Green Bay Packers: Predicting the final 53-man roster

Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and teammates walk to the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and teammates walk to the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari (69) blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jason Babin (58) during the first quarter in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers tackle David Bakhtiari (69) blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jason Babin (58) during the first quarter in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive tackle (4)

David Bakhtiari

Bryan Bulaga

Jason Spriggs

Kyle Murphy

Injuries ravaged the offensive line last season, no position impacted as greatly as the two tackle spots. David Bakhtiari’s ankle issues paired with Bryan Bulaga’s deteriorating knees forced unreliable backups onto the field too often.

Jason Spriggs and Kyle Murphy enter Green Bay via April’s draft, offering a better insurance policy to cope with any ill health to the O-line.

Bakhtiari and Bulaga suiting up in all 16 regular season games is an ideal scenario, allowing Spriggs and Murphy to learn their craft in reserve. Due to a high possibility of injury, it may be wishful thinking.

Bakhtiari and Bulaga form a talented double act on opposite ends of the line. The two neutralized premier pass rushers Ezekiel Ansah and Khalil Mack last season, but tougher challenges await. J.J. Watt is the tackles’ most daunting gig of the year, but when healthy this duo can hold their own.

Spriggs is a long-term starter, but as a rookie he’ll be limited to depth.

Better protection for Aaron Rodgers is essential to a Packers rebirth on offense. After spending a third of their draft picks at the position, optimism is high.

Next: Offensive guard