What Position Should Zach Tom Play for the Packers in 2023?
By GilMartin
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom made a good impression during his rookie season. The fourth round pick out of Wake Forest played in nine games during the season and started five. While first-year players often struggle to adjust to life in the NFL, Tom looked confident and comfortable as soon as he arrived at OTAs.
One thing that attracted Tom to the Packers was his versatility. The scouting report said he could play all five positions along the offensive line and he showed that in college as he started at both center and left tackle at Wake Forest.
In his first season with the Packers, Tom played four positions along the offensive line whenever the team needed him to play. He played both left and right tackle at various times and left and right guard.
According to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, the only position Tom didn’t play this past year for the team may be his best position.
“He’s versatile, like we like,” Gutekunst responded during his pre-scouting combine press conference when asked about Tom. “I thought coming out that his best spot might be center. I think he could do that very well. The way he played at tackle and guard this year maybe opened my eyes that he’s got maybe more potential there as well. Certainly, he’s going to be in the mix and competing for not only a starting spot, but if I’ve learned anything over my time, it’s that you better have seven. You’re going to need all seven before the end of it. Whether you call them starters or not-starters, you’re going to need seven by the time it’s done, and he’ll be one of those guys.”
So, one question that naturally comes up is where does Tom best fit in along the Packers offensive line? Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff typically say they want the best five offensive linemen on the field and the team tends to target players who can play multiple positions like Tom and Elgton Jenkins to help create more depth and flexibility along the line.
Gutekunst also said he expected left tackle David Bakhtiari back next season regardless of who his starting quarterback will be, so if he’s healthy (and in recent seasons, that’s been a big if), Bakhtiari should be back protecting the blind side of the Packers signal caller.
Jenkins can play anywhere along the line but is likely to return to left guard, the position he earned Pro Bowl honors at in 2020 and where he once again settled at after struggling at right tackle early in the season.
Jon Runyan has been a steady force for the Packers at guard. He started the season on the left side but moved over to right guard after Jenkins moved from right tackle to left guard. Runyan is better in pass protection than he is at run blocking but he grades out as a solid and consistent starter.
Center, which Gutekunst said was Tom’s best position coming out of school, is a possibility. Josh Myers started all 17 games at that spot but was inconsistent and struggled getting push against the run. Tom may battle Myers for the starting spot in the middle in 2023.
The other likely possibility is right tackle. Yosh Nijman is a restricted free agent and the Packers are expected to give him a second-round tender in an attempt to re-sign him. Tom may get a look at right tackle and battle Nijman for that starting job.
There are wild cards of course. Injuries along the line could easily have Tom moved to any of the five positions depending on the need in order to get the best available five on the field.
The Packers also always draft offensive linemen, usually in the middle and later rounds of the draft. Gutekunst selected three offensive linemen in each of the last three drafts with mixed results. While the Packers are not necessarily expected to take an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft, they could add one relatively early, especially if they have extra picks after trading away one of their quarterbacks. Those rookies could also compete with Tom for one of the five starting spots.
Tom made a solid first impression as a rookie. The Packers are hoping he continues to develop and improve in year two. One thing we can be sure of, Tom will have a chance in training camp to show the coaches that he deserves to start somewhere along the offensive line. The only question is where.
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Comments (88)
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Left Tackle. Personally I would trade Bakhtiari with Rodgers to the Jets and then draft Skoronski in round 1 to play RT or G.
I would draft a center in the 5th-7th rounds to compete with Myers. Hanson won't cut it.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 03:12 pm
I believe GG first presented adding Bachtiari with AR for the Jets #13. It would serve several benefits. First, helping to motivate AR, but also encourage the Jets the Jets to give up #13.
I would add Tom at LT but wouldn't necessary take an OL in round 1 as would depend who is still there. With two first round picks I'd go one of these directions & pick up an OL in round 2, 3, or 4.
