3 Packers who could become surprise starters

The Green Bay Packers’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs) kick-off on Monday, May 22nd, and the squad is ready to jump into action. The public will get their first peak at the youth movement that has occurred.

There are promises to be several position battles over the summer and into training camp and preseason. Green Bay has moved on from solid starters and will seek new contributors.

That leaves the door open for some surprise contributors and select positions. Let’s look at three players who could earn starting positions in 2023.

The Green Bay Packers will have several position battles taking place this offseason, allowing these three players the chance to become surprise starters.

Zach Tom, Center

Tom finished the year as the starting right tackle, but he could move inside to right guard or center. The versatility in his game is a quality the coaching staff likes in their second-year pro.

Yosh Nijman is back and will challenge Tom at right tackle. Josh Myers was the weakest link of the offensive line, allowing the Packers to move Tom inside to beef up the middle of their group. There are plenty of possibilities, but keep your eye on center.

Samori Toure, Wide Receiver 3

There are six wide receivers on the Packers’ roster who were selected at a higher draft position than Samori Toure–Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Grant DuBose and Bo Melton. However, it might be Toure who earns the third starting wide receiver position.

Green Bay figures to play three wide in plenty of sets this season, making it a de-facto starting spot. Watson and Doubs will likely lock in the top two spots, making the third position up for grabs, with Toure and Reed being the most likely candidates. Toure flashed in his rookie year last season and has an advantage over the incoming rookie class. We’ll see if he can use that to his benefit and earn a starting spot.

Tyler Davis, Tight End

If you look at the depth chart right now, you would probably place Tyler Davis fourth behind rookies Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, and veteran Josiah Deguara. However, there’s a chance he could sneak up and earn a starting spot at the beginning of the season.

It sometimes takes tight ends a year or two to catch onto the offense, considering the complex requirements they have both as a blocker and a pass-catcher. That could slow down Kraft and Musgrave’s development and ability to make an immediate impact.

Deguara isn’t an inline tight end like Davis is. He’s better when used in the backfield, slot and spread across the formation. If Green Bay is looking for a more traditional inline tight end, Davis might be their guy to start the season.