The Lass Word: Sean Rhyan, From Bust to Bloomer?
Did we write him off prematurely?
By KenLass
It was easy to dismiss Green Bay Packers guard Sean Rhyan as a bust following just one year. After all, he was drafted in the third round in 2022. Third round picks are expected to be at least solid, multi-year starters, if not key contributors. When general manager Brian Gutekunst acquired an extra third round pick for Rasul Douglas he called it “too good to pass up.”
But Rhyan’s rookie year was a disaster. Not only did he not play well enough to threaten veteran Jonathan Runyan, a former sixth round pick, for a starting spot, he didn’t even manage to move ahead of Royce Newman as the top reserve on the interior line. Through the first eleven games Rhyan played exactly zero offensive snaps, and had precisely one snap on special teams. He was often a healthy scratch at game time.
Then in late November, the former UCLA star received a letter from the league office. He opened it to read he had been suspended for violating the NFL policy for banned substances. From that point on, he had to spend three weeks away from the team facilities, and when he received permission to return, he could participate only in individual drills. No team reps. His season was over. He missed the final six games.
Understandably, many Packers fans wrote him off after that. He would go down as yet another in a series of disappointments that the green and gold faithful have come to call “the third round curse.” He would join the ranks of previous round three under achievers such as Amari Rodgers, Josiah Deguara, Jace Sternberger, Oren Burks, Montravious Adams, Ty Montgomery and Khyri Thornton.
Was it a rush to judgement? Rhyan is determined to prove it so. Upon coming back for his second season last summer, the California native wanted to first clear up the suspension stigma. He said this wasn’t some deliberate effort to cheat by taking something he knew to be against policy. In fact, Rhyan said he had no idea exactly what the banned substance could have been. In an article written by Ryan Wood for packersnews.com, Rhyan said he was “shocked” at the news of his suspension.
But the league policy clearly states that players are responsible for the substances that enter their body, and being unaware that a substance is in violation is not acceptable as an excuse. Rhyan claims to have accidentally ingested “a tainted sample” of one of his protein and creatine supplements. He said he learned a valuable lesson, and that now he is extremely careful about what he eats and drinks. In fact, he says he now takes no supplements at all, except for what he needs for allergies. “It’s helped me in hindsight,” Rhyan told packersnews.com. “Because now I’m eating really clean. I’m more like nature man now, and I think it’s helped me. My body feels good, my mind is clear, and all that.”
The next task was to step up his play and compete for playing time. He reported to camp last July with new resolve. Head coach Matt LaFleur remarked "Hopefully he learned from that experience. You don't always learn from your successes. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to fall on your face a little bit, and it's about how you respond to that. But I do think he's responded the right way. I'm excited about just his approach that he's taken. He's locked into the meetings, but ultimately he's got to go do it on the field."
By midseason Rhyan indeed started to get it done on the field. He showed enough in practice to earn rotation with Runyan at right guard. That’s unusual because coaches generally like to stay with stability in their offensive line positions. Rhyan played in three drives in the divisional round playoff game against the 49ers and didn’t allow a sack or a pressure, holding his own against Arik Armstead, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Kevin Givens. He was penalized for being illegally down field on a badly executed screen pass, but overall was solid. The Packers saw enough from the second year player to feel comfortable letting Runyan walk in free agency.
But Rhyan’s future with the team is far from secure. Interior offensive line is thought to be an area of need in the coming NFL draft. Green Bay seems certain to bring in multiple picks to compete for starting spots.
Rhyan is likely to be penciled in as the right guard starter when camp begins, but he knows he’s in for a fight to stay there. He’s come a long way from an empty rookie season. He is determined to show he’s not a member of the “third round curse club.”
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
__________________________
Comments (99)
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 06:43 am
The “third round curse club.” - Nailed it.
Amari Rodgers, Josiah Deguara, Jace Sternberger, Oren Burks,
Montravious Adams, Ty Montgomery and Khyri Thornton.
Lots of bold Print there- So Yes- add Rhyan.
Not only should have Leo Chenal @103 been a packer.
He would have solved the packers problem at LB.
I get we have to play Gute's picks.
