Packers have depth, versatility on offensive line to protect Rodgers
It has been no secret the Green Bay Packers like offensive linemen that can play multiple positions and that strategy has proved invaluable over the course of time, especially last season.
Injuries are a given in the NFL and it altered the Packers’ offensive line during a crucial point last season. They went into the regular-season finale and playoffs with a new left tackle after David Bakhtiari tore his ACL in a practice leading up their game against Chicago.
Green Bay has always been planners and thinkers about the next player move. When they received the news about their All-Pro left tackle being done for the season they turned to the multi-talented lineman Billy Turner.
A season ago Turner started all 14 games he played in — six at right tackle, four at right guard and four at left tackle. Add in the versatility of Elgton Jenkins who started all 16 games (12 at left guard, three at center and one at right tackle) and it gives the Packers added depth that most teams around the league don’t have.
Immediately after the regular season ended Pro Football Focus had the Packers’ offensive line ranked second in the league.
The 2020 Packers featured six different starting offensive linemen combinations, with one mainstay in all of those being center Corey Linsley, who is no longer on the team.
Green Bay went ahead and drafted center Josh Myers from Ohio State in the second round to be Linsley’s replacement. He could also play either guard position if needed.
Pencil in Turner, Jenkins and Myers as starters to go along with either Jon Runyan or Lucas Patrick and the final missing piece of the puzzle that could make the Packer offensive line the best in the NFL is Bakhtiari.
Bahktiari, who became the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history last season, is said to be “way ahead of schedule” to return for the start of the season according to GM Brian Gutekunst.
Even if he isn’t ready at the start of the season, Green Bay has enough linemen who can play multiple positions that creating holes for Aaron Jones or protecting Aaron Rodgers won’t be an issue — that is if he returns.
Whether it’s Rodgers or Jordan Love taking snaps, the Packers will be looking to lead the NFL in scoring again this season.