Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst mentioned three different players when asked about his confidence level in the depth at offensive tackle, a position that lost Bryan Bulaga and Jared Veldheer this offseason.
Despite the departures, Gutekunst said he has “a lot of confidence” in what he has left at the position entering training camp, and he pointed to three different players – Alex Light, Billy Turner and Yosh Nijman – as potential options behind the two expected veteran starters, David Bakhtiari and Rick Wagner.
“Obviously, Alex has played for us, he’s gone into games and had to get us out of some spots before. I like the flexibility of our group. I think a lot of guys have the ability to play guard, tackle,” Gutekunst said during a Zoom call with reporters on Sunday.
One of those players is Turner, who started 16 games at right guard for the Packers last season but has experience at left and right tackle. He could be the top option should an injury happen, especially with veteran Lane Taylor back and capable of filling in for Turner at guard.
“Billy Turner gives us a lot of confidence that he can go out there and play tackle if need be. I’m pretty confident in those guys,” Gutekunst said.
Light played 151 snaps for the Packers last season but gave up his job as the top backup when Gutekunst claimed Veldheer off waivers in December.
Although he played in big spots against the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks to end last season, Veldheer remains unsigned, while Wagner was signed to replace Bulaga, a long-time starter at right tackle.
Gutekunst specifically mentioned Nijman, an undrafted free agent signed last year out of Virginia Tech, as a young player with the potential to grow into a much bigger role.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Yosh in his second year with our group and seeing where he can go, and grow. I’m confident in that group,” Gutekunst said.
The Packers also have other young options such as John Leglue, Cody Conway and Travis Bruffy on the roster.
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