What Will the Packers Starting Offensive Line Look Like in 2020?

The Green Bay Packers offensive line had a steady lineup in 2019. Once Elgton Jenkins took over at left guard for the injured Lane Taylor in Week 2, the starting five was set with David Bakhtiari at left tackle, Jenkins at left guard, Corey Linsley at center, Billy Tuner at right guard and Bryan Bulaga at right tackle.

But 2020 will be different. Bulaga has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers while Taylor is healthy again and has agreed to a pay cut to remain with the Packers. The Packers also signed tackle Ricky Wagner who spent last season in Detroit and drafted three rookies for depth in the late rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.

So how does the Packers offensive line look in 2020? Barring injuries, here are the top options:

Option 1:

LT David Bakhtiari

LG Elgton Jenkins

C Corey Linsley

RG Billy Turner

RT Ricky Wagner

This is the way the unofficial depth chart looks right now. Four of the five starters from last year are back on the roster and the newly signed Wagner gets plugged in at Bulaga’s old spot at right tackle.

Wagner struggled last season with the Lions and needs to both remain healthy and bounce back to his earlier form to make this work. Wagner’s pass blocking needs to be more consistent as the Packers need to protect Aaron Rodgers and keep him healthy.

The Packers are also hoping Turner has a more consistent season than he did last year although his play did pick up as 2019 progressed.

If the Packers go with this lineup, four of the five positions would be manned by the same players as last season playing the same position which would give the team maximum continuity.

Under this scenario, Taylor could serve as the swing tackle or back up at guard while Lucas Patrick would be the likely top backup inside at center and guard.

Option 2:

LT David Bakhtiari

LG Elgton Jenkins

C Corey Linsley

RG Lane Taylor

RT Billy Turner

If Wagner is unable to win the starting right tackle job, one option is to move Turner out to the right tackle position and slide Taylor in at guard. Taylor started at left guard for three full seasons and won the job in training camp last year before his season ending injury struck in Week 2.

Taylor is a consistent performer and above average starter at guard. While he has never played at a Pro Bowl level, he is a good run blocker and pass blocker who before his most recent injury, could get to the second level consistently and pull well on sweeps and screens.

Turner has started at both tackle and guard with Miami and Denver and has done an adequate job at both positions.

This starting five may allow the Packers to put their best five linemen on the field at once and give them additional mobility and flexibility with Wagner available to fill in as the swing tackle with Lucas Patrick likely to be the top backup on the inside.

Option 3:

LT David Bakhtiari

LG Elgton Jenkins

C Corey Linsley

RG Billy Turner

RT Lane Taylor

Taylor has played tackle occasionally during his NFL career, mostly as in injury fill in. He would need to demonstrate the ability to counter speed rushers off the edge on a consistent basis to claim this position. Again, it is likely Matt LaFleur is looking for ways to get his best five players on the field and this could be one way to do it.

This lineup would also give the Packers more continuity as four of the five starters from last year would be returning at the same positions they played last year.

Option 4:

LT David Bakhtiari

LG Lane Taylor

C Corey Linsley

RG Billy Turner

RT Elgton Jenkins

Jenkins made the NFL’s All-Rookie Team last year at guard and did not allow a sack all season so moving him to tackle would be a bit of a gamble. In college, Jenkins played center, guard and tackle, starting five games at left tackle and one game at right tackle at Mississippi State.

If Wagner doesn’t work out, moving Jenkins to the outside may again be a way for the Packers offensive line to get their best five players on the field at the same time. Jenkins has been an excellent pass blocker at guard, if he can remain at that level as a tackle, it could be the best chance the Packers have to replace Bulaga’s consistent ability to protect the quarterback.

Still, this could also reduce Jenkins’ effectiveness if he to make an adjustment to a new position after he played so well at guard last season.

This lineup would leave Wagner as the swing tackle and again, Lucas Patrick as the primary backup inside.

Whichever way the Packers decide to go with the offensive line, they have many options. Taylor, Turner and Jenkins can all play multiple positions as can Lucas Patrick. This allows them the flexibility to try many different lineups.

