Post-Draft Packers Position Analysis: Offensive Line

With the NFL Draft now complete, what is the state of the Green Bay Packers' offensive line heading into Training Camp? 

Now that the draft is over, here at Cheesehead TV we are taking a look ahead to the 2020 season as we go through the Green Bay Packers' roster, position by position. Up next is the offensive line.

It's a unit that oftentimes can be forgotten about but is crucial to the success of any NFL team. I mean, we don't really see bad offensive lines winning Super Bowls. When it comes to the Packers, they have consistently had one of the better starting five in the NFL for a number of seasons now, especially when it comes to pass-blocking. However, there have been some changes that have taken place this offseason and there are potentially more to come in 2021. 

But before we get to that point, let's take a look at each offensive lineman that will be donning the green and gold in this year's training camp. And there are quite a few to go through.

David Bakhtiari

The four-time All-Pro is about as steady as they come when discussing the left tackle position and he is the anchor of this Packers' offensive line. However, something to be mindful of is that this is the final year of Bakhtiari's deal and while typically the Green Bay Packers haven't handed out third contracts to offensive linemen, whether it be a contract extension or coming to an agreement before he hits free agency, bringing back Bakhtiari, along with Kenny Clark, should be at the top of their to-do list. 

Elgton Jenkins

Jenkins is coming off of a fantastic rookie season where he didn't allow a single sack and just one quarterback hit in 694 pass-blocking snaps according to Pro Football Focus. He should continue to develop and it looks like the Green Bay Packers have found their starting left guard for the next decade. 

Corey Linsley

Linsley has been very durable over his career, playing in 100 percent of the Packers' total offensive snaps in three of his six NFL seasons. Not to mention that he has a very good relationship with Aaron Rodgers and is excellent at getting the offensive line ready pre-snap. But like Bakhtiari, this is the final year of Linsley's deal, and although I would love for him to be back, I can't say with the same certainty that he will be. 

Billy Turner

Truthfully this is a make or break year for Turner in Green Bay. While he was an upgrade over Byron Bell at right guard, his play last season was still below average overall. Despite signing a four year - $28 million contract just last offseason, if needed, the Packers can get out of it in 2021. Hopefully, we instead see the Turner of 2018 this season. 

Rick Wagner

Wagner was signed this offseason to fill the role at right tackle now that Bryan Bulaga is out in Los Angeles. However, Matt LaFleur has recently said that Wagner will be competing for the starting job, so it isn't just going to be handed to him. Which I can understand why. Wagner is coming off a season where he appeared in only 12 games and when he was on the field he struggled. If Green Bay can get the Rick Wagner of year's past, they will be in good shape, but that remains to be seen. It's also worth pointing out that since entering the NFL in 2013, Wagner has played in all 16 games just one time. So the Packers better have a good backup plan. 

Lane Taylor

Many expected that Taylor would have been cut by now in order to save about $4 million in cap space, but it appears that the Packers are keeping him around - at least for the time being - as insurance. We've all seen Taylor have success at the guard position here in Green Bay, but he does have some experience at tackle as well. Albeit not a ton. In 2017 he spent two weeks at left tackle where he allowed just one sack and no quarterback hits. With the uncertainty around Wagner, Taylor could be that backup plan I just mentioned. 

Lucas Patrick

Towards the end of last season, the Green Bay Packers gave Lucas Patrick a contract extension that will keep him in Titletown for a few more seasons. Patrick has filled in admirably when needed and gives them added depth at both the guard and center positions. 

Yosh Nijman

Nijman has all the physical and athletic tools to be a starting tackle in this league, however, his game needs some refinement. While he may not be ready to take on meaningful snaps yet, hopefully in training camp and the preseason we see improvement and steps in the right direction. 

Cole Madison

Madison is another depth player who can give Green Bay snaps at center or guard, but with Patrick already filling that role along with the additions of Jon Runyan, Jake Hanson, and Simon Stepaniak, Madison will be fighting for a roster spot this summer. 

