Is Rasheed Walker the Packers Left Tackle of the Future?
By GilMartin
It’s been an interesting year for Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. The former Penn State alum has been on a roller coaster ride, struggling mid-season but improving as the year progressed. Now, with two games remaining on the schedule, the question is whether Walker has done enough to show he should be the team’s left tackle of the future.
Walker started this season with a strong training camp. He passed Yosh Nijman on the depth chart in the fight to be the team’s swing tackle.
It was a big step forward from his rookie season which was full of disappointments. Walker fell all the way to the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a shaky final season at Penn State and poor showing at the combine. Prior to his senior season, he was viewed as a potential day two pick.
Wallker did manage to make the team as a rookie, but he played in just one game in 2022. He saw action on just four plays on special teams.
The transition to the pro game took time. “From when I got here last year, got used to practicing like a pro,” Walker said. “Had a pretty tough offseason – pushing myself this offseason. Came into camp with a different mentality to dominate and try to be my best version of myself every day. And then try to make everything translate.”
This season, things have been different. All Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari started in Week 1 but was sidelined for the rest of the season after his knee injury, originally suffered in December of 2020, continued to hamper him. He opted for season-ending surgeries in an attempt to return to action in 2024.
Walker took over as the starting left tackle in Week 2. Early in the season, he struggled. His run blocking was subpar, and his pass blocking was uneven. He particularly had difficulty with stunts and inside moves where the rusher came off the edge and moved inside.
Eventually, head coach Matt LaFleur started alternating Nijman into the lineup. He made the unorthodox decision to alternate left tackles by series. It served as a wakeup call for Walker.
As of now, Walker has started 13 of the 15 games the Packers have played this season and has played 75 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
His technique has improved as well. Walker has gotten better at using his hands to keep pass rushers at bay and to prevent them from beating him off the edge.
He’s also gotten better at utilizing his long wingspan and size to control pass rushers. As a result, he is less vulnerable to the inside double moves that caused him so much trouble early in the season.
His run blocking has improved as well although it’s still something that needs work. Presently, he placed right in the middle of the 84 offensive tackles that have played enough to receive grades. Of course, his numbers have improved as the season has progressed and the arrow is pointing up as he gets more experience and learns better technique.
Quarterback Jordan Love noticed the progress Walker has made. “I think Rasheed’s stepped up,” Love said. “Going into Year two for him, I think he’s made a lot of big strides. He’s been playing really well, stepping in for Dave [Bakhtiari] being out. Like the whole team, the more reps we get, the more experience we get, the more situations like this where we get to learn and grow, it’s going to be huge for everybody.”
The Packers have three choices at left tackle heading into 2024. They could bring Bakhtiari back although he would carry a very large cap hit and his health remains a big question mark. That would be a gamble, but All Pro left tackles don’t grow on trees.
They could trade or release Bakhtiari and bring in a new left tackle either via the early rounds of the draft or via free agency. GM Brian Gutekunst has five picks in the first three rounds as of now so there will be plenty of opportunities to select the left tackle of the future although rookies typically take time to adjust to the pro game.
Or they could turn the position over to Walker and hope he continues to improve. Has Walker shown enough to the coaching staff and front office to be the team’s left tackle of the future? The final games of this season will be important for Walker to show what he can do. The rest will be up to Gutekunst. Then Walker will have to fight for the starting job again next year in training camp.
Walker’s career is at a crossroads. The next few months will be critical to his long-term future. But 2023 has been a year of progress for him. The only question is how much further he can go.
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Comments (84)
Since'75
December 30, 2023 at 11:07 am
Considering he's committed 9 penalties and allowed 5 sacks, i'm a bit perplexed his PFF grade is as high as it is.
TKWorldWide
December 30, 2023 at 04:08 pm
What is his PFF grade?
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 12:03 am
65.3. Nijman is 62.8 for comparison, Tom 76.5
65 is a starting grade, but Tom’s is where you want your LT. Within that is the fact that Walkers pass blocking is rated higher, but his run blocking drags him down notably. He’s a new starter, one hopes to see further growth of course.
