Packer Position: OT depth

[CheezWizHed]

For better or for worse, we seem to have a consistent approach to drafting tackles and that generally means mid-to-later round draft picks; being over 10 years since we had any success drafting a Tackle in the top 3 rounds (granted...there haven't been many attempts either).

 

The positives going into this year is that we have many options to be playing tackle this year: Bakhtiari, Nijman, Turner, Jenkins, Runyan, Newman, VanLanen, Cronk, Dieter.

 

The negative is that, we really only have one known entity to start the year: Turner

- Bakhtiari's injury and recovery puts him as questionable to start the season.

- Jenkins held up for a short period at Tackle, but not sure about his longer term prospects. Plus, as a ProBowl G, does it make sense to move him to T if that makes him less effective?

 

Obviously, if healthy, our starting tackles are Bakh and Turner and the question comes to our backup options. If Bakh can't go to start the season, things are a bit more serious. Here is what I see as our options in order of probability:

 

Jenkins: I still think Jenkins' priority will be in the interior, but as of today, I'd assume Jenkins would be the most likely backup starter. With TC starting, I think the rest of this group will get the chance to be the main backup (or possibly short term starter?). If they fail to take the job, I think we will default to Jenkins and use someone else at G. Thus, I'll list him here, but keep him as the fallback plan and not our long term Tackle options.

 

Nijman: Tantalizing size, speed, talent... Looks the part of a dominant player, but hasn't gotten to show it yet. Hopefully, this is his break-out year. Best case scenario is Nijman dominates during training camp and pre-season and takes the backup tackle role so Jenkins can just focus inside. 80% chance to be our main backup tackle; 10% chance of starting this year (Moving Turner inside if Bakh is healthy).

 

Newman: The latest in a long line of 4th round drafted college tackles that come with the should he be a guard or tackle in the NFL? Seems like he need some strength development, but probably could be a capable replacement for a game or two - especially where the team has more speed and less bull rush. 10% chance of being the main backup T.

 

Cronk: Covid will make this draft pretty interesting with people slipping through the cracks with the limits on testing and evaluations. Cronk furthered that with injuries in 2019 that derailed 2020 also. But a very interesting UDFA prospect that could surprise people. Good size and arm length with good film back in Indiana (less so in IA on a not fully rehabbed ankle). I'd guess if circumstances were different for his injury, he'd be a similar 4th round T like Newman. 4% chance

 

Runyan: While it certainly looks like Runyan is a G long term (and perhaps starting RG this year), I still think he has the possibility of swinging outside. After a year on the team, I'd guess he might get more of a chance out there unless he is locked into the starting RG battle. 4% chance.

 

VanLanen: Never say never, but he strikes me more as a development G level player that will be fighting more for a roster spot than a critical position on the line. Experience and size for RT, but athletically behind. Mark Tauschers do happen, so I'll put it at 2% chance.

 

Dieter: A lot of uphill battles at this point for Dieter including a "meh" college career and injuries. He is there, but a lot of people to leapfrog for the position. 0% chance

 

So when you can't get known quality, get quantity and hope to find quality, right? Our backup T position has been worse in the past. At least we do have several candidates with good potential to be NFL RTs on the roster; now to sift through the mountain of dirt to find the diamond in the rough.

 

If all else fails, we can look to Wagner or other aging T as a backup. We've seem to have found them when needed in the past.