It's been some time since the Packers chose to start the largely unproven Allen Barbre at right tackle in the 2009 season opener, kick-starting an O-line shuffle that ultimately led to Aaron Rodgers being dropped 50 (!!!) times that season.
Thanks to superb mid-round drafting ever since, the Packers have been afforded strong continuity along the offensive line for over a decade.
But, even perennial pro bowlers like Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang and Bryan Bulaga endured learning curves before becoming productive starters. Bulaga lent time at guard as a rookie before progressing to tackle. Lang spent several seasons behind Daryn Colledge before finally cracking the starting lineup in 2011. Sitton was boxed out of a starting role until an injury to Jason Spitz opened the door during his second season in Green Bay.
In each case, the player went on to become a staple of the Packers' front five for many years.
The under-appreciated reality is that the Packers have been blessed with experience and depth on the O-line that has largely kept them from forcing a young lineman into action he wasn't ready for. More importantly, they've been able to insulate new members of the front five in between experienced veterans (recall when Lane Taylor was vaulted into the starting lineup in 2016).
This lineman "grooming cycle" has effectively balanced development with output in the past - but, the Packers' current health situation may force them to expedite that process in 2022.
A Sudden Gap in Experience
The Green Bay front office has continued to add promising, young talent to their OL pipeline through the draft. But, they almost certainly weren't planning on being without their top two veterans - David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins - to start the 2022 season. That leaves a collection of largely unproven youngsters to protect the reigning MVP for at least the start of the regular season.
Player | Games Started | Experience | Acquired |
Yosh Nijman (T) | 8 | 3 | 2020 FA |
Jon Runyan (G) | 16 | 2 | 2020 R6 |
Josh Myers (C) | 6 | 1 | 2021 R2 |
Royce Newman (G/T) | 16 | 1 | 2021 R4 |
Jake Hanson (G/C) | 0 | 2 | 2020 R6 |
Cole Van Lanen (G/T) | 0 | 1 | 2021 R6 |
Sean Rhyan (G/T) | 0 | 0 | 2022 R3 |
Zach Tom (OL) | 0 | 0 | 2022 R4 |
Michael Menet (C) | 0 | 1 | 2021 FA |
In the early days of training camp, it's been primarily Nijman, Newman and Tom rotating at the tackle positions, with Runyan, Hanson and Rhyan exclusively inside. In limited snaps - and in reps that should be taken with a grain of salt - the youth has drawn positive impressions from Packers media, able to instantly recognize stunts from defenders and largely adhering to blocking assignments.
Now begs the question of whether we can trust this very green crop of players to get the job done during what has become a moving time table for the returns of Bakhtiari and Jenkins.
The Packers more than got by with members of the current unit last season. However, the combination of Nijman and Runyan during several starts was buoyed by veterans Lucas Patrick and Billy Turner, both of which are with new teams in 2022. Subtract that experience and it could certainly be a different story.
The Path Forward
The current unit may lack experience, but there is certainly no shortage in premium talent - or versatility. Nijman went toe-to-toe with several elite pass rushers last season, including Nick Bosa and Von Miller. The Packers have growing confidence in Runyan as a short or long-term replacement for Jenkins at left guard. Tom, a fourth-round selection from this past draft, is capable of playing all five O-line positions.
But, the collectively-inexperienced unit will face several tough defensive front sevens to begin the regulars season, including Tampa Bay in Week 3 and a familiar face in Za'Darius Smith when the Packers open the season in Minnesota.
It's also worth mentioning that the Packers have a new offensive line coach this season, after prior coordinator Adam Stenavich was promoted to offensive coordinator during the offseason. Will the transition to Luke Butkus cause any hiccups in the development or gameday readiness of these linemen?
There is lots to learn about this young offensive line - and still plenty in flux between now and Week 1 of the regular season. That said, the Packers have time to add a veteran, the way they did with Dennis Kelly last July. One intriguing name to consider this year: none other than former Packer and current free agent, Bryan Bulaga.
One thing is clear, independent of the path the Packers take in August: their offensive line will look very different in September than it did 12 months prior. And, with that, plenty of risk to overall offensive production.
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