On locker-room clean-out day in Green Bay, Sean Rhyan reflected on his season following their Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Speaking with the press, he recalled his first offensive action in the NFL during the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Packers inserted Rhyan at right guard for one series. “It was kind of, ‘Oh, you’re in,’” Rhyan remembered.
Rhyan couldn’t have predicted that his brief stint – six plays at right guard and eight at left guard during garbage time in a decisive win – would lead to a shared role. That experience has now put the 2022 third-round pick from UCLA in a strong position to potentially claim the starting right guard job in 2024.
“I was fighting for that, early on in the year, that sixth man,” he said, “so every week I was preparing as if stuff goes bad, be ready to just hop in.”
Beginning in mid-December against the New York Giants, Rhyan started to share a rotation with former Packers guard Jon Runyan Jr. In that Monday night game, he played 12 snaps at right guard. Over the following weeks, his playing time increased, with 29 snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 33 versus the Carolina Panthers, 35 against the Minnesota Vikings, and 29 in Green Bay’s regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears.
Rhyan drew attention as a run-blocker, playing 81 run-blocking snaps and earning four PFF run-blocking grades of at least 75.9. Moreover, Green Bay’s running game saw a notable improvement with Rhyan on the field, averaging 0.78 more yards per rush. However, he needs to refine his pass-blocking skills. Over 102 pass-blocking snaps, Rhyan didn’t achieve a PFF grade above 66.4. Although the Packers have historically been a pass-first offense, this could change with Josh Jacobs joining the team. Nonetheless, Rhyan must improve his pass-blocking to become a Day 1 starter for the Packers.
Green Bay doesn't have a ton of guys that move people in the run game. It might be time to just…. play Sean Rhyan. pic.twitter.com/hmeRf6kuNc
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) November 6, 2023
Rhyan is expected to compete with Donovan Jennings, Andre Dillard, Royce Newman, and Lecitus Smith during training camp and preseason. However, given his previous experience within Matt LaFleur’s system, he should have a solid advantage.
Green Bay’s offensive line has only two positions set for 2024: Elgton Jenkins at left guard and Zach Tom at right tackle. Rasheed Walker has the best left tackle in pass-block win rate aside from Trent Williams and is on track to start at left tackle. Walker will face competition from Jordan Morgan, but Morgan struggled early in OTAs and minicamp, giving Walker an edge heading into training camp. The Packers will likely go with Josh Myers as the starting center for 2024. It could challenge Rhyan’s chances of earning a starting spot if they play Jordan Morgan at right guard. However, Green Bay will probably be cautious with Morgan since he played zero snaps as a guard in college.
The best way to develop an offensive lineman is to let them gain experience through playing time. Rhyan has sat out for two seasons, not seeing any snaps in his rookie year. While he may initially face challenges and growing pains, it’s a natural part of the development process. The Packers invested a third-round pick in Rhyan, and with his contract year approaching next season, it’s time for them to find out what they have in him.
Be the first to comment