Packers have identified dream Jon Runyan Jr. replacement

The Green Bay Packers enjoyed an eventful start to free agency, headlined by the arrivals of Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney and the surprise release of Aaron Jones.

Quietly, starting right guard Jon Runyan Jr. signed a $30 million contract with the New York Giants, increasing the urgency for the Packers to improve their interior offensive line this offseason. Sean Rhyan is the only realistic option currently on the roster to step in for Runyan in the starting lineup.

The Packers will likely add multiple offensive linemen in the draft. Not only does Green Bay need competition at right guard, but there is a concerning lack of depth across the line.

While they won't necessarily add a lineman in the first round—Brian Gutekunst has found success on Day 3—rebuilding the depth is a priority.

And Gutekunst may have already found a replacement for Runyan.

Packers schedule visit with Michigan guard Zak Zinter

A name to watch is Michigan right guard Zak Zinter. According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Packers have scheduled one of their top 30 visits with Zinter.

Had it not been for a significant leg injury he suffered last season, Zinter may have been an early Day 2 target for the Packers. He could be available a little later in the draft.

"Zinter's draft stock might be hindered by the recovery from his injury, but the tape suggests he's a starter on the next level," writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

Zinter is expected to be ready to go at the start of the season, and he would instantly compete for the starting job at right guard. According to Pro Football Focus, Zinter allowed only three sacks over the past three seasons at Michigan, including none in 2023. He is also an excellent run blocker, an area the Packers need to improve, especially after signing Josh Jacobs.

If Zinter gets back to 100 percent from injury, he could be one of the bargains of the draft on Day 3. It's no surprise the Packers have interest.

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