Packers Deep Dive - Third Round Draft Pick Sean Rhyan

TJ Lang's size. Josh Sitton's hair. Packers 3rd round pick Sean Rhyan looks like someone who can make an immediate impact on the offensive line.

Sean Rhyan took a unique path to the NFL.

Growing up in California, he never showed much interest in football. He was a surfer and a basketball player. He was an excellent rugby player, too, earning a spot on the high school feeder program for the US Olympic team.

He started playing football his freshman year of high school, then sat out his sophomore year after switching schools. In the following two years, he excelled as a left tackle, graduating as the #1 ranked offensive lineman in the state of California by ESPN.com and made the US Army All American team.

With numerous scholarship offers, Rhyan stayed close to home and attended UCLA, where he started at left tackle for years, making the All PAC 12 last season.

In college, he was known for being tough (he never missed a snap due to injury) and consistent (he only allowed one sack all of last season and PFF gave him the 17th highest run blocking grade in the country among tackles).

Built like a bulldog, the 6'4, 320 Rhyan is also an explosive athlete - his 33.5" vertical jump was the highest among all offensive linemen at the Combine.

He moves well and did a lot of pulling and movement blocking in college. The lateral movement he shows is phenomenal for a player his size and everything he shows on tape makes him look like a natural fit for the Packers zone blocking offense.

He's not a finesse player by any means, though.

He fires low off the ball and drives defenders shoulders up, forklifting them backwards. When things get tough, he plays with tremendous leverage and a natural feel for holding his balance.

In pass sets, he shows a very strong hand punch, capable of standing up pass rushers. His real strength is in the run game, though, where he attacks blockers and seals off run lanes on the move. The Packers zone blocking scheme has added more power blocking elements over the last two seasons, and that plays right into Rhyan's style.

After playing left tackle at UCLA, Rhyan's relatively short arms and lack of height have caused a lot of people to project him as a guard in the pros. While that could happen, I wouldn't discount his experience and skills in the right tackle competition against Yosh Nijman and fellow rookies Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker (and maybe even Elgton Jenkins).

His position may not be decided until late in training camp, but Ramsen Golpashin, the Packers new offensive quality control coach, knows Rhyan well after serving as an assistant offensive line coach at UCLA, and undoubtedly made sure the Packers knew exactly what they were getting when they drafted him in the 3rd round.

The really amazing thing about Rhyan is how new he is to the game. He played three years in high school and three years in college - one of them cut short due to Covid. He is a highly-rated prospect and is still getting better.

Whether Rhyan takes Billy Turner's vacated seat at right tackle or pushes Royce Newman or Jon Runyan from one of the guard positions, odds are high that this ascending talent makes an immediate impact with the Packers.

 

 

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Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.

Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.

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4 points
 

Comments (38)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
MooPack's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:08 pm

Not the sexiest pick of the first two days, but I wouldn't bet against him being the first to crack the starting lineup. He just looks like a stud Guard. His is thick. Legs like tree trunks.

5 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 03, 2022 at 10:24 pm

LG or RG this year? Or maybe RT? He looks like he'll be tough to keep off the field anyway.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:41 pm

My RT, Tauscher II

3 points
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dblbogey's picture

May 03, 2022 at 11:34 pm

With a little Josh Sitton thrown in.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:42 pm

Order of Battle on the offensive line is LT, C, RT, LG, RG.

Assuming no injuries (haha), that would be Bakhtiari, then Myers, and Nijman at RT. Runyan did a real good job at LG last year and maybe would be considered for a move up in the order.

I would rather have Nijman just back up Bakhtiari, in practice and games, because LT is that important when you have a 39 year old QB. Keep Runyan at LG, and try Rhyan at RT. That still leaves Newman as a starter at RG and no real backup at any interior position.

I'm still at Defcon 4 with this group. IMO, we're thin, and we're too dependent on unproven players on the line.

0 points
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MooPack's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:42 pm

I think he would be a better guard than tackle, but most assuredly he will get a look at RT. I think RG first to compete with Newman. Runyan stays at LG until Jenkins comes back. OLine is going to be a group that will be interesting to follow this off-season. Not sure how it will play out, but this would be my first option when all are healthy.

Starters:
LT - Bakh
LG - Jenkins
C - Myers
RG - Rhyan
RT - Nijman

Backups:
LT - ?
LG - Runyan
C - Tom
RG - Newman
RT - Wallace

-1 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 03, 2022 at 06:04 pm

Jenkins would be back up left if healthy. After that they move Nijman. Then it’s a toss up from among back up guards at RT, or possibly Walker if he’s more like he was 2 years ago.