1. WR, Quentin Johnston & TE, Dalton Kincaid
2. Quentin Johnston & Edge, Lukas Van Ness*
3. Dalton Kincaid & Lukas Van Ness*
4. Quentin Johnston & Michael Mayer
5. Dalton Kincaid & Michael Mayer
6.Quentin Johnston & Darnell Washington (Darnell & Washington a toss up).
7. Dalton Kincaid & Darnell Washington
You can interchange Van Ness with either Adetomiwa Adebawore, or Keion White. Luke Musgrave could be interchangeable as well.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 03:33 pm
With QB Anthony Richardson's record breaking display in the 40 yard, the broad jump, and the vertical for QB's I think he has now moved in top 4 spots, or maybe 6 (Detroit)? On surface that should help push a top player down for Packers. However, if he is there when the Packers trading partner picks good chance that just killed the ARod trade. Richardson at 6'5" and 244 lbs is crazy athletic.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:20 pm
The Jets will not be selecting Anthony Richardson (or any other round 1 QB) for multiple reasons:
First of all, with all this combine buzz, he won't make it past pick #9 with teams like Houston, Indy, Vegas, and Carolina in that range.
Secondly, even if the Jets traded up to get him, not only would that sacrifice a substantial amount of draft capital, the Jets' roster is built to win now. That is why they prefer established veterans over rookies, who are relative wild-cards. Richardson even more so - he will likely need a year of development before he's able to become a starting franchise QB.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:15 pm
Yes, although I think Rodgers + Bakh are worth a first, a third, and a 2024 conditional second (at least).
I would also consider a trade down in round 1. I think #15 is a bit high for Kincaid. I would also not take 2 TEs in round 1. Washington should be available in round 2, but we'll see how he does at the combine.
Skoronski is the only OL I would consider in round 1. If we get rid of Bakh, we have to also remember that Runyan and Nijman are free agents next year, and that Myers is iffy.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 08:16 pm
Kincaid on several boards is in top 5 or 6 picks. Kincaid is not your typical TE. Guessing Washington has elevated himself close to 15 to 20 in round 1.
Yes, I'd take them both as likely as any others. Washington is essentially a 6th OL. Great blocker and good receiver. Kincaid is simply an out of this world receiver. These 2 would transform the offense.
NitschkeFan
March 04, 2023 at 04:31 pm
@Knock, I like the way you are thinking but I doubt the Jets can fit both Packers (Bakh and AR) in their salary cap situation. They have some players of their own they would like to sign and not much space to do it.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:36 pm
Bakh's cap hit for a pre-June first trade would only be 5.7m for the Jets
Guam
March 05, 2023 at 08:55 am
I dunno Knock, if you trade Bahk that leaves the Packers with only five quality O-linemen. Newman and Hanson are very suspect and Rhyan, Walker and Jones are big question marks. I think you would need to use a #1 on the OL if Bahk is gone. Injuries on the O-line could wreck Love's first season as a starter.
BirdDogUni
March 05, 2023 at 02:06 pm
Not if we drafted Broderick Jones and Dawand Jones... ; P
LT/RT set for a decade... (Easy to GM!) ; )
Racingdad
March 04, 2023 at 03:15 pm
I had the same idea. But I’ll add force jets to take savage as part of the trade with d Bach and savage gone that opens up 13 mil on the cap more than enough to make up difference in cap from trading ar I would insist on 1,2,5 rd pks plus 24 -2 than draft one of the top tackles to help replace d Bach and sign a fa safty plus move rasoul to safty those changes would really help love moving forward with decent cap space in 24 if needed for some good fa’s Dreaming ? Maybe but one can hope
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:15 pm
The Jets may take him. They have a need at Safety. The question is whether the Packers will be willing to give him up? If it were me, I'd do it, maybe in exchange for a TE.
