The Green Bay Packers Must Improve in This Area to Contend in 2026
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers believe they can contend for a Super Bowl in 2026. The team looked like contenders in 2025 before injuries to key players helped derail the season. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the team was without their best defensive player in Micah Parsons, their best pass catching weapon in Tucker Kraft, their best offensive lineman in Zach Tom and their best interior pass rusher in Devonte Wyatt. But even if all those players are healthy in 2026 and return to form, the Packers must improve in this key area to contend in next season and beyond.
The Packers need to improve their run blocking. The team’s performance in that area noticeably declined in 2025 as compared to the previous season. In 2024, the Packers finished 5th in the league in rushing yards per game with 146.8, and 6th in average yards per carry with 4.7. In 2025, the team fell to 15th in rushing yards per game with 119.8 and 24th in yards per carry with 4.1.
The Packers offense returned the same three running backs in 2025 that they had the previous season. Josh Jacobs remained the starter and received the bulk of the carries. Emanuel Wilson was the change of pace back with Chris Brooks serving as the best pass protector of the three.
Despite having an identical cast at running back, the production fell off. The biggest reason: poor run blocking in front of these backs. Advanced stats showed the Jacobs still was making yards after contact in 2025 similarly to how he did in 2024, but the contact was happening sooner, frequently even behind or near the line of scrimmage.
Remember also that Jordan Love played through injuries in 2024 that limited his ability to evade the rush and made the Packers more of a run first team. Opposing teams knew the Packers would run early and often but they still couldn’t stop it.
The ironic thing is that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst tried to address the offensive line and how they block for the run last offseason. The team shuffled it’s offensive line and specifically tried to get bigger and more physical to improve their run blocking.
The Packers opted not to re-sign center Josh Myers who left as a free agent after four mediocre seasons in Green Bay. The Packers decided to move Elgton Jenkins from left guard to center, a position he played in college. Gutekunst expressed confidence that Jenkins could be an All-Pro center, but that never happened. Jenkins struggled when playing in the middle of the offensive line and admitted he was disappointed with his play. He missed the second half of the season due to injury. When Jenkins was lost for the season, Rhyan took over as the starting center.
The Packers also signed guard Aaron Banks as a free agent last offseason. At 6’5” and 325 pounds, Banks had a reputation as a big, strong mauler. His run blocking was expected to be an improvement for the line and Jenkins was expected to be a better run blocker than Myers. Unfortunately, Banks’ season was limited by injuries and inconsistent play. He improved later in the season when he got a little healthier, but his overall play was a disappointment.
Sean Rhyan emerged as the starting right guard after training camp. He was considered a better run blocker than pass protector. The UCLA alum was also considered strong, and he brought grit and attitude to the offensive line. But by midseason, the Packers were looking to replace him, first with Jordan Morgan and then with Anthony Belton.
The tackles also struggled this season. Left tackle Rasheed Walker didn’t live up to his past standards in his contract year. His run blocking was particularly suspect. Right tackle Zach Tom, who has graded out as the team’s best offensive lineman in each of the last three seasons according to Pro Football Focus, struggled with injuries that hampered his play for most of the year.
The offensive line will face more uncertainty this offseason. Walker and Rhyan are unrestricted free agents and may not be back. Jenkins carries a high cap hit and will not return to the team unless his deal is restructured. That means up to three starters could be different next season.
Contending football teams run the football effectively especially to finish off opponents. The Packers struggled to do that in 2025. It’s one of several reasons they struggled to finish games when they had leads. If they hope to improve on last year’s 9-7-1 record and string some playoff wins together, the offensive line has to run block better next season. It will be interesting to see how Gutekunst approaches this position over the offseason.
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Comments (58)
T7Steve
February 12, 2026 at 07:10 am
2024-"Opposing teams knew the Packers would run early and often but they still couldn’t stop it."
That is what you have to have again for there to be any chance. Not just overall but even to compete in this division.
