Packers: Position group rankings ahead of training camp
By Jesse Fry
5. Offensive line
Starters: David Bakhtiari (LT), Lane Taylor (LG), Corey Linsley (C), Justin McCray (RG), Jason Spriggs/Kyle Murphy (RT)
In the mix: Byron Bell (T/G), Cole Madison (G), Lucas Patrick (G), Ethan Cooper (G), Kofi Amichia (G), Adam Pankey (G/T), Dillion Day (C), Austin Davis (C), Alex Light (T/G)
Likely to be on PUP: Bryan Bulaga (T)
From center to the left, the Packers are strong and set. David Bakhtiari has established himself as one of the top left tackles in the game. Lane Taylor has filled in superbly since replacing Josh Sitton. Corey Linsley has solidified the center position and was rewarded with a big contract at the end of the 2017 season.
The right side has more questions than answers. Can Justin McCray transform from super-sub to starting right guard? Bryan Bulaga could start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Who will take his place in the starting lineup?
Both Kyle Murphy and Jason Spriggs took a turn playing right tackle last season. Both also finished the season on injured reserve. Unlike Bulaga, Spriggs and Murphy are expected to be full-go once training camp opens.
The Packers will hope Spriggs justifies his second-round draft status and grabs hold of the starting position. This would allow the Packers to move on from Bulaga, saving money while moving forward with a younger player.
But it was Murphy who played with more consistency when available last season. Should neither pan out, the Packers at least have the option of activating Bulaga off the PUP after the mandatory six-week stay. Bulaga, when healthy, is one of the best right tackles in the game.
The Packers signed Byron Bell as an insurance option at both right-side positions. Bell has started 74 games in the NFL split between right guard and tackle. Even if Bell doesn’t win a starting position, he provides experienced depth at two positions.
Don’t count out Lucas Patrick for the starting right guard position either. He showed toughness playing last season with a cast due to a broken hand, and still handled himself well when called upon.
The left side of the offensive line a strength. The only thing left to do is answer the questions on the right side. If those questions were answered this group would be rated higher. Health will be a huge factor. The Packers should be fine if an injury should occur at the guard position, but if Bakhtiari goes down for an extended period of time, they will be in trouble.