He’s not yet playing at the level one wants one’s LT to be at, but he’s earned a longer look. Personally, I still think he should be at RT and Tom at LT if he remains a T. These coaches don’t seem to value or know how to teach run blocking. That could mean Walker had further hidden upside or that they overlook his weakness, take your pick.
Turophile
December 31, 2023 at 07:19 am
65.3 is Rasheed Walker's year to date score.
I'm wondering what his score is in the last, say, 5 weeks, since the whole point about Walker is that he is improving. For example, I believe his score last week was 88.7 (the run blocking part was 90.7).
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 08:30 am
You are referring to the previous week. I have to say that on rewatch those ratings seem a bit excessive, to Jenkins detriment. That run performance was a complete outlier on the season.
However, Walker came crashing down to earth versus Carolina. Walker had a PFF grade of 40.6 last week and received the worst run blocking grade of the OL, which was rated very poorly in general except for Jenkins (LT Rasheed Walker: 40.6 3. C Josh Myers: 41.3 4. RG Sean Rhyan: 44.8 5. RT Zach Tom: 46.6).
Walker has been up and down, as one would expect. However his pass pro is consistently better than his run performance, which has been an issue. At times he’s done done good things in the run game, so it may be Inexperience, at other times he looks completely lost/overmatched.
I really liked the Walker pick. I think he can play. Whether he was ready to this early is a question. Whether Butkus is the man to smooth out his wrinkles is another. By comparison, Bakh had a 70.5rating in his first season.
Since'75
December 31, 2023 at 02:53 pm
Informative post CW....
Bakh also had 9 penalties and gave up 6 sacks, albeit more snaps.
I don't think he became elite until his 3rd season.
Since'75
December 31, 2023 at 02:47 pm
I'm not sure it matters what his PFF grade is, in this instance anyway....
I'm sure that no team in the NFL would be bragging about their starting left tackle having 9 penalties and gave up 5 sacks in 13 games starting.
TarynsEyes
December 30, 2023 at 11:14 am
The Packers cannot afford to not look for an upgrade to Walker. When you talk about long-term position dominance for the team, and against opponents, this is like, but not as totally equal to, trying to get a square peg to fit into a round hole. Sure, he might suffice for a while, but a long term investment is risky.
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 12:09 am
We refuse to test Caleb Jones and we know nothing of Tenuta. Nijman will be gone, Bakh likely is too. They can’t go into the season without new blood. The potentially critical question is how much priority they put in a T come draft time.
My view is that it should be a major priority. If Walker blossoms and so does the pick, Tom Is an immediate improvement over C and RG and we will need depth at T too. We need to draft IOL too. I wish I trusted Butkus and Stenovich more.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 03:01 am
Mt Caleb, Tenuta and Telfort; none have been evaluated. More incompetence from this coaching staff. How's Gutey supposed to know how to draft?
Leatherhead
December 30, 2023 at 11:23 am
We need 9 starting quality O-linemen active on gameday. He's one. We have a few more. We need more than we have.
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 11:30 am
Or better than about 3 they’re currently carrying… other than Jenkins and Tom the run blocking has been abysmal. Pass pro…I’m ok with Walker and Jenkins on the left…because if push comes to shove Jenkins can always slide over..he’s shown he can play LT. IMO they should look for replacements for Runyan and Meyers. I think the whole NFL knows they’re kind of the weak links. If Runyan can put on a bit more muscle mass and lowers his pad level he could be as good as his dad….but man, 4 yrs for a guy to develop is just too long.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Runyan, and Nijman, will be free agents shortly. And then there's Newman, who'll be in his 4th year, along with Myers.
I think Myers gets a bad rap. Regardless, we have quite a few guys ahead of Myers on the upgrade/replace list , so I'd focus on replacing Runyan, a starter, and Nijman, a good backup,and Newman, who doesn't offer much, and Caleb Jones, if he's not ready to play after two years.
Walker, Jenkins, Myers, Rhyan, Tom. We should try to add 5 solid guys to that, including a guy on the practice squad. I wouldn't be opposed to spending a first round selection on a starting LT. We should spend one of our bonus picks on Day 2 on an offensive lineman as well. And we should hope Rhyan plays well, and that Tom and Jenkins stay healthy.