2 points
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MainePackFan's picture

May 03, 2022 at 07:37 pm

Hard to pull Runyan out of LG Moo. That dude is a pro's pro. We won't see Jenkins for awhile so the oline will become much clearer by the time he's ready.

3 points
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MooPack's picture

May 03, 2022 at 09:11 pm

I absolutely agree. I like Runyan very much. Best of the 3 drafted last year, so far. What the best OLine will look like when Jenkins comes back is anyone's guess. If all are healthy and based on known talent, Runyan would start at one of the Guards. Here comes the but, for me. I think Rhyan will grade out higher. Jenkins is pretty much guaranteed All-Pro play at LG. Myers should be settled at Center. A healthy Bakh is LT. That leaves RT. The Packers didn't draft a true RT other than Wallace, who I think will need a fair amount of time. So if Nijman can play RT at a high level, I go with him. Maybe he's purely a LT. If that is so, can Rhyan play RT or move Jenkins to RT? Then Runyan would fill a Guard spot. Lot's of possibilities. Either scenario should yield a pretty good OLine.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:34 pm

This mostly makes sense to me. I don’t count Jenkins because he won’t be available right away, but put Runyan as a starter at LG and we still only have eight. We’re allowed 9. We’re one injury away from having to count on a Day 3 rookie. Or two.

-1 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 03, 2022 at 11:54 pm

So, if DB is back at LT, and Meyers is playing C, we need to prioritize RT.

We have options at RT.

Runyan
Van Lanen
Walker
Rhyan
Tom
Niman
Newman

Niman would seem to be the logical choice until someone else shows out. It would be awesome if Walker, Rhyan, or Van Lanen could start at RT. Be even cooler if Caleb Jones were to be able to start at RT... Lol - He's a giant. 6' 9" 369LBS.

1 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 03, 2022 at 06:18 pm

"Not the sexiest pick of the first two days...."

He's sexy enough...! :D

3 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 03, 2022 at 06:15 pm

"Legs like tree trunks" - now, if he had a much, much older sister and her legs were like his. I would not mind one bit if she shaved her legs with a Jonsered chain saw. (me likey)

3 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

May 03, 2022 at 09:16 pm

He'll have to get past the Packers dreaded 3rd round curse first!

2 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 03, 2022 at 10:24 pm

He's not a TE though, so he has a chance. ; )

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

May 04, 2022 at 12:49 am

I wanted Jelani Woods to break the curse. It would be interesting to see where he was on their board.

0 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 04, 2022 at 06:51 am

That way, you can knock on WOOD? :)

0 points
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GoGbainGo's picture

May 04, 2022 at 02:29 am

Not the sexiest pick? Have you seen his mustache?
12 will have serious competition this year...

1 points
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canadapacker's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:17 pm

I am not going to put too much faith in these reports and these glowing recommendations. But if true it is exactly what we need. We have a big back - we need to be able to consistently push the pile on 3rd and 1 and not rely on AR throwing the ball. If you dont have bulldozers up from - even guys like Dillon will get stood up. You cannot let the other team push our Oline into the backfield on those plays and it was kind of nice to see Dillon push the pile into the endzone from the one and 2 yard lines last year -but it didnt happen enough. If there is one thing that Lafleur needs to fix it is short yardage and Red Zone efficiency - and running the ball into the end zone is one way - you need to get big yards on first and second down when in the Red zone as that leaves all options open> IMO

6 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:44 pm

Ergo, the Fullback needs to be added to the roster.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 03, 2022 at 05:55 pm

Daffney is essentially a fullback. He was in college.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 04, 2022 at 09:24 am

When will he be cut? Sp teams disaster ,to boot.

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

May 03, 2022 at 06:09 pm

Inside the 5 forget the finesse and the OL needs to be able to do their part without a fullback.

Lets get a couple of guys that can root 'em out, at least one on each side. If that is Jenkins on the left at G along with Bakh then maybe Rhyan is one for the right side.

IMO Wallace was a bit lazy in college - especially in his senior season, lets see what $$$ of the pro game can do to motivate the big guy. he has a chance to be a pretty decent RT if he gets his motivation right. There is always the chance that Newman was a bit miscast as a G last year and if given a chance at Tackle he might surprise and just win the job outright.

Tom looks like a pretty decent IOL prospect in the Patrick mold only a bit more athletic. Lets see if he can bring the nasty along with his versatility. He could back up all 5 positions!

All that said, I think it's gonna be difficult to keep Runyan off the field, it's gonna take a pretty good performance by someone to bump him back to the bench!

LH, I do not agree that this group is thin, everything I said along with Yosh and the few other kids looks pretty good to me. I get the "show me" attitude, I share it, but mine comes with a lot of confidence that I will be liking what I see in the run game and pass pro this year. I think it's gonna be a lot better than last year and it wasn't awful except in the playoff game!