Alex Light

The few appearances that Light had to make at right tackle last season were not pretty, to say the least, and he is another fringe roster player. However, while there are quite a few offensive linemen on the roster at the moment, many of them are interior players or players without much NFL tackle experience. So if anything, Light's ability to play on the edge along with playing meaninful snaps in his career is something that is in his favor and could play a big factor in him sticking around. 

John Leglue

Leglue spent most of the 2019 season on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad before being signed by the Packers in late December. This summer he will be competing with Light, Nijman, and a few others at the backup tackle position. 

Jon Runyan Jr. 

In a draft that left quite a few fans scratching their heads, Runyan was a favorite pick of many. While he played tackle at Michigan he will likely kick inside to guard given his size and arm length. There his athleticism will shine through and make him a formidable pass-blocker and a good fit for Matt LaFleur's outside-zone running scheme. Although he may not be starting in 2020, Runyan certainly has the potential to be a starting guard for the Packers in the future. 

Jake Hanson

If anything, Hanson provides the Packers with an alternative at the center position after the 2020 season. From the 2017 to 2019 seasons at Oregon, Hanson would allow just two sacks and three quarterback hits during that span. And while initially it may seem like a stretch that he could be the starting center at some point, remember that Linsley was a fifth-round pick thrust into a starting role back in 2014. 

Simon Stepaniak

Stepaniak took 682 snaps at right guard last season for the Hoosiers and over the past two seasons, he has given up just three sacks and seven quarterback hits in over 1,000 pass-blocking attempts. Oh, and did I mention he is strong? Like really strong. At the combine, Stepaniak put up 37 reps on the bench press and it looked pretty effortless. 

Cody Conway

The Packers added Conway to the practice squad late last season and he is another name to add to the mix that will be competing for the backup tackle positions. 

Undrafted Rookies Fighting for Roster Spots

Zack Jonhson OG - NDSU

Travis Bruffy OT - Texas Tech

Summary

When it comes to the left side of the offensive line the Green Bay Packers are in really good shape. The combination of Linsley, Jenkins, and Bakhtiari is certainly a formidable one, but it is the right side where the question marks and concerns arise.

As I've pointed out, Turner was very up and down last season while we still don't know what we will get from Wagner. With that said, if those two can regain their form from past seasons, once again the Packers should have one of the better starting fives in the NFL from top to bottom. This is going to be crucial to their success in 2020 as they have a quarterback that turns 37 this season and an offense that wants to be more run-oriented moving forward.

In terms of depth, I think they have several solid options to call upon if needed. Not to mention that given the uncertainty surrounding this unit in 2020, with Bakhtiari and Linsley as free agents along with the ability to get out of Turner and Wagner's contracts, they've done a fine job of addressing the interior of the line in the draft. However, the future of the right tackle position still remains up in the air.  

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl. 
 

NFL Categories: 
8 points
 

Comments (50)

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

May 01, 2020 at 03:51 pm

Leglue seems to be more highly thought of than this suggests. He can play all positions on the line. I expect him to be at least in the mix as a back up and swing player.

2 points
5
3
Leatherhead's picture

May 01, 2020 at 05:26 pm

If we’re going to run more and pass less, maybe we don’t need to spend $15 million a year on a left tackle.

0 points
3
3
flackcatcher's picture

May 01, 2020 at 08:51 pm

Ha ha ha ha. YOU WISH..... :-)

0 points
0
0
Bure9620's picture

May 02, 2020 at 01:57 am

There is a real chance imo the Packers let Bahk walk after the season actually. 3rd contracts are rare anyway and Bahktiari was the best pass blocker in the league but maybe not last year and though he is a capable and good run blocker he is not an elite run blocker. With all the mouths to feed next off season he could playing elsewhere in '21.

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

May 01, 2020 at 01:20 pm

This was the best part of Guteys draft. All three picks were in OURLADS top 10 for the OL. Short arms?, Nasty Streaks?, No matter how you cut it. Changes are Coming to GB. Comp picks coming. Bet on it.