That gets the opposing D-line gasping and opens up everything else not just play-action but including Jordan Love running for more first downs when it looks like a given. As we've seen, that makes the LBs and safeties have to keep an eye on him, so he has a better chance to get "Krafty".
This is the most important offseason goal, and this article should be run daily at the facility until it gets driven into all the heads like nails.
TKWorldWide
February 12, 2026 at 07:18 am
I thought the interior of Banks, Rhyan, and Belton would really mash, and they didn’t. Is it personnel? Cohesion? Trying to do too many styles? Duo, power, outside zone? All I’ve got is unanswered questions.
Savage57
February 12, 2026 at 07:19 am
Wanna fix the Oline?
Get rid of the Bears sleeper agent Butkus as the guy coaching it.
All they've done is regress under his aegis.
That said, time to run out and restock the tin foil supply.
Guam
February 12, 2026 at 07:21 am
The Packer O-line depth was exposed due to the raft of injuries. Not only were Jenkins, Tom and Banks hurt, but the Packers lost Travis Glover for the season due to a preseason shoulder injury. Kinnard was the only quality depth remaining by the end of the season and he was often playing a blocking TE due to the Kraft injury.
R. Wallker was not playing well for most of the second half of the season, but the Packers had no choice but to play him. They had no serviceable replacement behind him with Morgan filling in for an injured Tom, Belton starting at RG and Kinnard playing blocking TE.
I have no faith in Monk as a backup center after he was nearly invisible in his second season and Glover is a big question mark after missing his entire second season due to injury. Kinnard is decent but is an RFA this year,
Gute will need to invest in the O-line this offseason. Assuming the Packers cut/lose Jenkins and R. Walker, the Packers will need to resign Rhyan and Kinnard as well as draft some young talent. I expect at least two if not three O-line draft choices this year.
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 07:31 am
Jenkins is 30 and often injured.
Moving him around never worked.
Time to say thanks and good Bye.
Banks is going to be 29 -
The guy is to old to improve. .
Cut him. Save the new money.
(Gute's worst signing since Graham.)
R. Walker is everything they were hoping
for, when they signed Banks.
He fights and needed Jenkins next to him.
Not Banks.
No LT will be dominate until Banks is gone!
So save the money.
Gute will learn his lesson here.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 07:49 am
I think there's a lot here I agree with (that doesn't happen very much!), especially the point that a weak link in your OL drags down the players around that guy.
The die is cast with some of these guys: they need Jenkins' cap relief to made the money work in '26. Walker will be too pricey to bring back. They'll need that cash elsewhere.
jannesbjornson
February 12, 2026 at 07:50 am
He won't move Banks. Then you have three holes to fill. Walker could have played his way to a new deal, but is
a stop gap guy who faded as the season progressed. He doesn't have the draft capital to secure players. This isn't Ted and Reggie McKenzie dialing in on guys. I would have let Morgan take the LT last year and move Walker inside. Love needs a guy who can lead the way when the pocket rolls left. My concern is Zach Tom''s durability. I would still move up in Rd Two to snag Hunter, or a CB. The top defenses in college were Texas Tech, Indiana and Toledo to get the 3 and out. The focus was on Bailey and then your eyes went to Hunter next to him and Rodriguez plugging in the middle. Three All-Americans. Avery Smith and Andre Fuller DBs from Toledo. WE all saw the Indiana group.
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 07:57 am
No body is asking to move Banks.
I say get him off the roster.
Jenkins moved from Rg to LG.
Belton is that guy to move now.
Zack Tom might be your new center.
(Injuries and his weight at RT. )
Regardless Morgan must play.
jannesbjornson
February 12, 2026 at 11:58 am
What I meant was this, Gutedkunst will not cut Banks. He plugged his side when he was healthy. Waker at LT was the issue. Tom does not have the mass to play center. LaFleur is moving to power gap with tree trunks inside to protect Love as he is a pocket passer. Maybe he offers Jenkins a refi? The DT next to Wyatt has to be secured.
Wooden is not the guy and Karl is a pass rush DT/DE. Again, this seems like Groundhog's Day.
