Packers: 4 Options for Starting Right Tackle in 2020
The Green Bay Packers have a number of options to replace Bryan Bulaga at their starting right tackle position next season.
The Green Bay Packers had one of their best offensive lines last season, as the group collectively protected Aaron Rodgers and opened holes in the running game. They’ll return four of the five starters this season, with the lone exception being Bryan Bulaga’s departure at right tackle.
The Packers may not have a player with the same talent as Bulaga, but they do have options to replace him. The competition will be wide open throughout all of training camp and the preseason. Let’s take a look at four players who will have the opportunity to compete for the starting right tackle job.
The Longshot: Yosh Nijman
An intimidating physical presence at 6-foot-7 and 314 pounds, Yosh Nijman spent last season on Green Bay’s practice squad before being brought up to the 53-man roster late in the year. It will take a surprise performance by Nijman to make a strong push for the starting job, but crazier things have happened. He’s been in the system for a year and could provide depth at the very least.
The Underdog: Alex Light
Alex Light was the primary backup at right tackle until Green Bay signed Jared Veldheer later in the season. After playing 26 offensive snaps in 2018, that number ballooned to 151 last season. This experience, although minimal, provides him a leg up on Nijman and could be extremely helpful for his development.
The Sleeper: Billy Turner
Before coming to Green Bay, Billy Turner spent time at tackle, providing him with valuable experience at the position. Turner is known for this versatility despite staying put at right guard for all of last season. However, he provides the Packers with an extra option and the main competition for Rick Wagner. It makes it even more enticing knowing Lane Taylor, a capable guard in his own right, could fill the hole at right guard if Turner slides over to the tackle position.
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The Favorite: Rick Wagner
Rick Wagner will count $4.8 million against the Packers’ cap this season and $6 million next year to supposedly be the starting right tackle. However, if he doesn’t prove capable of beating out the other guys on this list, that’s not a huge amount to pay him to be a primary backup. Wagner will be given every opportunity and then some to prove he’s worthy of a starting job. He must still prove it and outperform his peers to earn the gig.