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When the Green Bay Packers take the field in 2021, their offensive line could look very different than it did to end 2019. As many as three starting positions could change hands between then and now, with Bryan Bulaga already departed, Corey Linsley’s contract up after 2020, and Billy Turner’s play a question mark.
One potential answer is Jon Runyan, Jr., the Packers’ first of three sixth-round offensive line draft picks. Runyan played left tackle at Michigan, but with that position locked up (and David Bakhtiari looking likely to get a third contract from the Packers), that spot appears to be solid.
Besides, Runyan’s best fit is inside. Or so the team and draft analysts say, at least for now. But although the Packers list Runyan as a guard for the time being. a player comparison brings to mind a possible shift even further inside, possibly to center. At Player Profiler, Runyan’s top NFL comparison is former Packers draft pick JC Tretter, a college tackle who ended up playing center in the NFL. Tretter missed his rookie year with an injury then half of his second season as well, but has been a stalwart in the middle of the Browns’ offensive line for the past three years after leaving Green Bay in free agency.
It’s not crazy to think that Runyan could slide all the way inside like Tretter did. It’s also not crazy to think that he might be able to hold up on the end of the line at right tackle, too. Only time will tell, but Runyan has plenty of people who believe in him and think that he will be a long-time NFL starter somewhere.
Packers expecting to start versatile rookie Jon Runyan at guard | Packers Wire
Runyan will start on the inside, as the Packers officially listed him as a guard. Expect him to get some work at every position on the line, however, as the ability to play all over in year one can only help him earn a roster spot.
Coach Has ‘No Doubt Whatsoever’ Runyan Will Have Long NFL Career | SI.com
Meanwhile, the same position coach who worked with Corey Linsley in college -- Ed Warriner -- was Runyan's offensive line coach at Michigan. Perhaps given Runyan's player comparison, a transition to center could be in the cards when Linsley's contract is up in 2021.
Unfortunate ending leads to new beginning for Simon Stepaniak | Packers.com
One of the other sixth-round offensive linemen, Stepaniak had perhaps his best game of his career in his final regular season game for Indiana. Then, a few weeks later in bowl practice, he stepped awkwardly and tore his ACL, ending his season and preventing him from working out at the Combine.
Packers TE Jace Sternberger on injuring his ankle, quizzes and Aaron Rodgers – The Athletic
Sternberger discussed his quarantine routine, which involves a lot of Fortnite, as well as his recovery from injury last season and how Jimmy Graham would threaten to slap junk food out of his hand.
Josiah Deguara can do a little bit of everything for Packers' offense | Packersnews.com
Deguara expects to play all over the offense, but his movement ability as an H-back will be his distinguishing characteristic. Don't be surprised if you see him throw the football a few times in his NFL career, either, as he has a background playing quarterback and passing on trick plays back in high school.
When Homeschooling Gets Tough, Clinton Police Come to Mom’s Aid – NBC Connecticut
A noise complaint from a neighbor led police to a situation at home where a five-year old child was throwing a tantrum over not wanting to do his homework. Quarantine is getting to us all on some level, but just try not to be that kid.