That's still going to leave us with less than we need.
Packer_Fan
December 30, 2023 at 11:32 am
I think Walker should be the lead for next year. Bak would be good but his contract is too expensive and probably should be released.
Also next year Gute should draft two or three OL picks. This will help reload.
And my guess is Runyan will not be resigned and Rhyan will be expected starter.
SinceLombardi
December 31, 2023 at 06:39 am
And watch Bahktiari end up in NY and not have anymore knee problems
splitpea1
December 30, 2023 at 11:42 am
He's a bridge and a depth piece who has done a serviceable job as of late. I would be shocked if the Packers didn't address the tackle position rather early. This draft is loaded with quality prospects, so we might even be able to trade down and still get a good one. I would hope Gute has already made plans to clean the dead wood out of the offensive line after seeing the play of a few of them, especially at guard.
stockholder
December 30, 2023 at 11:48 am
Versatility, and Rotation.
seems are Right Tackles end up on the Left.
And drafting a Lts end up on the right.
Walker is still learning.
Draft another. Just to be safe.
Competition is the only way to solve Lt.
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 12:43 pm
LT by round two. Walker played RT at Penn State. He belongs there with his footwork as a backup to Tom. Get another OT in rd four. The reload is the secondary.
DoubleJ
December 30, 2023 at 01:03 pm
Walker was the starting LT at Penn State not RT.
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 03:24 pm
Noted, thank you. Need more coffee....
stockholder
December 30, 2023 at 01:48 pm
I'll agree with your reload,
And thats only if Savage and Alexander leave.
But not Walker at this time. I like the Rotation.
It doesn't put all the eggs in one basket.
Just too early to predict anything more than a OT.
Especially after seeing the progress with the offense.
mnbadger
December 30, 2023 at 02:42 pm
Center and right guard must improve for 2024.
GPG!
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 03:37 pm
Rhyan looked solid vs Panthers. Let him start. Myers is Gutey's guy so he will not move him and he pulls well on wide-zone. They will need two RBs with speed to the corner from this draft. I will stick with my CBs in rd one-two and the LT with the other two pick.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 03:03 am
I'd like to see 3 interior O linemen taken in the early rounds.
NickPerry
December 30, 2023 at 12:30 pm
The Packers NEED to draft a LT in this upcoming draft. ESPECIALLY if they lose one or both of the next 2 games. They have a 2nd from the Jets, a 3rd from the Bills, plus all of their own picks. That's at least 3 picks in the first 40 or so picks depending on these last two games.
Hit on those, add in the 2nd and 3rd year leaps from others, and this team is cooking with Jet Fuel. But they MUST draft a LT early IMO. Walker ISN'T it. Well, unless below average is what you're looking for. Maybe he's a better RT. Move Zach Tom to Center, Walker to RT, draft your LT and find out if Ryhan is your new RG these last two games.
They MUST improve the "Trenches".
stockholder
December 30, 2023 at 01:55 pm
But they MUST draft a LT. - Projection = Rd 1
Only 3 could be starting at LT.
None are Blue chip/ guaranteed
Keep this in mind. The last 10 years
have been Brutal.
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 03:45 pm
I like Morgan from Arizona with a move up to rd one , or high second rd. ALL-PAC 12 with very fast feet and reach to mirror the rusher. Yes, most of the rd one grades went to RTs. Fuaga is a road grader.
NickPerry
December 30, 2023 at 05:06 pm
Good points SH...I haven't really started my homework for the draft yet but I know there were a few at the top of the draft. I'll trust you've already been into like usual. My thinking was if they lose to the Vikings and/or Bears, they could end up with a fairly high pick where one of those LT's might be.
stockholder
December 30, 2023 at 06:18 pm
Logical - It's early -
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 11:47 am
I don’t really go for that… Walker, Jenkins and Nijman can all play LT pretty good. They seem to put the TE help on Tom’s side more. More than anything , they need a Right Guard and a Big center…because the pass rush and run blocking has been terrible at those spots. Normally I agree with you NP. But in this case, Meyers and Runyan( even though his dad was great) have been the issue for this OL the whole year. But I wouldn’t waste a high pick on an LT… I would go higher but not too high on a Center and Gaurd though. But this year… I want a high pick on an RB as most likely both Jones and Bak will not be there next season. But with competent Guard and Center play…Dillon would have double the yards this yr. They’re also going to have to address safety and Lb .Because it’s unclear how Campbells situation shakes out.