The biggest issue, this season, however, is likely to be continuity. OTAs and minicamps were already limited to virtual conference calls and limitations to training camps and preseason games remain a real possibility because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

 

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Comments (77)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Turophile's picture

June 27, 2020 at 12:35 pm

Option 4 with Elgton Jenkins at RT was the most interesting one. I never thought of him being a RT.

I'm sure Wagner starts camp as the guy at RT, it's his job to lose. It's only if he washes out that other options start getting scrutiny.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 27, 2020 at 12:51 pm

Seriously? We return four starters from a line that was pretty good last year, and that includes three vets on their second contract and a high draft choice who played well as a rookie. Billy Wagner was signed to his third NFL contract and that’s ourline.

Lane Taylor, coupled with the flexibility of Jenkins and Turner essentially gives us an in-game backup at four positions.

The organization gave Patrick a signing bonus of over $300k and another $300k guaranteed in December, which doesn’t make much sense if you don’t think he’ll make the team.

And it’s just a crazy hunch, but I think Leglue will stick as the backup left tackle.

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Turophile's picture

June 27, 2020 at 04:51 pm

"Seriously ?"
That comment suggests you disagree with something I said........but exactly what I have no idea. Care to elaborate ?

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Leatherhead's picture

June 28, 2020 at 12:21 am

I can’t believe anybody would have any doubt about what the line is going to be.

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Turophile's picture

June 28, 2020 at 06:57 am

It is relatively easy to work out who the Packers WANT to start.

Guessing which players will play best, leading into the regular season is a little tougher. Taylor may play better than Turner and take the RG spot...........and it remains to be seen if Lucas Patrick keeps developing.

Things are not set in stone..................and if you think they are, let me remind you that T.J.Lang himself said (before he stepped up big-time and became a starter) that he borderline deserved to be cut before he dedicated himself to a good work ethic.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:27 am

I don't see another $300K guaranteed in December or at any other time. I don't understand this.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 28, 2020 at 02:28 pm

I worded that poorly. A better way would have been to say, “Patrick got a two-year deal in December that gave him 700K guaranteed, including a 350k signing bonus. I doubt they gave that money to somebody who wasn’t part of ThePlan.

Turophile.....follow the money. They aren’t paying Turner and Wagner to sit on the bench. These guys have been in the league for years and what they bring to the field is well known to the coaches. Unless they’re injured, they’re starting.

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dobber's picture

June 28, 2020 at 09:36 pm

" I doubt they gave that money to somebody who wasn’t part of ThePlan."

Neither Taylor nor Patrick has a deal that makes them uncuttable...there's almost no money here. Patrick's dead cap if he gets cut is a paltry $233k (not M) and returns $1M in cap room. Taylor's contract likely keeps him around and, if he's cut, his cap hit goes up by $400k, but it's still not prohibitive if he gets massively outplayed.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 29, 2020 at 12:33 pm

Not uncuttable, but it makes little sense to give a guy 750k guaranteed just so you can cut him to create a million in cap space. Unless you assume that the people who are running the show don’t really know what they’re doing, in which case anything is possible.

What makes more sense, IMO, is that THEY started making decisions last season about Patrick. Apparently, THEY wanted to keep him around and offered him money to stay, It’s certain that there was input from his position coach, the offensive coordinator, the head coach, the GM, the finance guy, the team medical staff, and others before the deal was executed.

And now, that same group of people is going to reverse course and admit they blew $700k for nothing? Why? What changed?

The simplest explanation is most likely to be correct. Some smart guy said that once in a book I read. Or maybe it was Spock.

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2020 at 03:19 pm

"Not uncuttable, but it makes little sense to give a guy 750k guaranteed just so you can cut him to create a million in cap space"

It happens all the time. The Packers have already paid Patrick half his initial bonus and the ~$250k in dead money that remains is nothing. He's a cheaper cut than Lane Taylor, who can cover 3-4 OL spots on game day. I don't think they keep both.

If the Packers cut a player who they think will be a better for the long term (and I think there are several candidates) just to keep Patrick over his paltry bonus then, yes: they'll confirm that they really don't know what they're doing. If you want to talk cap and bonus, there's a couple guys who will be a larger cap hit to the team than Patrick. It then makes more sense to cut Patrick. The roster spot is far more valuable than Patrick's couple hundred thousand $$.

