The Green Bay Packers' lack of changes along the offensive line this offseason has understandably raised eyebrows, but the door is now open for second-year John Williams.
You might be wondering, wait, who? And that's a reasonable response. After all, Williams was a seventh-round pick a year ago but missed his entire rookie season due to a back injury that required surgery.
Williams is now healthy and participated in the Packers' offseason program, and he has a golden opportunity in front of him at training camp.
John Williams could be a surprise standout when the Packers return for training camp
Versatility is Williams' key to a roster spot. He played almost exclusively at left tackle in college, with some right tackle snaps mixed in. But with injuries to several interior linemen this spring, the Packers have given Williams opportunities at guard and center.
There were a few wild snaps while he lined up at center, but that's hardly surprising given his lack of experience there. That's fixable. What's more important is Williams showing an ability to play inside. That gives him an opportunity to stick around beyond the preseason.
His history at tackle is an added bonus, even if the Packers view him as an interior lineman at the NFL level.
There's a lot to like about Williams' potential. He has the athleticism and footwork the Packers love from their linemen, and he was an excellent pass protector in college. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams allowed just one sack and eight pressures on 461 pass-block snaps in 2024, earning an elite 86.3 pass-blocking grade.
The door is wide open for Williams to show what he can do and clinch a spot on the 53-man roster.
Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Anthony Belton, Sean Rhyan, Darian Kinnard, and Jager Burton are likely the roster locks along the offensive line. That's seven. Beyond that, it's game on.
Travis Glover, Donovan Jennings, and Jacob Monk are among the leading contenders for the final spots, but none of them are close to roster locks. Glover had a nightmare performance in a 2024 playoff game and missed all of last season due to injury. Jennings has played six offensive snaps in two seasons. Monk struggled at guard in the preseason a year ago, showing he is likely a center only.
If Williams can offer versatility, his pathway to a roster spot will become a serious one.
Williams missed his entire rookie season, but now healthy, he has a fantastic opportunity ahead of him at training camp.
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