LambeauPlain
December 30, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Packers gave Nijman $4.3 M guaranteed to play for them this year. $2.5 M will count against the cap in 2024 if they let him walk and do not give him a new deal. I expect Nijman looks forward to a new deal with a new team.
I have not seen evidence on the field where Walker has earned the right to be Bakht's heir over Yosh. Yosh has done everything right, improved every year and performed well when called on. Maybe "communication breakdown' is happening with him too.
Obviously MLF and Stenovich view Walker as one of their "favorite 5"...but it is debatable he the best LT on the team.
I believe Gutey needs to draft 2 OL during the first two days of the draft. Doesn't have to be a first rounder either. Great value can be found in rounds 2-4 with good scouting. OL don't have the stat sheets of other positions but lots of work put on tape.
CheesedDeadHead
December 30, 2023 at 01:04 pm
I'd prefer they move Walker to RT, put Tom at C and have Rhyan replace a departing JRJ. Myers can spend time working on his iOL skills as a backup.
Draft a LT with a good chance of starting Day 1. Add another iOL/C pick for depth and probably another OT as Nijman would be a masochist to return. That likely means a Round 1 pick for OT. Use Round 2 picks to bolster S/CB positions and possibly DL depending on whether a highly ranked prospect is available and what the new DC needs. They have plenty of picks to address the Offensive Line and the secondary. I am guessing they will look to rework AJones deal/pay cut to work him into the cap and make it less urgent to spend an early pick on a RB (or 2).
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 11:55 am
I don’t think it’s wise to keep yr 8 RBs….injuries go up exponentially with 90% of RBs….after yr 8 nothing much left in the tank. As many injuries as jones has and as good of a team guy he is….availability at the RB spot is paramount…especially with a younger QB with upside. I wouldn’t sabotage Love….get him a center , a right guard and another RB. Then look at safety, Lb ( cause we don’t don’t know how Campbells situation will turn out) CB and another DL.
NickPerry
December 30, 2023 at 01:08 pm
"CB Eric Stokes (hamstring) was added to the injury report and is ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Vikings."
Just saw this on NFL.Com....
SMH... Can't cover. Can't stay healthy. Looks like CB is a need this draft AGAIN too.
egbertsouse
December 30, 2023 at 01:18 pm
Eric Stokes out? I'm shocked, shocked!! Kevin King just handed over the coveted "Whirlpool Warrior " award.
NickPerry
December 30, 2023 at 05:00 pm
LOL!!!
That was funny, thanks egbertsouse!
Jreiter
December 30, 2023 at 03:36 pm
I still believe in Eric Stokes a bit, but we need go draft people in the secondary. I honestly think we should draft Cooper Dejan in the first round because we could play him at safety, or cornerback if needed. Then we should draft a really good slot corner and we should be okay. That way we'd have Jaire, Vallentine, and Stokes at outside corner back, and if Stokes doesn't return to form we could move Dejan to replace him.
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 03:58 pm
DeJean would be the Safety/slot CB taking charge of the group, day one. Stokes has reached the point of no return. His team mate for the Bulldogs was the guy.
Leatherhead
December 31, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Traditionally, the Packers do use the first round pick on defensive players. Since Gutekunst took over, we've taken Alexander, Savage, Stokes, Gary, and Van Ness ,Walker, and Wyatt.
Your top 4 or 5 DBs are on the field for 100% of the snaps, so if you get a chance to get a good DB, you'd have to take a hard look at that, especially if he was a guy who had a better Junior season than he did as a Senior.
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 12:21 am
He’s on IR now, officially. Stokes needs to try and get fully healthy and hope the new DC likes to play tight coverage. That’s what he does well. He was never going to be much good playing soft. Not that it helps the others we have either.
