Packers: Josh Myers has been “Pretty Impressive” says Aaron Rodgers
By Paul Bretl
With Corey Linsley in Los Angeles, as the Green Bay Packers’ second-round pick, it was assumed by many that Josh Myers was going to be the team’s starting center. And while that was likely Green Bay’s plan, the rookie would still have to prove himself on the field first before being handed the starting job.
And so far, that hasn’t been an issue whatsoever.
A two-year starter at center for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Myers allowed six sacks and 26 pressures in over 700 pass-blocking reps during that span. Not to mention that 78 percent of his run-blocking snaps came as a zone blocker, according to PFF ($$), and as we all know, the Packers run a wide-zone blocking scheme under Matt LaFleur.
While some were left scratching their heads as to why the Green Bay Packers selected Myers over Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey, who was widely considered the best center in this year’s draft, as GM Brian Gutekunst told us after the draft, Myers “fit what we’re all about.”
Although mini-camp and OTAs should be taken with a grain of salt, Myers was already standing out during those practices. Larry McCarren of Packers.com would comment that the rookie both “looks and acts the part” of a starting NFL center.
"“Based on what we’ve seen so far, as in no pads, Josh Myers looks and acts the part of a starting center. If he can take the job and run with it long-term, it solidifies the entire offensive line.”"
With Aaron Rodgers not in attendance for OTA’s or mini-camp, these past few training camp practices were the first opportunities for Rodgers to work with his new center. Although the first snap of the first practice ended in a fumble, which Myers admitted was his fault, Rodgers had some pretty high praise for the rookie on Saturday.
When James Jones of the NFL Network asked the reigning MVP to name an under the radar player who could really help the team in 2021, Rodgers picked out Myers:
"“I gotta say the center, Josh Myers. For a guy to come in as a draft pick, as a rookie, and to be that comfortable, it’s pretty impressive.”"
By several metrics, this Green Bay Packers offensive line was the best in the NFL last season despite dealing with several injuries, and they’re in a position to be that good once again. This is an incredibly deep and versatile unit, allowing LaFleur to truly put his best five players on the field. If Myers can “take the job and run with it,” as McCarren put it, then there really are no weak parts in this starting five–and by all accounts so far, that is what’s transpiring.
As good as this overall offense was in 2020, finishing first in points per game and first by DVOA, they do not find that level of success without their excellent offensive line play.
For Myers, he still has a lot to prove, and he is going to continue working hard and being consistent every single day to earn the trust of his quarterback:
"“That trust is not something that is easily attained. But I think through consistency and just proving myself day in and day out, and that’s not just physically, that’s every bit as much on the mental aspect of the game too. But I think it’s just consistency day after day.”"