Packers’ guard depth chart after second week of free agency
The Green Bay Packers have a solid offensive line. If they made no changes, they could be confident entering 2023.
However, the current Packers offensive line isn’t on the same level as their dominant starting five from the 2014 season.
In other words, there’s room for improvement.
Green Bay doesn’t necessarily need to add a guard this offseason, but it could be a good decision. Let’s take a look at the projected depth chart at guard as things stand.
Packers projected guard depth chart after second week of free agency
- LG: Elgton Jenkins
- RG: Jon Runyan Jr.
- Backup: Royce Newman
- Backup: Zach Tom
- Backup: Sean Rhyan
- Backup: Jake Hanson
Elgton Jenkins’ versatility makes him so valuable. He can play any of the five starting positions. However, last season showed us that left guard is where he’s best. In both of his Pro Bowl seasons, he played most of his snaps at left guard, including in 2022.
Jon Runyan Jr. is a solid starter and has earned his place.
So, if the Packers have two good starters, are they set?
Maybe. It’s never a bad idea to add more depth across the line, but there are bigger questions to ask regarding the starting five.
Can David Bakhtiari play all 17 games in 2023? Should the Packers add tackle depth and look for their future starting left tackle?
Where is Zach Tom’s best position? Should the Packers consider having him compete with Josh Myers at center? Myers has been inconsistent.
Jenkins’ best position might be guard, but given his talent and ability at tackle, should Green Bay consider moving him back there?
It’s all about finding the best starting five.
Maybe they draft a versatile lineman like Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski. He can play tackle or guard. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes “he’ll be very consistent and stable as a starting OT.”
Meanwhile, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com thinks he can become a “top-flight guard.”
If the Packers were to draft a player like Skoronski, it would be important to find the best position for him. If it’s tackle, maybe he plays on the right side opposite Bakhtiari. If it’s guard, perhaps he replaces Jenkins or Runyan. Jenkins could move back to tackle.
Guard isn’t a major “need” for the Packers, but they should look for upgrades wherever possible along the offensive line.
Then, it’s up to head coach Matt LaFleur to figure out the best position for each player and find the starting five.