3 biggest battles heading into Packers 2023 training camp
By Joe Tuman
When Green Bay Packers training camp begins on July 26, fans' eyes will naturally be drawn to the biggest names on the team.
But while players like Jordan Love, Aaron Jones or Jaire Alexander certainly jump off the page, the summer months truthfully aren't pivotal for them. Their starting positions are firmly secured heading into the fall.
However, not everyone can say the same. As summer practices take center stage, there are several players who are still fighting to rise to the top of their position groups and earn a starting spot.
As Green Bay looks to determine its best lineup for Week 1, here are three training camp competitions Matt LaFleur's coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks.
Yosh Nijman vs. Zach Tom
Placing his recent string of injuries aside, David Bakhtiari is unquestionably Green Bay's answer at left tackle. Who his counterpart will be on the other end remains to be seen.
Both Yosh Nijman and Zach Tom have a shot, with Nijman's experience possibly giving him the upper hand.
The imposing 6-7 lineman has established staying power in the NFL after going undrafted in 2019. He appeared in all 17 games each of the past two years, starting eight contests in 2021 and 13 more last season.
Despite this, Green Bay has yet to fully commit to the 27-year-old as a long-term solution on the right side.
Brian Gutekunst placed a second-round tender on Nijman in March, showing the team valued him but was also content losing him if the price was too steep.
Additionally, Nijman also began getting phased out of the lineup late in 2022.
Following a minor shoulder injury suffered on Christmas against the Dolphins, Nijman saw Tom out-snap him during the Packers' final three outings.
Selected in the fourth round out of Wake Forest a year ago, Tom isn't quite as towering as his teammate. Regardless, he is extremely versatile, which grants Green Bay flexibility when placing him in the trenches.
It's possible Tom remains a situational player, though his draft status and strong finish last season suggests he could be in store for an enhanced role.
Tom's ability to move around the line could also put other players' starting spots in jeopardy, with center Josh Myers particularly entering a prove-it year of his own.
Nonetheless, this competition should ultimately boil down to the two tackles. LaFleur and his staff must decide if they feel Nijman has earned their trust, or if Tom has instead proved ready to step up.