Veteran IOL Linked To Green Bay Packers

The offensive line for the Green Bay Packers is going to look a little different in 2024 than it has in years past. Gone are some long-time contributors. Left tackle David Bakhtiari was released in a cap-saving move and Jon Runyan Jr. signed with the New York Giants in free agency.

Those are two quality players who have to be replaced. The Packers have made sure they have plenty of options to choose from, selecting three players in the 2024 NFL Draft along the offensive line, including first-round pick Jordan Morgan.

It is safe to assume that he will be starting somewhere along this unit. He has begun offseason workouts at left tackle, where he will compete for the starting job with Rasheed Walker. Walker was solid last season, stepping up to replace the injured Bakhtiari.

Morgan has the athleticism and skills to play on the interior of the offensive line, as coaches believe he fill in at four different spots. Competition in the offseason will determine the alignment, as the Packers are going to play the five best players.

However, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add a little more experience to this group. The interior of the offensive line has been named one of their weaknesses after the 2024 NFL Draft by Kris Knox of Bleacher Report. He has suggested that they alleviate that issue by signing veteran Dalton Risner.

“Dalton Risner has been a solid if unspectacular starter over the past five years and could help shore up Love’s protection in a big way,” Knox said.

To the surprise of many people, Risner went unsigned until September 19th last season. He landed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he took over as their starting guard in Week 7.

Again, his market has been nonexistent despite being a more than adequate starter. He leaves a little something to be desired as a run blocker but is excellent in pass protection. 

Capable of being a starter still, Risner would be an elite insurance policy for the Green Bay Packers. If the young players aren’t ready for starting jobs, he can step into the lineup and you know what you will be getting from him.