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 08:07 am
TT and Reggie-
Gute has a better chance of drafting
replacements at Guard, then Tackle.
Especially a LT.
The Guards he can get later in this draft.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 10:14 am
Agreed. Playable guards (or T --> G conversions) are often still available into round 3 and even round 4. It could be that they need to do what they did with Sitton and Lang and shuffle Banks to the right side and Belton to the left (if Belton stays at G). I seem to remember there being some concern over whether Banks could play on the right side, though.
jannesbjornson
February 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Why get into the musical chairs routine? We know the college game is all about passing and avoiding collisions.
Yes, Banks is more comfortable on the left side.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 08:24 am
"Banks is going to be 29 -The guy is to old to improve. Cut him. Save the new money.
(Gute's worst signing since Graham.)" So true stock.
Banks was a terrible signing, and Hobbs was too. It's like Gute just rushed to sign someone so it would be done. Think if he had just signed Brandon Scherff for less than 1/2 of Banks money, added $2-3 million to what he spent on Hobbs and got us a Top 5 free agent BOUNDARY CB like we needed.(Paulson Adebo)
There would have been money available to save or fill other needs, like a veteran TE in case Kraft got hurt, like I said last year.
I don't think we can afford to cut Banks or Hobbs, we don't save much either.
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 08:33 am
So you want to pay a guy 18. mill new money?
With a back problem .
That has never played anything but LG.
Everyone is replaceable-
No matter what their job is.
jannesbjornson
February 12, 2026 at 12:05 pm
If Jenkins can pass the physical, then Banks is expendable. They yapped about "Urgency" last off-season and they do not have the time for the development game.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 04:31 pm
"So you want to pay a guy 18. mill new money? With a back problem .
That has never played anything but LG. Everyone is replaceable-
No matter what their job is."
Maybe you are right stock. There is nothing about this whole Banks debacle that I like, including the asinine amount of money we gave him. It just seems as if we save so little by cutting him, and we create another hole to fill. I distinctly remember reading many times, " How easy it would to be to get out of Banks & Hobbs contracts if they didn't pan out."
Maybe in 2027.
jannesbjornson
February 12, 2026 at 12:08 pm
We were all in favor of bagging Adebo, but he was offered more cash by someone else.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 05:04 pm
Yeah the top 4 guys all got $18 mill per year, but there were other solid FAs that got less than Hobbs $12 million. Actual boundary CBs, instead we tried a Gutey special "square peg in a round hole." Total failure on both big FA signings.
jannesbjornson
February 13, 2026 at 09:28 am
Another reason to dread this upcoming draft. Listening to his "press conference, " he seems ossified and unwilling to move his guys out the door.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 07:40 am
Absolutely agree that the OL needs to be better in 2026--starters AND those first two guys off the bench who you know will need to play some over the course of the season. That means 5 good players who play well together and 2 credible ones that can mesh in as needed. That's a big ask and usually takes time and resources to develop.
I think there's also a little bit of dysphoria in the OL identity. Banks, Jenkins, and Rhyan was certainly more of a power alignment inside than in 2024, and the final alignment with Ryan at C and Belton at RG should have been even more in that direction, but Walker and Tom at OT (and projecting Morgan and Tom in 2026) gives you more protection in the passing game even if they weren't outstanding run blockers. It felt like the Packers were caught between running zone and power, and don't really have either.
Where are they right now? They're locked into three starters: Banks, Belton, and Tom, and I think where Tom and Belton play isn't locked down. Tom could be the LT or C. I think Belton will be the RG or RT. The question marks are LT and C: Morgan's the likely favorite to win the LT spot in camp, but I don't think anyone is completely sold on him and he could end up at RT or as a swing OT if Tom ends up on the left side.
C is the big question mark, and the spot they absolutely need to get right. We've talked about this at length, but I'll reiterate that how they fill that spot will have a lot to do with the effectiveness of the OL and what run concepts they lean toward. Monk isn't that guy. He would've slotted in immediately when Jenkins got hurt if the staff had any faith in him. Even though there's upside with Rhyan, I'm not excited about giving him a longer term contract to come back and be the C. I'd rather the Packers draft a C (it might not be someone who played much C in college, but that's OK!) and sign an experienced vet to hold the position until that drafted C is ready. Maybe the kid outplays the vet from the start.
