Offensive Line - Crucial to the 2023 Packers:

In Matt Lafluer’s first few seasons in Green Bay, we saw major schematic changes on the offensive side of the ball. The transition from the west coast offense, heavily reliant on Aaron Rodgers and receivers getting separation, to the Shanahan-McVay scheme that thrives with misdirection, motion, and the rungame to set up opportunities in the passing game.

This change in philosophy, while not perfect at first, was a breath of fresh air for the first few seasons. The Packers offense was productive (5th in total offense 20’ and 10th in 21’), had an established run game for the first time in years, and Aaron Rodgers was thriving - winning back to back MVPs in 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, the Packers had to move forward after losing the best receiver in football to free agency, and when Davonte Adams was gone, it exposed us.

Opposing defenses no longer feared the passing game, and knew they really only had to stop our workhorses in the backfield and/or pressure TWELVE. I swear I could hear Aaron yell “500 dead or alive!” on some of those critical 4th downs.

Where do we go from here?

Build on 2022’s Offensive Line - Build an attitude

While we have star power up front, there is always room for improvement. I think most Packer fans would agree that the line was far from perfect, but at least effective. Watching the likes of the dominant O-lines last year like the Eagles, there is a difference. They have an identity - they are coming right at you, and there is nothing you can do about it.

That physicality in Green Bay has been somewhat absent since the mid 2000s. (I still think about the “U71 package” - the Packers would bring in Kevin Barry (#71) as the 6th offensive lineman alongside Chad Clifton, Mike Wahle, Mike Flanagan, Marco Rivera, Mark Tauscher - and nobody could stop it (except Sherman))

In the running game, It is critical to establish an identity and force defenses to respect the motions, pulling guards, and bring safeties up to help. This piece we have been fairly decent at. Opposing teams have been forced to account for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Though, with our lack of success in the air last year, opposing defenses got a way with it.

In the passing game, the offensive line needs to give our young quarterback time to scan the field, and young receivers more time to get separation.

The Lafluer offense only works when the run and pass work together. The pre-snap formation, motions, all designed to look the same for both run and pass. This, in theory, should give a distinct advantage to the offensive line, causing that slight hesitation by defenders at the snap of the ball.

The Packers offensive line played well last season. Ranking in the top 10 by many pundits, the Packers benefited from the return of some injury-ridden staples to the front. The long-awaited return of David Bakhtiari and rising star Elton Jenkins clearly made a difference. At times you saw signs of rust from Jenkins, but overall it was a big step-up with his return to the unit. The Packers got contributions from the likes of Zach Tom, Jon Runyan, Jake Hansen, and Yosh Nijman. We need Josh Myers to take a big leap in his 3rd season. Myers is potentially the most physically gifted player on the offensive line. He is a mountain of a man, especially for a center. The Packers need him to take on a leadership mentality and avoid the mental mistakes.

The front office may need to add some depth and physicality to the group. As we establish our new offensive identity without Rodgers, don't be surprised if you see Brian Gutekunst add to the offensive line in the draft. (Yes the Packers have other needs - but if a great player falls to you at 15, you may have to consider it)

Names to look out for at #15 pick:

• Peter Skoronski OT - Northwestern

  • Highest projected offensive lineman - somewhere between picks 7-12

  • Very physical, technician on the offensive line. Could play at the guard spot with his size and physicality

• Paris Johnson Jr OT - Ohio State

  • Projected to go between pick 8-14

  • Prototype offensive tackle. Long arms, good technique, and physical in his pass sets

• Broderick Jones OT - Georgia

  • Broderick is a phenomenal athlete, good size, and brings that attitude we want

  • If you have a moment and want to see that athleticism on display - do a quick google search of Broderick Jones playing basketball. A 6’5+ human at 315 lbs should not be able to move that way…

For fun, I add some potential veteran options in free agency - but we know how that usually works out:

George Fant RT (Jets)

Justin Pugh G (Cardinals)

DJ Fluker T (Seahawks)

It is incredibly important for the future of our franchise that we set up Jordan Love for success. With young talent as pass catchers, and “thunder and lightning” in the backfield - it is a start.

The Packers have an opportunity to start fresh, and with that, you start at the foundation. The offensive line is the foundation of the Lafluer offense, so let’s make sure it is replenished and ready to bring the physicality in 2023 and beyond.