Packers: Lane Taylor making a strong case for starting job

Packers guard Lane Taylor is making a strong case to start in Week 1.

Starting jobs on the right side of the offensive line are open this summer, but Green Bay Packers guard Lane Taylor is making a strong case for why he should be one of the starters.

After missing most of the 2019 season, Taylor has been replaced at left guard by second-year Elgton Jenkins, the position Taylor started at last year.

But Taylor is now showing why he should be the starter at the other guard position.

Taylor continues to impress at practice. Andy Herman of 247Sports.com wrote about Taylor’s performances at training camp, and how he’s adjusted to right guard quickly:

"“Lane Taylor has taken to the right guard position like he was born to play it. He looks incredibly comfortable and highlighted his practice today with two wins against Kenny Clark in one-on-one’s. He’s been stellar in the one-on-one sessions of practice but has also been stingy in team drills.”"

Taylor has plenty of experience. He’s started 49 games for the Packers, so he knows what it takes to be a successful interior offensive lineman. And now that he’s fully healthy, Taylor could be in line to win a starting job again for the Packers.

So, what would this mean for Billy Turner, who started all 16 games at right guard last season?

Turner could be the team’s starter at right tackle. That competition is wide open after longtime starter Bryan Bulaga departed in free agency. Free-agent signing Rick Wagner has been out of practice this week with an injury. If the season started today, Turner might be the best option at right tackle.

It’s still possible the Packers could sign another offensive lineman. Given their depth at the interior positions, the only move that would make sense would be to sign a veteran tackle.

Based on reports from practice over the past couple of weeks, it sure sounds like Taylor deserves one of the starting positions along the offensive line.

Don’t be surprised if he’s starting at right guard in Week 1 when the Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.