Coaches want true competition at every position, knowing full well how powerful having competition can be as a tool for player development and motivation.
While he didn’t say it directly on Tuesday, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is promoting a particularly noteworthy competition on the right side of his offensive line, where, theoretically, both starting spots could be up for grabs during training camp.
“We’re in competition everywhere along the line, specifically on the right side. It’s going to be about going through, putting the guys in position, and then playing the best five,” LaFleur said.
Three players might be competing for two spots. Billy Turner returns after playing all 16 games at right guard in 2019, former starting left guard Lane Taylor is back after missing all but two games last season and veteran right tackle Rick Wagner looks like the early favorite to replace long-time starter Bryan Bulaga.
Several combinations might make sense depending on how camp unfolds.
Turner could retain his spot at right guard with Wagner sliding in as a veteran starter at right tackle.
Taylor could beat out Turner at right guard and play next to Wagner.
Taylor could win the right guard spot and Turner could win a competition over Wagner at right tackle.
All three have something to prove. Turner played over 1,000 snaps during his first season in Green Bay but struggled at times, especially in pass protection. Taylor was losing hold of his spot at left guard and then lost nearly a full season to an injury. Wagner was released by the Detroit Lions after a disappointing season that featured a nagging knee injury.
The other three spots along the line looked secured. All-Pro David Bakhtiari is one of the best left tackles in football, All-Rookie team pick Elgton Jenkins returns after a terrific first season at left guard and veteran Corey Linsley is expected to start his seventh straight season as the Packers center.
The Packers also have three draft picks along the interior of the line – including versatile sixth-round pick Jon Runyan – and several veteran holdovers, such as Lucas Patrick, Alex Light and Yosh Nijman. Competition will be heated for depth behind the five starters.
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