Packers’ offensive line has great chance to set Jordan Love up for success
Jordan Love will need all the help he can get in his first season as the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. That success will start up front with the offensive line.
Green Bay has invested heavily in their offensive line in recent years. With the 2023 NFL Draft being the exception, they typically spend multiple draft picks on versatile linemen who can play numerous spots. General manager Brian Gutekunst has had tremendous success with those selections, drafting players who have made an impact in the short and long term.
The offensive line will be more critical than ever in 2023. It’s imperative they provide excellent blocking in the passing and running games so the rest of the game is easier for Love and his young skill players.
The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line has a great opportunity to take a leadership role and set Jordan Love up for success.
It’s not that Love isn’t talented; it’s that it’s challenging to succeed in the NFL, especially as a first-year starter. He’s shown flashes of arm talent and mobility that point to his success as the signal-caller.
His offensive weapons are as unproven as he is, creating another question mark on the Packers’ offense. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are the unquestioned starters, yet they are each heading into their second years. Aside from running back Aaron Jones, there is no proven playmaker on that side of the ball who has established himself throughout his career.
That brings us back to the offensive line.
Green Bay has the chance to showcase the best left side in football. David Bakhtiari is another year removed from his ACL surgery and things are looking up for him. He participated in some team activities in OTAs and hopes to return to his dominant self. At his peak pre-injury, he was one of the best left tackles in football.
His partner on the left side, guard Elgton Jenkins, also has the potential to turn into one of the top guards. He has bounced around the line throughout his career, demonstrating elite versatility. However, he hopes to stabilize at left guard and take off at the position.
There appears to be an open competition at center this offseason, the weakest link on the line. Josh Myers has held the starting gig for the last two years, but the Packers are also trying second-year player Zach Tom at the position.
Moving over to right guard, Jon Runyan is a solid, if unspectacular player. He will look to take the next step as a fourth-year veteran and playing in the last year of his rookie contract.
Tom will have a chance to earn a starting spot at right tackle, but Yosh Nijman projects to be a strong contender. Nijman struggled to end last season and hopes to showcase some of the potential he’s shown throughout the year.
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This group will be asked to set the tone at the line of scrimmage and make the game easier for Love and the offense. How they fare will go a long way in determining how we view the Packers’ season.