Green Bay Packers guard Zach Tom. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Packers star makes bold declaration ahead of 2025 season

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:37 PM ET

Looking back on it, the end of the 2021 NFL season really was the end of an era for the Green Bay Packers. Davante Adams left via trade to the Las Vegas Raiders and the organization started to restock their roster with future starters via the NFL Draft.

One of the picks they made in 2022 with offensive tackle Zach Tom, who many believed was one of the steals of the draft, and that has certainly turned out to be the case.

Tom played in only nine games (five starts) as a rookie due to David Bakhtiari and Yosh Nijman locking down the starter spots at tackle. But by the next season, Tom had locked down the starting right tackle job.

He has held it ever since.

Tom believes he is the best in the NFL

Tom was not a Pro Bowl selection last season, but there are many who feel that he should have been.

In fact, Houston Texans Pro Bowler and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson, when asked who is the toughest offensive lineman he has faced in the NFL, said, “Probably, what’s the dude No. 50 Tom from Green Bay. Zach Tom, he’s legit. … He’s like a quick setter, he punches really quick.

“He has a really good step off the ball, a kick off the ball. He’s good. More on the leaner side. Quick feet. Explosive hands. He can get back really well. I would say he is up there. Besides LT [Laremy Tunsil], going up against LT every day [in practice], he’s one of the guys.”

And according to the Green Bay star himself, Anderson’s assessment is correct.

After practice on Tuesday, Tom told reporters, “I think when I’m at my best, I’m the best in the league.”

Entering a contract year, Tom is eligible for a contract extension, and based on his play, he should be getting a hefty payday from the Packers. And while he could choose to hold out of team activities, especially these voluntary ones, he is present and participating.

"I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team. And being here with the guys, I think that’s worth a lot more,” Tom said (via The Athletic).

If there was any doubt that the Packers would do anything to keep their stud right tackle, that should be removed with these comments. That kind of team-first mentality is exactly what Green Bay is looking for from its leaders.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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