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Green Bay Packers: 5 reasons they’ll surprise the NFL

By Brian Sampson

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after defeating the Chicago Bears 23-16 at Soldier Field on November 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after defeating the Chicago Bears 23-16 at Soldier Field on November 12, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 22: Jason Spriggs #78 and David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers take a knee during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 22: Jason Spriggs #78 and David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers take a knee during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

5. Solid offensive line

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Packers is that they lack a quality offensive line. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Although I’d be hesitant to categorize them as elite, they are certainly in the good and nearing great category.

The left side is as solid as can be with David Bakhtiari, arguably the leagues best left tackle, anchoring the unit. Bakhtiari is elite when it comes to both pass protection and run blocking. The Packers can literally throw him out on an island and go to work. Lane Taylor joins him at left guard and was solid if not unspectacular last season. Corey Linsley had a down season in 2017, but is strong as a bull and has all the abilities in the world to rebound.

The right side has many question marks. Last year’s starter at guard, Jahri Evans, remains unsigned. This should leave the door open for Justin McCray to earn a spot as a starter. He’ll have little competition from rookie Cole Madison.

Right tackle is a little bit more competitive. With Bryan Bulaga expected to miss the beginning of the season as he recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in December, there are a plethora of options Green Bay can go with. Jason Spriggs, Kyle Murphy and Byron Bell probably top the list. Each has their own flaws, but can be a quality player in the right situation.

Overall, this line will create enough time for Rodgers to get rid of the ball and enough running lanes for their running game to excel. They’ll be the anchor to the offense and allow this team to do many positive things on that side of the ball.

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