The 2022 draft class has looked really good for the Packers. Christian Watson is taking the league by storm and others have contributed in major ways to the team this season. There is one rookie that is impressing head coach Matt LaFleur. In a recent press conference, Matt LaFleur praised the performance of rookie Zach Tom.
#Packers HC Matt LaFleur praises Zach Tom's performance filling in for David Bakhtiari at left tackle.
"You talk about not flinching in any moment. … For the most, part he's played at a pretty high level."
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) December 15, 2022
Matt LaFleur Praises Rookie Zach Tom
Tom is a fourth-round pick and was slated to be a project for the Packers. He would spend a year or two behind many starters and then become a large part of the future. Due to injuries and underperforming players, Tom is in the starting lineup. He hasn’t played like a rookie at all and Matt LaFleur is impressed. “You talk about not flinching in any moment…For the most part he’s played at a pretty high level,” LaFleur said. According to PFF, Tom has only given up one sack this season protecting Aaron Rodger’s blind side. That is pretty good for a rookie.
Emergence Of Tom May Make Offensive Line Decisions Easier
The Packers have a lot of decisions to make on their offensive line in the offseason. David Bakhtiari has played great on the field but his cap hit and injury history make him a cut candidate. Elgton Jenkins will be expensive to resign and Yosh Nijman is a restricted free agent. What makes these decisions easier is having Zach Tom in the fold. If the Packers were to lose one of those players, Tom could easily step in a fill their role.
Some have questioned the decisions of Brian Gutekunst but his 2022 draft looks good. It makes sense that Matt LaFleur has such high praise for Zach Tom. The Packers are hoping he can be the next wave of great offensive linemen to come through the organization.
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