Packers 2022 offseason position review: Offensive line
Maintaining a high level of play along the offensive line was made difficult for the Green Bay Packers with all the injuries they had to deal with.
Do the Packers need to strengthen the offensive line this offseason?
We look back at the line’s performance this past season and preview what’s needed in the coming months.
2021 season review
Matching the 2020 dominance of the offensive line was always going to be challenging. All-Pro center Corey Linsley left in free agency and would be replaced by a rookie second-round pick, while All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari was set to miss some of the season due to a torn ACL.
Elgton Jenkins shifted over to left tackle to cover for Bakhtiari, and was dominant, before suffering a torn ACL. Josh Myers made a solid start at center before an injury sidelined him for almost three months.
Despite all of the injuries the Packers dealt with, the offensive line still had a solid season.
Yosh Nijman impressed when he lined up at left tackle. Billy Turner had strong season at right tackle. Lucas Patrick filled in well for Myers at center. Jon Runyan Jr. solidified his spot at guard while rookie Royce Newman showed plenty of potential in his 16 starts.
According to ESPN, Green Bay’s offensive line ranked fifth in pass block win rate and fourth in run block win rate. Nijman and Jenkins made the top 10 among tackles for run block win rate, while Patrick did the same among centers.
Big credit goes to offensive line coach Adam Stenavich, who has since been promoted to offensive coordinator.
What’s next in 2022?
Let’s start with what we know.
Myers and Runyan are starters at center and guard respectively. Newman has probably done enough to be a starter, although he was replaced by Patrick later in the year. Turner has been excellent and should continue at right tackle.
But there are some questions, too.
Will Bakhtiari get back to 100% in 2022? He played one quarter in Week 18 but that was it all year. When will Jenkins return from his ACL injury and what position will he play?
Drafting a tackle should be a consideration. Bakhtiari will be entering his age-31 season and is coming off a significant injury. Turner, too, turns 31 next season. Finding a long-term starter is a must.
Adding some cover at the guard spots could also be on the to-do list. Patrick is a free agent this offseason and depth could become an issue.