2. Jason Spriggs vs Byron Bell
The Packers traded up for Jason Spriggs in the second round of the draft in 2016. The former All-Big Ten player has yet to put it all together at the NFL level. This offseason, the Packers brought in Byron Bell to help push Spriggs to be better, while also providing greater depth to the offensive line. So far this preseason, Bell has significantly outplayed Spriggs. Some would even go so far as to say that he has made Spriggs expendable.
Spriggs was a left tackle in college, but Pro Bowler David Bakhtiari has that spot locked down. Despite ample opportunities, thanks to Bryan Bulaga’s and several others injuries, he hasn’t taken that next step. While it’s unlikely that he will get cut this offseason, his poor play only pushes him further down the depth chart. The Packers are hoping to avoid the injury bug this season, but their offensive line has not been the most sturdy in recent years.
Bell has been around the NFL longer than Spriggs, and that experience is paying off. It’s possible that Bell’s best position is at the guard spot. However, if necessary, the Packers may have to push him to the outside to backup Bulaga in case his repaired knee gives him trouble. Keeping Rodgers upright is arguably the team’s most important task. If they are unable to do that, their title hopes will shrink very quickly.