3 Packers veterans who could lose their starting job to a rookie

Royce Newman, G

A fourth-round pick last year, versatile offensive lineman Royce Newman won a starting job as a rookie.

Newman started in 16 of the Packers’ 17 regular season games. After an impressive preseason, Newman won a starting job at right guard.

Overall, the Packers will be pleased with Newman’s work in his first season. He was inconsistent and made some key errors along the way, but he also showed a lot of potential and got better as the year went on.

However, Newman did lose his starting job late in the season when rookie center Josh Myers returned from injury. Veteran Lucas Patrick had been impressive filling in for Myers at center. The Packers moved Patrick to guard, which meant Newman missed out.

Patrick signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency, so Newman is a frontrunner to take back the right guard spot this year.

It is no given that he will be a starter, though. The Packers drafted versatile offensive linemen Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom. Both players can play at guard and may even fit there the best.

If Rhyan or Tom outplay Newman over the summer, head coach Matt LaFleur will be more than happy to put them in the starting lineup.

Like last summer, Newman will need to win the job.