IMO, I don't think Patrick makes the final roster because he'll either get outplayed or his roster spot will be taken by a developmental player with a higher ceiling. The nature of his contract tells you they view him as a fringe roster player, and never viewed him as a starter.

In edit: removed a wayward "don't"

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flackcatcher's picture

June 29, 2020 at 03:01 pm

The other factor is training camp itself. It's too short. For all the video, seeing players compete a full level above is an eye opening experience. For teams, it forces coaches to make more guesses about their talent than actually see them perform over a decent amount of time. Like the Packers did last year with Light, they make have to put one or more of their young developmental OL on the active roster to keep him. And that makes a player like Patrick expendable.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:25 pm

Leglue could stick as the swing tackle, it will be interesting to see what kind of a camp he has. I know Light wasn't ready to be the swing tackle last year. Patrick is making the team this year barring injury, I agree with that. Thanks for commenting, Leatherhead.

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Stroh's picture

June 27, 2020 at 11:31 pm

Jenkind won't be the RT. You don't move a Pro Bowl OG to OT. It makes no sense and the Packers know it.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:27 pm

I don't think it's likely, not at all. But I know he's capable of playing tackle and I know the coaching staff has said they want to get their best five linemen on the field. If Jenkins makes the Pro Bowl this year, I wouldn't be surprised. Thanks for commenting, Stroh.

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Stroh's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:30 pm

Then why was he moved from starting at OT to play inside in college? OT are the hardest to find on the OL at every level of football. Its common particularly for the Packers to draft collge OT and move them inside. Not the other way around. Sitton Lang DeitrichSmith and Tretter among others all moved from college OT to NFL OG, because as they moved to the next level they couldn't cut it at OT. Jenkins couldn't cut it at OT in college, but now you think he can play OT at the next level? Come on, that doesn't make sense.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:22 pm

Agreed, Turophile, that's the most likely starting point. We'll see what he can do. Thanks for commenting.

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Bearmeat's picture

June 27, 2020 at 01:08 pm

I am one of the only ones who seems to think we're going to be ok on the OL as long as Bakh doesn't get hurt. We've got depth, and decent options on the right side. We've been so spoiled with top 5 OLs for the last half decade that we've forgotten that a top 15 OL is by definition "average." And that's ok, as long as we have strengths elsewhere.

I'm far more concerned about our garbage at WR than I am RT.

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greengold's picture

June 27, 2020 at 01:38 pm

I agree with you that our OL is possibly much better than many might think, but disagree on WR, where I think they will surprise Packers fans as much as our OL.

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dekan51's picture

June 27, 2020 at 02:50 pm

Rodgers perfect QB rating game came when Adams was hurt, so I think our receivers are ok. Rodgers loves Adams, which is understandable, but he has to look to other WR's more quickly, if not 1st, not only after he looks to Adams....

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Stroh's picture

June 27, 2020 at 10:22 pm

That perfect QB rating cane when he seemed to run Lafleur's offense and was throwing to RB most of the time. That was also largely due to having no weapons at WR. Thay have a #1 WR and bunch of #4 WR who wouldn't be starting on nearly, if not all other NFL teams.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:32 pm

As of now, they have no proven #2 receiver. They do have several players with the potential to grow into that role, now they just have to do it.

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Stroh's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:36 pm

Maybe EQ but I don't see it. Lazard cant separate consistently and has limited athleticism. But hey he can bock right? A WR job is to get open and catch the ball. He can do only one of those.

Lazard would NOT be a #2 on any other NFL team. None...

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:31 pm

I agree, dekan51. Adams is his best receiver, but he has to learn to trust his other receivers as well. Of course, trust has to be earned...we shall see. Thanks for the comment.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:30 pm

I hope so, greengold. The potential is there, but a few players have to truly realize their potential to make that happen. Thanks for the comment.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 27, 2020 at 04:43 pm

Since 90% of our targets to WR will be Adams, Lazard, andFunchess, I think we’re we’ll set. In this offense, the #2 WR is a cheap blocker and decoy.

Garbage . Seriously? Shame on you.

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Bearmeat's picture

June 27, 2020 at 05:48 pm

LH,

I've noticed that you tend to come at issues with the Packers (and other things) and approach others as if you assume you are right. You can have an opinion, but please realize that your opinion is just an opinion. Just like everyone else here. So let's remove ourselves from the judgy tone, please.