Jgilmor08
March 06, 2023 at 01:50 am
I understand everyone has the utmost confidence in Love thanks to his 10 yard throw that Watson turned into a 67 yard touchdown. However AR12 and Love are two different players. Game planning and scouting for Rodgers won’t leave you prepared for Love and his style. So maybe before getting rid of one of the few players that can play into their late thirties thanks to their position not requiring high end speed (see San Fran) PRIOR to Loves first season. It might be in the best interest to protect the first year QB with an all pro level tackle rather than unproven rookie from the blind side.
If the team wastes a high pick on offensive line it should be RG. Even RT. Tom could play Center giving Myers competition. We already know Runyan is serviceable. Nijman is a quality tackle on either side but this way you have 1 and 2 for both tackles. 1 and 2 for Center position. Jenkins at one guard spot and two guys battling the other. Then instead of wasting pick on linemen when for 17 games last year every defense shut down the passing game because of how few options there were for play makers. For some reason needing 50 catches from each running back seems like a losing formula to me? First two rounds should be spent on three positions only. TE, WR and Safety. Any other player picked is a downright waste.
MooPack
March 04, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Center
MainePackFan
March 04, 2023 at 01:28 pm
I agree. Give Myers some competition. If he beats him out, give Myers a shot at guard.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 03:03 pm
I agree that Myers should be given competition, but I think we should do so via the draft. Ricky Stromberg of Arkansas and Alex Forsyth of Oregon are a couple of good day 3 centers we could target in rounds 5-7
stockholder
March 04, 2023 at 12:18 pm
See who gets hurt- Insert Tom.
Oppy
March 04, 2023 at 01:32 pm
I hope it's Aaron Rodgers
rememberWhitehurst
March 04, 2023 at 01:41 pm
How classy.
Oppy
March 04, 2023 at 02:15 pm
Why should I show any class towards Aaron Rodgers? He's been classless towards the Packers for many years. Fuck that guy.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 03:07 pm
Rodgers has literally kept our franchise near the top of the NFL for over a decade. Whether we think he's the best option at QB for the Packers going forward is a different discussion (I think Love is best for the future), but if anything, we should be praising Rodgers for his accomplishments and for what he has done for this franchise, and not insulting him.
Racingdad
March 04, 2023 at 03:18 pm
Agree I appreciate everything he has done for gb , BUT it’s time for him to be gone !! It’s time for some love in gb right now!!
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:10 pm
I am in the same boat. It's time to move on. That doesn't mean we can't praise him and appreciate what he's done for our franchise. If he goes to the Jets (as I think he will), I wish him the best there.
Oppy
March 04, 2023 at 03:54 pm
I don't agree. Plus, fuck that guy.
wildbill
March 04, 2023 at 03:58 pm
Does your mommy know your on her computer again?
Oppy
March 04, 2023 at 05:05 pm
Look man, I spent the last 7 years speaking logically, calmly, and providing the details for anyone who wanted to take 5 minutes of their time to look into to support my case against the fraud that is Aaron Rodgers.
Most people don't get it. So, now, I've become resigned to keeping it on a level most of those people at least understand. Fuck. That. Guy.
Oppy
March 04, 2023 at 05:06 pm
*my mommy approves this message
Johnblood27
March 05, 2023 at 09:25 am
if your mommy approves of your potty mouth, I want to meet her - I love dirty talk...
Oppy
March 05, 2023 at 12:43 pm
You know her, you call her Grandma.
:) just being jocular.
Johnblood27
March 05, 2023 at 08:37 pm
...won't be my first GILF...
MainePackFan
March 04, 2023 at 07:57 pm
You ok Oppy?? Your obsession is getting a little weird my friend. As you can see, hoping Rodgers gets hurt is not a good look even on a site that shares your fervor to move on from him.
I get you don't like him, but you better hope something bad doesn't happen to him because you would probably be the number one suspect : )
Oppy
March 05, 2023 at 01:31 am
Why would I care what happens to Aaron Rodgers?
MainePackFan
March 05, 2023 at 05:22 am
Good question.