I get we're now hoping Rhyan can get to the next level.
But when I compare him to Jenkins.
It's not going to happen.
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 08:39 am
Somehow you omit Kraft from your list?
You hold up Elgton Jenkins as the gold standard. Who picked him?
You imply there’s something nefarious about having to play Gute’s picks. This is the 6th year of Gute, who inherited a core starting to age. The average NFL career is 3.3 years for those who make a roster. The NFL on average only returns 56% of players rostered one year to the next.
How many TT picks are still in the league? Who do you think we are going to be playing? Clark aside, they are all Gute picks of one sort or another. I’m not lamenting any of the few in other teams, including Adams at his current cost in light of who we now have.
You drag up Chenal, a LB. Why? Is he better than Kraft? Is he even relevant? Do you realize that 32 teams mean every team misses on almost 97% of the players?
Get over yourself. Move on.
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 11:39 am
Again you're clueless.
I pointed to Chenal after Rhyan.
What do we need now.? ILB
The sad part is you never question Gute.
And when you don't question.
You get the 3rd round jinx.
Of course you had to attack me.
It's the best way to cover -up a Bust label.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 15, 2024 at 11:53 am
Why not just admit there's a fair number of busts drafted by every team every year? Why not admit there's really not anyone doing that much better than Gutey. And if they are, they're not coming to GB. The whole premise of this article is expectations. The author starts with stating expectations for a 3rd round pick. That's the problem right there. The draft is a complete crapshoot. About 50% of first round picks don't get a second deal from the team that drafted them, yet Packers fans want to point at Gutekunst for draft failures. They are all over the league.
And, it's way too early to call Rhyan a bust. Davante Adams was a "bust" according to Packer fans after his 2nd year. Thank goodness the team didn't think so. There was always going to be a learning curve for Rhyan, moving from LT In college to playing guard in the pros. Doesn't mean he's a bust.
Sure he's had some duds; and he's really hit on some important picks as well (like a new franchise QB, a RT from the 4th round that can play any position on the line, two shiny new talented TEs, and many, many more).
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 12:12 pm
But thats not what CW argued here.
I claimed if you take the wrong player.
You can't help but "get a Bust."
(Because he didn't fit like Jenkins.)
In turn, we're not only looking at another OL.
But ILB! And would he needed to draft Walker?
CW does not want Gute questioned.
Nobody here does in a Rebuild.
And thats why I must.
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 12:27 pm
ILB ,or the TE fit the spot, but one year of watching Newman play Guard, put the Fear in him. He was still in love with Burks over Chenal as a plugger and inside blitzer? The deal was, he hit on Zach Tom who should have gone Rd Three and leave the Four pick to TE [ Otten , Bellinger, Jake Ferguson, Kolar]. The #22 to Walker was a mind-bender.
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 08:45 am
He's penciled in as the starter, for now. He held his own down the stretch and walled off the Inside Zone sets. He will draft a CB before an OT, or guy like Beebe. I see three spots that need help upfront. Four if and when, they move Newman out the door.
dobber
April 15, 2024 at 09:21 am
People need to get over this "third round curse" garbage. We don't live in an episode of Scooby Doo.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 09:35 am
they would have gotten away with it too, if not for your meddling.
dobber
April 15, 2024 at 09:51 am
I ain't no kid no more... ;)
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 12:42 pm
ruh roh
crayzpackfan
April 15, 2024 at 01:44 pm
Mask pulled from face - Old man Jenkins?! Zoiks!
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 10:54 am
Next Week, the Hallucinations either subside, or Intensify with Gutedkunst's Draft. Protect the Fort:
#31 Jordan Morgan LT Arizona
#46 Cooper Beebe G K State
#58 Caelen Carson CB Wake
#82 Bucky Irving RB Oregon/Gophers
#90 Jonah Ellis LB Utah
#91 Eichenberg LB OSU
#117 J, Solomon Edge Troy
#151 Jarius Monroe CB Tulane
#162 Demerson S T Tech
#169 Cam Hart CB/S Notre Dame
#191 Leveston OT K State
#202 Tyrone Tracy WB Purdue
#219 Jordon McGee LB Temple
#234 Anthony Gould PR Oregon State
#245 Erick All TE Iowa
The Third Round Reaches could be his perpetual Black mark. Sternberger, a WR conversion Project to TE over
Terry McLaurin was Gross Negligence. Burks and a trade up for this lightweight?? The SEC O linemen just annihilated him at the point of attack. Why even mention the other two?
