We discussed the left side of the Green Bay Packers 2010 offensive line last week, and since this discussion involves a number of the same players, I'm condensing the rest of the o-line into a single post. Here's how the votes came out last week:
LT Chad Clifton. Apparently the consensus is that's it's just too early for LT Bryan Bulaga (or there's no way they'll bench a high-priced veteran). I wouldn't expect either of them to play anywhere else.
LG T.J. Lang. I was a surprised that the votes went heavily in Lang's favorite. I'm not disagreeing that he's the best of the bunch (although it's debatable) but I just wouldn't expect him to start over either veteran LG Daryn Colledge or C/G Jason Spitz. That eliminates Colledge from further consideration since he's never played at center or on the right side, but Spitz remains an option elsewhere.
Center. Scott Wells returns after starting 15 games at center in 2009. He was sent to the bench at the start of last season, but he took over after Spitz was lost with a back injury. While not a liability, he was decidedly average last season according to Pro Football Focus. He appears fundamentally sound, but sometimes he can be overpowered. They could decide that Spitz can do better though he's coming back from surgery to remove a herniated disk. Don't be surprised to see C Evan Dietrich-Smith to make the roster again in 2010 because he can provide depth as the 3rd center and backup at guard. If he's healthy, it seems likely that Spitz will take over in 2010.
Right Guard. RG Josh Sitton started all 16 games last season and was quietly their best offensive lineman. It will take an injury to unseat him.
Right Tackle. RT Mark Tauscher was re-signed for starter's money (he's set to receive $3.9 million with incentives if he is the starter in 2010 and about $3 million if he isn't). While Lang and OL Allen Barbre (help us) could compete for the job, his closest competition appears to be rarely used 3rd year RT Breno Giacomini. Unfortunately he was given a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job last season but he couldn't beat out Barbre. I can't imagine him outplaying Tauscher if he can't outplay Barbre. I'm also keeping Lang out of the discussion at this position since we voted that he should be the starting left guard. Even if Lang is an option, it seems unlikely Tauscher won't be the starting right tackle based on his experience, his decent 2009 season (his pass blocking was OK until the playoffs), and his new contract.