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:21 pm

There’s always Caleb Jones. He’s in no way thin.

1 points
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dobber's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:22 pm

Raises the talent level and adds a physcial presence with some nasty. This line will need more nasty.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 03, 2022 at 05:54 pm

We likely don’t need him to start if all stay healthy, but if he forces his way in, that’s all good.

2 points
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GregC's picture

May 03, 2022 at 04:51 pm

Looks like a good fit. I'd love to see him win the starting RG job. Not sure how he is considered to be new to the game because he sat out his sophomore season in high school and came out of college a year early. Or maybe it's because he lacks middle school football experience?

2 points
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Grandfathered's picture

May 03, 2022 at 07:59 pm

Funny! He lacks Grade school and Mighty Mites experience! I did see someone say that Christian Watson has been playing football since age 4, as if it makes such a tremendous difference now.

0 points
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greengold's picture

May 03, 2022 at 05:00 pm

Rhyan is the perfect fit. So is Tom. Nijman will be back as a far more experienced, valuable swing, and hopefully Jenkins and Bak return to form in their former starting roles.

Gutekunst will never stop working this OL to be completely loaded from here on out. I firmly believe that. He knows he got caught with his pants down last year. He seems to learn his lessons well, once he’s had the schoolings. Kudos there. Thinking this true on BOTH LINES.

-1 points
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packer132's picture

May 03, 2022 at 05:35 pm

I disagree. Gute has drafted 3 offensive linemen 3 years in a row. He did not get caught with his pants down. How can you predict injuries? The team has had good backups but when you lose an all pro to an injury, the backup will not have the same quality of play. He did a good job of replacing Linsley with Myers, who also got injured. The line should be very good this season once Jenkins returns.

3 points
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canadapacker's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:28 pm

I agree - he never got caught with his pants down - he drafted and he had guys on the roster - Yosh came along as hoped - his size helped and he developed. Not sure about the starters in the playoff game - and one couldnt predict that Bak wouldnt be back - sometimes small things have big consequences but considering we lost a pro bowl Center - the Oline picked up up quite nicely

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

May 03, 2022 at 05:17 pm

Two words: training camp.

0 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 03, 2022 at 05:56 pm

Three words: please come quick.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

May 03, 2022 at 07:02 pm

Great pick. The ideas are endless.

2 points
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PhantomII's picture

May 03, 2022 at 09:08 pm

More Big OL and less TE's blocking instead of running routes. When we get to where we don't NEED TE's but we want to use them in the run game.........Then the run game will be fixed and be at it's best. GPG

0 points
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Lphill's picture

May 04, 2022 at 05:25 am

Ryhan in some profiles was listed as a late first rounder , although he started at left tackle he’s projected as a guard in the NFL .

-1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2022 at 10:11 am

I'm excited about Sean Rhyan as he is one of our best draft picks relative to true value in Gutey's draft. In fact all three OL were deemed good value in the following consensus board which I place a lot of value on. Sean was drafted at the #92nd spot but the all important consensus utilizing 82 different draft boards had him rated at #79 giving the Packers a plus 13.

For the full article go here as it is very good: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/05/01/how-did-packers-do-in-draft-...

Arif Hasan of The Athletic creates the go-to consensus board, which ranks the top 300 players in the draft class based on 82 different big boards from draft analysts. As Hasan says, “the consensus of these experts does a better predictive job than individual experts.”

"Here are the Packers’ picks in the 2022 draft, their consensus rank, their pick number and the difference between the two. This is how we’ll establish value. However, establishing true “value” is incredibly difficult. Thirty-two teams have thirty-two different draft boards, and there is no consensus big board for all teams. Teams scout differently and have different schemes, coaching staffs and needs".

Player Consensus rank Pick number Difference
Quay Walker 51 22 -29
Devonte Wyatt 27 28 +1
Christian Watson 49 34 -15
Sean Rhyan 79 92 +13
Romeo Doubs 139 132 -7
Zach Tom 126 140 +14
Kingsley Enagbare 75 179 +104
Tariq Carpenter N/A 228 -72
Jonathan Ford N/A 234 -66
Rasheed Walker 113 249 +136
Samori Toure 291 258 -33
Totals +46

-1 points
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DoubleJ's picture

May 05, 2022 at 09:44 am

I do not understand this obsession with arm length. Shean Rhyan's arms are 1/8" shorter than Joe Thomas'. I remember scouts knocking Joe Thomas for his short arms and saying he isn't as good of a prospect as D'Brickashaw Ferguson just because his arms weren't as long. We all know who ended up being the better player there.

0 points
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