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 11:43 am
This would be perfect if TT was still the GM.
The sad part is are current GM doesn't care about
the Draft and Development, unless it's rd 1.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 15, 2024 at 11:57 am
Explain how starting the youngest team in the league is NOT draft and develop? Explain how Romeo Doubs goes from 4th rounder to the most productive WR in the post season if not for draft and develop?
Most of the roster this season was drafted by GB. Other than Preston Smith, Josh Jacobs, and Xavier McKinney, this is a team of guys drafted (or UDFA) by GB.
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Luck
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Proverbs 14:7-8
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 01:02 pm
Matt. 7
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 03:34 pm
“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”
Matthew 12:36–37
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 04:35 pm
...we have the receipts
stockholder
April 15, 2024 at 06:13 pm
Your not Billy Graham-
Stick to football.
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 12:30 pm
The first two guys would start. The O line is not blue chip.
Oppy
April 15, 2024 at 09:24 pm
So, you blast gute for having a team that has replaced all of the aging vets from TT's time, instead preferring "his own picks" - "all for the glory of Gute"..
But now you blast Gute as being a GM who "doesn't care about the Draft and Development, unless it's rd 1"..
You come up with the most non-sensible mularkey I've ever witnessed.
crayzpackfan
April 15, 2024 at 01:47 pm
Jann - 15 picks? Jeepers that's a lot. As in, not gonna happen a lot. Nice picks though.
HawkPacker
April 15, 2024 at 06:49 am
Yes, it did appear that we had a 3rd round curse but last year's selection put that to rest.
I think we have a decent OL and Sean is definitely part of that. We do need to draft some IOL players, at least two in my mind. Not sure regarding OT as I don't know what we have in the three back up T's but the front office does know. If they do draft a tackle to play tackle and not move inside then they do not have confidence in Mt Caleb and the other two behemoths who play tackle.
Should be an interesting draft which will tell us a lot about how the FO views the OL.
LambeauPlain
April 15, 2024 at 07:23 am
I did not write Rhyan off...it seemed Rhyan was writing Rhyan off. As rookie he was not getting many starter reps because he didn't learn the Offense, whiffing blocks. Then getting suspended for illegal substances and missing the last 6 games was kind of a write off look from him.
"I only had a few beers, officer." "I tried it a time or two, but never inhaled." "I accidentally ingested a tainted sample."
Hopefully he has learned from mistakes. The coaches haven't given up on him. I still have not written him off but do not see him as a bona fide starter...yet. He had some glaring whiffs last season in pass protection and isn't yet the road grader I hoped he might be.
dobber
April 15, 2024 at 09:24 am
Yeah, I don't buy the "tainted sample" stuff. The Packers have trainers on staff who know exactly what they can and can't do, and these players know exactly what they're putting in their bodies.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 11:43 am
They have so many things on the list for being masking agents that it's not surprising guys occasionally get popped for different supplements. There are a lot of legal things that will get you popped in the NFL and some of the supplement suppliers aren't the most upstanding people. Basically if a player isn't sure they need to bring it to the team and let them decide.
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 12:40 pm
Especially, Alex Jones.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 10:01 pm
Wait, Alex Jones sells supplements? And people buy them? 🤯
RCPackerFan
April 15, 2024 at 07:31 am
I would have thought by now we would know enough to completely judge a player by his rookie season. Not every player comes in and is an instant pro bowl caliber player. But also if they struggle it doesn't mean they are automatically a bust as well.
Rhyan definitely looked like a player that could be a bust. It was really hard to look at the pick and not already start looking back at the draft and say "we could have had ___ player instead"
But Rhyan definitely came into the year with the right attitude and he really improved. By the end of the year he was in a rotation at RG. Based on where he was his rookie year until the end of the season he may have been the most improved player.