Oppy
March 05, 2023 at 12:36 pm
You miss the inverse of my statement: I do care about what happens to the Packers.
MainePackFan
March 05, 2023 at 01:09 pm
I never had any doubt about that Oppy. You and I differ greatly on Aaron Rodgers, but at the end of the day we share the same passion for the Packers.
Oppy
March 05, 2023 at 01:25 pm
I also love apple butter. Just a little aside.
MainePackFan
March 05, 2023 at 01:53 pm
lol. I love apple butter : )
PackAttack4155
March 04, 2023 at 04:13 pm
That's some eight year old, "If he can do it, so can I," schoolyard mentality right there. Grow up.
Oppy
March 04, 2023 at 05:08 pm
His fan boys are trapped in an eight year old schoolyard mentality.
But, still... Fuck that guy.
Aaron Rodgers is a self centered bum who doesn't deserve to be part of a TEAM.
PackEyedOptimist
March 04, 2023 at 12:23 pm
Starting center, if he can beat out Myers; backup left tackle to Bakhtiari or Nijman. I’m hoping for a new right tackle, either a draft choice or Caleb Jones or someone else on the roster.
PackAttack4155
March 04, 2023 at 12:29 pm
I'd like to see Tom compete with Myers for starting center. Its a luxury to have the versatility Jenkins, hopefully his play at RT was getting back into game day shape, and Tom bring. Looks like Bakh will be back, the left side is well taken care of. The right needs improvement; not great run blocking, and no proven RT who can be their own island without TE help.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 03:38 pm
Wondering if Myers being 6'5" might be better at guard in the NFL?
PackAttack4155
March 04, 2023 at 03:52 pm
Wouldn't hurt to see what he could do at guard. Packer coaches like to test their linemen all over the place, could find he's better elsewhere. Could be they already tried that. I'm not suggesting they get rid of Myers, but competition would be great. Might push him, in a good way. If he beats out Tom for center, that means Tom's available elsewhere. Not too shabby.
crayzpackfan
March 04, 2023 at 01:00 pm
He seems extremely useful and competent at any of the 5 spots. As long as he starts, it's all good. Maybe bring him in at the TE position now and then for 6 OL's.
rememberWhitehurst
March 04, 2023 at 01:42 pm
I think he's a tackle. He looked physically overmatched inside, but has the feet to compensate at tackle.
PatrickGB
March 04, 2023 at 02:59 pm
He was a tad small for a lineman. I wonder how much bulk he could safely and reasonably put on. He does have skills for most positions.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 03:04 pm
He is about the same size physically as Bakhtiari
Thegreatreynoldo
March 05, 2023 at 03:09 am
I don't think so. I not only can but I have picked Zach Tom out at practice without seeing the numbers of any of the linemen. Perhaps that will change after a year in the pros.
PackyCheese500
March 05, 2023 at 10:59 am
Bakhtiari: 6'4 310 lbs
Tom: 6'5 305 lbs.
Almost identical
Oppy
March 05, 2023 at 12:40 pm
published dimensions vs. what you see with your own eyes, two different things.
There;s often quite a bit of gamesmanship in how players are listed.
That being said, it could be body composition. It is possible that Tom is a lean 305 and Bakh is a.. chubby 310. That could account for the obvious size difference.
Coldworld
March 06, 2023 at 08:50 am
When Bakh came in he was lean. Bakh now not so much. Weight as published is set somewhat in stone for vets.
CoachJV
March 04, 2023 at 02:01 pm
Nijman - Jenk - Meyers - Runyan - Tom... unless we can pick up some studs. I don't think Bak is worth keeping. The injury risk is too high and he can't run-block anymore since the knee.
PatrickGB
March 04, 2023 at 03:04 pm
Now that he has a whole offseason to work on just football stuff, Bahk will probably improve some. If a premier lineman becomes available then we can start improving the line. But, to my eyes, when Bahk and Jenkins got back in the swing of things then the left side of the line looked pretty good.
