Packers offensive line depth chart after first week of free agency is concerning
Safety was the Green Bay Packers' top offseason need before free agency, but things have changed over the past week.
While the Packers should continue to add talent to the secondary, including safety, signing Xavier McKinney makes it a far less significant need. It's a different story along the offensive line.
Green Bay's starting five is in good shape: Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, and Zach Tom will almost certainly start in 2024. Josh Myers likely will, too, although the Packers could add competition for the starting center job, especially with Myers entering a contract year. The only significant question in the starting positions is right guard after Jon Runyan's departure.
However, beyond the starting five, the Packers' lack of depth is a real concern and something they must prioritize in the draft.
Packers updated offensive line depth chart highlights lack of depth
Green Bay has lost David Bakhtiari, Runyan, and Yosh Nijman this offseason. The Packers desperately need more depth at all five positions. Of their three top backups, only Royce Newman has played an NFL snap, and there's a good chance he won't even make the Packers' 53-man roster.
Here is the updated depth chart following the latest free agency moves:
Postion | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
LT | Rasheed Walker | Caleb Jones |
LG | Elgton Jenkins | |
C | Josh Myers | |
RG | Sean Rhyan | Royce Newman |
RT | Zach Tom | Luke Tenuta |
Again, the starting five is in good shape. The Packers need to add competition for Sean Rhyan at right guard, and center is another area they could upgrade. But entering Week 1 with this starting lineup would be fine. Not perfect, but fine.
However, the lack of depth highlights the need to prioritize the offensive line throughout the draft.
Green Bay could target players with the versatility to play multiple positions. Duke's Graham Barton and Washington's Troy Fautanu played left tackle in college but could move inside at the NFL level. Being able to play across the line is a huge bonus, and the Packers prioritize versatility. Other tackles who could play guard include Arizona's Jordan Morgan and Utah's Sataoa Laumea.
Realistic first-round options include Barton, Fautanu, and Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson—all three could start from Day 1. Barton and Powers-Johnson would line up at center or right guard, but Fautanu could play almost anywhere along the line.
With 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, expect the Packers to add multiple offensive linemen.
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