Green Bay Packers: Returning players will help offense roll in 2015

Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) defends against Seattle Seahawks defensive end

(56) in the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 28-22 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Continuity on the offensive line

Aaron Rodgers will have sighed in relief when the news of Bryan Bulaga’s re-signing broke. Rodgers hasn’t been able to boast continuity on the line protecting him for some time.

In 2014, center Eric Dietrich-Smith and tackle Marshall Newhouse left. David Bakhtiari was a rookie in 2013 and there were a number of injuries.

Heading into 2015, barring injuries, the offensive line will be exactly as it was in 2014. And it was very successful last season. Rodgers was sacked a career-low 28 times (with the exception of 2013 where he missed eight games with a broken collarbone).

Maintaining Bulaga was obviously one of the top priorities for the Packers. Another move Thompson made was to bring back offensive lineman Don Barclay.

Barclay missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL; he was set to be the main backup who could fill in at guard or tackle on the line.

The Packers were fortunate. With the exception of Bulaga’s injury at Seattle in the season opener, which meant Derek Sherrod had to step in, the starters were able to play every game. They might not be so lucky next year, however, so bringing back Barclay is a great move by Thompson.

Bulaga, Bakhtiari, T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton and Corey Linsley will be the expected starters on the offensive line next season. Don Barclay and J.C. Tretter will be providing healthy competition behind them.

The big guys are tough to find, but Thompson has been able to ensure that they return to Green Bay. Don’t be surprised if he adds some more depth along the line in later rounds of the draft.

Next: Wide receivers