We've seen the last two years that Jacobs doesn't get a huge runway--his yards before contact have been lousy, and he's been productive mostly on his own sheer will. We also saw that a dinged-up Jacobs suffered even more last season. Bottom line is that the Packers have--especially when Kraft comes back--a deep and talented group of pass-catchers, and a QB who can chuck it. We were begging LaF to go more "pass to run" last season. That's what they need to do in '26: pass to run, score points, beat teams with your depth on O and a defense that should be at least decent and get better as the season progresses.
BuckyBadger
February 12, 2026 at 07:49 am
With how MLF (along with Shanahan and McVay as well) runs his offense establishing the run is paramount. To say "pass to run" doesn't work the same way because you don't get the safety to start coming down into the box. Our QB isn't deadly accurate who can pass into tight windows all day. Rodgers and Favre could and Stafford in LA does this at times as well but Love isn't that guy. To make the offense hum you need to bring the safety down into the box and that will never happen if you are passing so often. That was the mentality that McCarthy brought and our offenses always sputtered in the post season when they faced the bullies of the conference. I fully endorse running the ball the way MLF has. It sets up Love to be efficient and hit the explosive plays at a higher rate than almost anyone in the NFL. This is how you mold your scheme to your players. Every coach would love to drop back and just shred defenses with the pass but it doesn't work that way.
Guam
February 12, 2026 at 11:55 am
Agreed that Tom could be the LT and Morgan the RT (or vice versa). I don't think the tackle positions are locked in yet although the players (Tom and Morgan) probably are. I think Belton stays at RG. He performed pretty well there for a rookie last season and he is the powerful type of guard they are looking for.
Agreed that Center is the big question mark. Rhyan is okay but certainly not any better than they have had the last five years. Monk looks to be a bust with a near no-show in his second year. The Packers will need to draft some talent at center as they can't afford a better center than Rhyan in free agency.
I am okay with the presumptive Packer starting five (assuming Rhyan at center) next year, but they need to stay healthy next season and the Packers need to add some serious depth through the draft. Poor health and poor drafting will cause a repeat of this season.
BuckyBadger
February 12, 2026 at 07:43 am
Where I agree the OL is a place they should be looking to address I don't think this team needs much to contend next year. What it needs is the injury bug to go away and let star players have a healthy year. No one gets out of the season without injuries but when they hit your best players is when you have trouble replacing them.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 08:14 am
This is on Acme Packers and shows all the bigger OL GB should have interest in
#4: Francis Mauigoa, Miami (335 pounds - estimated)
#17: Vega Ioane, Penn State (328 - estimated)
#19: Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (366 - estimated)
#44: Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (325 - verified Senior Bowl)
#47: Gennings Dunker, Iowa (320 - verified Senior Bowl)
#63: Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (325 - estimated)
#111: Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M (331 - verified Senior Bowl)
#141: J.C. Davis, Illinois (335 - verified Senior Bowl)
#164: Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma (324 - verified Shrine Bowl)
#169: Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (335 - verified Shrine Bowl)
#180: Markel Bell, Miami (356 - estimated)
#189: Jeremiah Wright, Auburn (340 - verified Senior Bowl)
#192: DJ Campbell, Texas (321 - verified Shrine Bowl)
#203: Jalen Farmer, Kentucky (322 - verified Senior Bowl)
#218: Anez Cooper, Miami (345 - estimated)
#283: Micah Morris, Georgia (346 - verified Senior Bowl)
#288: Alex Harkey, Oregon (327 - estimated)
#318: Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA (321 - verified Shrine Bowl)
#320: Joshua Braun, Kentucky (333 - verified Shrine Bowl)
#371: Alan Herron, Maryland (321 - verified Senior Bowl)
#382: Dillon Wade, Auburn (322 - verified Shrine Bowl)
#413: Diego Pounds, Mississippi (332 - verified Shrine Bowl)
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 08:22 am
Aamil Wagner OT N. Dame - Shrine Bowl
gsd3
February 13, 2026 at 03:25 am
They need good players period. Bigger doesn't mean good or better.
