The NFL Draft has several offensive line prospects that could be interesting options for multiple teams, including the Green Bay Packers.
The Green Bay Packers have been fielding a versatile and strong offensive line for years. Even when key players are out due to injury, Green Bay has plugged in backups and still competed at a high level. Going into the 2022 season, the Packers will have a top-tier starting five (especially when Elgton Jenkins returns). However, with the departures of Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick, the depth has taken a hit. Luckily for Green Bay, this draft has a strong offensive line class and the Packers have shown the ability to find quality players in any round.
Interior Offensive Line
Zion Johnson – Boston College (6’3″ 321 pounds)
There will be some common traits in these potential interior prospects. They all are versatile and play with some nasty energy. GM Brian Gutekunst has shown he wants a little more beef and people movers up front. Zion Johnson fits that bill. A zero-star recruit, he started his college career at Davidson. Working tirelessly, Johnson eventually became a staple at Boston College playing both guard and left tackle. At the Senior Bowl, he even took snaps at center. Johnson is more than a mauler though. His 9.55 RAS score shows this tough guy is also a top-tier athlete. This dude who started at the bottom has Pro Bowl upside and could be a long-time NFL starter right out of the gate.
Kenyon Green – Texas A&M (6’4″ 323 pounds)
Unlike Johnson, Kenyon Green came out of high school as a five-star prospect. He lived up to those standards locking horns with some of the best defensive talent in college football. Green is another prospect that played all over the offensive line but will likely be a guard in the NFL. He’s not quite the same level of athlete as Johnson, but he dominates with power and short-area quickness. Green knows how to use leverage and takes good angles to wall off opponents. Another top 40 player that has long-term Pro Bowl potential.
Tyler Smith – Tulsa (6’5″ 324 pounds)
Tyler Smith is the definition of trench warfare. He’s a redshirt sophomore so admittedly he is raw. He needs work in his hand placement/fighting but his power and hips jump off the game tape. This young man can flip his hips and seal blocks many can’t. Smith has major upper body strength and his leg drive and finishing aggression are uncoachable assets. He needs polishing but I will absolutely love this guy as a day 2 selection. Smith may never get to elite status but he will be an enforcer in short time he would be a fan favorite with his tough-guy play style. If you like O-line battles watch this guy work.
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Offensive Tackles
Trevor Penning – Northern Iowa (6’7″ 327 pounds)
Don’t let the small school fool you, Trevor Penning could hang with anyone in the country. At the Senior Bowl, he was getting under opponents’ skin because he was not to be intimidated. Instead, he was the enforcer. There he was, playing to the whistle and pushing around the power five prospects. Penning is a finisher with a throwback style that loves football. He will fight on every rep and though he needs some fine-tuning he will work his tail off to improve. In terms of mock drafts, Penning has been slotted all over the 1st round. If he falls to Green Bay, he’s the day one starter at right tackle.
Nicholas Petit-Frere – Ohio State (6’5″ 316 pounds)
Nicholas Petit-Frere may have first-round talent but he is a later round work in progress. He is a piece of clay that needs molding. Petit-Frere has the athletic ability but needs to add strength and technique. Going back to school would have helped him but Green Bay could stash him on the depth chart and have a guy pushing to play in a few years. There is alot to like with Petit-Frere and his best football could be down the road.
Zach Tom – Wake Forest (6’4″ 304 pounds)
Zach Tom is a sleeper that is flying under the radar. He is smaller and not as tenacious as the other prospects listed but he is a smooth operator. Tom reminds me a lot of David Bakhtiari coming into the league. He is a seasoned pass protector that will need work in the run game. His footwork is superb and he moves with grace. Tom showed off his athletic abilities at the combine and he can push for a starting spot early. He screams Packer mid-round offensive line pick. Tom is a lunch pale player that punches in and gets the job done.
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Thank you for reading Packers Potential 2022 Offensive Line Prospects. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL Draft content available on Full Press Coverage.
– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.