The Green Bay Packers opened training camp this week and there were a few positions that people are keeping eyes on. While a majority of the spots in the lineup look set, some training camp battles could ensue.
One of them is in the trenches along the offensive line. When healthy, the Packers have one of the best units in the NFL with David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Jon Runyan Jr. locked into starting spots. The fifth spot, at right tackle, is up for grabs and Zach Tom is getting the first crack at it.
According to Paul Bretl of Packers Wire, it was Tom who was taking a majority of the first-team snaps on Wednesday. Tom quickly ascended the depth chart after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Another offensive lineman, Sean Rhyan, was selected the round before him but Tom has quickly surpassed him.
Right now, Tom’s main competition for the right tackle spot looks to be Yosh Nijman. Nijman played both left and right tackle with the second team and it would not be a surprise if he mixed in with the first team offense at points as well.
The versatility that Tom possesses could work against him in this case as he is capable of playing all five spots along the offensive line. There is always a chance the Packers feel he is better suited for a super-sub role with Nijman at right tackle.
On the defensive side of the ball, the safety position is garnering a lot of attention. That is arguably the weakest unit on the Packers as the pecking order for playing time is wide open. Darnell Savage Jr. is the closest to a lock for a starting spot that the team has, but who holds down the second spot is anyone’s guess.
Right now, the first chance is seemingly going to Rudy Ford. Ford joined the Packers last season before Week 1 after being cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He ended up playing in all 17 games but was used mostly as a special teams contributor.
Ford stepped into the lineup late last season for Savage when he was benched but the results weren’t much better. He will be pushed by free agent signing Jonathan Owens, who was running with the second team alongside Dallin Leavitt.