sugarbair
February 12, 2026 at 08:20 am
I'm worried about Tom's overall health issues. Back injuries can just hang around. Don't remember for sure but didn't Banks have some back issues also. At this point our guesses on who might be our starting five. Not too encouraging. Then the position coach. Ouch! We are going to have to jettison all the overpaid underperforming players. Get as much salary cap room we can. Please don't kick the can down the road. Gute has created this mess. Is he the man to fix it? I have my doubts. This is only one position group. We are not one or two players away. Yes we lost some of our best players to injury. Did you notice how little we had behind them. Let the roster changes begin in March.
stockholder
February 12, 2026 at 08:28 am
Banks was rated #73 on the free agency list 2025.
He was a LG at N. Dame when drafted by SF.
Banks had back issues. I say he still does.
Most NFL teams have chiropractic doctors on staff. .
jannesbjornson
February 12, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Maybe he thought Banks would fall in Rd Two after he selected Stokes, instead of Tyson Campbell as his One pick.
Lynch bagged Banks and then we experienced the Cardiac Arrest, when the genius selected Myers over Creed Humphrey. I trace O-Line issues to this moment in Time.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 08:44 am
GB needs to fix their problems or at least shore them up before the 2026 season. Duh, thats a no brainer.
#1-GB needs to create some cap space-it sucks but cut/trade some players-redo some contracts
#2 Fix one problem before the draft-Sign someone like Calais Campbell or trade for D'Vondre Sweat, that solves DT and opens up the draft to finally fix the CB "black hole" we ignored forever.
Taking the DT need off the board opens up being able to address strengthening the OL. We can surely pick several from that list above that will provide competition for our starters. Maybe 3 new ones.
Weak Center play has been a problem since we wasted the pick on Josh Myers when we could have had Humphrey. We can't do anything about that now. There are no dominant Centers in this draft and the best free agents are way too expensive, the Ravens Center will get $20 million per year. Re-signing Rhyan for $6-7 million is probably our best answer I am sorry to say.
#3 Maybe a trade could be had. I already am suggesting a trade for D'Vondre Sweat for our run stuffer. Like the Titans, the Raiders also have new leadership who won't be tied to any previous draft picks. Maybe call the Raiders about Jackson Powers-Johnson and offer a pick for him, maybe a 2027 when all those comp picks show up.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Calais Campbell has been one of my favorite DL of the last 20 years. He's a freak. I'd love to see him in GB, even if it's on very limited snaps, but he's said he wanted to finish his career in Arizona and he might be done. He hasn't made a statement on whether he'll return for '26.
ricky
February 12, 2026 at 08:49 am
If the run game fails consistently, maybe it's time to think about passing the ball. Not long throws, but quick passes that just move the chains. When the defense adjusts, exploit match ups and go for longer passes. Add in some quick hitting runs (using the pass to set up the run) and keep grinding and moving those chains. After using up almost the entire snap clock, mix in some snaps that happen quickly. Get some movement in the offense, and keep the opponent on their heels as much as possible. But run, run, pass attempt and run hasn't been working with a lead. Time to keep the pressure on, rather than becoming too one-dimensional/predictable.
crayzpackfan
February 12, 2026 at 11:28 am
I fully expect nothing to change. We will see jet sweeps, end arounds, bubble screens, shotgun handoffs up the middle, 3-4 long bombs downfield that don't do much but for the occasional splash play, long stretches where star players go missing because of under using them or not creatively scheming them into the game, an O line in flux a fair portion of the year (because that's what we do now, open tryouts during the regular season), and zero quality depth at the TE position. And this is just the offense.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 02:44 pm
"and zero quality depth at the TE position." A very true statement, Krafts injury really put a spotlight on how weak our TE group was and is. Green Bay rolled the dice on hoping Kraft would stay healthy. And that Musgrave would be a great #2 TE. After missing most of his 1st 2 years, now he would miraculously stay on the field and perform to the level of a 2nd round player. Well the Pack lost both bets and now we know Musgrave is not the answer. I actually thought Josh Whyle was a better TE in college, and now he is better than Musgrave in the pros too. And we have him. Trade Musgrave.