For example, I think your opinion on our WR depth is dead wrong. I think our WRs will be a bottom 5 unit in the league and it will hinder the offense. I consider myself a pretty informed and smart football fan. But I could very well be wrong. Because, you know, I'm just a fan and my belief is just an opinion.

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Bure9620's picture

June 27, 2020 at 10:29 pm

He is right though that we will not be in spread formations as much, 12 personnel will be the base. Therefore, we would not need to be as deep at WR, More TEs, more 2 back sets.

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Bearmeat's picture

June 28, 2020 at 09:44 am

Yes. That certainly looks to be the case, Bure. And that's great. But we still will need a not-below average WR2.

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dobber's picture

June 30, 2020 at 02:39 pm

But the question is, with #12 under center, will they still tend to throw out of that 12 package? Packers ran 11 personnel--the most popular grouping in the league based on snaps--right at the league average (60%) and at the lowest rate in a long time in 2019. THey still ran 11 personnel, far more often than 12 personnel (20%, equal to league average) or 21 personnel (12%, well above league average). A lot has to do with how they line up that second TE...in the backfield? Split out wide?

https://www.sharpfootballstats.com/personnel-grouping-frequency.html

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Leatherhead's picture

June 28, 2020 at 12:29 am

They weren’t a bottom five unit last year. What changed?

And again, this is a clear example of a guy who watches TV thinking he knows more than the pros who run the team. You don’t. You clearly don’t understand what we’re trying to do on offense and why the guys we have at WR are a good fit for it. You’re still pining for the way we used to do things.

I don’t have an opinion....I’m trying to understand and explain what the 1265 brass is thinking. What I would like to see doesn’t mean squat.

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CoachDino's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:25 am

I think us fans also don't really have any idea what the other 31 teams really look like. Sure there are better WR groups in the NFL but having a top 5 guy and role players behind him is solid. Then your point of what they are trying to do is critical.
Its not a secret, they have made it very clear, unfortunately many of us don't completely get it, including me. I still had WR on the mind but if you look for team value instead of popularity The TE pick far out weighs any WR that they may have drafted. I don't drive a sports performance vehicle to the construction site as the pick-up truck is the tool I need. I don't take a pick-up to the track because I need the right tool there as well.
Lazard and Funchess have already proven themselves to be suitable #2 in this scheme. EQS and MVS might be able to as well.
Lastly DA can get open at will unless they really double team him, so why not focus on the stud.
I assume there aren't too many teams paying alot of money for their #2 rec. Not saying none just I am assuming less than 50%.

The Line does scare me - It is better than most in the NFL but like most one injury to a OT can really cause some issues. The Packers - I'm hoping will be in a better position to handle issue by running the ball and having 2 TE so not to expose the OTs so much.

I wouldn't discount any option given, you never know, easy for me to say but when performances and injuries come into the equation, not seeing these guys in practice makes it tough to form a informed opinion.

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Bearmeat's picture

June 28, 2020 at 07:36 am

HOW do you know what 1265 is thinking? Are you besties with Gute or something? If not, please stop with the "I know more than others" schtick. It's annoying.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 28, 2020 at 02:42 pm

It’s simple, Bearmeat. You look at what they’ve done over the last 2 1/2 years. Where has the organization put their resources? What direction are we taking on the field? Are we passing more? Are we building a team that defends the pass first? Are we asking MORE from Rodgers? Have we made any moves at TE?

Look. Think. Gutekunst is less of a mystery than he was when he started. A smart guy....and I think you generally are....can certainly read the writing on the wall.

It’s apparent to me that the #2 WR position is viewed as a place we aren’t going to spend premium resources, and where the primary quality we’re looking for is “ can he get his man blocked?” We’re going to break some long runs this year because Lazard or Funchess just mauled some dude in the secondary. When that happens, I’ll be sure to point it out.

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Guam's picture

June 28, 2020 at 07:56 am

LH,

Bearmeat was offering you some helpful advice. Despite your repeated use of the pronoun "we", (unless you are actually a member of the Packers FO), you are just interpreting what you believe the Packer front office is doing. That is your opinion, not actual Packer policy. We all are just stating our opinion here and you often have very good points to make, but your habit of assuming your interpretation of the Packer FO is the correct one can be off putting and detrimental to your point.

