zach tom – Syndication Server

Gimme Him: One player Titans would steal from Packers

The Tennessee Titans could use some help along their offensive line, so this player would be an easy theft from the Green Bay Packers.

The Tennessee Titans will try to break into the win column when they take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.

That, of course, provides those of us here at Titans Wire the opportunity to hypothetically steal from the Packers’ roster in search of depth and/or talent upgrades.

In looking over the Packers’ roster, there are plenty of options available. However, one player stands far above the rest: right tackle Zach Tom.

After watching the Titans’ first two weeks, it’s clear they have a defense in place to be a contender. Unfortunately, quarterback Will Levis is consistently under pressure and making terrible decisions. Some of this is on him but his offensive line, especially the right side, has not performed very well.

With Tom, the Titans would add a tremendous right tackle and solidify a unit that has been called out by head coach Brian Callahan. The 2022 fourth-round draft pick is versatile but has shown above-average skills as a right tackle.

In 2023, his first as a full-time right tackle, Tom graded out as the 18th-ranked tackle by PFF.

Tom would be a huge upgrade over starter Nicholas Petit-Frere, who has struggled on the right side.

What are your thoughts, Titans fans? Would you pick Zach Tom or steal an entirely different player from the Green Bay Packers?

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Packers RT Zach Tom dominates in Week 1

Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom was one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive linemen during Week 1 of the 2024 season.

Per Pro Football Focus, Tom’s overall grade of 92.0 ranked third among all offensive linemen during the NFL’s opening week. He allowed zero pressures over 43 pass-blocking snaps and earned the second-highest run-blocking grade among all NFL offensive linemen in Week 1.

Tom was terrific against an elite defensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Per Next Gen Stats, Tom didn’t allow a pressure across 10 one-on-one pass-blocking opportunities vs. Bryce Huff, who led the NFL in pressure rate last season.

PFF tracks “true pass sets,” which eliminates screens, play-action passes and other plays that directly affect pass-blocking. On true passing sets, Tom was a perfect 14-for-14 not allowing pressure.

ESPN tracks blocking win rates. Tom won 18 of his 20 run-blocking snaps, a win rate of 90 percent, which ranked fourth among offensive tackles.

Tom didn’t participate during most of the offseason workout program after injuring his pectoral muscle. He wasn’t even able to participate during 11-on-11 periods until deep into training camp, but the third-year lineman didn’t miss a beat upon his return. In fact, he picked up right where he left off.

Last season, Tom allowed the lowest pressure rate among right tackle, per Next Gen Stats. He was a breakout player as one of the NFL’s best (and underappreciated) right tackles.

His 2024 season is off to a tremendous start. Tom’s next challenge will be 2021 first-round pick Kwity Paye, who had three pressures for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.

Under-the-radar Packers players who could break out in 2024

Who could break out for the Packers in 2024?

As the Green Bay Packers start their 2024 season, much of the attention will naturally focus on established stars and key rookies. However, several under-the-radar players on the Packers’ roster have the potential to break out and play significant roles this season. These players could make crucial contributions to Green Bay’s success.

Here are five Packers players who could break out in 2024:

1. Zach Tom (OL)

Zach Tom did play in all 17 games last season for the Packers, so he has established a significant role on the offensive line. However, his steady performance and adaptability makes him a prime candidate for a breakout season and could get some recognition around the league. Throughout his football career, Tom quickly proved his worth with his ability to play multiple positions, including center, guard, and tackle. This year will be interesting to watch as the Packers could leave him at right tackle or have him move to center or guard if injuries or poor performances from other players show up. Regardless, Tom played a solid role on the offensive line last season and will look to get recognition as one of the better offensive lineman throughout the league.

2. Dontayvion Wicks (WR)

It’s hard to find someone who isn’t excited about Dontayvion Wicks. The fifth-round pick out of Virginia made his mark in his rookie season by ranking third on the team with 39 receptions for 581 yards and four touchdowns but his ability to stretch the field, get separation, and make big plays are reasons why everyone is excited about Wicks. The Packers have a deep wide receiver core with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Wicks, so it’s hard to label who’s the No. 1 option. However, if Wicks takes that extra step everyone is expecting to see, then maybe he might be the lead option among the wide receiver group.