Andy mentioned acquiring Charlie Kolar-TE-Ravens in one of his cheaper free agents to sign for Green Bay articles. Kolar was a stud at Iowa State; he is a very good blocking TE who caught over 150 passes for 2050 yards & 20 TDs. He played alot for the Ravens but was underused in the passing game. He would be a steal @ projected salary of $1.7 million per year. He would easily be a great #2 TE and with Whyle as #3, we would have a great TE room for 2026.
Green Bay Shareholder
February 12, 2026 at 11:32 am
Nice assessment, been saying this for years, especially with a suspect O'Line, doesn't seem like brain surgery to have a goal of just moving the sticks and the non running the sideline receivers are open all over the field. Maybe they "Gotta watch the Tape" a bit more instead of throwing up the ridiculously low percentage Hero Ball or have some elaborate Jet Sweep variant or even better the cursed behind the line pass on 3rd and 5. This team is so predictable in their current play calling scheme it is painful, maybe that is why they apparently flame out for considerable portions of the game.
dobber
February 12, 2026 at 12:23 pm
Not to bypass Bucky's response to me above, but this is pretty much where I'm coming from.
Swisch
February 12, 2026 at 02:32 pm
Wow! Great stuff from Ricky, IMHO.
While always trying to get better all around, at some point the Packers have to play to the strengths that they already have.
If it turns out in the upcoming season of 2026 that the offensive line is better at pass blocking than run blocking, no need to force the run game. That's not the same as abandoning the run game.
For one thing, rather than trying to force handoffs to get the running back through the line of scrimmage, it can be a good idea to throw passes to the running backs over the line of scrimmage.
Also, to get the short and quick passing game going involves using the field horizontally -- all of the space from sideline to sideline -- to spread out the defense so as to find gaps.
I'm confident Matt LaFleur can do this, while still mixing in medium and long pass plays, and strategically utilizing the run.
***
In general regarding LaFleur, it seems he would do well to do what he thinks is best, rather than what he thinks he should do. Use the analytics, but don't be ruled by them.
When it comes to deciding on whether it's time to emphasize the run or the pass, do what he thinks the situation calls for, instead of what the supposed consensus is about protecting leads or whatever.
When it comes to throwing the challenge flag, or going for it on fourth down, or kicking the field goal instead of the risk of getting no points, or who to play and when -- after seven seasons, Matt, go with your own best judgement.
It seems like LaFleur has two seasons to elevate the Packers. Why not put some more trust in himself? That's not egotistical if you still continue to listen to and take into consideration other views. However, the head coach is the one who finally makes the call.
Whether LaFleur succeeds or fails, at least he'll know that he did it authentically, from his own mind and heart and gut.
I called for the ouster of LaFleur, but he does have had some impressive accomplishments with the Packers, as I see it.
Maybe a little more confidence from him in making decisions will put the Packers over the top.
I'm still hopeful he can take the Packers to a title. I'm rooting for him.
When in doubt, be yourself.
Since'61
February 12, 2026 at 11:32 am
While I believe that Gute has done a good job overall as the Packers GM I also believe that he has failed the team concerning the current OL situation. Before the 2025 season began I advocated for the Packers starting five OLs left to right to be Morgan, Jenkins, Tom, Rhyan and Walker. After Morgan was a #1 pick and he was selected to play LT. However Gute chose to move Jenkins to C and to sign Banks for LG and keep Walker at LT while Morgan languished as part of the OL musical chairs for the 2025 season.
In any case we now have a situation where Tom could still be considered for Center and Morgan finally being moved to start at LT. Banks will probably remain at LG unless he becomes a cap casualty. Beyond that Belton could be either RG or RT.