It would be helpful to the rest of us to better enjoy your commentary if you didn't assume you were the official interpreter of Packer policy. Many of us are smart enough to understand what the Packers appear to be trying to do, but either we may not agree or we may have different interpretations of what the policy is. The exchange of opinions is what makes this blog fun and informative.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:05 pm

Guam, I appreciate your interpretation.

Look....I’m not the Official Interpreter for 1265 or anything. But they’ve got a track record of 2 1/2 years and it’s not impossible to connect the dots. That’s what I do. I know that I know about 1% as much as the Packer front office so I don’t say stupid stuff like “our WRs are garbage” because it implies that I think I’m smarter than the guys running the show.

So rather , I just try to explain what is happening and why I think that way. It also really gets my Irish up when people smear our players because they think it makes them sound smarter. It doesn’t.

Anyway, since I think we’re not going to have a season this year (connecting dots), and I’m apparently irritating people that I don’t want to, it’s probably a good time to take a break.

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Guam's picture

June 29, 2020 at 07:14 am

No need to take a break LH. You have thoughtful opinions and you are an interesting read but you just need to work on the tone of some of your posts. We all try to "connect the dots" coming out of 1265 Lombardi and sometimes our dots look a little different and sometimes we just disagree with the dots the Packer FO is connecting. Either way, the varying opinions often broaden my view of the Packers which is a good thing.

You were the first that helped me understand that the Packers are moving toward a Shanahan style running team. Good insight, but that doesn't mean some people won't disagree simply because the Packers have a HOF QB and believe they should be more of a passing team. Those that disagree probably recognize what the Packer FO is doing, they just don't like it and that is okay.

Stay with us LH, many of us enjoy your viewpoint.

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Leatherhead's picture

June 29, 2020 at 12:58 pm

Guam......I’m going to let this go, but I want to ask one question first.

If we’re all trying to connect dots. ........,

In a thread on our offensive line, Bearmeat took the opportunity to beat the drum some more about how we should have acquired some speedy superduper WR, which is “needed” because our existing group is “garbage”

Where are the dots? Were they garbage last year when we won 14 games? Has the front office shown they value expensive WRs? Have they drafted a WR before the last day? Where are the dots?

I think Gutekunst is halfway through his 5 year deal and before he was hired he had a vision of the team he wanted and a plan, which was explained to Murphy in substantial detail. Other candidates did the same and Gutekunst got the nod.

I get the impression from reading posts that number of people think there’s just a bunch of unrelated personnel moves made by people who don’t know what they’re doing I don’t see how they connect anything to anybody dots.

And I’m done with this now Guam. Thanks for discussing.

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Bearmeat's picture

June 29, 2020 at 03:46 pm

... LH, by putting yourself on a pedestal as you walk out the door (DHole move), you finally earned your way to "Bearmeat's Never Read And Never Respond List." It's a small club, and you've been close a few times, but this move put you over the top. Congratulations! You should feel happy - now you'll never have to argue with me again. Because I won't be reading or responding. So don't bother.

It's especially a shame because you are a smart fan generally. Even if you end up being right (which you have no fricken idea if you will be, contrary to your opinion), there's never an excuse to be a smug DHole. I have enough of that in my life at work. I don't need it in my rare "free" time.

Have a nice day, Fredo.

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2020 at 04:13 pm

"Were they garbage last year when we won 14 games? "

OK: they were 20% Davante Adams and 80% pedestrian WRs...yes, even Lazard. Just because that 80% didn't seem to cost them a game (maybe the Philly game), doesn't change that they were not starting-quality NFL talent. It doesn't change the fact that the offense will likely be better and more diverse with a better runningmate to #17...and he can block if it suits ye. Maybe that will be Funchess. I'm not counting on it.

"I think Gutekunst is halfway through his 5 year deal and before he was hired he had a vision of the team he wanted and a plan, "

And then they looked for a coach who would coach to BG's plan? I think that very unlikely.

"I get the impression from reading posts that number of people think there’s just a bunch of unrelated personnel moves..."

