Green Bay Packers: 2018 Ultimate Depth Chart 1.1

Offensive Tackles (7)

The Packers have an elite left tackle and one of the best right tackles in the NFL when healthy. However, said right tackle is coming off a serious injury. Luckily, the team has built up some quality depth in a couple of third-year players and just signed one of the larger tackles the league has seen in a long time. The bookends of the offensive line appear to be in good hands in 2018.

It was another excellent season for David Bakhtiari in 2017 as he solidifids his role as one of the best blindside protectors in the NFL. Getting recognition from his peers, he was rated as the 91st best player in the NFL for 2018. A Second-Team AP All-Pro last year, he should be able to repeat that at a minimum in 2018.

Pros

• Elite footwork and technique as a pass protector
• Aggressive streak in the run game; finishes blocks
• Durable, has missed six games in five seasons.

Cons

• Missed four games last year with a hamstring injury in 2018.
• Stout, but not exceedingly strong at the point of attack.

Scale (If 1 is the player has absolutely no chance of making the final 53-man roster and 10 is the player is a surefire lock, where does this player rank?)-10

Bakhtiari is much of a lock for the team as Aaron Rodgers. A true franchise left tackle, the team can expect Bakhtiari to man the left side for the next decade yet.

It was a good 2017 for Bryan Bulaga until November when he tore his ACL for the second time in his career. He’s now trying to work his way back to the field in time for opening weekend but it won’t be easy

Pros

• Athletic, Intelligent player who consistently outsmarts his defensive opponents.
• Ideal size and length for a right tackle.
• Footwork is exceptional in pass protection, is rarely beaten cleanly.

Cons

• Never gets through a season healthy, and it’s always lower body.
• Thrives on consistency. If he gets beat once, it is more likely to happen again soon after.
• Final year of his contract. Might be final season in Green Bay.

Scale-8

As long as he’s healthy, Bulaga isn’t going anywhere. James Campen won’t want to have to replace his entire right side of the line. However, he might start the season on PUP.

After a rough rookie season, and an up-and-down 2017 filled with injuries, Spriggs needs to prove that he was worth the second round pick Ted Thompson used on him in 2016

Pros

• Elite athleticism and length.
• Noticeably bulkier in lower body so far in OTAs
• Was improving at the end of 2017 as he got more confidence.

Cons

• Footwork can be hit or miss.
• Confidence can be easily shaken.
• Missed large portion of 2017 with two separate injuries

Scale-10

Spriggs isn’t going anywhere this year. He’s come into OTAs with more bulk and is surprisingly healthy. He will get the first crack at the starting RT job if Bulaga isn’t ready to go.

The Packers had looked at Bell as a free agent last year before ultimately signing with Dallas. He started a couple games and eventually has found his way to Green Bay.

Pros

• Versatile. Has started at both tackle spots with some time at guard.
• Massive player (6’5″, 320 lbs) who was one of the better run blockers in the league early in his career.
• Experience blocking for mobile quarterbacks

Cons

• Missed entire 2016 season with ankle injury, which has sapped his athleticism.
• Struggles in pass protection against speed.
• Fourth team in last five years

Scale-6

Bell is a valuable backup at both right tackle and guard with the potential to start at guard. But he could just as easily be cut if Spriggs and Murphy make third year jumps.

The opening day starter last year at right tackle, Murphy consistently improved as the year went on before a foot injury ended his season. He is firmly in the mix for the starting right tackle and right guard jobs in Camp.

Pros

• Intelligent player who understands every technique as a tackle.
• Big, strong blocker who can physically hang with anyone.
• Despite his height, he is an exceptional run blocker.

Cons

• Feet can be bogged down if he doesn’t get a decent first step.
• Let’s pass rusher get their hands inside too often.
• Missed large portion of 2017 with foot injury.

Scale-7

Murphy is pretty safe as a rotational lineman if he’s healthy. The fact that he can play either side of the line at both tackle and guard help.

Undrafted rookie who protected Patriots rookie Kyle Lauletta at Richmond. Light hopes to make the team as a rotational tackle.

Pros

• Experienced, started 38 games at Richmond.
• Good size and mobility, moves naturally in pass protection.
• Versatile, can play left or right side.

Cons

• Didn’t test well during Pro Day.
• Small school pedigree, not a ton of tape against top competition.
• Looks natural but at times looks like he’s moving at 3/4 speed.

Scale -2

Light has his work cut out for him to have a chance to make the team, especially with the signing of Bell. With five guys guaranteed to be ahead of him, he has Practice Squad written all over.

The SEC-product was a dependable starter for the Wildcats but has a lot of work to do to make the Packers.

Pros

• Constant for Kentucky, starting final 35 games.
• Played both sides of the offensive line in his career in the SEC, facing top flight competition.
• Assignment-sure and won’t outsmart himself.

Cons

• Started for three years but never jumped off the tape.
• Poor testing during Kentucky Pro Day
• Gets grabby in pass protection.

Scale -1

Meadows is likely nothing more than a camp body who will provide some decent reps in the second half of the preseason games.

*Written by Mike Wendlandt.