3. Lukas Van Ness (DE)

Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness (90) reacts against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of their wild card playoff game Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Green Bay defeated Dallas 48-32.

It was a quiet rookie season for Lukas Van Ness but there were flashes of his potential that made him a first-round pick in last year’s draft. With more experience under his belt, Van Ness could become a regular contributor in the Packers’ pass rush rotation, and we have seen him play a big role throughout preseason and make big plays. His size, speed, and power make him a dangerous weapon off the edge, and if he can continue to refine his technique, he could become a disruptive force in the backfield and a valuable piece in the rotation with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith.

4. Karl Brooks (DL)

Despite being a sixth-round draft pick last year, Karl Brooks showed flashes of potential with 20 tackles and four sacks. Brooks might not be able to crack the starting lineup but his combination of power and quickness makes him a valuable rotational piece on the defensive line. The defensive line room is crowded but with the new 4-3 scheme, it should keep players fresh in their rotation. This will help Brooks stay on the field, and given his ability to play multiple positions, this gives Brooks the ability to play in many upfront packages.

5. TJ Slaton (DL)

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton (93) stops San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during the first quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Levi’ Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Staying in the defensive line, TJ Slaton could be in for a big season. Slaton has seen steady improvements since he entered the league in 2021 and is entering the final year on his rookie deal. In 2023, Slaton record career-highs with 50 tackles and 626 snaps played. In a room with Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks, Slaton should still have a significant role, especially as one of the better run stoppers on the team. If Slaton improves upon a solid 2023 season, the former Florida Gator will be looking to cash in this offseason on a new contract.

While the Packers have their established stars and top rookies garnering most of the attention this offense, these under-the-radar players have the potential to make a significant impact in 2024. Whether through expanded roles, increased opportunities, or simply taking the next step in their development, Zach Tom, Dontayvion Wicks, Lukas Van Ness, Karl Brooks, and TJ Slaton are all players who could surprise fans and become key contributors as the Packers look to make a run in the upcoming season.

Packers OL Zach Tom won’t return to 11-on-11 work until after Family Night

Packers OL Zach Tom is still working his way back from a pec injury and won’t do 11-on-11 until after Family Night.

Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom has been limited to start training camp and won’t return to 11-on-11 team drills until after the annual “Family Night” practice on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Tom, a 17-game starter at right tackle last season, tore his pectoral muscle during the offseason and is still working his way back.

“It’s going to be a while yet before we put him in those team situations,” LaFleur said Friday. “I would expect, if everything goes right, it won’t be until after Family Night.”

Rebuilding upper body strength and stamina are likely hurdles for Tom as he recovers.

Without Tom for 11-on-11 work, the Packers have experimented with veteran Andre Dillard, first-round pick Jordan Morgan and 2023 undrafted free agent Kadeem Telfort at right tackle. On Wednesday, Telfort replaced Dillard with the first-team offense. LaFleur said the Packers will keeping “shuffling” players in and out at right tackle.

“He’s done some nice things,” LaFleur said of Telfort.

While others compete for reps, the goal for the Packers will be getting Tom physically ready to go for Week 1.

Also along the offensive line, center Josh Myers is missing Friday’s practice due to a personal matter.

Like Tom, tight end Tucker Kraft is still recovering from a pectoral injury suffered this offseason. Kraft remains on the PUP list as of Friday.

Packers rookie Jordan Morgan set to move around along the OL during training camp

The Packers will continue to cross-train first-round pick Jordan Morgan during training camp.

The Green Bay Packers have a rich history of developing offensive linemen and having them play multiple positions. Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins are current examples of the value of cross-training, with both players having the versatility to play all five positions across the offensive line.

Jordan Morgan is the next in line to get cross-trained. The 25th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft finished his collegiate career at Arizona with 37 starts at left tackle and during OTAs and rookie camp Morgan played both tackle spots and left guard. That movement will likely continue throughout training camp.

“Obviously, you’d like a home for him,” Matt LaFleur said during his Monday press conference. “We’ve seen the value in cross-training these guys. It happens every year where you have to move guys in order to get the top five out there. He’s certainly capable of doing whatever we ask him to do.”