5 points
8
3
Packers2020's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:20 pm

I agree Stock.

I think these were depth picks this year and hoping they can put Patrick or Hanson at Center next year and maybe Runyan or one of the others at right guard next year as well. I think Linsley and Turner are gone due to having to pay Clark, Jones, and Bak.

5 points
6
1
Lphill's picture

May 01, 2020 at 03:43 pm

Runyan is Bahkteri’s replacement don’t think anything other.

-7 points
1
8
Handsback's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:01 pm

I could see Taylor being inserted into Turner's spot if there are continuous issues. I think NiJman and Conway could duke it out for swing tackle and/or Wagner's replacement. There appears to be a center in waiting now so the rest will be PS and back ups.

I want Cole Madison to be a starter, I want him to grab the RG position, but not sure how talented he is and healthy to be a regular starter. With the changes coming to the offense, the line will also have to change from pass blocking to something along the lines of line up and kick someone off the LOS. We know some can, but not all will. I like the depth and range of the players available.

1 points
2
1
Demon's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:47 pm

My concern with Madison would be, how mentally tough is he? How badly does he want to play in the NFL?

To walk away the way he did one has to wonder.

-2 points
1
3
Coldworld's picture

May 01, 2020 at 03:56 pm

Got to get back on the field first. Both he and Stepaniak (sp?) are coming off long term injuries. It is likely they would not be ready for camp if it goes ahead on schedule, and in the case of the latter, some scouts felt not until next off season.

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2020 at 09:28 am

Turner moves in space better than Taylor. His pass pro needs work.

0 points
0
0
ricky's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:05 pm

Unless the Packers are willing to pay Bakhtiari a lot of money to re-sign, they could very well lose him in FA. The reason behind that statement is the contract for Laremy Tunsil in Houston: three years, $66 million, $40 million guaranteed. Bakh's agent has to be looking at that and going, "Well, that's a good start..."

4 points
4
0
Minniman's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:45 pm

According to the player rating groups (Football outsiders etc) historically Bakh has graded as a way better pass protection lineman than a run protection lineman.

With the Packers bolstering their blocking TE stocks and openly stating that they are transiting to a run-heavy offense I wonder the following:

1) How does Bakh adjust to what will be a new run-heavy playbook? How will this affect his game and strengths?

2) If all these new TE's and RB's increase their contribution to blocking assignments, what impact would that have on the Packers FO perception of need for a high priced stud LT?

If "the Persian diversion" doesn't adapt and thrive, and these other positions provide the boost the team hope for, then maybe he doesn't have as much bargaining power as thought?

Just a thought anyway.

2 points
3.5
1.5
HankScorpio's picture

May 01, 2020 at 07:14 pm

Your numbered points are about Bahk's value to the Packers. Next year, his bargaining power will be about his value to all 32 teams, including ones that understand passing is far more important than running in pro football.

If they want a top-flight run blocker that is only so-so as a pass blocker protecting Rodgers and Love blindside, it will be a mistake. Sadly, I have no confidence this Packer regime will avoid mistakes, They are piling up at an alarming rate.

0 points
5
5
Minniman's picture

May 02, 2020 at 04:16 am

I totally agree with you Hank, and that was my point - that maybe another team will covet Bakh more than the Packers can afford. I too currently agree that it would be a mistake, but I’m keen to see how MLF changes things up for the o-line

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2020 at 09:30 am

Bhaktiari is a priority re-sign. Set up his extension this year.

1 points
1
0
ricky's picture

May 01, 2020 at 08:27 pm

"

-1 points
0
1
ricky's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:05 pm

Unless the Packers are willing to pay Bakhtiari a lot of money to re-sign, they could very well lose him in FA. The reason behind that statement is the contract for Laremy Tunsil in Houston: three years, $66 million, $40 million guaranteed. Bakh's agent has to be looking at that and going, "Well, that's a good start..."

0 points
1
1
fordguy's picture

May 01, 2020 at 03:08 pm

If you think the Packers are going to pay him over 22 mil. a year you're nuts.