I just think this is a simple reminder that we can't rule people out early and we need to have to have patience with players.
22 was a very good draft. If Rhyan starts at RG this year, that means that our first 6 picks will be starters from that draft. Walker, Wyatt, Watson, Rhyan, Doubs, Tom. The next pick Enagbare is a good rotational player but unfortunately is coming off injury. Carpenter is gone, and Ford hasn't really made an impact at all. But Walker was a starter for most of the year and could be again this year.
This draft was one that definitely changed our future.
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 07:54 am
Rhyan was younger (21) than most NFL draftees when he entered the league so there may have been a maturity issue with him. He will be 24 in September so hopefully he is growing up. The Packers need him to make a jump this year unless they plan on using one of their top three draft choices on the RG position. Am still in shock that Runyon got $10 million a year from the Giants.
TKWorldWide
April 15, 2024 at 09:06 am
First sentence: THANK YOU!!
dobber
April 15, 2024 at 09:26 am
"I would have thought by now we would know enough to completely judge a player by his rookie season. "
People want instant gratification, and the pundits who make a living trying to look good in draft analyses aren't afraid to hammer. That said, Rhyan was a very experienced, younger player, so I think there were expectations that he would flash right away. Not everyone takes to moving into a phone booth, though.
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 10:33 am
If they slotted him to OT, he may have fit in earlier, as a RT, but his reach said go to Guard. Learning a new set of rules for the footwork and hand-to-hand takes some time.
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 03:31 pm
He’s got a tiny wingspan. Bottom 8% of OL tested. 3 inches shorter than Barton’s much discussed short arms. He was very unlikely to be a T at this level.
Also, and related probably, pass pro wasn’t his strong suit. Nor was bend. He is very good once moving forward in run blocking.
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 07:40 am
The Packers currently have four IOL (Jenkins, Myers, Rhyan and Newman) and only one is a plus player - Jenkins. Myers is barely adequate as a starter, Rhyan was a rotational player last year and Newman is a liability. Unless Rhyan makes a significant third year leap, the Packers are weak up the middle with two of their three starters and in deep trouble if they have an injury.
The last time I can remember the Packers using a first round draft choice on an IOL was in 1982 on Ron Hallstrom. It's not likely but I sure would like to see the Packers use #25 on an IOL and shore up either the center or RG position. Both for the sake of helping the run game and keeping Jordan Love healthy.
murf7777
April 15, 2024 at 07:57 am
YES….#buildthetrenches Some smart man always stated “you can’t have enough big guys”.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 09:43 am
It's apparently a miracle that the offense was so productive with all these awful players. That plus/minus system you're describing somehow kept the QB remarkably clean and by years end opened some serious holes for the run game.
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 10:13 am
No miracle at all. The Packers lost two of their top seven offensive linemen from last year (Runyon and Nijman) and that has left substantial holes in their O-line for next season. They still have Jenkins and Tom as plus starters and Walker who is a young ascending player. But they need to replace a starter and significant depth.
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 10:26 am
I think he might have been being facetious there. Obviously, our Oline played well enough for us to score quite a few points.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 11:01 am
There are no immediate needs. Everything in this draft is pure luxury for this team. It's the most advantageous position to be in.
That there are some expiring contracts coming doesn't change the situation, the Packers are pretty near set across the board. They could march this team out as is and win the division.
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 11:24 am
''''They could march this team out, as is, and win the division''''
I thought I was the only person who thought that. Obviously, it would be nice to get contributions from the rookies, but not really super necessary. The draft is about the future, not this year. It is pure luxury. I call it gravy, because the meat and potatoes are already on the plate.
We only dress 42 players and the 3 special teams guys. 21 offense and 21 defense. The offense is usually 2 QBs, 10 skill position players, 9 OL. The defense will probably dress 7 DL, 9 DBS, and 5 linebackers.
I could see 6 people making this team, maybe more. But they'll mostly be backups unless the guy ahead of them is injured.
If we had play a game before the draft, we'd have our starting Oline from last year, our starting WR and TE group, and a replacement/upgrade at RB.+
On defense, we'd have Gary, Clark, Wyatt, Van Ness, Slaton, Brooks, Wooden and Smith on the DL. At linebacker, we'd have Walker and McDuffie, Cox, Welch, and Wilson. We'd start Alexander, Stokes, and Nixon at the corners. Our Safeties would be McKinney and somebody, maybe Benny Sapp.
