressures. He ranked 10th in pass-blocking efficiency and 29th in run-blocking grade.
“That you just have to be locked in every play,” said Walker on what he learned from last season. “It’s all really about preparation and confidence. As long as you prepare the right way, go into a game confident, and have a short-term memory while playing, you’ll put yourself in a good position.
“That’s how I go about it: staying focused, being consistent with my preparation and ignore the good plays and ignore the bad plays. Just be good every play.”
While still early, through offseason programs, Walker took the majority of the starting snaps at left tackle, and LaFleur has been impressed with how he’s approached the offseason.
“He’s come in with the right mindset,” said LaFleur. “Sheed didn’t say anything after the draft. He just came in and got to work and that’s what we’re looking for and I think he’s been a guy that’s been totally locked in and dialed in and it’s amazing to see just the growth, the maturation from when he was a rookie to now. I think it’s night and day.”
Big goals for Zach Tom: Due to a pec injury, Tom didn’t participate in offseason programs, but the injury is not long-term and we could potentially see him on the field at the start of training camp or not long after.
Last season was Tom’s first full year as a starter. According to PFF, he would surrender just two sacks along with 37 pressures. Out of 50 eligible tackles, Tom ranked 13th in pass-blocking efficiency.
Making Tom’s performance even more impressive was the competition he went up against. Of the NFL’s top 10 edge rushers in terms of total pressures, Tom faced six of them, including Nick Bosa, Aidan Hutchinson, Micah Parsons, and Maxx Crosby, all of whom finished in the top-four of that pressure category.
Despite Tom’s high level of play last season, he’s only focused on improving in 2024:
“However many sacks I gave up is too many,” Tom said. “This was really my first year starting and I was able to go up against some of those premier guys. Learned a lot. Now, this year, come back even better. I’ve got big goals in mind for this year.”
Whether the Packers plan to move Tom around the offensive line remains to be seen, but my guess is that he will begin at right tackle, given his high level of play there last season and the importance of that position.
Sean Rhyan’s experience from 2023 will be valuable: Sean Rhyan made the most of his opportunities during the second half of last season and is now the front-runner to be the Packers’ starting right guard in 2024.
What started out as Rhyan playing a series or two blossomed into him and Runyan splitting snaps nearly 50-50 in Week 15 against Tampa Bay, and that carried over into the playoffs.
“He really grew a lot from Year 1 to Year 2,” said GM Brian Gutekunst, “and really proud of not only his work ethic and the shape he got himself in, but then when his opportunities were presented, his ability to capitalize on that. I think there’s a lot of really good football in front of him. His best football should be in front of him.”
Where Rhyan was at his best was as a run-blocker. With his size and strength, he brought a different element to the Packers’ offensive line as a bit of a mauler. Rather than opening up a running lane by being in an advantageous position, Rhyan generates push and moves the defender across from him.
However, where Rhyan has to become more consistent if he’s going to be an everyday starter in the NFL is in pass protection. Rhyan had just 128 pass-blocking attempts last season but still allowed eight pressures. According to PFF, out of 84 eligible guards, he ranked 52nd in pass-blocking efficiency.
As the Packers search for their ‘best five’ along the offensive line, don’t overlook Rhyan at the right guard spot. This is a starting job that will have to be earned, but the experience he gained in 2023 will play a key role in helping him retain that role.
“It was great to see Sean grow,” said Luke Butkus. “Sean works at it. He loves football. He wants to go out and play, he wants to get a chance. When he had his chance last year, he improved. He is a big, strong kid, man. When you hold those bags for our players when you’re holding the bag for Sean Rhyan, you feel it.”
Quick Hits:
– If the Packers are going to experiment with the center position and try to find someone to compete with Myers for that starting role, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Elgton Jenkins over Tom. The reason being, that position is likely easier to fill than the right tackle position would be. For Morgan, after spending his college career at left tackle, the transition to left guard compared to right guard or right tackle would likely be the smoothest for him.
– It’s now or never for Luke Tenuta and Caleb Jones. The Packers have invested two years of development into both of these players, but with three draft picks used on the offensive line this past April, roster spots are tight. Neither player will be competing for playing time, but having developmental upside is likely no longer good enough to make the 53-man. Tenuta and Jones will have to show that they can be relied upon off the bench if needed.
“I think both of those guys have had moments,” said LaFleur during minicamp. “But I think like we just talked about, time will tell.”
– Packers are taking a long look at Andre Dillard. Again, my guess right now is that Dillard isn’t going to be in the mix for a starting spot, but the Packers were taking a long look at him during offseason programs, having him regularly start at both tackle spots. The former first round pick has struggled in the NFL, which last season included allowing 12 sacks and 41 pressures in only 331 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF. Dillard is an experienced player and an excellent athlete, the Packers are likely trying to gauge whether it’s worth taking a swing on that potential with a roster spot or if they should just move on. Dillard’s deal is non-guaranteed.
“He was a first-round draft pick for a reason,” said LaFleur. “You can see the size, the athleticism. I think he is perfect in terms of a scheme fit, something we’re always looking for. Athletically, he can do it all. I think it’s just about learning our system, how we do things, the fundamentals and the techniques that are associated with that position that we look for. We’re rotating a lot of guys around, so it’s not just, ‘Hey, you’re at left tackle.’ He’s been playing right tackle, we’re just trying to find the best fit for everybody and, you know, let the best man win.”
– What about Royce Newman? If I were to make a roster prediction now, I would leave Newman off of it. While the Packers value his versatility and experience, he is entering the final year of his deal and has a large enough body of work that the Packers should know what they have in him. Rostering a younger, higher upside player would seem to be the prudent move.
– There is a lot to like about Jacob Monk, both in terms of his play on the field and the leadership qualities he brings off of it. During OTAs and minicamp, he was the center with the second-team offense, but based on what we’ve seen so far–and as always, things can change–I don’t know that he will be in the mix for playing time this year. Instead, I see him being the first option off the bench at center and the Packers’ long-term option there.
– UDFA to watch: Donovan Jennings. The Packers signed Jennings following this year’s draft, which included a $10,000 signing bonus and $110,000 guaranteed, according to Spotrac. That in itself shows that landing Jennings was a priority for the Packers. On the field, he is exactly what they typically look for in a lineman, a good athlete who spent his college career at tackle and will play guard at the NFL level.