There are a lot of young, inexperienced players on the Green Bay Packers roster stepping into prominent roles with the team in 2022. One of the players who are going to see an expanded role is offensive lineman, Zach Tom.
Where that role will be expanding is anyone’s guess. The 2022 fourth-round pick has showcased excellent versatility since entering the NFL, providing the Packers with incredible value.
He has quickly surpassed Sean Ryhan on the depth chart, who was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 48 spots ahead of Tom. Ryhan ended up playing only one snap as a rookie while Tom was filling in all along the offensive line.
The No. 140 overall pick played both left and right tackle as a rookie, while also spending some time at right guard. This offseason, he has been receiving first-team reps at the center spot, as incumbent center Josh Myers and tackle Yosh Nijman battle it out for a starting spot.
It seems all but assured that Tom will be in the starting line in Week 1 for the Packers. Because of that, it should come as no surprise that Tom was selected by Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic as one of his predicted second-year breakout players.
“The most versatile young offensive lineman in football, Tom — who is competing for Green Bay’s starting RT job — played right and left tackle at different points last season, as well as some right guard. During training camp this month, Green Bay even gave him reps at center with the starters.
The 6-4, 304-pound former Wake Forest star is a complete athlete with elite burst, speed and agility. Tom’s broad jump of 9 feet, 10 inches at the 2022 combine was freakish. His high IQ also helps.”
No matter where Tom ends up starting for the Packers, he has proven to be a productive player. He was excellent as a rookie and should be even better in Year 2 as he has gotten into better shape to handle the rigors of playing in the trenches in the NFL.
Green Bay has a history of drafting and developing talent along the offensive line and Tom looks to be the most recent example. If he can continue developing, the Packers could have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
