The Green Bay Packers will have no shortage of talent to compete in the NFC North next season. On the other hand, they also have a handful of roster concerns that could hold them back next season. The offensive line, in particular, underwent several changes in the offseason, but that's not necessarily a good thing.
Sure, Jordan Morgan appears to have settled at left tackle, and Zach Bako-Bewele should bring stability at right tackle once he's back in the lineup. That said, the interior offensive line is a work in progress.
Although the team's brass tried different combinations in the preseason, both guard spots remain a question mark heading into the season opener against the rival Chicago Bears.
The Packers are counting on Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk to step up
The Packers gave Aaron Banks a massive contract to start at left guard in 2025, but they've yet to see a return on their investment because the veteran hog molly has dealt with injuries.
Although Banks appears to be healthier, he's yet to return to the level he reached during his four-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers. If Banks fails to come through, Green Bay could plug in Jager Burton at left guard.
Burton flashed in the offseason program but showed in the preseason that he has his work cut out for him before he gets a chance to start. And that's just at left guard. The right guard spot is also surrounded with uncertainty.
Anthony Belton, a second-round selection in 2025, had a prime opportunity to win the starting job at right guard but was unable to seize it. That left Green Bay with no choice but to turn to Jacob Monk. He'll be the Week 1 starter, but that's pretty much because the Packers have nobody else.
Of course, there's a chance someone will step up. Perhaps Banks can finally stay healthy, and maybe Monk can keep the starting job at right guard long-term. But if either one fails to come through, the offense as a whole could be in trouble. After all, the depth behind them leaves much to be desired.
As noted before, Burton may need a bit more time to be ready, and Donovan Jennings may be their only other option, but he's not much more than a depth piece at this point of his NFL career.
Both offensive guard spots remain a question mark for the Packers
It's not time to push the panic button, but the offensive line could hinder the Packers if they don't find a clear-cut answer at both guard spots. Jordan Love didn't always have great protection last year, and keeping him upright could be an issue this season.
On the other hand, the running game will need as much help as it can get from the offensive line. After all, Josh Jacobs is on the Commissioner's Exempt List due to off-field issues for an indefinite time. Without their top backfield option, the Packers will lean on MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson. Their job will be substantially easier if they have clean space to run up front.
At this point, it's hard to see the Packers take a big swing to address either guard spot, so they'd better hope someone's step up. Otherwise, their hopes of seizing the NFC North will go up in smoke.
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