PackAttack4155
March 04, 2023 at 03:48 pm
I agree. There is nobody who can replace Bakh on the roster, and come anywhere near his output. He gave up zero sacks and zero QB hits while still getting back into form last season. The risk of trading that level of play for a draft pick is too great. Sure, Bakh could get injured, and be out for a while all over again. I'd take that risk over someone who's never taken a pro snap, or thinking Nijman is anything more than a nice depth piece. Myers hasn't proven his draft position was worth it, and Rhyan might not even make the roster this upcoming season. You don't know what you're getting in the draft. I'm all for drafting more talent, but not to fill the LT void left by trading Bakh.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:08 pm
Tom will fill the void at LT. I would trade Bakh and draft Skoronski so he can help out at RT or along the interior
PackAttack4155
March 04, 2023 at 04:53 pm
I think we generally agree on many points, except this upcoming season's LT! Tom looks like he'll be the LT of the future, I'd just prefer another year of development, along with testing his versatility at weaker points in the line.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 05:55 pm
Fair, I can see your point. I think it would be good to take advantage of Tom's NFL readiness and try to make the rest of the OL younger by drafting Skoronski. Nijman and Runyan are free agents after the offseason, you know.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 03:05 pm
I agree, JV, especially when we could pick up a day 2 pick via trade for him.
Packer_Fan
March 04, 2023 at 03:35 pm
Right tackle for now. Left tackle once Bak retires. Packers need at least 7 capable lineman. If they sign Nijman. Then perhaps Walker or Jones will develop.
Packer_Fan
March 04, 2023 at 03:35 pm
Right tackle for now. Left tackle once Bak retires. Packers need at least 7 capable lineman. If they sign Nijman. Then perhaps Walker or Jones will develop.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 03:39 pm
Have hopes that one of Walker, or Jones develops into a serviceable OT...if not both!
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:07 pm
They definitely have the ability to!
Johnblood27
March 05, 2023 at 09:32 am
so if you think that Walker - 7th round pick, or Jones - UDFA have the developmental capability, then why not include Rhyan - 3rd round pick or Tenuta - 6th round pick???
There is plenty of potential in the Packers OL room, the past 3 drafts have stocked the shelves nicely.
It is time to use draft capital in other areas of need that have been ignored. Like Safety and TE and Edge-DL.
PackyCheese500
March 05, 2023 at 11:00 am
I agree wholeheartedly JB!
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 03:49 pm
As the WRs run in the combine, my guess is that one guy the Packers will now be monitoring is Bryce Ford-Wheaton of West Virginia. At 6'4, 221 lbs and with 4.38 and 4.42 40s, he seems like a guy the Packers FO would really like.
Jonathan Mingo of Ole Miss is another guy the Packers could get. He reminds me of AJ Brown and Deebo Samuel. He ran a 4.46, and is 6'2, 220 lbs. An excellent blocker.
Elijah Higgins is a big slot guy who ran a 4.55 at 235 lbs. Allen Lazard replacement, perhaps?
Cedric Tillman of Tennessee (4.55 - 6'3, 213 lbs), and Justin Shorter of Florida (4.56 - 6'4, 229) also stood out to me as guys the Packers would like
PackAttack4155
March 04, 2023 at 03:59 pm
The size of some of the players you mention pass the eye test. Having one or more bruisers to level DBs and LBs would be welcome, especially with Lazard likely gone.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 03:56 pm
The Packers have met with a number of prospects today, who include:
Northwestern RB Evan Hull
Ohio St. OT Paris Johnson
Ohio St. OT Dawand Jones
North Dakota St. OL Cody Mauch
Iowa CB Riley Moss (who may fit better at S in the NFL)
jannesbjornson
March 04, 2023 at 04:42 pm
PFN Daily Fantasy
#26 Uzomah Edge
#38 Syd Brown S
#45 Kraft TE
#58 Tillman WR
#81 Jaylon Jones CB
#152 R. Wright CB
#171 B.Young Edge
#203 Incoom Edge
#234 Averett TE
#246 Nichols III RB
#255 Ben Sims TE
Young will be way up boards after his 40. ALL SEC.