All of this seems like a situation which could have been avoided and there would less questions about the Packers OL for 2026. The Packers need to draft at least 2 OLs and hopefully one of them can contribute in 2026. Depending on the position the draft pick fill will determine the starting 5 for the Packers OL in 2026.
The key will be identifying the best 5 and putting them in their best positions. The Packers need to put an end to the OL musical chairs and hopefully avoid an injury plague in 2026. Bottom line is that it is long overdue for Gute to place the appropriate attention for building the Packers OL. After 8 years as GM he should finally realize that the Packers offense only goes as far as the OL takes them. Thanks, Since '61
Oxymoron 3339
February 12, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Didn’t Seattle start two rookies on the O Line?
Get their GM and we have a chance.
GregC
February 12, 2026 at 12:47 pm
The Seahawks started one rookie OL, Grey Zabel, a guard picked in the first round. He played really well all season. The Patriots started two rookie OL, and they got killed in the Super Bowl. One of them was the #4 overall draft pick.
Oxymoron 3339
February 12, 2026 at 01:17 pm
I stand corrected Jalen Sundell was a second year undrafted free agent center out of NDSU.
TheKanataThrilla
February 12, 2026 at 02:37 pm
The Pats started 2 rookies. Their left side.
crayzpackfan
February 12, 2026 at 12:25 pm
8 years in, I dread that this lesson will never be learned. At this level (NFL level) taking 8 years to learn anything is nothing short of incompetence or at the very least, neglect.
GregC
February 12, 2026 at 01:11 pm
Up till last season, they had pretty good O-lines for several years, so I'm hoping 2025 was an anomaly. You could say the current situation is due to incompetence, but not neglect. As of right now, the draft positions by round of next year's starting O-line, from left to right, are 1, 2, 3, 2, and 4.
Keep in mind that the fourth round pick plays like a first round pick and is paid accordingly, and one of the second round picks was acquired as a big money free agent. So Gute can't be accused of failing to allocate sufficient resources to the O-line.
crayzpackfan
February 12, 2026 at 01:18 pm
I guess I was including his lack of attention to the CB room and the D line all combined. These are three areas that he seems to just ignore in large part. I would also argue that the O line has been overlooked for more than just that one year just by where it has ended up. If it was paid more attention to in previous years, it would not have fallen into what it is now.
GregC
February 12, 2026 at 01:50 pm
Going into last season, both starting DTs were first round picks. One got traded away in the Micah Parsons deal, but it was worth it. I think CB is the only position group that has definitely been neglected, although I wish they had taken a DT higher in last year's draft.
crayzpackfan
February 12, 2026 at 02:46 pm
Fair enough. But where is the depth at DT? I also agree that trading Clark was a win for Micah. Clark was at his end anyways. But Gute, I still maintain, hasn't done much in regards to the DT position building depth. Same at O line. He certainly has been whiffing badly with O line drafts and FA O line building, that is just fact up to this point. Tom is his only claim to fame there. CB room is as empty as a vacant warehouse.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 02:52 pm
Green Bay has not selected a CB before the 7th round since 2021. It was the biggest need along with DT in last years draft, Instead of taking2 WRs that produced very little. the smart, "Let's fill the ACTUAL biggest holes moves," would have been to take 2 CBs from a strong group last year and multiple solid CBs that were available into the 4th round. But at least we got a 7th rounder.
Oxymoron 3339
February 12, 2026 at 01:22 pm
8 years in and the list of really good draft picks is way too short.
Just because they play doesn’t mean they were a good pick.
How many of Gute’s draft picks have been All Pro first or second team? None?
I can’t recall any All Pro’s - zero
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 04:53 pm
Belton was a favorite of mine last year 61, but nobody had him getting drafted in the 2nd round. A consensus 4th round pick more likely. After passing on CB in the first round, there were a bunch of really solid CB choices in Rounds 2 & 3. Gutey blew it.
