As the Offensive Line Shifts
By GregMeinholz
In recent memory, the Packers have often had great offensive lines to protect their quarterbacks and pave the way for their running game. Many games are won and lost in the trenches. As we've seen with our division rivals and other teams in the NFL, it doesn't matter who you have at quarterback or who they have for weapons. If a quarterback can't stay upright, they can't get the ball to their weapons. An offensive line with holes won't hold up when it matters the most.
Though you could have a solid five offensive linemen, that might not be enough. What happens in the event one of those linemen goes down? The Packers figured that out quickly in their playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles this past year. They lost both left guard, Elgton Jenkins, and Center Josh Myers to injury in the game. At first, Elgton Jenkins was replaced by Travis Glover. Glover committed three penalties and was just not taking well to the assignment, so he was pulled in favor of Kadeem Telfort, who wasn't much of an upgrade. Glover then made his way back into the game when Josh Myers was injured and right guard Sean Rhyan had to move to Center. So, Glover replaced Jenkins, Telfort replaced Glover, Rhyan replaced Myers, and Glover replaced Rhyan. That's a brutal turn of events for an offensive line that had been doing well up to that point.
Unfortunately, the Packers' offensive line was already missing Andre Dillard due to concussion, and Jordan Morgan was on IR due to a recurring shoulder injury. So, they were pretty much down to their only solid five linemen without a decent replacement to pick up the slack against the eventual Super Bowl Champions.
You can never have enough good offensive linemen. The Packers started the season with at least seven linemen they felt comfortable putting on the field in any situation. Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom starting at Tackle, Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan starting at Guard, Josh Myers at Center, and then Andre Dillard as a swing tackle and Jordan Morgan as a versatile swing lineman, but mainly lining up at Guard. They had a solid group until injuries took their toll. That is why this offseason, they've already made sure to keep that line strong.
Solidifying the Protection
The departure of Center Josh Myers was the first domino to fall for the Packers' offensive line this offseason. It was surprising and unsurprising at the same time, given that Myers was a favorite in the locker room and the front office but had his struggles the past few seasons. Second-year Center/Guard Jacob Monk isn't thought of as ready yet to take over, so Josh Myers' replacement needs to be found. Andre Dillard is an unrestricted free agent as well, and while he still could be brought back, his future isn't currently known at this time. So, having two holes to fill that make up the reliable offensive line unit, the Packers have already gotten to work.
Yesterday, during the legal tampering period, it was announced that the Packers were bringing in Aaron Banks from the 49ers on a four-year deal. Banks has started 49 games at left guard and has appeared in 9 during his rookie season as a backup lineman. At 6'5" and 325 pounds, Banks is a dominating presence on the inside of the offensive line. He's anchored by raw power but is also very athletic for his size, which will pay off in the Packers' zone blocking scheme, allowing him to pull and get to defenders quickly. Banks also fits the Packers' mold for having a good locker room presence, as he was well-liked by his teammates in San Francisco.
The current idea being tossed around is that Banks will slide into the Left Guard position with the Packers, allowing Elgton Jenkins to shift to Center to replace Josh Myers. While this isn't confirmed, this would make a lot of sense in allowing the Packers to have their best five linemen on the field.
But where will this leave last year's first-round draft pick Jordan Morgan? Morgan was looking to be coming into his own before injury ended his season. I can't see the Packers making him just a swing lineman, considering that investment. Do they start him at right guard? If so, what happens to Sean Rhyan? Do they start him in his original college position at Left Tackle? Well then, what happens to Rasheed Walker?
Both Walker and Rhyan may be too valuable at this point to be swing linemen. With both linemen due for new contracts after next season, it will be interesting to see if the Packers decide to perhaps explore trading one of them to capitalize on their value instead of just losing them. They could pick up another swing lineman on a rookie contract on day two or early day three of the NFL draft.
Either way, the Packers' offensive line looks to be in a good place for 2025 after the signing of Aaron Banks and will likely be solidified even further in the draft.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz and Bluesky @gmeinholz.bsky.social for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (39)
Bitternotsour
March 11, 2025 at 09:55 am
Elgton Jenkins is thirty and expensive and has had some struggles with injuries, perhaps he is the expendable.