Probably a run on Edge, CBs TEs during rds 1&2.
jannesbjornson
March 04, 2023 at 04:44 pm
They are projecting Moss to safety. Caution with Iowa CBs as in the Jackson fiasco.
PackyCheese500
March 04, 2023 at 04:42 pm
For once, Mark Murphy has a good take on something:
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/04/packers-president-wants-eagl...
dobber
March 04, 2023 at 05:36 pm
In the end, Murphy's perspective is that it's too hard to stop. Defenses will always be at a disadvantage on that play because they need to defend the edges.
I have a hard time watching that play and not think it's going to eat a lot of knees.
It also makes me think I'm watching rugby.
BirdDogUni
March 06, 2023 at 12:07 am
Yeah, it's stupid! It used to be illegal, the whole time we were growing up it was illegal.
What is to stop an offense from putting 7 OL, the most athletic big man they have on the team at QB, and 3 of the biggest DL in the backfield, and just push whoever is the so-called QB 40 yards a pop?
If I were a HC, I'd be designing that offense right now until they outlaw pushing. The first few times you ran it, it might go for a TD... All the OL has to do is keep the momentum going and keep the QB from going down. The guys pushing can actually hold him up too... SMH
I can see it now. Nijman, Bakh, Walker, Myers, Jones, Jenkins. Tom on the line, Kenny Clark taking the snap. (Low center of gravity and athletic freak.) With TJ Slaton (330), Jonathan Ford (338) and Devonte Wyatt (304) all pushing Kenny Clark to the endzone.
Seriously, tell me how you stop that? Especially when they're not ready for it, the first time you do it...
SicSemperTyrannis
March 06, 2023 at 01:47 pm
Why do you think it'd be a good change? (Other than the Eagles being able to do it and GB can't)
barutanseijin
March 04, 2023 at 04:44 pm
I want to say centre because the Packers need an upgrade there. Would he really be an upgrade? Can’t tell until you try.
splitpea1
March 04, 2023 at 06:18 pm
That's why I was hesitant to comment. Maybe it should have already been tried. Gute seems to like the idea, so he should get the chance, along with others possibly, to compete for the starting job in training camp. Whatever the case, the IOL is not the place to be struggling with adequate push in the run game.
dobber
March 04, 2023 at 05:39 pm
He's a finesse player at this point whose best attributes are his feet, smarts, and agility. It's hard to tell where he really belongs until we see the result of a year in a pro training program. It feels like he's a T to me.
jhtobias
March 04, 2023 at 05:50 pm
Center is his best positiin and trufully meyers is better off at guard. I think tom is a very intelligent person and would be a good pair with jordan.
Bak is not getting traded . Packers are not eating 20 million n dead cap to save 3 million dollars .
Next yr is the way this contract is structed that if he goes it will be then. By the way no team will trade for bak unless it is a conditiinal 7th with his injury history
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 06:26 pm
In watching the TE's at the Combine Darnell Washington has passed Michael Mayers IMO. Mayer had one of the slowest TE speeds. Washington slightly faster than Mayer & bigger, stronger, and better blocker. Think Washington's hands pretty good.
I'd love to see Darnell in G & G! Also, don't sleep on either Tucker Kraft, or Zack Kuntz. Both slightly bigger & faster than Mayer. Kurtz is even bigger than Washington at 6'7 3/8". Kurtz also had the 2nd best vertical at 40" of ANY player his size since 2003 meaning he is a hell of an athlete. LaPorta runs smooth & good move TE. Likely 2nd rounder.
