Across major outlets, the Packers’ offensive line has been ranked toward the bottom of the league. Analysts from ESPN, SharpFootballAnalysis, 4for4 Fantasy, FTN Fantasy, USA Today, and Fantasy Points all publish position-by-position rankings for offensive lines, and the Packers consistently appear in the lower tier. The combined view across these outlets shows a spread in the lower half of the league, with the majority of rankings clustering around the high-20s to low-30s. When averaged, the overall ranking lands in the high 20s, signaling notable concerns about pass protection and run blocking relative to the rest of the NFL.
A major factor driving the low projections is the number of moving parts on the Packers’ line. For the upcoming season, at least three of the five starting spots are expected to feature new or rotating players, and one of the returning starters is dealing with an injury. This level of turnover typically introduces uncertainty about cohesion, communication, and technique up front, all of which can impact performance in a league that rewards interior stability and timely protection for the quarterback.
Key positional shifts include:
– Left tackle: The team is planning to start Jordan Morgan at left tackle. Morgan played tackle in college and is entering his third NFL season. Most of his professional experience has come at guard, which means there is a transition to a new responsibility and adjustment period at the edge. While Morgan carries the pedigree of a former first-round pick, the transition to a premier edge position in the pros is an area to watch closely.
– Center: Sean Rhyan is being groomed for the center role. Rhyan finished the 2025 season at center, giving him some exposure to the position, though his NFL experience at the center position remains limited. Entering his fifth season, Rhyan has to blend familiarity with the new responsibilities that come with snapping and directing the line.
– Right guard: Anthony Belton is slated to move into a starting role at guard. Belton has experience at tackle and a handful of starts at guard, with seven career starts at the interior position. His transition to regular duties at guard introduces an element of uncertainty but also potential upside as he adapts to full-time responsibilities.
– Left guard: Aaron Banks is expected to return to left guard. Banks had a challenging previous season, but his track record includes quality play, and many organizations saw him as a potential cornerstone on the interior when he was brought in. A strong rebound at guard would bolster the unit significantly.
– Right tackle: Zach Tom is expected to start at right tackle when healthy. Tom is a versatile lineman whose ceiling is tied to his health; a late-season leg injury in 2025 limited his availability and performance, making his return a critical factor for the line’s overall stability.
Despite the projected shakiness, there are reasons for optimism about the Packers’ interior line play. Each of the five spots has a plausible pathway to solid performance, and several players bring a track record or high ceiling that could enable the unit to outperform midseason expectations. For instance, Rhyan’s experience at interior spots, Banks’ proven pedigree, and Tom’s versatility all provide a foundation that, if combined with solid coaching and development, could yield meaningful improvements. In football, the margin between a troublesome unit and a competent one often comes down to health, consistency, and how quickly players gel within a single technique and communication system.
From a broader perspective, the debate around the Packers’ offensive line mirrors a common NFL theme: preseason projections frequently overreact to turnover and new roles. While conventional wisdom might expect a rough debut for a reshuffled line, history shows that talented players with a strong work ethic, paired with a cohesive coaching approach, can quickly translate potential into performance. The Packers’ front office and coaching staff are likely aware of the need to optimize scheme fit and protect the quarterback while developing run-blocking schemes that leverage the personnel’s strengths.
It’s also important to consider the context of pass protection in today’s NFL. Even lines that are technically solid can face brutal pass rush schedules, star edge players, and complex defensive schemes. Conversely, lines that are initially under scrutiny can improve as communication and technique solidify. For Green Bay, the success of the offensive line will hinge on how well the five-man unit operates as a cohesive group, how effectively they execute blocking schemes, and how quickly the newcomers acclimate to the Packers’ system.
In summary, the Packers’ offensive line is forecasted to face a challenging season by several credible outlets due to personnel turnover and injuries among key players. However, there are compelling reasons to be cautiously optimistic: the potential for rapid development, a high ceiling for certain players, and the possibility that the unit can rise above expectations with strong coaching, disciplined technique, and healthy, consistent performances. As the season unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see whether the line can overcome early skepticism and provide the protection and run support necessary for sustained offensive success.