This is actually a pretty savvy group of posters. If you don't think so, then you've not spent enough time on other Packers boards.. Many think broadly about player moves and interpret them in a way that's consistent with cap and scheme.

"I’m going to let this go,.."

No. This isn't letting it go. You're saying you're "letting it go" so you can pretend to be taking the high road, but you're throwing punches on your way out the door.

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Bearmeat's picture

June 29, 2020 at 04:11 pm

(insert mic drop gif that CHTV anti-spam controls won't let me link to)

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:29 pm

I agree with you that the O-Line should be OK as long as RT is not a big time problem area. Fans get spoiled with linemen and often don't appreciate them until they're gone. I hope that's not the case with Bulaga because I hope his replacement will do at least an adequate job. Thanks for the comment, Bearmeat.

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PhantomII's picture

June 27, 2020 at 01:19 pm

I didn't see Taylor beat out Jenkins to start the season, quite the opposite to me. Jenkins played at a pro bowl level as a rookie, was a fantastic college Center and I believe he can be a pro bowl level Tackle also probably L/R. The guy has confidence in himself at the pro level and will do what he has to to get to any position on the OL and excel there. The game is not to big for him. I think Taylor needs to trim down and add muscle. Guys that have big midsections are prone to injury and always compensating for balance. Going big into the run we need guys to fire out and move their guys out and create run lanes. A total different game than before which is why so many OL were drafted. A lot of competition and cream rising to the top. I think Taylor could beat out Turner though. Bak is not an elite run blocker either so eventually even he may go if Jenkins can take over LT. Time will tell the corners are a speed area....... if you're pass blocking.

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Stroh's picture

June 27, 2020 at 10:31 pm

It would be a HUGE mistake to move a Pro Bowl OG to OT. It would greatly diminish his productivity. If he was a great OT in college he would have stayed at OT instead of moving inside. OT are the most sought after OL position by far at every level. If you have even a good one you keep him there instead of moving him inside.

It makes Zero sense to move Jenkjns and the Packers know it.

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PhantomII's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:15 pm

This kid has not allowed QB sacks his entire career. It's in his DNA. I am ecstatic in his first year how well he's done and he was a Center before. I would give him a shot at it is all I'm saying because he's so good he can't help but do well there also. If I'm wrong he's still a pro bowl G or C. I'll take that chance any day, It's not as if he'd lose confidence in his mastered abilities. Either way the packers nailed that pick hands down. Good pick Gute.

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Stroh's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:45 pm

So he's proven he can play great at OG in the NFL. Unfortunately he proved in college he cant play great at OT, otherwise he would have played OT in college not inside.

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greengold's picture

June 27, 2020 at 01:36 pm

I have such a different view of our OL depth, believing Wagner to be better than many might think, especially in LaFleur's system, and Yosh Nijman to be the #2 RT/LT, with a very solid chance to beat Wagner out for the starting RT job.

The Packers just drafted AJ Dillon to augment and already potent rushing attack with one of the most powerful RBs available last April. I don't think it is a surprise then that LaFleur is going to emphasize the running game more in year 2 of his offense. Ricky Wagner, while he might be a couple ticks below the departed Brian Bulaga in pass protection, excess an outside zone run blocker, making him quite possibly a better system fit at RT. He's got more speed than Bulaga, and is an absolute destroyer as a blocker at the 2nd level, with an uncanny knack for locating and blowing up any defender attempting to make a stop.

Yosh Nijman was protected twice by the Packers last year, having been promoted to the 53 man roster, then onto IR. He was in my opinion the star signing of UDFA, one who simply needed technique work and further development before realizing his abilities at the NFL level of play. However, he didn't allow a single sack to all of Ferrell, Allen, Burns, Wilkins and Lawrence in his entire career at VT, where he saw plenty of all those guys drafted #17 or earlier in the 1st Round last year. This guy is a super athletic mountain of a man at 6-8 340, with speed. I think the Packers went out of their way to protect him from other teams snapping him off our PS for a reason.

Both Wagner and Nijman have both LT/RT experience with solid resumes.

Just my two cents, but I do think we are far better off at RT than expected. Every other option you've mentioned is just icing on the cake.

