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Overlooked Packers storyline will ultimately decide their season

Green Bay Packers guard Aaron Banks
Green Bay Packers guard Aaron Banks | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

All eyes will be on wide receiver Matthew Golden as he prepares for his second NFL season. It's no secret that the Green Bay Packers' first-rounder underwhelmed as a rookie, going for just 29 catches, 361 receiving yards, and no touchdowns in the regular season. The Green and Gold spotlight will shine his way during training camp.

For most Packers fans, however, whether Golden makes a sophomore leap isn't much of a question. And, in any case, what his stat line looks like at year's end will likely impact Green Bay's season far less than what remains the most glaring position group on the roster: the offensive line.

There are reasons to question the reliability or health of every cog on the wheel, even star right tackle Zach Tom, who is coming off knee surgery. How his line mates handle their new roles and/or positions in camp will provide a more substantial prognostication for the Packers' season.

Packers fans could learn a lot about the offensive line this summer

To recap, because there are so many moving parts to keep track of: Sean Rhyan, primarily a guard thus far in his career, will take over full-time at center. Jordan Morgan, who has also played mostly guard last year, replaces Rasheed Walker at left tackle.

And then there's Anthony Belton, penciled in as the starting right guard after a difficult rookie season, grading out near the very bottom at the position, per Pro Football Focus. Left guard Aaron Banks will look to bounce back after a disappointing, injury-hindered campaign in Year 1 of his lucrative Packers contract.

Golden has already stolen the show in OTAs, unsurprisingly. He should be perfectly capable as a No. 3 receiver in 2026, if not a WR-2B alongside Jayden Reed as the No. 2A option.

Meanwhile, the play of the offensive line is a story still clouded by uncertainty, and that's where Packers fans should look to find out what this offense will be made of. The questions are many, sparing no one.

How comfortable will Rhyan look at center, where he graded out poorly last season but improved with experience? That $33 million contract he signed in free agency does nothing to ease the pressure. Morgan may or may not re-transition to tackle, his position in college, as smoothly as Green Bay anticipates.

Can Belton cast off his rookie shackles and emerge as a new, confident-looking guard? He has a lot of pressure on his shoulders after many accused the Packers of overdrafting him at No. 54 overall.

Does Banks look healthy? Is he moving well, and focused? No one doubts Tom's talent, but he will be the subject of similar questions as the roster's veterans become a more regular presence in training camp.

Fans will also want to see more of rookie Jager Burton, a fifth-round pick out of Kentucky. If his teammates falter and the line is reshuffled again, he could be thrown into the fire rather quickly.

With all that remains up in the air, how well the projected starters answer those questions in the coming months will reveal how far the offense can go this season.

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