Where Morgan ends up could ultimately come down to where the versatile duo of Tom and Jenkins start to kick off the season.

On day one of training camp Jenkins was starting at center. That move could open the door for Morgan to slide into the left guard spot, a position he took reps at during OTAs.

If Tom ends up taking over at center, it could mean Morgan is the team’s starting right tackle when they head to Brazil.

On day one of camp, the Arizona product saw reps at right guard. If Jenkins stays at left guard and Tom sticks at right tackle, Morgan will battle Sean Rhyan for the starting right guard spot. The journey is just getting started and the offensive line shuffle will be something to monitor closely throughout camp.

Morgan is the first offensive lineman that the Packers selected in the first round of the draft since they took Derek Sherrod in the 2011 draft. With all the moving parts, Morgan could earn a starting role to kick off the season. Where that spot along the offensive line is will become more clear as we inch closer to Sept. 6.

Packers OL Zach Tom coming off PUP list to start training camp

The Packers will be getting Zach Tom back from injury. The offensive lineman is coming off the PUP list on Monday.

The Green Bay Packers are returning a starting offensive lineman from injury to start training camp. According to general manager Brian Gutekunst, offensive lineman Zach Tom will be coming off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of Monday’s practice, the first of training camp.

Gutekunst said Tom would likely be limited at practice to start camp.

“Zach is going to come off PUP this morning, so he’ll be out there today. He’ll be a little limited as we get going here, but he’s doing great,” Gutekunst said.

Tom, a 17-game starter at right tackle last season, tore his pectoral muscle during the offseason and missed most of the offseason workout program.

Tom reported to training camp last Wednesday. He was placed on the PUP list, but it appears his stay on the injury list will only last a few days.

Tom was excellent in his first season as a full-time starter. He allowed only two sacks and 33 total pressures and committed only three penalties over almost 1,100 offensive snaps. At Pro Football Focus, Tom was the Packers’ highest graded offensive lineman.

Gutekunst said tight end Tucker Kraft, who also tore his pectoral muscle, isn’t quite ready to return but is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Is Zach Tom the Packers’ most underappreciated player entering 2024?

NFL.com made the case for Zach Tom as the Packers’ most underappreciated player.

A strong case can be made for offensive lineman Zach Tom as the Green Bay Packers’ most underappreciated player entering the 2024 season.

Tom Blair of NFL.com made that argument in a post of NFC players who “just don’t get the love they deserve.”

“So many young Packers stepped up in so many key positions in 2023 that it might be easy to gloss over Tom’s emergence at right tackle,” Blair wrote.

Tom, in just his second NFL season, played a near Pro Bowl level at right tackle. He survived a gauntlet of elite pass-rushers and gave up just two sacks and two quarterback hits over 17 games. Among all offensive tackles that played at least 600 snaps in 2023, Tom’s overall grade at Pro Football Focus ranked 13th. He committed only three penalties.

The next hurdle for Tom will be going from under-the-radar to universally known as a great player. The start of his third NFL season hit a snag after he tore his pectoral muscle and needed surgery. The Packers are hopeful he’ll be ready for training camp. Once back, Tom will be expected to start somewhere along the Packers offensive line come Week 1 in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tom is the definition of underappreciated. He’s fairly unknown across the league in terms of fan recognition despite coming off a terrific season at a premium position. In terms of skill, performance and importance, Tom is entering 2024 as one of the most valuable players on a potential Super Bowl contender.

What about underrated? In a recent post from Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire, second-year defensive lineman Karl Brooks was the pick. Pro Football Focus took second-year receiver Dontayvion Wicks.

Packers excited about Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom at offensive tackle

Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom provide stability for the Packers at offensive tackle entering the 2024 season.

The Green Bay Packers want to keep building competition along the offensive line in an attempt to find the “best five,” a phrase often used by coach Matt LaFleur, but general manager Brian Gutekunst feels good about what he has in Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom at the offensive tackle spots entering the 2024 offseason.

Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, took over for David Bakhtiari at left tackle entering Week 2 and improved greatly down the stretch. Tom, a fourth-rounder in 2022, started all 19 games at right tackle and played at a near Pro Bowl level. Walker might have been the team’s most improved player overall; Tom might have been the team’s top breakout player not named Jordan Love.

