Offensive line always seems to be a topic of interest during the season and even more during the off season (with some guys). One thing Packers fans know will happen is Ted Thompson WILL draft an offensive lineman(men) in the NFL draft. It is important to have all five of these positions filled with
the best players possible when you have a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers leading your offense.
With that being said, I wanted to get your thoughts on how you view the offensive line of 2012 for the Green Bay Packers?
The first two guys I want to talk about are Scott Wells and Brian Bulaga.
Scott Wells has been a staple for this offensive line and needs to be signed to a new deal. He is a must-sign for the Packers. He is not a mauler, he won't run a guy over, but he is sound with his blocking assignments and makes great decisions. He is 30 years old, but can still get the job done. Also, there is no back up at this position.
Brian Bulaga has been increasing his skills since being a Packer. Coming from a college team that produces great offensive linemen, this doesn't surprise me. I was extremely happy when the Packers drafted him (had a little Bulaga avatar till the draft) and he is going to be a great lineman for the Packers for a long time. With Clifton most likely being gone next season,
now is the proper time for the move! Bulaga should be shifted to the left tackle position, giving Aaron Rodgers the best protection possible in 2012.
This leaves the right tackle position vacant. Hello, TJ Lang. Lang is another offensive lineman that has come into his own and has done well (at multiple line positions, except defensive tackle). Lang is the second best option at right tackle (behind Bulaga). He is a very exceptional lineman overall with great footwork. With the continuing trend of speed rushers of the edges, this move along with the Bulaga move seals the edges for Rodgers.
Now the left guard position is open. This leaves a competition for Newhouse and a possible rookie that Thompson may draft. Newhouse is a serviceable lineman, just not at the left tackle position protecting Rodgers blind side. I hope I never have to see Newhouse at left tackle again, unless he is leaps and bounds better (and that can happen with a full off season of practice).
Possible rookies that can come in and compete: Kevin Zeitler and Peter Konz? Knowing that the Packers main idea early in the draft will mainly be defense, I doubt those names would still be on the board. I just really like Big Ten linemen.
Sitton is obviously a non-issue and is a great lineman for the Packers for years to come.
I may be a little overboard in my thoughts but it gives something to talk about during the off season and time up till the draft. Interested to see what others think...maybe you think the line is alright the way it is? Haha.
[list][*]LT- Bulaga [*]LG- Newhouse/Rookie [*]C- Wells [*]RG- Sitton [*]RT- Lang[/list]