HarryHodag
March 11, 2025 at 09:58 am
Are you forgetting he's considered one of the best interior linemen in the NFL?
T7Steve
March 11, 2025 at 09:56 am
"Many games are won and lost in the trenches." Greg, what games have been won or lost somewhere else?
Leatherhead
March 11, 2025 at 11:34 am
Sometimes, you have a close game that's decided by a great play, or an official's call, or a Special Teams boner. You can win in the trenches but if you turn it over 4 or 5 times, then that's why you lost.
I prefer to stick with "nothing good happens on offense unless people get blocked". If you can't block the superduper plays you drew up and practiced ,they aren't going to work.
T7Steve
March 11, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Exactly. Of course, blocking helps on special teams too.
Ferrari-Driver
March 13, 2025 at 10:23 am
Hey Steve. I remember a playoff game against the Rams where the blame may be placed somewhere other than the trenches. I had the misfortune of spending the afternoon watching it.
Brett Favre had his most interceptions in a playoff game in the 2001 NFC divisional game versus the St. Louis Rams on January 20, 2002, with 6 interceptions.
KenEllis
March 11, 2025 at 09:57 am
"In recent memory, the Packers have often had great offensive lines to protect their quarterbacks and pave the way for their running game."
GREAT offensive lines?
Maybe very good, but great is what Philly had last offseason and the Packers have not had a line like that in a long, long time.
Sorry, GREAT offensive lines don't have middling/mediocre players like Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Billy Turner, Rasheed Walker, etc.
packanimal
March 11, 2025 at 02:02 pm
I agree. Here's a great O line, far from recent memory: Gregg, Skoronski, Kramer, Thurston, Ringo. That's a benchmark.
HarryHodag
March 11, 2025 at 09:57 am
Morgan has to earn his way to a position. So far that hasn't happened. Banks is a proven veteran.
You also have to look at the possibility that Zach Tom might not resign with the team when he hits free agency next year. Rasheed Walker also hits free agency next year. My thinking is the Packers don't think they can resign them both and Morgan will shift to starting tackle if one or both leave. I also think another guard/tackle will be picked up in the draft.
What the Banks move does is provide large humans in the interior line who can pass block and run block. This only makes Josh Jacobs and Jordan Love more effective.
Now if only they could find a large defensive tackle....
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2025 at 10:11 am
They let their large DT go
HarryHodag
March 11, 2025 at 05:32 pm
Is it possible the brain trust thought they could improve upon Slaton? Money is always a factor. He got overpaid by Cincy which makes me think Henderson is on his way out, hopefully to Green Bay.
LambeauPlain
March 11, 2025 at 10:05 am
Love wasn't sacked much last season. He WAS pressured significantly, especially from the IOL. Banks, Jenks, & Morgan (Rhyan will be the 6th man) should plug that problem.
And all three are big men who can move in the zone run game up to the second level.
This was a shrewd hire making the likely cost of re-signing Myers, the weakest link, too high...with two better centers on the roster in Jenks and Tom.
I expect Tom will stay at RT but believe he will get plenty of snaps at C in Camp. I also see him to be one of top signings during the offseason on a new deal...at T money regardless of what position he plays, which is all 5!
GregC
March 11, 2025 at 10:16 am
I don't see any reason to mess with Zach Tom at center, even in training camp. He is far more valuable at tackle. I expect Sean Rhyan to be the backup center, with Jacob Monk probably being option #3.
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2025 at 10:20 am
Amen
LambeauPlain
March 11, 2025 at 11:39 am
As stated, I don't see it happening unless the best 5 clearly is with him at C. If a push...he will continue to do his pushing and protecting at RT.
They did tinker with Tom at C last offseason. Likely they will again. We'll see.
Leatherhead
March 11, 2025 at 11:52 am
And now, we have a new weakest link. I submit that it'll be Rhyan. He'll be the new weakest link. The bench,Morgan, Glover and Monk, will not be considered weak links until they actually have to replace one of the 5 starters. Then they'll be the weak link. If Morgan starts ahead of Rhyan, then Morgan will be the weakest link, unless somebody else plays poorly.
