Packers: Jake Hanson has been one of biggest surprises this summer
Jake Hanson barely played an offensive snap for the Green Bay Packers in his first two seasons, but could now be in line to start in Week 1.
It has been quite the turnaround for the former sixth-round pick, who has been one of the surprises of the summer for the Packers.
According to Pro Football Reference, Hanson has played a total of just six offensive snaps for the Packers, all of them coming last season.
With Corey Linsley then Josh Myers ahead of him on the depth chart, opportunities at center were always going to be limited.
However, Hanson could be a surprise starter at right guard this season. He has been regularly practicing with the first-team offense this summer at training camp.
Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich had high praise for Hanson this week.
Adam Stenavich says Jake Hanson has had "one of the best camps of anyone on our offense." He says Hanson "got his hip fixed" and looks like a different guy. "He has an ability to play any inside position. Hopefully he does a good job over the next preseason games and proves it."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 18, 2022
Hanson’s ability to play guard and center will only help his chances of making the roster, if his place isn’t already secured. Should Josh Myers suffer an injury, Hanson can step in at center.
Whether Hanson starts in Week 1 could depend on Elgton Jenkins’ status.
The Pro Bowler is working his way back from a torn ACL. He looks set to start at right tackle once he’s fully healthy.
Based on recent practices, when Royce Newman isn’t lined up at right tackle, he takes over the right guard job ahead of Hanson.
So Hanson may miss out on a starting job when Jenkins returns, but he can still put himself in a strong position with a good performance in the remaining preseason games.
By continuing to play well, Hanson could enter the season as one of the Packers’ top backup offensive linemen, able to fill in at three of the five positions.
Hanson has been a pleasant surprise for the Packers this summer. With two preseason games to go, he remains in contention for a starting job.