PhantomII
December 30, 2023 at 01:24 pm
Focus for the GB Packers should be OL players spending the offseason in the Gym getting stronger for the run game. Drafting priority IS: LT / C / IOL / RB / DL and DB's hopefully with known talent as FA's to push the talent level up where it needs to be along with a NEW DC.
Duneslick
December 30, 2023 at 02:19 pm
No safety's ?
PhantomII
December 30, 2023 at 04:17 pm
DB's are either Safeties / Corners
CanPackFan
December 30, 2023 at 03:12 pm
Oline needs to be stronger AND meaner! We'll have to draft/trade/go free agency to get meaner.
SpikeHyzer
December 30, 2023 at 03:44 pm
I disagree with this completely and the general sentiment around here that Walker can't be the guy at LT.
His improvement is dramatic and it's the rest of the depth at the position that is terrible (only Tom and Jenkins are decent so far, and Jenks has had an off year after injury). Rhyan might work out. Most of the rest can go.
News today means CB is the most vital position to target premier talent (Jaire may be gone soon). Campbell will be gone and we need someone to run with Quay. OL is next to me since Love is mobile and we have so many guys who can get open quickly as well as great TEs. I might almost put RB ahead of the line if Jones is gone.
I'd work on fixing the problem at C first. I thought he was coming around a few games ago, but he's been dreadful since.
The one repeated sentiment I might agree with is seeing if Tom can return to C and make it as an undersized player at that position. If so, then fixing the rest of the line will be much easier.
I'm not sure we need to hit this position until the 3rd round if we have faith in Walker's continued development.
PhantomII
December 30, 2023 at 04:14 pm
Our OL even when it was better was getting our ass kicked in the playoffs and NFCC games making us one dimensional and doing the same for most of this season as well. The only way we have been moving the ball on the ground is with multiple TE's blocking for an underperforming push on the OL. It has been the main factor in us not being able to push past teams like the 49ers and Bucs. Now our OL is even less effective. It will enable JL to develop faster in this offense and not make us one dimensional. We have been blessed with a bunch of WR talent and both new TE's are doing good. We are close to a juggernaut offense if we get the OL to operate in the run/pass game at an effective clip next year. Using multiple TE's to block limits the WR targets and are easily covered by good teams when the TE's cannot release for an outlet when we are pass blocking only. It killed all the AR super bowl push. Fix it and fix it now so all these young guys can win it all together. It has to get done NOW to get us where we want to go.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 09:35 am
Fix the O line now?
Sorry, this is a little late. The time to have done that was before TC, and continuing from there. After that, favoritism has been determining personnel rather than merit.
I don't see that as legitimately opening a SB window, ever. I'm not saying "fire everybody," but the sooner changes start being made, the better.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 03:17 am
Mt Caleb Telfort and Tenuta are all really big guys that haven't been evaluated. With Walker that's 4 OTs. If Zach Tom is undersized at C, what is he at RT? This coaching staff lost Nijman, he's as dominant as Mt Caleb but he quickly plays worse when he's not on the field. Tom at C, Jenkins LG Rhyan RG, no depth behind them except Myers.
Need 3 O linemen in the draft.
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2023 at 10:42 am
He was projected to be a RT in the Pro game. He is still slow off the mark on inside stunts. Draft a LT with a high pick and snag another in rd 3-4. They brought in Myers for LaFleur's wide-zone scheme that lacks a power element.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 03:10 am
No cap space for a FA star.
I'm with ya on 3 OL in early rounds.
BAMABADGER
December 30, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Packers need a LT upgrade, a slobber-knocker run blocking guard (think Beebe from KSU) and competition at center. Basically an OL overhaul.
stockholder
December 30, 2023 at 02:27 pm
Never leave the higher rated player on the board!
No one has solved their LT troubles in rd. 1 for 10 yrs.
The early choices ended up at RT like Bulaga.
Because of the edge guys now.
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2023 at 10:51 am
They have not tried since Wolf gambled on Michaels from USC. Clifton held the spot and Bulaga saved a Super bowl season. Talent over scrub talk.
PeteK
December 30, 2023 at 07:01 pm
Watched the K state bowl game with Beebe demolishing people.
