Packers 2020 post-draft position review: Offensive line
The Packers’ starting offensive line is one of the NFL’s best.
For many years, the Green Bay Packers‘ offensive line has been excellent in pass protection.
They’ve had some elite linemen from T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton, and Bryan Bulaga to David Bakhtiari and Corey Linsley. All five played together at one stage. They now also have second-year Elgton Jenkins who impressed in his rookie season.
How good can this offensive line be in 2020?
Currently on the roster
David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Ricky Wagner, Lane Taylor, Cole Madison, Lucas Patrick, John Leglue, Alex Light, Jon Runyan, Jake Hanson, Simon Stepaniak, Yosh Nijman, Zack Johnson, Travis Bruffy, Cody Conway
Offseason moves
The Packers chose to sign Ricky Wagner instead of bringing back Bryan Bulaga, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Green Bay used three draft picks on offensive linemen — Jon Runyan, Jake Hanson, and Simon Stepaniak — all in the sixth round.
Improved from 2019?
No.
This isn’t actually an easy question to answer as they’ve improved the depth by drafting three offensive linemen late on. All three likely project as interior players.
But the starting lineup has taken a step back with Bulaga no longer on the team. Wagner is a solid player when healthy, but there are more concerns at right tackle now that a consistent player like Bulaga is gone.
Key player
David Bakhtiari.
Arguably the best pass-protector in the league, Bakhtiari has four straight All-Pro selections to his name and continues to dominate at the most important position on the offensive line. Bakhtiari will once again be Aaron Rodgers‘ best friend giving up very few pressures or sacks. Outside of Rodgers, Bakhtiari is arguably the one player the Packers would least want to lose to injury.
Position outlook
Overall, the Packers offensive line is in good shape. There are no concerns with the starters at left tackle, left guard, and center. That trio of Bakhtiari, Jenkins, and Linsey is as good as any. Turner and Wagner are both solid players but the biggest concern of the line starts on the right side.
But with improved depth behind the starters, Green Bay’s offensive line should once again be among the best in the NFL this season.