I would be willing to open the season with this bunch in Brazil.
Ferrari-Driver
April 15, 2024 at 08:11 pm
"I could see 6 people making this team, maybe more. But they'll mostly be backups unless the guy ahead of them is injured."
Well, I hope that the first player we select in the first round is not only a starter, but a difference maker. I also hope that at least the first player picked in the second round is a starter.
I may be setting a high bar, but I want this team to go deep into the playoffs and we need some top flight players out there in Packer uniforms to have a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl appearance.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 11:47 am
Who is the starting SS, much less the backup? Plus an injury away from Newman starting and two away from the OL being a complete disaster.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 12:47 pm
The starting strong safety is Nixon. You're welcome.
Somehow that offensive line that appears so deficient managed to get the team a playoff win, and other than the panic of fans seems to have the coaching staff feeling ok.
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 01:12 pm
I'm not sure it's Nixon, but he could be. I don't think The Plan at 1265 is "we'll draft some guy and let him be our starting Safety while he learns on othe job". IMO, we'll get a veteran, somebody like Hyde or Ford or one of the other couple of dozen available guys. We might draft a Safety on Day 2 to be a backup.
If Valentine has improved, then it would make Nixon available for Safety duty, but again, I don't think that's The Plan.
The Oline was really good by the end of the year. Love had all the time he needed on most pass plays, and all those yards that Jones got down the stretch were through holes that were not created by magic.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 01:22 pm
my point is that we aren't without players, and the panic is unwarranted
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 02:51 pm
What panic? The Packers lost their starting RG and their reserve swing tackle. Rhyan is not a proven starter, we don't know whether Jones, Tenuta or Telfort are replacement swing tackles and Newman has proven weaknesses. The Packers need to draft reinforcements for the O-line. Do you really want to go into the 2024 season with Jones and Newman as your key reserves?
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 15, 2024 at 03:38 pm
GB has a good starting offensive line, given the way they closed out the season. I doubt they keep Myers past this season; he's just not proven he's worth a 2nd contract.
But yes, no need to panic. Just get some draft picks and UDFAs to battle with Jones, Tenuta, etc and build out the depth they need and a future starting center.
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 05:10 pm
"GB has a good starting offensive line". Are you sure about RG? Runyon played well down the stretch when he finally got healthy but he is gone. Rhyan played okay, but not well. I agree that GB has four starters, but I would love to see some competition (and not just Newman) for Rhyan when training camp rolls around.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 10:11 pm
You know Nixon is the nickel CB right? And he's not exactly great at that.
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 03:07 pm
Given his follow on responses, I don't think he was being facetious. Yes, our O-line played pretty well last year, but then we lost one starter and one key reserve to free agency. The O-line needs replacement players. Gute (and you) has repeatedly said you need seven good O-linemen. Right know they have four starters and maybe another starter and question marks for reserves.
The strength of this draft is supposed to be O-linemen. So take advantage of that and draft some.........
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 04:29 pm
Though delivered with some irony, I meant what I said. I think this lineup can win and I think they're being discounted. Do they need added depth? Of course. Will Myers contract be an upcoming issue, of course. Will Jenkins aging, and top heavy contract be a thing, highly likely.
The same can be said about Kenny Clark. I love the guy, but third contracts are a burden. I love Jaire too, but he's pretty expensive as a part time player.
Younger, faster, cheaper.
jannesbjornson
April 15, 2024 at 04:59 pm
If the high Value offensive linemen, especially OTs, were still on the Board, I would select three in a row.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 10:43 am
Don't forget Bakhtiari, easily #1 when healthy. Also would be a plus to find someone to supplant Newman. I'm hoping for two drafted in the 1st two days and two more on day 3.
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 02:57 pm
Bakhtiari played very little part in the success that Bitter was referring to which is why I didn't mention him. Bahk is a huge asset when healthy, but I am afraid those are bygone days.
