The Green Bay Packers are attempting to cross-train 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan at center during the offseason workout program.
Rhyan, who played mostly left tackle at UCLA, got reps at center during Tuesday’s practice at OTAs.
“At this time of the year, we experiment with a lot of these guys. But absolutely, he’s a viable candidate to be inside,” coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday. “We need more than one guy to snap. We always want to train three or four guys to get that done.”
The Packers list Rhyan as a tackle/guard on the team’s website. As a rookie, Rhyan played all 83 of his preseason snaps at right guard. He didn’t play a single snap from scimmage during the regular season and was suspended for the final six games.
Rhyan would be on the bigger side at center, but his pre-draft testing numbers suggest he’s athletic enough to handle the movement at the position. At UCLA, Rhyan never played a snap at center.
The overall depth at center is strong. Josh Myers, a 2021 second-round pick, started every game at center for the Packers last season. Zach Tom, a 2022 fourth-round pick, and Jake Hanson, a 2020 sixth-round pick, are also capable of playing the position. The Packers list undrafted rookie DJ Scaife as a center on the roster.
Rhyan’s disappointing rookie season combined with the Packers’ depth along the offensive line could put him on the hot seat entering 2023. Added versatility at center might help Rhyan ensure he gets a second season in Green Bay.
