3 significant questions facing Packers offensive line in 2023

2. Right Guard

Tom’s name will also be involved when the Packers decide who to roll out at right guard. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich noted that the right side of the offensive line is up for grabs.

"We've got a lot of competition on the right side. Right guard, right tackle, or even center," said Stenavich. "Zach is going to compete a lot at right guard and right tackle and possibly some at center, see how that goes."

For now, Jon Runyan Jr. is the assumed starter at right guard, but Stenavich remains committed to moving players around and finding the best starting five linemen.

A sixth-round draft pick in 2020, Runyan played over 96% of the snaps at right guard last year. He allowed three sacks and more impressively, had just one penalty — the only one of his entire career. He’s played well above his draft position and won’t have a high price tag if the Packers choose to re-sign him.

Third-year pro Royce Newman’s name is also in the hat as he’s also logging first-team reps in camp. He started 16 games at right guard in 2021 and led Green Bay’s offensive linemen with 1,084 snaps. However, he allowed 25 pressures and was benched in the playoffs. He will have an opportunity to compete to start again, but at this point is looking like a quality depth piece.

Sean Rhyan, a third-round pick in 2022, appeared in only one game, a special teams snap, due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. This comes despite the fact he was healthy all season even when not suspended. 

So far in training camp, Ryhan has looked excellent in 1v1 drills and is proving his worth on this roster as he tries to avoid the tag as another flopped third-round pick for Green Bay. He’s part of the conversation at two positions and will likely have chances throughout the season to redeem himself.

"It's a competition everywhere," said offensive line coach Luke Butkus. "We've got a lot of experience in the room right now, and that's a good thing. Guys pushing to get better, that's how you get better, right? Good vs. good. Those guys are pushing themselves. Before Game 1, we'll figure it out."

Regardless of who is the week one starter at right guard, the Packers will have two or three options to rotate in.