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2023 at 10:45 am
He is a rd one guy. LT is still the priority need for this O line.
ricky
December 30, 2023 at 01:34 pm
First, check to see if the Jets would be interested in trading for Bakhtiari. Nothing outrageous, a fourth or fifth would be about right, IMO. That way, Rodgers can have someone else he is familiar with, the Packers get something in return for a guy who was once a rock, but has played only 13 games the last three seasons. If the Packers keep Bakhtiari, he'll have a cap hit of $40.5 million. If they cut him, they'll have a dead cap of $19 million, but save $21.5 million. That would be the last year of his contract. In the draft, go for several OL prospects, and hope one of them, even if a later round pick (Bakhtiari was drafted in the fourth round) is the one who becomes the starter.
HarryHodag
December 30, 2023 at 02:23 pm
The Jets know they've hosed by the Packers in the last round of signings and trade. I doubt they would be eager to pick up a big contract on an aging vet with one really, really bad knee.
Bitternotsour
December 30, 2023 at 03:32 pm
Yes Harry, but their GM Aaron Rodgers has a fondness for Bakhtiari, and Aaron has been known to go get the guys he wants.
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 04:04 pm
Bhaktiari will retire.
jhtobias
December 30, 2023 at 02:15 pm
Why do people want to move zack tom to center do bad. Finding a above average tackle is so much more valuable .
Rasheed has earned the chance to battle but they should still look to upgrade.
Unless lafraud hires a competent defensive cordinator does this really matter ? He has proven he had no ability to do so . I still dont understand why gute burn high draft picks on defense with this team. They have no chance to suceed with this staff.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 09:47 am
It's not that we want to move Zach Tom to C so bad. It's that C is a weakness of this line, and that's a really bad place to be weak. Tom is versatile and does well anywhere you put him. That speaks to football IQ, which really helps at C. That's where he plays best. He's doing well out of position and we have 3 OTs on the bench who haven't even been evaluated.
Draft a C and 2 other O linemen and let them all compete. Zach Tom is still going to be one of the best 5, use him somewhere on the interior unless all the bigger guys can't play as well at OT. If that proves to be the case it should cause a change in drafting strategy.
DC will not fix the O line, and that's priority #1 for this offense just like it was during OTAs. This staff never did it and there are 8 losses on the record.
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 11:59 am
I don’t think LaFluer gets to make those decisions in GB system. I think Gute puts it together and says “ make it work”. It’s clear that when LaFluer is at the podium… he is just the face for the brass.
HarryHodag
December 30, 2023 at 02:21 pm
Ask this question: if Alt or Latham are available when the Packers pick, would you pass on them to keep Walker as a starter?
The Packers will have yet another interesting off season. David B. will be cut in all probability. Is Zach Tom the answer at right tackle, or is he a better guard? Runyan is a free agent and could find work elsewhere. Sean Rhyan seems to be an upgrade there but Tom could be even better. Perhaps a starting right tackle is drafted?
Walker and Tom will be in mix but the question is where to they play? Do the Packers draft a long term starter at either tackle? Much will be determined by the draft board when they pick, but it isn't out of realm of reality that a starting tackle could be drafted high.
stockholder
December 30, 2023 at 02:40 pm
Yes ! - Alt maybe the most ready.
Latham - WE need his true Weight!
Most scouts say RT. 360 ??
If It comes to spending Money on Savage or drafting DeJean.
Take Dejean and move him to Safety. He's that good.
Jreiter
December 30, 2023 at 03:39 pm
If they were there I would absolutely say take one of them, but the reality is both of them will be gone in the top 10 long before we pick
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Meyers and Runyan have not been good…all the pressure from opposing Ds come at the center and Right guard spots. And those spots are also needed to have a competent run game. They’ve had jones and Dillon to mask a lot of shortcomings at those positions but I don’t think they keep jones next yr. Bak is as good as gone. Walker , Nijman and Jenkins are all extremely above average serviceable at that LT spot…any given one of them can slide over from LG to LT. But Center and RG are the clear weakness. With Love blossoming…it would be a disservice to him Not to get him a RG,C and a Top fresh RB while keeping Dillon.
Jrobarge
December 30, 2023 at 03:16 pm
What about our guy caleb jones? When will he be ready?
