Packers: Three takeaways from second training camp practice
3. Jake Hanson: Future starter at center?
A player to watch closely throughout the rest of training camp will be rookie offensive lineman Jake Hanson, who the Packers selected in the sixth round back in April. He projects as an interior offensive lineman in the NFL, and quite possibly at center.
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Hanson was getting snaps at center with the second team, not Lucas Patrick, who has been the backup center. Patrick was at right guard. It’s possible they’re just giving Hanson an opportunity to see what he can do, but it’s interesting and something to watch closely.
So, why is this so important?
Longtime starting center Corey Linsley is a free agent at the end of the season. After giving Kenny Clark a contract extension, and with possible new deals for David Bakhtiari and Aaron Jones to come, it won’t be a surprise if this is Linsley’s final season with the Packers.
If Linsley isn’t re-signed next spring, Green Bay will need a plan for who replaces him at center. Patrick would be one option, but perhaps the most likely scenario is Hanson winning the job. There’s a good chance he was drafted with 2021 in mind.
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The fact he was taking snaps at center ahead of Patrick is something to watch closely moving forward.