Second-year offensive lineman Zach Tom will get an opportunity to compete to start at three different spots for the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2023 season.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said jobs along the entire right side of the offensive line and possibly even center are up for grabs at this point of the offseason.
“We’ve got a lot of competition on the right side. Right guard, right tackle or even center,” Stenavich said Tuesday. “Zach is going to compete a lot at right guard and right tackle and possibly some at center, see how that goes.”
Tom, a fourth-round pick, played snaps at four of the five positions as a rookie last season: 295 at left tackle, 96 at left guard, 14 at right guard and 86 at right tackle.
While the right side is up for grabs, left tackle David Bakhtiari and left guard Elgton Jenkins are locked in the on the left side.
Jon Runyan Jr. (33 career starts) and Yosh Nijman (21 career starts) are the assumed starters at right guard and right tackle, respectively, and Josh Myers started all 17 games at center last season. But Tom played at a high level as a rookie and has earned a chance to beat out one of the three for a starting spot in 2023.
Stenavich said the Packers will use guys at “different spots” in an attempt to find the best starting five.
“The best five out there that gel the best and are the most physical, that’s what I’m looking for,” Stenavich said.
The Packers need a strong offensive line in front of first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love in 2023. Tom’s versatility, athleticism and ability as a pass-blocker give him a chance to be a solid starter at one of the five offensive line spots this season. The next few months and into training camp will determine how Tom, a true five-position player, fits in the offensive line puzzle to open the regular season.