My big question going into the draft is what does the front office and coaching staff think of Jones, Tenuta and Telfort? If they don't draft a prospective swing tackle then they like what they have. If they do draft a swing tackle, the Packers O-line backups are all going to be very young!
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 04:22 pm
My point in all this is the Packers have huge options in this draft. There is no "must be addressed" early spot. Every luxury has been afforded Gutekunst. The way he drafts may be an indicator of how he views a given position, or, it may just be that he's adding depth that will become front line in the future. It's a delightful mystery. Don't let any TV draft pundit convince you otherwise.
This is truly the season of "we like our guys".
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 15, 2024 at 12:07 pm
When. GB consistently finds super productive players on the o-line in later rounds, I'm not begging for a first rounder on the offensive line. Just the 4th rounders include Zach Tom, D Bakhtiari, JC Tretter, TJ Lang and Josh Sitton (there's a bunch of all-pros and pro bowlers in that list).
Corey Linsley in the 5th round, Scott Wells and Rasheed Walker in the 7th. Evan Dietrich-Smith (center for the Title team against PIT) was an UDFA.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 12:35 pm
EXACTLY!
Guam
April 15, 2024 at 03:21 pm
And they drafted Bulaga in the first round and Clifton and Jenkins in the second round. I don't care what round the Packers get O-line reinforcements, but they need to replace two players lost to free agency which means some draft choices need to be applied to the O-line.
Starrbrite
April 15, 2024 at 07:22 pm
Exactly what I believe—we know how to pick O lineman and they don’t have to be in the first round m.
T7Steve
April 15, 2024 at 07:47 am
How can a guy that relegated Newman to the bench be in the third-round curse conversation? If anything, he should be in the Ring of Honor conversation.
I don't know if he's the long-term answer or not, but the coaches must.
This line, as many here have posted, looked good towards the end of last season. This shuffling and experimenting needs to get done in camp, not take half a season to figure out. when (not If) someone is injured, have a plan for who's going where. This unpreparedness has been happening since DB was originally injured in 2020.
Improve or get worse. Individuals AND teams. There's no staying the same in the NFL.
PackEyedOptimist
April 15, 2024 at 08:05 am
Rhyan was one of my favorite draft picks that year; he reminded me a lot of Mark Tauscher.
Hopefully he can rise from his ashes to that level. I haven't heard any coaches gush about him, as they do about others, so I'm not super optimistic.
As others have said, this draft is going to tell us a lot about what they think of Rhyan, Walker, Jones, Tenuta, etc. Maybe they won't pick ANY OL because they know so much that we don't know! :-D Probably not.
Packers0808
April 15, 2024 at 08:09 am
Everyone gets a chance and good look, sometimes it is the 2nd chance that gets the job done and the good luck charm.
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 08:17 am
I’m not writing him off or writing him in. He is a player who effectively blew his first season, getting suspended and looking, honestly, just not ready for the pros before that. He seems to have gained focus, so hopefully that continues.
Year 2 was effectively a second rookie year. In it he was soundly outplayed by Runyon, once Runyon got healthy. If there’s a plus, his pass blocking was somewhat better than expected, his run blocking not as good as anticipated, which suggests to me that he has yet to settle naturally.
So for me Rhyan is a viable contender, but not yet a starter of choice. I would therefore treat him as a back up were I drafting. It’s up to him to change that, but the competition needs to be fierce.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 16, 2024 at 07:09 am
CW has a good assessment of Rhyan. It would seem he needs strong competition and to be motivated until he demonstrates otherwise. The talent appears to be there but will he have enough internal motivation to keep pushing and improving?
LeotisHarris
April 15, 2024 at 08:39 am
If you have the opportunity, stop at Main Street Cafe in Bloomer, Wisconsin and stuff your pie hole with a delicious piece of pie. It'll make the trip from Bust totally worth it.
That said, not a single mention of Zach Tom (aka Zak Tom) in this article. SMH.
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 08:48 am
Well Leotis, you certainly remedied the egregious sleight on Tom. Let the Tom Tom beat be unceasing! But where on the drum kit should the be? To the right, left or in front and center?
