Packers' offensive line receiving 'special' boost from Zach Tom
By now, we all know how the Green Bay Packers really emphasize cross-training their offensive linemen. It's definitely a challenge for the players, but it's a challenge that can not only improve their personal game, but it can keep the team in a good spot when eventual injuries strike. "It's a long season, so you […]
By now, we all know how the Green Bay Packers really emphasize cross-training their offensive linemen. It's definitely a challenge for the players, but it's a challenge that can not only improve their personal game, but it can keep the team in a good spot when eventual injuries strike.
"It's a long season, so you never know who you're gonna go out there with every Sunday," Packers Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins told reporters Friday. "So, just having guys being able to play different positions on the offensive line, it's beneficial for the team going forward."
Specifically, with Jenkins, we've seen this approach come in handy. His ability to play both guard and tackle (and even center) helped him not only make two Pro Bowls, but it landed him a massive four-year, $68 million contract extension last year, as well.
Players want to win, get their accolades, and get paid – so why not buy into what the Packers are selling?
That's exactly what second-year offensive lineman Zach Tom is doing after a very successful rookie year that saw him not only play multiple positions along the offensive line – he played well.
And so far, it's building up to what should be a promising sophomore campaign. Currently, Tom is considered to be the frontrunner for the starting right tackle position and teammates like Jenkins are noticing what he's doing on the practice field.
"It's been good to see Zach playing center, guard, and tackle -some of the things I did early on in my career," said Jenkins. "Just being able to see him go out there and execute and communicate the way that he does, you know, it's special."
Tom's momentum has the Packers offensive line on track to be a solid unit in 2023. The left side is locked down with Jenkins and a healthy David Bakhtiari and the interior returns both Josh Myers and Jon Runyan Jr. – two incumbent starters from 2022. Chemistry and cohesion is key along the offensive line, so to have Tom out there doing "special" things, in Jenkins' words, is undoubtedly huge and should pay off big down the road.
Offenses can't do much when they're held back by poor offensive line play. Fortunately for Jordan Love and the Packers offense, it doesn't look like that will be the case in 2023 and that in itself will undoubtedly make the 2023 transition that much easier.
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Featured image via Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
