Packers: Which NFC North team has the best offensive line?
By John Dales
Green Bay Packers
Projected starters: David Bakhtiari, Lane Taylor, Corey Linsley, Justin McCray, Bryan Bulaga
David Bakhtiari: 88.9 PFF grade in 2017; No. 1 position ranking
Lane Taylor: 68.7 grade; No. 34 ranking
Corey Linsley: 51.7 grade; No. 22 ranking
Justin McCray: 40.4 grade; No. 71 ranking
Bryan Bulaga: 68.9 grade; N/A ranking
As we all know, the Green Bay Packers’ O-line took a big hit last season when Bryan Bulaga tore his ACL. Bulaga could be back for the start of the 2018 season, but his long-term health is still questionable.
All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari can’t do much more than he did last year. Bakhtiari is the best offensive tackle in football, in my opinion and Pro Football Focus’. He was spectacular last season, and hopefully will be again in 2018.
As for the rest of the Packers O-line, the younger players will need to take a step forward this offseason. Lane Taylor and Justin McCray are likely the starting guards because Jahri Evans is probably not coming back. Neither of them had great seasons last year. McCray gave up six sacks in 13 games last year and Taylor gave up four in 15 games.
Corey Linsley also took a noticeable step back last season. The Green Bay Packers’ O-line success will likely be hinged on two important factors:
- Bryan Bulaga’s health
- Improvement from their three interior linemen