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2023 at 08:16 am
Arena League.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 09:52 am
Mt Caleb Tenuta and Telfort are all OTs that have never played a snap. Gutey can't possibly draft well with all these not being evaluated. Counting Walker, that's 4 OTs. We need help on the interior but wherever you put people we have 7 O linemen with any realistic chance of being here next season, gotta draft 3 with early picks.
RedMN
December 30, 2023 at 03:57 pm
It's time for GB to invest heavily in the offensive line in the draft. A LT,RG and a center in case Myers needs to be replaced at the end of his deal next offseason. IMO they were foolish not to get a left tackle the past few drafts due to Bakhtiaris knee issues.
Walker has done relatively well but so did Nyman his first year filling in.
The run blocking is and has always been woefully unacceptable. If you want to run the ball more effectively then you need run blockers.
Its funny how Lafleur always talks about how important it is for the receivers to be good run blockers but its just an accepted fact that the O line is spotty at best and never no mention is made how that needs to improve
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 09:55 am
Nijman needs to be on the field consistently otherwise he plays worse. They basically lost him, and it's very costly. When he plays at his best he's really good, and he'll be playing against GB sometime.
THESZOTMAN1
December 30, 2023 at 06:34 pm
Sadly, I'm afraid it's time to move on from David B. Cap hit/availability just too problematic.
Yosh had inside track, but lost his mojo.
Continue to develop Rashid and draft an LT mid round.
The Szotman
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 09:57 am
Nijman didn't lose any mojo, incompetent coaches put him in the doghouse when he was playing well. This team lost him and is unlikely to draft anyone who will contribute as much in his rookie year even if Gutey spends 3 high draft picks trying.
CanPackFan
December 30, 2023 at 07:33 pm
IMO, I'm not sold on Walker as our LT just yet. He still makes a lot of mistakes and I don't see a lot of consistent run blocking yet.
However, I would stay with him at LT over keeping Bakh for another season. Bakhs just too expensive and injury prone. I see him with the Jets next year.
Better to let young players like Walker get reps and develop. Or draft a stud LT and develop him. We have to separate ourselves from expensive older veterans who are often injured. GPG
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 09:59 am
It's not a question of either continue to play Walker OR draft a LT. Gotta do both, as well as draft for the interior even if that's where Zach Tom winds up playing. Sheer size says that's where he'd be best.
golfpacker1
December 30, 2023 at 08:49 pm
Bahk is done in Green Bay. Sadly he is worth almost nothing because of the knee. The only hope to get something for him is if Rodgers wants him bad enough to have the Jets cough up a 5th,6th or 7th round pick. Even a 7th would be better than nothing.
We will be picking too far down to hit on any of the top 3 OTs. We could probably trade back to mid 20s and pick Amarius Mims-OT-Georgia. He would be our LT for 10 years. If he is gone pick the can't miss Safety from Minnesota-Tyler Nubin. Then pick Jordan Morgan-OT-Arizona with our first 2nd rounder. He is pretty close to the top 6 tackles and is a true LT.
I would take Xavier Legette-WR-South Carolina with our other 2nd rounder. He would become our #1 WR. His tape is fantastic and he catches everything. 6'3, 230 lbs, and reported high 4.2 speed. 3 picks-3 really good starters. Or Johnny Wilson-WR-Florida State. He reminds me of the TE the Giants got from the Raiders. He is a gamechanger @ 6'7, 235 and 4.4 speed. He could play WR and TE and is a great blocker.
Round 3 is RB- I like Braelon Allen-Wisconsin, and Marshawn Lloyd-USC. Later sleeper pick is Isaiah Davis-South Dakota State. Almost as big and fast as Braelon Allen. Other 3rd rounder and 4ths best ILB, best CB, another lineman. Maybe Walter Rouse-OT-Nebraska. Started 4 years at Stanford and Nebraska @ LT.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 10:07 am
WR Legette, 6'3" 230 4.2 40?!? Sounds as good as Marvin Harrison Jr and if available someone you simply do NOT pass on no matter what the roster needs are. BPA is always a thing.
