Packers: Royce Newman making a strong case for starting job

When the Green Bay Packers select offensive linemen in the middle rounds of the draft, good things tend to happen.

From David Bakhtiari to T.J. Lang to Josh Sitton to Corey Linsley, the Packers have an incredible track record at finding great offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft.

It’s far too early to include rookie Royce Newman in that conversation, but he’s off to a great start. Newman looks on course to land a starting spot at right guard, which is impressive considering the Packers’ depth at the interior spots along the offensive line.

One of the stars of the Packers’ preseason, the fourth-round pick has looked at home lined up at right guard.

Newman has been working with the first-team offense at practice and he also got the start in Saturday’s preseason game against the New York Jets.

For good reason, too. According to Pro Football Focus, Newman is the Packers’ highest-graded offensive player through two preseason games.

He’s outplayed last year’s starter Lucas Patrick and is showing he deserves an opportunity to win the job.

It means there’s a real possibility the Packers could have two rookie starters along the offensive line this season, which highlights the impressive summers both Newman and second-round pick Josh Myers are having.

Don’t forget about Cole Van Lanen, either. The Green Bay native was selected in the sixth round, but an impressive preseason has given him a great shot at making the 53-man roster. What a story that would be.

For Newman, there’s no doubt about his status on the 53. He should have even greater ambitions than that. With an excellent start to the preseason, Newman is right in the mix to land the starting job at right guard ahead of Patrick.

It’s going to be a fascinating final few weeks before the start of the regular season.