With the returns of left tackle David Bakhtiari and right tackle Elgton Jenkins, the goal for the Green Bay Packers is to regain their stability up front. Both are back from torn ACLs, with Bakhtiari returning in Week 3 to play in just his second game since the end of the 2020 season.
Now that Green Bay’s O-line is intact, what’s the best combination to maximize their potential?
From left to right on the offensive line, head coach Matt LaFleur is currently rolling with a unit of Bakhtiari, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Royce Newman, and Jenkins.
It’s hard to argue against this lineup, with Green Bay’s two best linemen holding down the tackle spots. The issue, if it should even be phrased as such, arises with the left tackle who filled in while Bakhtiari was out last year and at the start of this year.
Yosh Nijman wasn’t just a filler. He excelled when given the opportunity. From LaFleur to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the team raved about what a complete player he was becoming.
There’s little doubt that Nijman is one of the Packers’ best five linemen. So, is there still a way to get him in as a starter?
Bakhtiari is the left tackle for Green Bay when healthy, regardless of how well Nijman has played. Bakhtiari’s history at the position and his contract help cement that point.
But things could take a turn at right tackle.
Jenkins has played every position on the line since the Packers drafted him in 2019, and he has looked more than comfortable at each pit stop. Nijman has experience at right tackle, albeit in college. Therefore, Green Bay should consider kicking Jenkins into the right guard spot to move Nijman to tackle. That’s how good Nijman has been, and the Packers have noticed.
“I tip my hat to Yosh,” Bakhtiari said. “Consummate pro. Watching his growth, so much appreciated him stepping in, obviously this is a tumultuous time for me. Seeing him grow and flourish, I have been very, very pleased with (him). I just couldn’t be happier to have someone to work back in with at left tackle.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Nijman ranked fourth in pass-blocking grades among all qualified tackles through the first two weeks. Flipping him over to right tackle isn’t assured to be a success, but if the goal is to get the best five linemen on the field, Nijman belongs.
“I think back to last year when we played the [Cleveland] Browns on Christmas and Myles Garrett’s out there, and I don’t think he gave up a sack to Myles, which is just incredible,” left guard Jon Runyan said. “Watching him and being next to him, just us riding this out together, it’s really awesome seeing him grow and me being a part of it and having his inside, literally. It’s been cool.”
The simple solution is to roll with the status quo now that Bakhtiari and Jenkins are back. In reality, that’s likely what the Packers will opt to do to get some sense of familiarity. It doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the right decision, though.
Nijman has done everything the coaching staff has asked him to and then some. Last November, Rodgers noted after a game against the Los Angeles Rams that he “didn’t even notice that side of the line” when asked about Nijman and the left side. He made sure to clarify that what he was saying was a compliment to Nijman and how he was playing.
The momentum carried into this year, but now Nijman may be relegated to the backup spot again.
That is unless LaFleur decides to mix things up. Even the head coach stated back in Week 2 that not much changes when Nijman is at tackle compared to other options. Again, it’s a hat tip.
“I think Yosh has done a damn good job in his time starting for us,” LaFleur said. “So there’s not a lot I would say when it comes to that position, with the way Yosh has played, where it’s different.”
With all the changes the offensive line is going through, Bakhtiari-Runayn-Myers-Newman-Jenkins may be the combination to roll with for now. Still, it shouldn’t mean Green Bay gets bullheaded about switching it up if that unit goes through some struggles. Having Nijman on the bench will be a tough pill to swallow, knowing he would start for most teams.
Fingers will be crossed in Green Bay that, above all else, the O-line remains healthy. But they may be even better off if they find a way to integrate Nijman, a backup who has earned a spot as a starter.
