Packers 2022 draft preview: Offensive line depth is needed

When fully healthy, the Green Bay Packers have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

However, Green Bay has lost a lot of depth the past couple of years and has a couple of starters coming off of significant injuries.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, offensive line depth should be on the to-do list for GM Brian Gutekunst.

Free agency recap

The Packers released starting right tackle Billy Turner, who has since signed with the Denver Broncos. Versatile offensive lineman Lucas Patrick was a free agent and has signed with the Chicago Bears. Backup tackle Dennis Kelly is yet to be re-signed.

Need in the draft?

Yes.

Green Bay’s starting five (when fully healthy) looks to be in good shape with left tackle David Bakhtiari, left guard Jon Runyan, center Josh Myers, right guard Royce Newman, and right tackle Elgton Jenkins.

However, with some of the versatility they have, especially with Jenkins, a former Pro Bowler at guard, they could move things around.

If the Packers draft a future starter at tackle, Jenkins will be able to shift back to guard.

Draft outlook

Green Bay almost always adds to the offensive line in the draft. With Turner and Patrick both gone and Jenkins possibly missing part of the 2022 season, they should look to add an offensive lineman or two again this year.

As for the position, GM Brian Gutekunst could take his pick. Just about any would work.

A guard to compete with Runyan and Newman? That’s fine. A tackle to provide some depth early on and potentially win a starting job in the future? That works, too. Jenkins’ versatility to play any position helps.

The Packers like to draft versatile linemen, so it would come as no surprise if they add a player in the middle rounds who can play both tackle and guard.

At full strength, Green Bay’s starting five is set. Adding depth will be important.