11 Big Things to Watch for on Offense During Packers Training Camp

What will the starting OL combinations look like for the Green Bay Packers?

We know that the Packers will be without Elgton Jenkins for the time being as he is on the PUP list, and we hopefully see David Bakhtari, but that still isn’t guaranteed either. Then you add in the versatility that this group possesses, and we could see a number of different offensive line configurations as Matt LaFleur searches for his best five.

What we know from offseason programs is that without Bakhtiari and Jenkins, Yosh Nijman started at left tackle and Cole Van Lanen at right tackle. If Bakhtiari is back, then Nijman likely moves to right tackle, but the Packers could also give rookie Sean Rhyan some reps there as well.

Jon Runyan at left guard and Josh Myers at center are likely the favorites for each of those starting roles, but many draft analysts believe Rhyan is best suited as a guard in the NFL while Zach Tom can play both guard and center positions–so each of the rookies could see opportunities there as well as at right guard, where Royce Newman started most of last season. Jake Hanson is another player who can play either center or right guard.

You get the idea–there are what seems like endless combinations for LaFleur and Adam Stenavich to experiment with this summer, and my guess is that we will see quite a few of them. So pay attention to who is where when the starting offense is on the field, as that may give us some insight into which players have the inside track to playing time.

Who emerges as RB3 for the Packers?

Kylin Hill is likely the front-runner for this role, but as he recovers from an ACL injury, we do not know for certain when he will be available and could very well miss the beginning of the season.

I would say next in line for the RB3 role is Patrick Taylor, who is entering his third season with a well-rounded skill-set that makes him a good fit for this offense. However, he is on the PUP list, and we do not know how long he will be out.

Then there are the undrafted rookies Tyler Goodson and BJ Baylor, who will now be seeing a lot more reps with Hill and Taylor sidelined for the time being.

Goodson was effective as both a ball carrier and pass catcher at Iowa and he has a similar athletic profile to that of Aaron Jones. Baylor, meanwhile, was primarily a ball carrier at Oregon State and will have to prove that he can affect the passing game as well.

I would still think that Hill and Taylor are the favorites for the RB3 and potential RB4 roles, but with both being out, that does add a new dynamic to the running back room–or at least until one of them returns.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the third running back take on a larger role this season with Jones and Dillon possibly taking on more responsibilities within the offense as a way to provide them with some rest when needed.