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Coldworld's picture

June 27, 2020 at 03:18 pm

I agree. If Wagner stays healthy he has been an above average right tackle. Nijman is perhaps hopeful this year. Love to see it but I think another year of polishing is likely before he is considered.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:36 pm

He could need one more year of polishing. Obviously, the Packers are hoping none of the backup linemen need to see too much time during the regular season. Will be interesting to see how Nijman does. Thanks for the comment, Coldworld.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:34 pm

Would love to see Nijman take a step forward and assume the swing tackle job. They clearly liked something about him to keep him around, now he has to prove their faith in him was justified. Thanks for commenting, greengold.

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Since'61's picture

June 27, 2020 at 04:15 pm

I think I like option 1 the best because it gives us good flexibility with our backups. Lane Taylor can fill in at guard and tackle. Lucas Patrick can handle guard and center. We could even move Jenkins to Center and put Taylor back at LG if necessary.

I don’t know if it will work out that way based on TC but the more options we can have during the season the better.
Thanks, Since ‘61.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:37 pm

Option 1 is the starting point when (and if) camp gets under way. I know the coaching staff values flexibility and versatility and that's one reason they drafted Jenkins and extended Patrick. It will be an interesting training camp for the O-line, that's for sure. Always good to hear from you, Since'61.

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Roadrunner23's picture

June 27, 2020 at 06:31 pm

In the offensive line less is more when it comes to position moves, cohesion is key.
#1 is the best option at least in the early going.
It would be in the Packers best interest to keep as many on last years remaining starters in place with a shortened off-season.
That is all...

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wildbill's picture

June 27, 2020 at 07:43 pm

Continuity is a big factor so #1 would seem to be our strongest unit which would allow for much flexibility with our backups

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:40 pm

Agreed, wildbill. That's why it's option #1. Thanks for commenting.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:39 pm

No doubt continuity is vital on the O-line, probably more than any other position. I think they will open camp with option #1 and if Wagner plays well and everybody stays healthy, they'll stick with it. We shall see how this plays out. Thanks for commenting, as always, nostradanus.

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fish's picture

June 27, 2020 at 08:37 pm

I think the best 4 linemen are Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Linsley, and a healthy Taylor. That leaves Turner, Wagner, Hansen, Runyan, Light, Patrick, Nijman, Madison and probably others that I have forgot to fight it out for the 5th spot.

If Hansen beats out Linsley, we are still at 4. Not sure if either can play guard at top level.

I think the guy with the most upside is Nijman. But, I would guess the best guy in preseason gets the 5th spot. Whichever guy that is will determine if Taylor plays guard or tackle.

The caveat of course is if (for example) Runyan is a better guard and Wagner a better tackle than Taylor then Taylor doesn't get the start.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:42 pm

I don't think any of the rookies will make much impact this year, especially because of the compromised offseason without OTAs and minicamps. Will be interesting to see who gets the RT spot and the RG spot. I think Nijman is still a year away but we'll see. Thanks for the comment, fish.

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Dzehren's picture

June 27, 2020 at 08:46 pm

The OL has a lot of depth and intriguing young prospects. Lane Taylor and Billy Turner are not going to be effective as starting RT’s. They are guards who can play tackle in a pinch.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:43 pm

I agree for the most part with that assessment although Turner did start at tackle earlier in his career with mixed results. I like the overall depth and versatility of this O-line, they just need to get the best RT to solidify the line and the sooner they can do that, obviously, the more continuity they'll have. Thanks for the comment, Dzehren.

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Stroh's picture

June 27, 2020 at 10:53 pm

Bahktiari Jenkins Linsley Turner Wagner is by far the most likely. The other option not mentioned that should be #2 is to sub Taylor for Turner.

Both Turner and Taylor played OT in an emergency and that's the only way either would ever play it again and that would be to finish a game. Taylor especially is not OT material, so forget any option with him starting at OT.

Also remember Veldheer. He doesn't need training camp and I expect him to be signed and available should Wagner get injured or struggle. None of the backup OT are ready or good enough options to be considered as viable options.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:45 pm

I couldn't put Valdheer in the article because they haven't signed him yet. I know he did a good job last year when called upon, but I think they like the young talent they have for depth. Thanks for the comment, Stroh.