2 points
3
1
Johnblood27's picture

May 02, 2020 at 05:16 am

Wow..

Wasnt that the gas mask pot smoking blockhead?

How soon some forget...

-1 points
0
1
13TimeChamps's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:35 pm

This why giving up this years 4th rounder really sucks. David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang.....all 4th rounders.
How many Pro Bowls between the 3 of them?

1 points
3
2
HankScorpio's picture

May 01, 2020 at 07:17 pm

3rd through 5th rounds should be making up the bulk of your team's depth. You can sacrifice one or two to move up for a guy. But when you make it a habit, it becomes a significant issue. Gute has given up 4 of them in 3 drafts.

2 points
3
1
jannes bjornson's picture

May 01, 2020 at 10:29 pm

2018 draft was brutal with the opportunity cost of the players he didn't pick. He looked like a greenhorn and whiffed on 2..3..4...that cannot happen. The free agency spree in 2019 provided his bandaid.

2 points
3
1
Mark King's picture

May 01, 2020 at 02:42 pm

Like your analysis. Have been concerned about the depth at tackle for sometime. When they did not resign Veldheer , I was surely hoping that they had "something up their sleeve" (like lane taylor, ninjman, or leglue). This situation has me a lot more concerned than the WR. Thank you for your website.

5 points
6
1
Lare's picture

May 01, 2020 at 03:01 pm

The Packers currently have nearly $40 in salary cap tied up in Bakhtiari, Linsley, Turner & Taylor. Any of them could find themselves elsewhere next season if some of the other young OL pan out.

7 points
8
1
Bure9620's picture

May 02, 2020 at 02:05 am

Tuner and Taylor are gone after the year they are cap sucks, and likely atleast one other between Bahk/Lindlsey. The O-line could look very different in the near future....

1 points
1
0
fish's picture

May 01, 2020 at 04:25 pm

I'd like to see Nijman get a good long look at right tackle. I watched him in particular last preseason (he didn't play much), and it looked like he was really good. I don't recall the level of competition however.

4 points
6
2
Bure9620's picture

May 02, 2020 at 02:03 am

Very athletic but VERY raw, like still working on kick slide......

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

May 01, 2020 at 05:56 pm

If the Packers let Bak and Linsley walk then we know for sure that Rodgers is done in Green Bay.

I see Bak moving on but the Packers trying to re-sign Linsley if they keep Rodgers for the 2021 season. Maybe Linsley gets a 2 year deal to maintain continuity at the Center position. Either way it will be a very different OL in 2 years. Jenkins is likely to be the only holdover.

As for 2020 the right side is a concern especially if we’re going to be run first. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
6
5
Coldworld's picture

May 01, 2020 at 04:58 pm

I think that they will want to resign Bakh, but the cost will preclude it. I don’t think Linsley will be back. I think that Jenkins might actually be the next C in line if one of the guards comes through.

3 points
4
1
Lphill's picture

May 01, 2020 at 05:22 pm

Rodgers should retire now just to stick it to the Packers then wait a year and pull a Gronk and go to a team that is looking to win .

-9 points
1
10
The_Justicar's picture

May 03, 2020 at 07:01 am

What a great idea! Rodgers will have to return a large portion of his signing bonus AND we get cap relief. You figured out the hidden formula! Oh, and after Rodgers unretires he gets to be free from his contract and can sign with anybody? Wow...another loophole you have uncovered! Brilliant!

(Please note heavy sarcasm)

0 points
0
0
Slim11's picture

May 05, 2020 at 07:38 am

I disagree.

I see them signing Bahktiari before Linsley. I expect that to be expensive.

Linsley will play out his contract and won't be re-signed in Green Bay because of Lucas Patrick. I saw him fill in for Linsley a couple of times over the past two seasons and the offense didn't skip a beat at all. I was pleasantly surprised.

On the right side, I'm not sold on Turner at RG. I don't want to see him moving to RT. I don't think that will be a good move. I wonder if concerns over Turner is the reason Lane Taylor remains on the roster.

