Packers have great options along offensive line in 2021

Despite losing All-Pro center Corey Linsley in the offseason and potentially beginning the season without superstar left tackle David Bakhtiari, the Green Bay Packers have great options along the offensive line.

General manager Brian Gutekunst deserves credit for his work along the offensive line in recent years.

He drafted Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins in the second round two years ago, signed versatile Billy Turner the same offseason, and has used six picks on offensive linemen in the past two draft classes.

It ensures the Packers have good depth entering 2021.

Packers have great options along offensive line

If there’s one concern, it’s the headache Matt LaFleur will have trying to figure out his best starting five.

When Bakhtiari is healthy, he’s locked in at the left tackle spot. But should he miss some time at the start of the season, who moves there? Jenkins would be a fine choice, but he can also play guard or center.

Rick Wagner’s departure likely means Turner will start at right tackle, although the Packers could ask Jenkins to play there, or rookie Royce Newman if he’s ready.

Josh Myers will likely be the top choice to replace Linsley at center after he was drafted in the second round. But, again, Jenkins could be the choice at the start of the season given his experience there. Lucas Patrick or Jon Runyan Jr. could also fill in at center if needed.

When the line is fully healthy, Bakhtiari and Jenkins will both be starters. That leaves the likes of Patrick, Myers, Runyan, Turner, Newman, Ben Braden, Cole Van Lanen, and Yosh Nijman to compete for the other starting spots. And many of those players can play more than one position.

It’s certainly not a bad position to be in. With Linsley and Wagner gone and Bakhtiari’s status for Week 1 unclear, there are questions for the Packers along the offensive line. Fortunately, they have plenty of options at each position.