While Bakhtiari’s roster status remains in question to start the offseason, the Packers believe Walker has a “bright future” and the ability to play offensive tackle on both sides of the line.

“I think he did a great job,” Gutekunst said Thursday. “You have to give the kid a lot of credit. First of all, his work ethic over the offseason and how tremendously he improved. He fought through some things this year injury wise, he was a warrior out there. He’s done a great job, I’m really glad we have him. I think he can play left and right. We’ll see how it all shakes out…he did a lot of good things. He’s got a bright future and he’s only going to get better. We’re excited about him.”

Walker didn’t play as a rookie and entered training camp as no better than the third option at left or right tackle. But he overtook Yosh Nijman in training camp and became a vital piece of the offensive line puzzle in 2023.

After some expected ups and downs during the first two months spawned a brief rotation with Nijman at left tackle, Walker allowed only 16 total pressures and committed only three penalties over the Packers’ final 10 games, including the playoffs.

Tom might have been one of the NFL’s most underrated offensive tackles in 2023. Among all offensive tackles with at least 600 snaps, Tom ranked fifth in run-blocking grade, 14th in pass-blocking efficiency and tied for fifth in penalties.

Tom is also one of the NFL’s most versatile linemen, but the Packers might be hard-pressed to move him after such an impressive season at right tackle.

“He played really well at right tackle this year, so to move him around I think will be hard on the coaching staff,” Gutekunst said. “At the same time, he’s a guy that can play all five spots and he can be really good at all five of them. It’ll be dependent on what we have and where we need him.”

Gutekunst said he wants to continue building out the offensive line to ensure competition is available at every spot. If the Packers believe Walker can play both sides of the line and Tom is a candidate at all five spots, it’s possible a future scenario exists where the team moves Walker to the right side and Tom to an interior position like center and then uses a high draft pick on a long-term left tackle. But having Walker and Tom coming off such encouraging seasons provides stability at two premium positions entering the offseason.

“I think we’re going to try and get the five best guys we can out there at all times,” Gutekunst said. “It’ll be our job to bring in some guys and have healthy competition there.”

Nick Bosa provides another ‘great test’ for Packers OT Zach Tom

Packers RT Zach Tom is battle tested, and now he’ll face top edge rusher Nick Bosa in San Francisco.

Another week, another difficult matchup for Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom, who will have to contend with edge rusher Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive front.

Bosa finished the regular season with 95 pressures, the third-most among all edge rushers. The majority of Bosa’s snaps came lined up on the left side of the defensive front, which would pair him with Tom. However, the 49ers do some rotating as well.

So, in addition to having to face Bosa, Tom will also have to deal with Chase Young and Randy Gregory. Young recorded the 17th most pressures at edge rusher in 2023, while Gregory has taken on a rotational role since joining the team in Week 6.

“Big, strong, quick,” said Jon Runyan of the 49ers pass rush. “They rush the passer as good as anyone and try to get off the ball as fast as possible. They’re strong and fast. They got some first-round picks all over their defensive line, so it’s another exciting challenge for us.”

This certainly won’t be the first top-edge rusher that Tom has had to face this season. Tom is coming off a matchup with Micah Parsons, who recorded only one pressure against the Packers, and at various points, he’s also faced Aidan Hutchinson, Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack, TJ Watt, and Danielle Hunter, all of whom rank in the top 10 in pressures generated this season.

Overall, Tom has surrendered only two sacks the entire season, and he ranks 18th out of 89 eligible offensive tackles in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric.

“I have all the confidence in the world in Zach,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Wednesday. “Bosa is a great player. This is gonna be a great test for Zach, and it’s gonna be a great matchup. We had Parsons last week, now you got Bosa this week, and as you go in the playoffs, you’re gonna face those great defenses and those great D-linemen. It’s just another test for him.”

Of course, it’s not only Tom on the Packers’ offensive line that has the challenging matchup. Whether its Bosa or Young lined up on Tom, that means the other will be facing Rasheed Walker.

Walker has navigated well the learning curve that comes with being a first-time starter in the NFL and is playing his best football right now. After beginning to rotate series with Yosh Nijman in Week 9, Walker eventually won the left tackle job outright. Since Weeki 15, he has given up only one sack and, on average, is allowing fewer than two pressures per game, including none against Dallas.

