Recent History Says Packers Will Make Veteran Addition at OT

The Green Bay Packers roster may be at full capacity at the moment after the addition of tight end Sal Cannella; however, one move that has become an annual tradition for Brian Gutekunst that we haven’t yet seen is the signing of a veteran offensive tackle.

In 2019 we saw Green Bay bring in Jared Veldheer towards the end of the season. Then during 2020 free agency, the Packers would sign Rick Wagner, while last summer, they added Dennis Kelly.

None of these three were starters right away, but what they did provide was experienced depth at a key position, and each ended up playing an important role during their respective seasons.

Veldheer played 98 snaps between Week 17 and the Divisional Playoffs at right tackle and allowed no pressures during that span.

Wagner wasn’t the preferred starter right away but ended up playing 756 snaps during the 2020 season — most of which came at right tackle — including starting both playoff games. He allowed just three sacks and 19 pressures that year, according to PFF ($$).

Most recently was Dennis Kelly, who took over at right tackle for Billy Turner while he was absent and even got the start in the playoff game against San Francisco because of his regular season play. Although Kelly would struggle in that playoff game, prior to that, he allowed one sack and four pressures in five games.

As we look at the 2022 Packers, while there is always value in bolstering the offensive line depth, that seems particularly true for Green Bay with the unknowns surrounding Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari’s health. As of now, we can’t say with certainty when either will be available.

Other tackle options on the roster come with little experience. Yosh Nijman was on the field for 590 snaps last season and, for the most part, held up well, but he doesn’t have any right tackle experience in the NFL.

Rookies Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom both have tackle experience in college but both could be better suited for the interior at the NFL level. Meanwhile, having to rely on seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker comes with obvious risks, and Cole Van Lanen was a practice squad player as a rookie—although he has taken snaps at right tackle with the starters during offseason programs.

When looking at this unit as a whole, it’s easy to see the potential that this unit has this year if Bakhtiari and Jenkins are back healthy, Jon Runyan, Royce Newman, and Josh Myers take a step forward, along with the added competition from the rookies as well as having Nijman, Van Lanen and Jake Hanson.

On the flip side, for the reasons mentioned above, there are valid concerns around the offensive tackle position.

Given some of the question marks, my guess is that if the Packers do feel the need to add to the offensive tackle position, it won’t come until later on this summer or even into the regular season, once the coaching staff has the opportunity to see these players in action to better identify if there is a true need.

The play from the offensive line this year is going to be crucial to the overall success of the offense. While still effective in 2021, injuries up front did take their toll as the run game wasn’t as efficient, and play-action wasn’t as effective. Aaron Rodgers was also pressured more often, fewer downfield attempts were made, while tight ends had to play larger roles as blockers.

As we all wonder how this offense will function without Davante Adams, it all begins with the play of the offensive line. Offensive tackle is one of the most important positions in the game, so given that, along with the potential uncertainty, and Gutey’s history, a veteran addition at the position is always in play.