The Green Bay Packers offensive line is in a transition phase, and a forgotten draft pick is making a strong early case to be part of the solution. Offensive lineman John Williams, a seventh-round selection (250th overall) in last year’s draft, missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Now fully healthy and participating in training camp, the former Cincinnati product has caught the attention of general manager Brian Gutekunst and the coaching staff.

Gutekunst impressed after lost rookie year

Gutekunst spoke to the media on Thursday about Williams’ return to the field, and his first impressions were positive.

“Yeah, it’s great to see him out there after a full year of kind of being a rookie without being able to compete,” Gutekunst said. “He was going to meetings every day and doing everything he was supposed to do, so I’m sure he was pretty eager to get back out there. For what he’s done so far in just a week, he’s been pretty impressive, especially considering he hasn’t played football in a year.”

The most valuable trait Williams brings to the Packers is his positional flexibility, something that dates back to his college career at Cincinnati. Green Bay has historically prioritized offensive linemen who can cross-train at multiple spots, and Williams fits that mold.

“It’s really good to see him out there and he’s been competitive,” Gutekunst added. “They’ve moved him all around. I think he’s played almost all 5 spots, which is music to my ears. At some point though, I think he’ll settle into one position so we can get a really good look at him. I’m excited to see him in the preseason games and see what he can do there.”

The ability to play tackle, guard, and potentially center makes Williams a valuable commodity on a roster that needs depth. As a prospect, his best traits centered on pass protection, specifically his quick stance to close space, his balance, and his functional mobility and body control.

Offensive line depth is a real need

The timing of Williams’ emergence matters because Green Bay’s offensive line underwent significant turnover this offseason. The Packers lost Rasheed Walker in free agency and released Elgton Jenkins, creating gaps across the unit. Adding a player who can line up at multiple positions without a major financial commitment is exactly the kind of value Gutekunst’s front office has pursued throughout his tenure.