The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
Death, taxes, and the Green Bay Packers turning Day 3 offensive linemen into high-quality starters. David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, Corey Linsley, and JC Tretter are just some of the names of Day 3 offensive linemen who have found success at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
Zach Tom, a former fourth-round pick, has turned into one of the best right tackles in the league. Rasheed Walker, a former seventh-round pick, has played well enough at left tackle to give the team hope he could replace Bakhtiari if the Packers opt to move on from the veteran tackle this offseason.
Tom and Walker both could be the future bookends for the Packers, alleviating pressure to address the position early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A player that Brian Gutekunst could target on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft is Roger Rosengarten. The Washington offensive tackle checks in at No. 97 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Rosengarten, a Colorado native who played for former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffery at Valor Christian, ended his career at Washington with 28 starts at right tackle protecting the blind side of Michael Penix Jr.
“Roger has been a huge part of the Washington offensive line,” Roman Tomashoff, a UW writer for SI.com, said. “He was excellent all year long and has been rock solid as Penix’s blindside protector for the last two seasons.”
Rosengarten has agile feet and the lateral quickness to mirror edge rushers. He’s coordinated in his shuffle. He has a strong upper body to stonewall pass rushers and stays balanced through contact. During his 28 starts at right tackle, Rosengarten gave up zero sacks and 32 pressures.
“He moves his feet very well and has received elite coaching from Scott Huff,” Tomashoff said. “He is an excellent athlete who can mirror and counter pass rushers with ease.”
Rosengarten is comfortable on the move and doesn’t labor climbing to the second level. He has a high football IQ and understands angles. While not a mauler by any means, Rosengarten hits his marks on the move and helps seal running lanes.
“Roger is a fantastic run blocker,” Tomashoff said. “He does a great job when he’s asked to pull in the run game and finishes blocks very well I believe he needs to add a few more pounds when he gets to the NFL, but he finishes strong and is someone that NFL coaches should be confident in when he’s asked to lead the way on off-tackle runs.”
Fit with the Packers
Nobody knows exactly what the Packers are going to do with Bakhtiari. They could save some money by parting ways with the veteran left tackle. However, if they feel he can give them even 12 games, they may think it’s worth keeping him around because there is no denying when he’s on the field he’s one of the best left tackles in the game.
If they opt to part ways with Bakhtiari, they’d have to feel comfortable going into next season with Walker at left tackle and Tom at right tackle. The question becomes, who is the swing tackle?
Rosengarten could be the target on Day 3. He played exclusively right tackle at Washington, with just three career snaps at left tackle.
“He can definitely make the move to left tackle if asked,” Tomashoff said. “He probably would have played on the left side for a lot of other teams, but with the left-handed Penix he was needed a little more on the right side. Roger is very coordinated and would definitely excel on the left side.”
Given Tom’s versatility, maybe the Packers view his best long-term position at center or guard. If they take a player like Rosengarten they could kick Tom inside to right guard. Regardless of what happens the Packers will need to add depth to the offensive tackle room. With his athleticism and length, Rosengarten has the tools to develop into a pillar along the Great Wall of Lambeau. If he works his way into the starting lineup as a rookie, he may not give the job back.
“Roger is the full package as a tackle,” Tomashoff said. “He has a lot of upside, excellent movement skills, power, and technique. He’s a very mature guy that could certainly develop into a fantastic leader at the NFL level.”