Rhyan can then be officially considered a bust, since he wouldn't be starting in the 4th year of his deal. Or Morgan is a RG we picked in the first round. Either way, plenty of fodder for Weak Link /coaching malfeasance enthusiasts xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Last year, we went into the season with 5 starters and Morgan. If Morgan is still our #6 OL, then our Top 6 is better. If Banks and Jenkins is better than Jenkins and Myers, then the line should be better. If Rhyan improves from last year, then the line should be better.
I'm still hoping for a premum Olineman in the draft, to compete with Glover/Monk for the #7 spot. That would pretty much make us better on the offensive line from 1-8. Jenkins at Center with Banks and Walker on the left side, Rhyan and Tom and Kraft on the right side. Bench consisting of Morgan, Rookie, Glover, Monk. That's a stronger bench than we started the season with last year, and a stronger starting lineup.
GregC
March 11, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Whoever takes over for Myers as OL whipping boy has big shoes to fill!
Having said that, it looks like Banks will be an upgrade over Myers as part of the starting 5. Depth is still an issue. Last year, I thought they waited too long to draft an O-lineman to compete for that #7 spot (Monk in the 5th round), so they need to draft one sooner than that this year--maybe in the 4th round or even the 3rd. Unless they are confident that Monk or Glover or someone else is going to be much improved this year. That's not impossible.
beerandbrats
March 11, 2025 at 10:10 am
It's good to see the team prioritizing the OL but it was a bit of a head scratcher considering all of the apparent OL talent in the first 50 picks of the draft. I think it's safe to say we will not be drafting OL with our first pick this year.
Now that the OL appears to be good to go, how do we best use that first pick?
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2025 at 10:23 am
My priority for the first round is DT, DE (interchangeable but DT slightly more), CB (if they let Alexander walk), OL. Offensive line is still important being that the two starting tackles are on their last year.
beerandbrats
March 11, 2025 at 10:32 am
I agree. DT is also high on my wishlist. What about Watson's injury? Is this the year the Packers draft a WR in the first round or do we pick one up in the second? Or take a flyer later in the draft?
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2025 at 10:50 am
They only draft a WR in the first if the guy they cannot pass up (pun intended) falls in their lap.
Leatherhead
March 11, 2025 at 10:14 am
Morgan only played 5 games. It's a mulligan. He's not going to beat out anybody when he only plays 5 games.
I think the Packers have had real good lines over the years. The last time I recall thinking the Packers offensive line wasn't very good was 1999, then we drafted Bubba, Clifton, and Tauscher.
We have six starting caliber Olinemen. It would be nice to have one more.
'
Guam
March 11, 2025 at 10:49 am
Morgan does have to earn his starting spot, but I will be surprised if he doesn't displace Rhyan. Rhyan had a very forgettable first year, he platooned with Runyon his second year and became an average starting RG last year. I would hope a first round pick could displace him in the starting lineup.
harleycops
March 11, 2025 at 10:36 am
Seems to me that Morgan is not all that he's cracked up to be. We blew a 1 rounder on him instead of DB Cooper DeJean (big whiff there). Morgan comes in, gets hurt, sits out, and still is unproven. Instead of trading Jenkins, we should cut bait and trade Jordan. He hasn't shown squat and with OL additions, he has a mountain of ballers to break through. Let's see what the draft brings. So now we need some big time rushers and DL (Slaton gone) not to mention WRs. Tho Guter bought 2 players yesterday, it seems we gotta lot to do yet to match the FAs going to other NFC North teams. C'mon, Guter - bring in some more ballers!
Cheezehead72
March 11, 2025 at 10:48 am
Not that I am on board with the Morgan pick. I hope he develops into an NFL lineman. So what do you think the Packers would get for an unproven 2nd year OL that was injured his first year?
I believe at best they would get a 4th but that would surprise me very much. It is better to keep him. He at least has been with the team for a year.
Coldworld
March 11, 2025 at 11:13 am
Morgan seemed to be beating out Rhyan at the time he got hurt. Rhyan improved with consistent playing time though. It should be a good battle and that’s exactly what we should hope for. If a player goes down we now have a viable option and that is almost certain to happen too.
Morgan graded out with PFF at 60: starter level at a position he was new to. I don’t think he’s proved a scrub, I do think he is as yet unproven. His weakness was the run game. Hopefully the gym will have been helpful for his upper body during his rehab. At the very least, if he’s not starting at G, he is likely out next tackle up (and probably at G too). That’s an upgrade on Dillard.
