Packers’ tackle depth chart after second week of free agency
Should offensive tackle be a priority for the Green Bay Packers this offseason?
The Packers placed a second-rounder tender on restricted free agent Yosh Nijman. There’s a good chance he will be back this season, although other teams can negotiate a new contract with him.
If Nijman accepts and the Packers choose not to match that offer, they would lose Nijman but receive a second-round pick in compensation.
With Nijman still on the roster, here’s the projected 2023 depth chart at tackle before the draft:
Packers projected tackle depth chart after second week of free agency
- LT: David Bakhtiari
- RT: Yosh Nijman
- Backup: Zach Tom
- Backup: Rasheed Walker
- Backup: Caleb Jones
- Backup: Luke Tenuta
- Backup: Jean Delance
When fully healthy, the Packers are well set at tackle.
David Bakhtiari is still one of the best in the league. Yosh Nijman has been a good starter, while Zach Tom impressed in his rookie season. However, beyond the top three, Green Bay lacks depth.
Bakhtiari is also entering his age-32 season and has missed a lot of games in recent years.
With the Jordan Love era set to begin, the Packers need to begin thinking about finding their long-term starter at left tackle.
Considering how hard it is to find great starting tackles, you don’t want to wait until you desperately need one.
The Packers could put themselves in a great position if they can draft a top tackle prospect like Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. or Georgia’s Broderick Jones.
Either player could initially start at right tackle opposite Bakhtiari, before eventually taking over on the left side in a season or two.
It’s important to keep adding tackle depth every year, especially with a young quarterback.
Tackle might not be the team’s biggest “need” this offseason, but they should make it a priority in the 2023 NFL Draft.