While training camp and the preseason provided a sneak peak, the Green Bay Packers’ most recent unofficial depth chart showed what is expected to be the starting offensive line come Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears.
The depth chart, which was updated for Sept. 5, shows David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan Jr. and Zach Tom as the five starters from left to right along the offensive line, with Yosh Nijman and Rasheed Walker as the top backups at offensive tackle. Runyan is listed as the backup center.
Buy Packers TicketsAlthough Bakhtiari didn’t play during the preseason, the other four starters — Jenkins, Myers, Runyan and Tom — were on the field with the first-team offense for all three preseason games.
Matt LaFleur’s often emphasizes finding the “best five” starters. The Packers have both Jenkins and Tom, two of the most versatile offensive linemen in football, giving LaFleur, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and offensive line coach Luke Butkus ample options for constructing the starting five.
But the top five players along the offensive line solidified early in training camp and never really wavered.
Tom got snaps at center but was the team’s preferred option at right tackle from the start to finish during training camp. With the five starters in place, the more interesting discussion along the offensive line revolves around the team’s plan if an injury takes place. It’s possible Tom, who can play all five positions, is the Packers’ top backup at a number of positions, including center and both guard spots. Walker emerged as the team’s preferred swing tackle option and would likely start if anything happens to Bakhtiari, while Nijman and backup guard Royce Newman each started multiple games for the Packers in both 2021 and 2022 and could be starters in a pinch.
The five expected starters in front of Jordan Love could be among the NFL’s best in 2023. Bakhtiari looked like an All-Pro again when on the field in 2022, Jenkins played at a Pro Bowl level when he moved back to left guard, Runyan is solid (especially as a pass-blocker) at right guard and Tom, who was excellent as a pass-blocker over several positions as a rookie, is one of the team’s best breakout candidates entering 2023. Better yet, an injury doesn’t have to be a derailing factor for the Packers. Tom could be a solid starter at center or guard and the Packers have confidence in both Walker and Nijman at either tackle spot.