Guam
March 11, 2025 at 10:52 am
How would you know whether Morgan is a good player or not. He was injured after the first five games of his rookie year. Sheesh. Give the guy a chance.
LambeauPlain
March 11, 2025 at 11:08 am
It is difficult to play football with an injured shoulder...you know, that blocking stuff and all...
GregC
March 11, 2025 at 11:03 am
No GM would give up on a first round pick so quickly. Morgan actually won the starting RG job in training camp before he got hurt.
Guam
March 11, 2025 at 11:44 am
A more articulate response than mine, GregC. I sometimes get frustrated with commenters who get too far afield from reality. Yes, Cooper DeJean is a good player for the Eagles, but we have no idea how good Morgan might eventually be for the Packers. You can't conflate the two careers just because you preferred drafting one player over the other.
GregC
March 11, 2025 at 01:14 pm
I wanted Cooper DeJean too. I wanted BOTH the Coopers. At least they got one of them.
Guam
March 11, 2025 at 03:08 pm
I liked DeJean too, but it was interesting that all 32 teams passed on him in the first round and seven more passed on him again in the second round. He clearly carried a second round grade for most teams. I wonder what a redraft would look like today.
crayzpackfan
March 11, 2025 at 10:52 am
In a perfect world, Morgan wins out the LT job so we can take advantage of his draft status and Walker becomes a swing. Then, we still draft a true Center (Jared Wilson or Jonah Monheim?) to compete with Jenkins at C. If one of them shows out, Jenkins back to LG and Banks to RG with Tom at RT and I guess Morgan is a swing at 4 spots? If none of this plays out, then it is Walker at LT, Banks at LG, Jenkins C, Morgan at RG and Tom at RT I guess while we develop that drafted C to take over for Jenkins as he ages out. Just keep the room competing hard. Side note: Not sure where Monk plays into all this. They didn't seem to have a lot of confidence in him last year.
Coldworld
March 11, 2025 at 10:55 am
There’s no such thing as being too valuable to be a swing lineman. That just means your OL depth is good. It’s a temporary luxury typically, but it’s one no team would pass up.
First off there is competition now for almost all spots on the line, all, if one considers that Tom could play C, or more likely LT.
Secondly, Walker, Tom and Morgan are all cheap. Tom may not be very soon, but whether Walker is paid by us depends on if he wins a starting role. It’s worth remembering that his pass pro is elite and that he did make some strides in the run game last year. If that continues, I doubt he goes anywhere, regardless of draft position. PFF gave him an overall grade over 68 last year (Tom was high 80s, their 6th best). Last year his run blocking was notably better in the second half of the season than at any prior point. I don’t think enough here recognize that level of play. If he can improve in his run game then he might hit elite (70 plus).
Rhyan too is heading into his contract year. It’s no guarantee he will be retained. Add to that Jenkins is expensive and getting older. C might well prolong his career, but he needs to show he’s worth extending. Changes are coming in the relatively near future just due to the passage of time and contracts.
The Packers have to work out which horses to retain and pay and or who will replace them. That started with Myers, but there is inevitably more to come and this year we have more depth than last year and extra time to develop behind it.
stockholder
March 11, 2025 at 11:09 am
We all knew the Meyers pick was bad.
He allowed a 6.1 percent pressure rate in 2024, worst among NFL centers.
LambeauPlain
March 11, 2025 at 11:14 am
Hopefully Team Gutey drafts another OL...but it is now subordinate to DL, WR, and probably even CB in draft position.
Coldworld
March 11, 2025 at 11:35 am
Depending on whether we keep Alexander, CB may now also be a later round thing. Looks like DE and DT ought to be the focus. DT at least seems a strong class. I’m mostly concerned with rush options at DE and whether Gute is as convinced of the need to diversify rush options as I am.
LambeauPlain
March 11, 2025 at 11:42 am
Lots of roster churn in the Norris Division. Bares have lost or said goodbye to 17 players, the lions 19, and ugly purple 20. Lots of turnover to overcome.
By comparison, the Packers look to replace just 7 men.
Ferrari-Driver
March 12, 2025 at 06:48 pm
"You can never have enough good offensive linemen."
What if the team had 10 good offensive linemen?