MooPack
February 12, 2026 at 01:23 pm
Gutekunst yearly drafts since he took over. I only included first three players selected each year. (call me lazy)
2018
1st - DB Alexander
2nd - DB Jackson
3rd - LB Burks
2019
1st - DE Gary
1st - DB Savage
2nd - OL Jenkins
2020
1st - QB Love
2nd - RB Dillon
3rd - TE Deguara
2021
1st - DB Stokes
2nd - OL Myers
3rd - WR Rodgers
2022
1st - LB Walker
1st - DT Wyatt
2nd - WR Watson
2023
1st - DE Van Ness
2nd - TE Musgrave
3rd - WR Reed
2024
1st - OL Morgan
2nd - LB Cooper
2nd - DB Bullard
2025
1st - WR Golden
2nd - OL Belton
3rd - WR Williams
1st round - 7 Def, 3 Off
2nd round - 3 Def, 6 Off
This is where it gets to the crux of it...
OL - 1st (1), 2nd (3), 3rd (1), 4th (2), 5th (2), 6th (5) (3 of which came in 2020), 7th (2)
2nd round looks like when they most likely will use the highest draft capital on OL. But, when you spend most of your OL draft capital 4th round or later, you get 4th round or later talent more often than not. Outside of Morgan and Belton, whom we don't know enough about yet, the only two that really truly panned out were Jenkins and Tom. I don't care if others started a good amount of time, which was really out of necessity, if you are honest, instead of the pure homeristic rewrite. 2 out of 16 (or 14 minus Morgan and Belton) is not a great track record. They need to do much better, starting earlier in the draft. Get a very good Olinemen and you have a starter for 10 years. That's huge. Protect the franchise QB and allow him to flourish is number one followed by impose your will running. Do that consistently, score points at will and it will matter less what the Defense does. Not a complete team yet, but let's fix one side of the football first. The one that scores. The side that should be the closest to getting right. The NFL and Refs have kneecapped the defense anyway in today's game so stop throwing darts at 1st round defense projects.
[Edit] I'll add that Offensive tackles, interior offensive linemen, and safety are generally considered the safest positions to draft in the first round through second round due to their high hit rates, often exceeding 70%. Offensive line (OT/iOL) is considered the safest position in the NFL Draft, offering the highest probability of sustained, high-level, or at least consistent performance.
golfpacker61
February 12, 2026 at 04:59 pm
The 2021 draft that started with those 3 was a total failure of premium picks, and everyone knows who should have been the choices that year.
2021
1st-Tyson Campbell
2nd-Creed Humphrey
3rd-Amon Ra St Brown
2022 I wanted
Ist-Devin Lloyd
Ist Christian Watson
DT instead of Wyatt-Travis Jones-DT-U Conn.
jannesbjornson
February 13, 2026 at 09:42 am
I mocked Watson, #22 and Wyatt #29 (they needed a quick 3-tech next to Kenny) and keeping both Two picks.
#53 goes to Tre McBride and #59 to Abe Lucas. Stand by my Mock. The Devin Lloyd discussion was real, but I believed they could go LB in Rd Three, being Stockholder's preference for Leo Chenal. Kirby Joseph was still on the board. The reach for Quay still blows my mind.
Oxymoron 3339
February 12, 2026 at 01:23 pm
I correct myself
His first draft Alexander
Oxymoron 3339
February 12, 2026 at 01:57 pm
In 8 years there has been 44 1st & 2nd Team All Pro’s (not special teams) per year or 352 in 8 years.
Divide that by 32 teams and we should have 11 Drafted All Pro’s in that time.
What do we have Alexander twice and a second teamer at that.
Not Gute enough
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 07:47 am
"Not Gute enough"
Hell 😲😁, that's worth a thumbs up
bjb2012sime
February 12, 2026 at 09:31 pm
More like 9-8-1.
Fire Butkus and bring in Jeff Stoutland.
Since'75
February 13, 2026 at 07:52 am
The Packers have played musical chairs with the O line in the past, and it isn't a good sign.
They put a dress on her, and call her 'versatility'.
Whatever the case, this O line is in a state of flux and confusion.
Not Gute enough