Green Bay Packers Stay Smart With Offensive Line In The 2022 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers don’t stay complacent when it comes to the offensive line, and the 2022 NFL Draft was no different.

Green Bay Packers fans have been upset with the lack of receiver selections in the Brian Gutekunst era, but the one position the Packers have been excellent with is the offensive line. The barrage at the position started with three picks in the 2020 draft. On day three, the Packers selected Jake Hanson, Jon Runyan Jr., and Simon Stepaniak.

In 2021, the Packers added two more guys in Royce Newman and Cole Van Lanen. Now, in 2022, the Packers opted for three more, landing UCLA’s Sean Rhyan in the third round, Wake Forest’s Zach Tom in the fourth, and Penn State’s Rasheed Walker in the seventh.

All three have tackle experience of course, something that feels like a checkmark for the Packers in their draft evaluation. Rhyan played left tackle at a high level at UCLA, with great technique, footwork, and balance. He has a phenomenal anchor in pass pro that made it near-impossible for rushers to go through. Rhyan handled Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2021, along with a probably 2023 top pick in B.J. Ojulari. His best position might be guard, but there’s no reason he doesn’t get a look at tackle.

Tom played left tackle for the Demon Deacons, but guard or center might be his best spot at the next level. He’s listed at 304 pounds, which is a little undersized to play on the outside. However, his footwork and quicks to mirror in pass protection are excellent, and we’ll see what he can do out there as well.

Then there’s Rasheed Walker, who has the experience and reliability from Penn State. Walker plays extremely stout at the point of attack, and has the finisher mentality. His quicks are a bit lacking, but there might be developmental upside to improve his technique.

No matter where these three end up, the Green Bay Packers are continuing to stay smart building the offensive line.