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 10:41 am
Bloomer? Are you kidding me? I was born a few miles from Bloomer, both my parents and quite a few aunts and uncles are buried within a few miles of that place. It's quite the metropolis. I'll actually be cruising through the area this August and I'll have a piece of pie, as you suggested.
LeotisHarris
April 15, 2024 at 04:55 pm
Princes, Rubenzers or Zwiefelhofers?
It's a small world, LH.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 10:49 am
Stuff your pie hole is a new one for me. Telling a new girlfriend to shut their pie hole is a good way to test their sense of humor.
TKWorldWide
April 15, 2024 at 09:11 am
Rhyan is a little different player than the usual O-line prospect in GB. He’s big, he’s burly, he’ll knock you on your butt, rather than use agile footwork to wall you off. He’ll occasionally whiff in the run game and give up a pressure or sack in the pass game. But I think it’s good to have his type of player on the line.
I’m going to slightly alter his self-description in the article because my version is more fun:
He’s the new Nature Boy!
WHOOOOOOO!
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 10:58 am
His 3-cone was faster than Bakhtiari's and in the 90th percentile for a guard. I think his issues might come from switching sides and learning a new position. Wahle is always talking about players needing to hire position specific trainers and working on their craft in the off-season and how much that can benefit their bank account come contract time. Hopefully Rhyan takes that route.
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 03:40 pm
Yet his shuttle was poor. As was his 10 yard split. His broad jump was very good. Tiny wingspan (under 80”)
Califan
April 16, 2024 at 12:55 am
Tiny wingspan? Maybe smaller than what the NFL claims to be ideal but Rhyan’s 11 1/8” inch hands which is 97th percentile in the NFL will prove to be an asset.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 16, 2024 at 07:12 am
I cannot help but look at Rhyan and not believe his best spot on the OL is at Center vs RG. Stout and strong without top agility skills his best spot might be at center. Keep Tom at RT. :)
golfpacker1
April 15, 2024 at 09:31 am
2023 was really Rhyan's rookie year after the debacle of 2022. At the very least, his improved play last year gave the Packers hope that they didn't miss on Rhyan. He had 4 really solid years playing LT @ UCLA, that's in the PAC 12, not the IVY league. Write off the first year as maturity issues, growing pains, position change, whatever. I think he will become a solid player this year. At best a quality starter, at worst a solid inexpensive backup, because we need both.
2024 is a new year for him and the Packers. I am hoping that Stokes regains form and Rhyan takes more steps forward. Those would be real wildcard winning outcomes for those 2 players and big bonuses for the Packers.
WD
April 15, 2024 at 09:34 am
The Pack has three pressing needs OL, ILB, and Safety. Here is Draft Guru Mel Kipers's latest mock for Green Bay. 25 Amarius Mims OL, 41 Edgerrin Cooper ILB, and 58 Javon Bullard Safety. Sounds like a damn good start to me. What say ye?
Coldworld
April 15, 2024 at 09:56 am
I’m fine with the positional choices, less convinced that the individuals represent the best available fit among the options potentially out there at those picks.
Bitternotsour
April 15, 2024 at 11:05 am
Mel Kiper is an ass clown. Stop paying attention to him.
WD
April 15, 2024 at 01:56 pm
Sounds like you have a personal vendetta against Kiper. Aside from that; what was wrong with his picks? Since you are such an expert; what are your favorite picks?
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 10:25 am
We draft a guy on Day 2, he has a rough rookie year, gets a suspension, and then returns his next year and earns the trust of the coaches enough to share snaps with a guy who just got a $30M contract.
That's a bust? Let's remember Josh Sitton for a moment. Most people who do think he was a pretty good lineman for us. He made the Pro Bowl several times. But his rookie season, he only started 2 games for us. Colledge and Spitz, two guys that llchesty knows weren't any good (despite the fact that we were the #5 scoring offense that year), started and Sitton sat. He had an AV of 2. A bust? Remember TJ Lang? I do . He played special teams for two years, with a few starts because of injury. One of those was against Jared Allen, who played him like a Banjo. But his third year, 2011, he became a starter and he started for us for the next six years, rarely missing practices or games. A bust?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
GBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGBGB
Of all the mock drafts that people post, I like the ones where we trade down and get more picks. So I did that today in a 4 round draft at Consensus.
