On Sunday, the Packers play a road game vs the Saints in Jacksonville because of Hurricane Ida. In that game, the Packers will be starting two rookies on the offensive line. The last two rookies to start on the offensive line were Jason Spitz, and Tony Moll in 2006. David Bakhtiari will be out until at least week seven so this new look offensive line must work as if they’ve been together for ten seasons.
The least sacked QB in the league last year was Aaron Rodgers. The priority among the offensive line must always be keeping Rodgers upright no matter who is starting. Let’s talk about the new look offensive line, and highlight the two rookies.
The first “official” unofficial depth chart lists Royce Newman as the starting RG. Not a surprise given how camp ended, but it’ll be the 1st time in more than a decade that GB will open with 2 rookies starters on the O-line. My story on Josh Myers tomorrow will have more on that. pic.twitter.com/ZhHsN6mwTL
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 8, 2021
The New Look Line
The depth chart was released Tuesday. The Packers want to take it slow with the ACL injury recovery for Bakhtiari because of his importance on Rodgers blindside. Because of this, the Packers will look to start two rookies on the offensive line. Rookie Josh Myers was drafted to replace Corey Linsley who left for the Chargers. With Elgton Jenkins shifting to tackle, that will open up the second spot for 2021 4th Round Draft Pick Royce Newman. The Packers hit the jackpot with Elgton Jenkins. Because of this, he’s been able to play every position on the offensive line. That is important now more than ever. The supposed offensive line will look like this:
LT-Elgton Jenkins
LG-Lucas Patrick
C-Josh Myers
RG-Royce Newman
RT-Billy Turner
Rodgers said he asked Elgton Jenkins where he feels most comfortable at along the OL and Jenkins said, “it don’t matter.”
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) September 8, 2021
Josh Myers
The Packers let Corey Linsley walk in the offseason and knew that they had to find a replacement for their All-Pro Center. The Packers did just that with their second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Josh Myers was drafted out of Ohio State. Rodgers understands there will be growing pains, but compared Myers to Linsley and his rookie season. It’s good news if Myers can fill the big shoes on the offensive line that Linsley left for him.
Aaron Rodgers says he expects start of Josh Myers' career to be no different than what he went through with Corey Linsley as a rookie starter in 2014: "There's going to be some growing pains for sure, but I like his disposition."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 8, 2021
It is to be seen how well Rodgers and Myers will mesh come Sunday, but when your future Hall Of Fame QB has faith in you. As a result, that definitely bodes well for Myers and his first NFL start against the Saints.
Royce Newman
Royce Newman is the second of the two rookies on the offensive line. I did an article on him after he was drafted that you can read here. Newman was drafted in the 4th round of the NFL Draft out of Ole Miss. In the first two Preseason games, Pro Football Focus had Newman listed as the Packers best offensive starter. The Packers must’ve noticed because they’re putting a lot of faith in him.
The Packers have done a fantastic job drafting offensive lineman in the mid to late rounds in recent years. Bakhtiari was drafted in the 4th round, Corey Linsley in the 5th, and Josh Sitton also in the 4th. Newman will get his chance to shine on Sunday, and hopefully we can add him to the list of great offensive lineman the Packers drafted in the 4th round or later. Because that’s value if I ever saw it.
#Packers Royce Newman this preseason:
🧀 91.8 PFF Grade (1st among rookie OL)
🧀 42 pass-blocking snaps
🧀 0 pressures allowed pic.twitter.com/MabmegiB9O— PFF (@PFF) August 31, 2021
As Always Go Pack Go!
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