The 2014 Green Bay Packers: Top Storylines at Each Position
By Dan Dahlke
Nov 17, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Corey Linsley (71) blocks during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 21-14 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
OFFENSIVE LINE: Who will be the Packers’ center of the future?
The Packers are hoping their carousel at center will stop after this season. After drafting J.C. Tretter in the fourth round last year and Corey Linsley in the fifth this year, Green Bay is betting on one of them emerging as their center for years to come.
Both Tretter and Linsley appear to be more athletic than recently departed Evan Dietrich-Smith, and perhaps more equipped for the Packers zone-blocking scheme.
Whereas Tretter has the upper hand in athleticism and experience in Green Bay’s system, Linsley has more strength, is more of a mauler, and matches Tretter’s football IQ.
The competition between Tretter and Linsley should be one of the most anticipated position battles in training camp this year.
With Bryan Bulaga returning, the Packers seem set at the other four positions on the offensive line.
Bulaga and T.J. Lang have the potential to form a very solid duo on the right side of the line, and with another year to grow and develop physically, David Bakhtiari should be an anchor at left tackle alongside one of the best guards in the league in Josh Sitton.