I ended up with Jordan Morgan, Edge Cooper,King Sua, Junior Colson, Bullard and Hicks at Safety, then Van Pran at C and finally, in the 4th round, I took Braelon Allenand Isaac Guerendo. That's 7 out of the Top100 plus Allen and Guerendo. Three premium blockers for the Jordan Love window.
ricky
April 15, 2024 at 11:07 am
Different people develop at different speeds. Sometimes a guy takes off immediately; sometimes, it takes a season or two for him to get used to everything that comes with being a professional football player. Rhyan might very well be someone who starts slowly, then ascends the ladder. Giving the coaches some time to develop the player usually doesn't hurt. Especially if, as I truly hope, Stenavich is taking more interest in the development of the OL.
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 11:27 am
My Uncle Elmer would wave his arm towards a field of corn and say "every ear tassles out in it's own time".
T7Steve
April 15, 2024 at 12:25 pm
If Uncle Elmer is on your father's side, does that make you Leatherhead Fudd?
Had to sneak that in there, LH. Have to report for team activities, now.
Tha-Tha-Tha-That's all folks.
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 01:14 pm
No. Leatherhead is the family name. He was Elmer Leatherhead.
T7Steve
April 15, 2024 at 01:28 pm
Most appropriate comeback. One of the best five?
Leatherhead
April 15, 2024 at 02:55 pm
He was a Top 5 tobacco juice spitter.
Alberta_Packer
April 15, 2024 at 11:26 am
Some context - Rhyan was a LT in College who was asked to change both sides and position in GB. A new position requires different footwork, hand-to-eye coordination, muscle memory etc. It can be one of the toughest transitions for an NFL player. Certainly Rhyan struggled in his first year but to a lesser degree in his second. No two people learn and develop at the same rate. Perhaps it's just taking Rhyan more time to develop than most. However it does not mean that he cannot. Nevertheless his final exam will probably be this year.
Before his draft Rhyan was projected as a "good backup with the potential to develop into a starter." Even if his ceiling is as a good backup - both RG and LG - then solid OL depth is valuable. However it's probably prudent to target a potential starting RG in this draft
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 12:02 pm
"Some context - Rhyan was a LT in College who was asked to change both sides and position in GB. A new position requires different footwork, hand-to-eye coordination, muscle memory etc. It can be one of the toughest transitions for an NFL player."
That's a really good point and reminds me of a former NFL player said when asked about switching sides. He said some guys can do it very easily and some guys really struggle. Then you add on the position switch and reduced practice time. He could very well blossom this year but they shouldn't count on it.
GregC
April 15, 2024 at 11:32 am
Can't they find a picture of this guy that's not so unflattering?
T7Steve
April 15, 2024 at 11:47 am
Like me? My best side is obscure and from a distance. Look pretty good from a filtered 3 miles.
LLCHESTY
April 15, 2024 at 12:03 pm
👍My 1st thought also.
Alberta_Packer
April 15, 2024 at 12:08 pm
At least it was a front view.
GregC
April 15, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Nobody looks their best when they are on their hands and knees. Well....not a 320-pound offensive lineman anyway.
T7Steve
April 15, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Farra Fauset looked pretty good.
What'd I do with that poster?
TKWorldWide
April 15, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Ahead of the 2022 draft, PFF had Rhyan ranked as the #90 overall prospect, and Daniel Jeremiah had him at #97. Now that he’s got some experience, I think he’ll have a great 2024.
Whoooo!!
golfpacker1
April 15, 2024 at 05:08 pm
"Rhyan is a quality NFL prospect with an unbalanced skillset. He could well be the strongest most dominating run blocker in the entire offensive line class, he however is only average in pass protection and is limited somewhat by far from ideal length"- NFLDRAFTBUZZ.
That was Rhyan's assessment on NFLDraftbuzz. He started for UCLA as a freshman @ LT. He played LT for 3 years, 2300 snaps and gave up 2 sacks.
Versitile -has the body type to kick inside and dominate. There is no reason to flush this talented OL. Give him a chance.