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Stroh's picture

June 28, 2020 at 03:40 pm

They have a bunch of young OT that can't play. You xan put Veldheer in the article if you want. Its not like he's osigned by another team and under contract. If Wagner struggles or fets hurt they'll call Veldheer. Playing one of the backup OT OT isn't a realistic option. Wasn't that proven last year?

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scoonie_penn's picture

June 28, 2020 at 06:48 am

Option #4
LT - Bak
LG- Jenkins
C - Lindsely
RG - Turner*(yuk)
RT - Runyan

* Taylor gets traded so Turner is RG by default

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:48 pm

I think Runyan is at least a year away, mostly because of the reduced offseason this year because of the pandemic. He could also play guard which many scouts have favored because he doesn't have long arms. I like Runyan, watched him in college a lot and he was a good late round pick. We'll see how soon he's ready to compete for a job. Thanks for the comment, scoonie_penn.

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4zone's picture

June 28, 2020 at 07:46 am

They will all be home, sitting on their couches watching old Netflix B movies. Until they get a vaccine one positive player will quarantine his entire team an the team they just played. Makes it impossible to conduct a sport that is based on massive inter-player contact. It's just plain stupid to even try until there is a vaccine or treatment.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:49 pm

Sadly, 4zone, you may be right. I hope they can find a way to play this season safely, but I'm not holding my breath. Thanks for the comment.

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mnbadger's picture

June 28, 2020 at 09:02 am

I'm not sold on Turner. He seldom showed athleticism or intensity.
I'm either trading or cutting Turner, moving Taylor into his spot as option 1.
Put Nijman in wherever Turner was listed as a tackle.
The rest looks good based on what we know today. GPG

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:51 pm

Thanks, mnbadger. Turner wasn't outstanding last year, but he did improve as the season progressed. We shall see what he does in camp this year (assuming there is a camp). Thanks for the comment.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

June 28, 2020 at 09:55 am

Not promoting this or saying it is a good idea, but does anyone think trading Bahk this year is a possibility? We need to come up with a cap-stretching number to re-sign/extend him next year, and we probable get a 1 for him right now. Green Bay doesn’t love third contracts for lineman and has preferred letting people leave a year early rather than a year late.

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PhantomII's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:38 pm

If that were the case the best time would have been draft timeframe and rolled the draft pick into a replacement player. We don't have a sure replacement on hand to take his place even though we are pushing hard at being a run first team. The best thing financially would either be what you suggested or move / cut Taylor/ Lindsley as we have players on hand to replace either or both of them and save the cap space for next years resigning Clark, BAK, King or A. Jones. Green Bay seems to prefer to let players finish out their contracts for comp pick purposes when they walk if they are still a viable player. I suspect Gute thought this year we could compete for the SB so he made his draft picks and let it ride as is with minimal OL flux except RT leaving.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:54 pm

Agreed, PHantomII. And yes, the comp picks do factor into the team's decision making. I think they may re-sign Bakhtiari if he has another really good season this year, he's just that good. We shall see. Thanks for the comment.

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GilMartin's picture

June 28, 2020 at 01:52 pm

What you're saying is logical in some ways but very unlikely. Bakhtiari is the best pass blocking tackle in the league or very close to it and with Bulaga gone and RT a question mark, I doubt they trade Bakhtiari. In fact, if they did, 12 would probably lose it. Thanks for the comment, Doug_In-Sandpoint.

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mnbadger's picture

June 28, 2020 at 08:37 pm

I suggested this a few weeks ago. Trade him now at peak value.

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Guynorge's picture

June 29, 2020 at 04:57 pm

Tackles are hard to find. Jenkins would be a great RT. They have lots of guard potential. Hopefully EJ would be amenable to the move. If not, then, we likely have some right side problems.

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PhantomII's picture

June 29, 2020 at 07:53 pm

I think so also. He has the 34 inch arm length that is coveted, he also started 12 games in college at L and R OT. Mainly he doesn't allow sacks which would push him to perfect his craft at a new position. He could do it at least as well as anyone else on the roster.

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dobber's picture

June 30, 2020 at 12:35 pm

He might move to RG so Turner can play on the left side next to Bakh (supposedly Turner's better position), but if Jenkins is going to move, I'd bet on it being to C after Linsley is gone. He could be a passable tackle...maybe. But I think he'll continue to be a high-end player on the interior.

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