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Green Bay Packers depth chart predictions following 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) walks to the field prior to their NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) walks to the field prior to their NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Offensive line

Left tackle: David Bakhtiari, Jason Spriggs

Left guard: Josh Sitton, Lane Taylor

Center: Corey Linsley, JC Tretter

Right guard: T.J. Lang, Josh Walker

Right tackle: Bryan Bulaga, Kyle Murphy

As a starting quintet, the Packers boast one of the league’s better offensive lines. Health and contracts are the concern. Injuries struck through the heart of the line in 2015 which exposed a glaring lack of depth. David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang and JC Tretter are all free agents at the end of the 2016 season, also.

This led to drafting two tackles in the draft. Ted Thompson couldn’t believe his luck when Indiana lineman Jason Spriggs — who the Packers were said to have a first-round grade on — fell within nine picks of their second-round selection. Thompson took no chances and jumped up to grab their target. Further depth was added with developmental prospect Kyle Murphy late on.

It’s unlikely the starting five change (barring injuries), which will allow the newest additions to develop their craft. Both Spriggs and Murphy could be starters in the future, and in the short term will offer valuable depth behind the starters.

Keeping Aaron Rodgers upright is of paramount importance, and the Packers look healthier along the offensive line in May.

Next: Defensive line

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