Green Bay Packers post-draft position review: Guard
The Green Bay Packers have added talent at guard this offseason. Let’s take a closer look in our post-draft review.
Not so long ago, Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang formed one of the best starting guard duos in football. Those days are gone, and now the Green Bay Packers are hoping to find their next great pairing at guard.
The Packers needed help at guard this offseason, and GM Brian Gutekunst used both free agency and the draft to find upgrades.
Have the Packers improved at the position?
Currently on the roster
Billy Turner, Lane Taylor, Elgton Jenkins, Cole Madison, Justin McCray, Lucas Patrick, Alex Light, Adam Pankey, Anthony Coyle, Larry Williams
Offseason moves
The Packers signed Billy Turner in free agency, who could play at either guard or tackle for the Packers. They also selected Elgton Jenkins in the second round of the draft.
Improved from 2018?
Yes.
Not only did the Packers sign Turner in free agency and use a second-round pick to select Jenkins, but they are also getting back Cole Madison, who missed his entire rookie season. All of a sudden, the Packers have competition for starting places at guard, and that should lead to improved play at the position.
Key player
Elgton Jenkins.
As we don’t yet know whether Turner will play guard or tackle, Jenkins is the key player for the Packers. The team invested a second-round selection in Jenkins, and they’ll be hoping they’ve found a starting guard for the next eight years. And he has the potential to be that player for Green Bay.
Position outlook
The situation at guard looks a lot more promising than it did six months ago. In training camp, the Packers will be able to find their ideal starting duo at guard, and they finally have the depth to be able to handle injuries at the interior positions of the offensive line.
The Green Bay Packers can learn a lesson from the Indianapolis Colts, who showed the importance of a strong offensive line last year.
With the additions of Turner and Jenkins, and Madison now set to debut, the Packers are much improved at guard.