0 points
0
0
Packers0808's picture

May 01, 2020 at 04:57 pm

I would bet my last dollar that Bak and Linsley will be back!

1 points
3
2
Since'61's picture

May 01, 2020 at 06:09 pm

That would be great, but realistically I doubt that the Packers will have the cap space to re-sign Bak, Linsley, Ken Clark and A. Jones. Even if they try they may get outbid by other teams. Maybe they franchise Jones or Clark but they will still pay a hefty sum to keep one of them even with the franchise tag.
The Packers will have some big decisions to make between now and the 2021 season. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
4
2
bsmoser's picture

May 02, 2020 at 10:17 am

That would be a "very good" thing, keeping yur OL solid is where it starts!!

1 points
1
0
MarkinMadison's picture

May 01, 2020 at 04:59 pm

Let's sort the drool from the real a bit. Stepaniak's bench was awesome, but what does he squat, and can he move? Some folks salivated over Yosh's name and measurables last year, which when it all came down to it he was exactly good enough to land himself on the practice squad. Remember the howls of, "they HAVE to put him on the 53, he'll NEVER make to the PS?" Yeah. He never got off the bench. He MAY be ready to steal the RT starting job this year. I don't know. Haven't seen him play since last August. And Stepaniak MAY be ready to battle for a roster spot this year, but we won't know for a while. And Runyan MAY be ready to knock Billy Turner out of his spot in 2021,but maybe we are all just reacting to the name.

One thing I do know: Elgton Jenkins, barring injury, is the only 2019 starter that I am 100% sure will be starting for the Packers in 2021. Things I'm pretty sure about: (1) Bakh's replacement is not currently on the roster, so either they give him another contract or they find someone else. (2) Linsley and Turner are o.k., but I think they both are overpaid. (3) I have no clue who is staring at RT this year. Wagner's contract is such that cutting him in August isn't even out of the question.

7 points
9
2
Coldworld's picture

May 01, 2020 at 11:39 pm

Nijman was a UDFA recognized as a physical specimen who was as raw as heck since he had been allowed to win largely by physical superior and with questions over his trainability. It is interesting that they felt the needed to bring him up to the roster is somewhat encouraging.

Stepaniak is likely destined for the pup along with Madison.

2 points
2
0
MarkinMadison's picture

May 02, 2020 at 07:16 pm

I don't disagree with you at all. What killed me was the folks on this site who were ready to anoint him last year when his technique was just plain awful in college. I'm VERY interested to see how he looks after a year of NFL coaching. He could be a real asset, but I honestly didn't see anything out of him last year that was above "o.k."

1 points
1
0
CoachDino's picture

May 01, 2020 at 05:24 pm

Good Stuff
I wonder what the plan is because RT is an Issue. Wagner battled injuries last year I should come back better than 2019. It was not long ago he was considered one of the better RT in the League.
The comment about Lane was interesting. I forgot he played some OT. Keeping him around makes more sense now. Basically they had one of the better OL last year and lost BB which will hurt. If they can find a Average replacement the line will remain a strength. We will see.
Also saw mention of Elkins taking reps at OT. They have a plan or one of those OG picks would of been an OT. Runyan played well at OT for Michigan but I have not seen one analysis putting him at OT. Maybe the Packers saw something.
Pay Bak for 3 more years and cut Turner, let Lindsy and Taylor walk after this season. Use that money to pay Bak.

2 points
4
2
wildbill's picture

May 01, 2020 at 06:07 pm

I seem to remember that the pundits said Bulaga’s arms were too short for tackle and he will have to move to guard when he gets to the NFL. Runyan played very well against Chase Young as a OT and personally I would give him every opportunity at our OT position.

5 points
5
0
murf7777's picture

May 01, 2020 at 08:18 pm

Look at turners dead money I don’t think it makes sense to cut him this year. That is the risk we took on all 4 FA contracts last year.