Then, along the interior are Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, and Javon Kinlaw, who all rank 12th, 25th, and 39th, respectively, among all interior defensive linemen in pressures generated.

“Man, that’s a really good group,” said Josh Myers. “And the threats they have, like Fred (Warner) at linebacker, some of those third down blitz packages they’ve got Chase Young on one side, Nick Bosa on one side and then Fred is standing over you. It’s like Jesus. Yeah man, they are super talented,. They play well together. It’s a great front.”

Jordan Love is about as well-equipped as any quarterback can be to handle potential pressure, with him being one of the most efficient quarterbacks in football when under duress since Week 14. But even so, that doesn’t mean the Packers want him dealing with pressure constantly against San Francisco.

As is the case just about every week, success for the Packers offense starts up front with the offensive line. Love regularly being hurried while facing one of the NFL’s top pass defenses is likely not a recipe for success. Having a run game to lean on will be vital as well to help open up opportunities in the passing game and to keep the Packers out of long down-and-distance situations.

“You look at their roster,” added Stenavich, “and not only are most of them first-round picks, but most of them are top-10 picks. So they have talent. They have a lot of talent. I have a lot of respect for how they’re coached. I have a lot of respect for how they play.

“They play physically. They get up the field. They do a really good job in their scheme, so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us. I’m excited for that challenge. This young group that we have, I’m really excited to see how they come out there and how they play. It’s going to be a great environment vs. a really good opponent, so it’s going to be a huge test for us.”

Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker ascend as Packers OT tandem in Year 2

Zach Tom broke out as one of the best OTs in football, and Rasheed Walker was excellent down the stretch at LT. The Packers’ tandem ascended in Year 2.

Zach Tom made good on his potential to become the team’s breakout player, and Rasheed Walker would likely win the prize as the team’s most unexpected starter. The playoff-bound Green Bay Packers got an excellent second season from Tom at right tackle and used vast improvement from Walker during his first season as the starter at left tackle to take off down the stretch in 2023.

The ascending second-year offensive tackle tandem finished the regular season in excellent form and will now prepare to take on Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard round.

Tom, a fourth-round pick in 2022, played over 1,000 snaps at right tackle and gave up only two sacks. He remained trustworthy as a pass-blocker and made drastic improvements as a run blocker, helping fuel a final ranking as the NFL’s No. 11 overall offensive tackle in terms of grade at Pro Football Focus. In true Bakhtiarian fashion, Tom quietly got the job every week. He gave up 33 total pressures, but over a third of those pressures came while he battled through a knee injury and faced a tough stretch of rushers, including Aidan Hutchinson and Maxx Crosby. Only once has Tom been beaten for a sack since the start of November.

Speaking of late-season surges, Walker — a seventh-round pick in 2022 — has been excellent since Week 9. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Walker allowed just 16 pressures and ranked as the sixth-best offensive tackle in all of football by overall grade over the final 10 weeks. Struggles during the first half of the season led to rotating snaps with Yosh Nijman for a stretch, but Walker rose to the challenge and has re-gained his status as a full-time player at left tackle over the last five games. After committing eight penalties during his first eight games, Walker has just two over the final nine. Like so many others on the roster, experience has allowed Walker to settle in and play at a higher level.

For as much as Jordan Love and the young wide receivers and tight ends deserve credit for their ascension during the second half of the season, it would be foolish to overlook the importance of Tom and Walker to establishment of stability along the offensive line for both Love and the passing game and even the run game down the stretch.

It will be interesting to see how the Packers construct the offensive line in 2024 and beyond. Tom’s performance at right tackle in 2023 would make him difficult to move even considering his unique versatility. He’s too good at mirroring rushers to play anywhere but tackle. While David Bakhtiari might return to Green Bay next season, his future remains cloudy, and Walker’s improvement gives the Packers an incredibly valuable option at left tackle.

First things first: a trip to Dallas. The Packers must keep Love protected to beat Parsons and the Cowboys on Sunday. Can Tom and Walker rise to the occasion against one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenses in their first playoff start? The performance of both during the second half of the season gives the Packers a real chance at hanging with the NFC East champions at AT&T Stadium in the wildcard round.