The Green Bay Packers offensive line is going through an overhaul of sorts. According to statmuse, last season the Packers offensive line gave up an average of 1.29 sacks per game which is pretty good. However, the pressure from the teams with a top-notch defensive front was quite noticeable. On top of that, Matt LaFleur is looking to improve the Packers run game.
You’re probably thinking that last season the Packers run game was great especially with Josh Jacobs – and that’s true. However, Jacobs covered up quite a bit. Josh Jacobs ranked 32nd in the NFL in yards per attempt before contact. Jacobs was getting contact after two yards on average per rush. This wasn’t good. In comparison, Saquon Barkley averaged 3.8 yards before contact per rush, nearly doubling Jacobs. I know I’m using the running backs to describe this, but obviously this isn’t a running back stat. It’s an offensive line stat.
If the Packers are looking to bolster their run game and continue to protect Jordan Love, then they need to figure out their offensive line.
Packers Starting Offensive Line
Last season, the Packers started (from left to right on the offensive line): Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Sean Rhyan, and Zach Tom. For Green Bay to improve, this lineup will need to look different. And it will as Josh Myers is now a New York Jet.
Myers was considered the weak link of the 2024 Packers o-line. He was ranked as the 46th best center out of 64 centers according to PFF. Just a quick reminder: there are only 32 starting centers in the NFL. Not good. He was particularly bad at run blocking. This is probably why Myers is no longer on the team.
With Josh Myers now gone, the Packers added further depth to the line and will likely have some shuffling take place. Let’s look at what the line could look like in 2025.
Packers Left Tackle Position
In 2024, the Packers had former seventh round pick Rasheed Walker start at left tackle and he was average to say the least. He wasn’t great, but he wasn’t bad either. PFF ranked him the 44th best tackle in football. This is out of both right and left tackles. He was above average in pass blocking but below average in run blocking. The Packers will definitely have a competition at the left tackle position.
Who will compete against Walker? The Packers 2024 first round pick Jordan Morgan, of course! Last season, before he was injured, Morgan competed at tackle and guard but was mostly used at right guard in rotation with Sean Rhyan. I believe the Packers view him mostly as a tackle. Meaning, Walker and Morgan will compete for the starting role at left tackle. Competition is always a good thing.
Rookie Anthony Belton could also compete at left tackle. He played left tackle at NC State but with his size, I would expect him to be more at play at guard.
What About the Interior?
With Myers now gone, Green Bay sounds like they want to move Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center. Jenkins would be an immediate upgrade over Myers and Jenkins knows it. It sounds like he is looking for an adjustment to his contract because of the move. Jenkins continues to be one of the best pass protectors on the team and was decent in the run game.
Since Jenkins is moving to center, this leaves an opening at left guard. This is why the Packers spent so much money on free agent addition Aaron Banks. PFF had Banks at around average at pass blocking, but above average in run blocking. Banks is also a massive guy at 6’5″ and weighs in at 324lbs. Are you seeing the theme yet?
Because maybe you will when I tell you more about Anthony Belton.
At right guard, Sean Rhyan started for Green Bay. Rhyan wasn’t bad by any means. Similar to Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Rhyan wouldn’t be the the worst start at right guard. Matter of fact, he was decent at pass protection. But, the Packers will definitely have competition for him in training camp and that competition will come in the way of Anthony Belton.
Rookie Belton, who is 6’6″ and weighs 355lbs, would be a mauler at right guard. This is what I meant by “theme.” The Packers, who were notorious for being athletic at the offensive line are looking to get bigger. I can only assume they are wanting to do this because they want to be absolute behemoths in the running game, similar to the Eagles.
Predicting the Best Five
You might have noticed that I didn’t mention right tackle above. That’s because it is the only position where the starter from last season doesn’t have much to worry about in the way of losing or changing their position. That person is Zach Tom. According to PFF, Zach Tom was ranked at the 4th best offensive linemen in the NFL and excelled at both the passing game and the running game. I would expect him to receive an extension relatively soon.
Matt LaFleur is always talking about playing “the best five” at o-line. This is how I hope the starting five shakes out this year:
Packers Starting Five
LT: Jordan Morgan – If Morgan can beat out Walker, then the Packers must feel pretty good about his development, which can only mean good things going forward.
LG: Aaron Banks – This one won’t be much of surprise at all. Banks played well for the 49ers and with his contract he will have a starting spot. I believe he will be one of the best five regardless.
C: Elgton Jenkins – Jenkins could very easily be a pro-bowler at center. Hopefully Green Bay can figure out the contract issue so he doesn’t miss any time getting in rhythm with Jordan Love.
RG: Anthony Belton – If Belton can earn that starting right guard spot, can you imagine how big the interior of the offensive line will be? Oh boy! The interior will be absolutely huge!
RT: Zach Tom – I don’t have to say much here. Tom will continue to be lock down at the right tackle spot.
I believe that this is the best case scenario and would provide the Packers with depth. Sean Rhyan is capable of playing anywhere on the interior, and Rasheed Walker is probably at his best as a swing tackle anyway.
Do you see what I mean by “overhaul”? If my prediction comes true, four of the five spots will be played by different players in 2025.
Just gotta trust the process.
Go Pack Go!
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