Packers offensive line second in ESPN’s rankings for 2022

When at full strength, the Green Bay Packers have one of the league’s best offensive lines.

Any line featuring five-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari and Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins at the tackle spots is in good shape.

Especially with talented interior linemen like Josh Myers, Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, and Zach Tom all competing for starting positions.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Seth Walder of ESPN has projected each team’s pass block win rate and run block win rate.

The Packers’ offensive line is at No. 2 in the rankings, although Walder notes that this includes Bakhtiari and Jenkins as starters. Without them, the line would likely rank much lower.

Bakhtiari and Jenkins are on the PUP list as they both recover from ACL injuries.

In the article, Walder projects Green Bay to rank fourth in pass block win rate. Considering Bakhtiari’s elite pass-blocking ability, that seems fair. He also has them projected to rank second in run block win rate.

Assuming Bakhtiari and Jenkins are healthy, the only question marks will come at the interior spots.

However, there’s plenty of reason for optimism there, too.

Josh Myers played well at center in the six games he was healthy for last season. There are no concerns with Myers starting in the middle of the Packers’ offensive line.

Runyan was a solid starter all season at left guard. He has been impressive in his first two years with the Packers.

Newman started 16 of the Packers’ 17 games in the regular season as a rookie. He had up-and-down moments but got better as the season went on. He is a frontrunner for a starting job this season.

Rookie Tom has played well this summer. Like Jenkins, he has the versatility to play all five positions along the offensive line. Sean Rhyan’s best fit is at guard, where he can develop into a starter.

The Packers need Bakhtiari and Jenkins back. When they return, the offensive line can be one of the best in the league.