Generally I would say Gutey can afford to skip drafting any targets for JL this season and priority is 3 O linemen with high draft picks, plus DBs. And ILB is a weakness. You aren't going to have rookies contributing what Nijman and Rasul Douglas could. This is a rebuild and this staff could not manage it very well in the first year.
SwedeBayPacker
December 31, 2023 at 03:31 am
That's your F'ing choice for LT? A mediocre, middle-of-the-pack nobody who's struggled against some of the worst defenses in the league?
Get the F out with that loser mentality.
SinceLombardi
December 31, 2023 at 06:48 am
They need a lot in this years draft.. I’m sure they will take a LT early.. the should look for a RB late.. they need a lot of help defensively but it’s so hard to judge between bad play and bad scheme. I am tired of being bulldozed against the run, seeing our linebackers slow to react and making tackles seven yards past the line of scrimmage. We need immediate help at safety, depth at corner. I’m assuming Stokes will be gone.
Bad coaching makes it difficult to evaluate a roster.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 10:12 am
I'm not assuming Stokes would be gone. Don't misuse him and he plays well. So does #7. Neither is a fit for JB's scheme, but the only player we had who was was Rasul Douglas. How much would Stokes cost next year? Less than $4MM.
I wish we could safely assume JB will be gone, and immediately after the season ends.
gsd3
December 31, 2023 at 11:25 am
Walker has shown improvement. Having said that, the position does need an upgrade. He could develop into the swing tackle though. Just because an upgrade is needed at the LT spot doesn't necessarily mean that a top flight, 1st round pick is needed.
Zac Tom and Jenkins provide position flexibility. Upgrade at guard and to a lesser extent, center as well. Top flight guys will be available on day 2 of the draft. Beebe, Barton, and Van Pran would all be tremendous upgrades to the interior. Zinter as well once he recovers from injury. Tom could slide to LT and Jenkins to RT with Walker and Rhyan occupying the swing spots.
JMO.
13TimeChamps
December 31, 2023 at 03:47 pm
While I understand the need to upgrade the Oline next year. And it probably makes sense to use a top pick (or two) in next year's draft. But the Packers really haven't had much luck using top draft picks on Olinemen.
Relatively recent 1st/2nd round picks:
1st round. Sherrod...terrible. Bulaga...very good.
2nd round. Spriggs...terrible. Jenkins...very good. Myers...???
Most of the really good Olinemen (Bahk/Linsley/Lang/Sitton) have been found in the 4th round or later. In a perfect world, we could use our three 1st/2nd round picks on other positions of need and wait until later to address the Oline. The draft is such a crap shoot. Hopefully, Gute nails it in '24.
golfpacker1
December 31, 2023 at 04:03 pm
I wonder if Zinter will fall some because of the injury? He is a good one for sure. If Aaron Jones is gone next year, and I think he will be, we need a good RB to replace him. Marshawn Lloyd is a clone for Jones. He can really make people miss and nobody catches him from behind. And he catches as well as Jones. He could be had late 3rd, maybe early 4th. Hoping we get lucky again with a late pick like we did with Jones is a risky move. I would just as soon spend the last 3rd rounder on Lloyd or Braelon Allen and then we are set with our #1 RB. We could resign Dillon if he is reasonable or draft with a later pick Ray Davis-Kentucky, or Isaiah Davis-S Dakota St to replace Dillon and Jones. Save a bunch of $$ and get younger fresher legs.
Late fliers at OT-Dominic Puni-Kansas or Walter Rouse-Nebraska.
At LB I like Junior Colson-Michigan or later Omar Speights-LSU. Both can stay on the field all 3 downs.
UFDA kicker Harold Mevis-Missouri. Cannon leg produced 61 yard field goal and high % of kickoffs are touchbacks.
EricTorkelson
December 31, 2023 at 04:14 pm
Packers need to draft one RT and one RG with there first 5 picks in the draft
They should also look for a stud running back if available in top 5
Tom needs to be moved to compete at LT or center
Myers is so inconsistent and seemed unsure of assignments at times one more year
Runyan always ends up on his tail a couple times per game ( embarrassing ) release or trade
Sean Rhyan just a niche better than Runyan , one more year
Royce Newman cut
Yosh Nijman cannot anchor and plays off balance, cut