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

May 01, 2020 at 05:42 pm

Linsley did not fare well in too many running plays for the money he's being paid and might not be back. I think all this talk of being a power running team is a bad bet. If Dillon and our TEs progress in the pros, there will be a bit more running. Rogers is here for at least two years and Jones, Adams, Ervin will still provide a heavy dose of finesse. My hope is better balance and the key is an improvement on our poor 3rd down success rate which was 21 in the NFL.

5 points
5
0
Sol's picture

May 01, 2020 at 09:04 pm

I feel like there will be more third downs converted this year and time of possession will be our friend this year. We will definitely have options on the OL and just try to remember that our boss will leave no stone upturned trying to put forth the best possible team. Team building in the modern NFL doesn't begin and end with the draft.

4 points
4
0
Dragon5's picture

May 01, 2020 at 10:25 pm

Have stated before O-Line faces greatest positional challenge between now and end of 2021 season, with emphasis on GOATS Bahk, Linsley, Turner. Signing Bahk to an extension with his enemy year (OX) quickly approaching in February has high odds to be the worst GM mistake of 2020-21, especially with guaranteed money becoming so prevalent in contracts these days. Let Turner walk after 2020 and take 4.5m cap hit. Roster bonus already paid so Linsley goes after 2020 as well.

The bright side: The OX on our roster will have high odds to outperform expectations, for which all 3 OL rooks fall into that category. We may need them sooner than you think.
HANSEN, JAKE
ALEXANDER, JAIRE
GARY, RASHAN
STEPANIAK, SIMON
RUNYAN JR, JON
SAVAGE JR, DARNELL
DEGUARA, JOSIAH

-1 points
2
3
Tabin's picture

May 02, 2020 at 06:05 am

2020 OL. They 5 starters seem very predictable at this point Bakh, Jenkins, Linsley, Turner, Wagner. I think they will keep 10 guys Runyan, Patrick, Hanson and Taylor look like sure thing to me unless they trade Taylor or they need the cap space and cut him. The last spot should be a battle between Nijman, Leglue, Madison and Light, and I think in that order are the chances to make the 53. Stepaniak is goind directly to IR.
2021 OL. Assuming that Linsley and Taylor are let go, they cut Turner and they bring Bakhtiari back. The OL will look very different LT Bakh, RG Jenkins or Runyan, C Jenkins or Hanson, RG Runyan, Stepaniak or Patrick, RT is the more open position , Leglue or Nijman if they develop, Wagner could stay on the team, Runyan considering he played LT in college, a rookie if they don´t feel confident in any of the players mentioned. Teh only fix starters will be Bakh and Jenkins.

3 points
4
1
mnbadger's picture

May 02, 2020 at 07:00 am

I don't know what the cap hit would be, but please put Taylor in at RG and move in from Turner. That signing was a mistake.

4 points
4
0
Packman60's picture

May 02, 2020 at 09:35 am

Bak will be back, but Linsley will be leaving as a free agent next year as they'll need to resign Bak, Clark and Jones. Why draft a center in the 6th round with Patrick already extended, if you're not going to let Linsley walk. The hand writing is on the wall.

1 points
2
1
PDX_Packfan's picture

May 02, 2020 at 11:21 am

I'd like to see if Taylor has cut some weight over the offseason. If he can prove that he can move he should take over RG. Turner is overpaid yes, but you've got to consider we will have a starter down for multiple games he would fill in for.

I really like the Hanson pick. I think he takes over center and Bahk is extended. Things look good for the next few years other than RT. Maybe that will work fine no matter who is there with TE help.

1 points
1
0
The_Justicar's picture

May 03, 2020 at 07:09 am

The bozo of a coach/GM in Houston is gonna really hurt in signing Bahk. OBrien traded two first rounders for Tumsil. He had to resign him - had no choice so a slightly above average tackle got signed to a massive deal he didn’t deserve. And no way Bahks agent is gonna care about the how and the why of it. I think Bahk might actually get franchise tagged for one year which will keep him in GB and probably for cheaper than any contact at this point.

Linsley is gone based on $.

2 points
2
0