Packers 2022 roster preview: Will Zach Tom start this season?
The Green Bay Packers continued to invest in their offensive line during the 2022 NFL Draft.
Fourth-round choice Zach Tom can play various positions along the line but will likely be competing for a starting guard job at training camp.
What can we expect from Tom in his rookie season?
2021 review
Tom was named a first-team All-ACC in 2021.
Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson named Tom as the best pick of the entire fourth round in April’s draft. According to Monson, Tom earned a PFF pass-blocking grade of 92.1.
Will he make the roster?
Yes. Tom will be competing for a starting job along the offensive line, most likely at guard.
What to expect in 2022
Tom has experience playing at center and left tackle, so it’s interesting that many analysts believe he best fits at guard.
According to Andy Herman of Cheesehead TV, Tom was getting reps at all three interior positions during the Packers’ mandatory minicamp last week.
Zach Tom getting some reps at LG with the 2s right now. So we’ve seen him at LG, C, and RG over the past two days.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) June 8, 2022
Guard is undoubtedly the spot most likely to be available over the summer.
It would take something big for Josh Myers not to be the Packers’ starting center in Week 1.
Assuming David Bakhtiari is healthy, he will start at left tackle. Elgton Jenkins will likely take over the right tackle spot once he’s back from injury, and Yosh Nijman could start until then.
Jon Runyan Jr. and Royce Newman might be the two frontrunners to start at guard for the Packers, but this feels less certain, especially Newman.
Newman won a starting job at guard in his rookie season a year ago. There is no reason why Tom can’t do the same.
The offensive line battle will be one of the top storylines to follow throughout training camp and the preseason. Tom faces tough competition, but he will be in the mix at guard this summer.