I'd try getting either Dalton Kincaid, or Darnell Washington in round 1. In the ideal draft I'd take both. Darnell is already slightly taller & heavier with significantly bigger hands than Mercedes Lewis. He is also quite a big faster 4.65 to 4.85, plus he is more athletic. I'd pass on Michael Mayer in round 1.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 04, 2023 at 06:53 pm
Darnell has alongside with Kincaid become my draft offensive darlings. He just made the best catch today of all TE's and WR's with a one hand high pointing a catch along the sideline. Just stuck one big mitt up as high as he could and snagged it. He also did the best with the blocking sled amongst the TE's.
PackyCheese500
March 05, 2023 at 11:03 am
Washington has really impressed me too. He has a ridiculous RAS and is probably on the Packers' FO's radar. Let's go get him!
Kuntz and Laporta can't block. I doubt GB drafts them to be true TEs. They are basically big slot receivers - maybe they draft them to be that.
PackerGravy
March 04, 2023 at 06:55 pm
Center - Move Myers to Guard
Leatherhead
March 04, 2023 at 07:54 pm
We have six legitimate starters on the line and we’ll need every one, plus more. Tom’s versatility gives us some options as the 6th man.
I’d try to line up, left to right, Bakhtiari, Runyan, Jenkins, Myers, Draft Pick, and I’d have Nijman and Tom as depth. And Rhyan, and Walker/Jones.. Until the first guy gets hurt, and then we’d adjust.
Guam
March 05, 2023 at 08:36 am
Totally agree with your first paragraph LH. I don't particularly care where Tom plays and his best asset may be the fact he can play anywhere. He is the perfect reserve if he doesn't become a starter this season. My larger concern is who will be the seventh quality lineman. Newman is a minimally capable IOL and probably should be replaced by a draft pick. Rhyan, Walker and Jones are unproven and the Pack will need at least one of those three or a draft choice to step up and be the seventh guy. Hanson needs to be replaced by a developmental pick.
Good starters, but the depth on the O-line is thin baring a second year jump from Rhyan, Walker or Jones or a fast start from a quality draft choice.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 05, 2023 at 04:24 am
The worst starter on the OL last year was Myers. Tom was a college center. For 2023, probably center though he can play anywhere.
He has skinny legs and not a lot of sand in the ass. He has the feet for left tackle. I know he measured in at the combine at 307, but I suspect he has trouble keeping his weight up. I think Michael Menet was the only one roughly as small as Tom.
Both Nags and Andy Herman suggested his best position might be LT. IDK.
Coldworld
March 05, 2023 at 08:22 am
LT is traditionally the position where leg speed and agility show most strongly. His physique coming in actually does strongly resemble Bakh when he entered the league. Bakh was vulnerable early to power if he couldn’t deflect it and was not a positive factor in the run game for a while. If Tom can do similar things in the weight room, LT seems a reasonable destination. The question for me is relative improvement over an alternative. If he can hold up at C, that might be the largest upgrade over the starter—I do not see G as an obvious fit since it negates his athleticism and isn’t cerebral while exposing his lack of power.
PackyCheese500
March 05, 2023 at 11:04 am
I would also say LT is his best position
LambeauPlain
March 05, 2023 at 11:17 am
Tom was very good outside and ok inside. His feet are excellent and as he increases NFL strength, his versatility along the O Line will soon be as valuable as Jenks.
Yes, competing with Nijman may make sense to see who is better, but a battle with Myers makes even more sense. I was disappointed in Myers last year and hope he improves...I see no reason why he would not. But Tom will too.
I have heard MLF and his coaches state they will start the best 5. Mostly lip service. Certainly did not in the 2021 season playoff game at Lambeau. And last year they kept playing marginal backups in starter roles.
For now, I would like to see Bakht, Jenks, Tom, Runyon, Yosh to start 2023. Subject to change.
mrtundra
March 07, 2023 at 08:35 am
It would be nice to see Sean Rhyan, Rasheed Walker and Caleb Jones show us something this coming camp, otherwise they were wasted picks. Someone, if not all of them, has to step up this year.