Packers: Offensive line depth still a concern entering 2018

The Green Bay Packers could have one of the league’s premier offenses this season, but they will need the offensive line to stay healthy.

If the Packers can stay relatively healthy, there’s no reason why their offense can’t be one of the league’s best. But general manager Brian Gutekunst is rolling the dice along the offensive line.

When healthy, there’s no doubting the talent the starting five have.

Left tackle David Bakhtiari is a two-time All-Pro. Bryan Bulaga has been an excellent right tackle for a number of years. Corey Linsley is a reliable center and Lane Taylor ensured the transition away from Josh Sitton at guard was a smooth one.

Justin McCray could be the choice to replace Jahri Evans at right guard this year. McCray performed well no matter where he lined up last season.

But behind these five starters, the depth is somewhat concerning.

First, we don’t know if Bulaga will be ready to start in Week 1. The 29-year-old has a history of knee issues, and is currently recovering from a torn ACL. If he’s unable to go at the start of the season, who will fill in for him?

Jason Spriggs is coming off a significant injury, too, and hasn’t played well enough to start regularly at right tackle. Maybe Kyle Murphy would get the job.

One possibility is that McCray would shift over to right tackle, with Lucas Patrick playing right guard. Cole Madison could take the right guard job, but it would be unfair to expect too much from the fifth-round selection early on. Is second-year Kofi Amichia ready for a bigger role this year? He spent the majority of last season on the practice squad.

The Packers no longer benefit from backups on the level of JC Tretter. Tretter was an excellent backup who could play just about anywhere across the line.

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If multiple injuries pile up, Green Bay’s lack of depth along the offensive line could be exposed. This makes it all the more surprising Gutekunst only used one of his 11 draft picks on an offensive lineman.