The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, a persistent source of concern, faces a critical season with its success hinging almost entirely on the unproven performance of a converted first-round pick at the game’s most crucial protection position. This stark assessment comes from former Packers tackle and current analyst Bryan Bulaga, who expressed deep reservations about the unit’s offseason trajectory during a candid media appearance.

Bulaga’s central concern is the planned move of 2022 first-round selection Jordan Morgan to starting left tackle, a position he has scarcely played at the professional level. “Jordan Morgan needs to be the guy,” Bulaga stated emphatically. “And if he is not, this thing is in big trouble.” He pointed to Morgan’s lone start at left tackle last season against Minnesota, which was, in his words, “a rough game,” and noted the alarming lack of proven depth behind him.

The analyst questioned the contingency plan, suggesting any struggle from Morgan would force a disruptive chain reaction across the line. Moving right tackle Zach Tom to the left side would only create another question mark, as the primary backup tackle, Yosh Nijman, was not trusted to play significant snaps last season despite being re-signed. “You’re putting your eggs in that basket,” Bulaga concluded, highlighting the immense risk of the strategy.

While the Packers have effectively “run it back” with the same group by re-signing center Josh Myers and guard Jon Runyan, Bulaga admitted he does not feel better about the unit now than he did a year ago. He specifically cited the substantial financial investment in guard Elgton Jenkins’ replacement, Aaron Banks, as a point of significant pressure. Banks, who has battled injuries and inconsistency, has received nearly $43 million from the Packers over the last twelve months after a recent contract restructure.

“Would they do that signing again if they had it? No,” Bulaga said bluntly, suggesting the team would prefer to have retained the versatile and proven Jenkins at guard. He acknowledged Banks shows flashes of good play but must demonstrate health and sustained performance to justify the massive commitment. “That is a lot of money to pay a guard,” Bulaga noted.

The path to improvement, according to Bulaga, is narrow and fraught with “what-ifs.” He pointed to several factors that must coalesce: a full, healthy season from the reliable Zach Tom; a second-year leap from right guard Sean Rhyan; and stability from Josh Myers at center with a full offseason to prepare for the role. However, all these elements are secondary to the left tackle experiment. “It all comes down, does the left tackle move work?” Bulaga reiterated.

Beyond individual performance, Bulaga identified a systemic issue the group must address. While the run game was poor, he argued the more pressing weakness was pass protection, which faltered badly at key moments late in the season, subjecting quarterbacks Jordan Love and Malik Willis to punishing hits. “That needs to be… the focus for this group this offseason,” he asserted.

The former Pro Bowl tackle also expressed skepticism that the team can generate meaningful internal competition through the draft alone, given that most late-round picks require years to develop. This leaves the projected starters—Morgan, Banks, Myers, Rhyan, and Tom—largely unchallenged. With significant financial resources likely needed to address the defensive line, the Packers appear committed to betting on their current offensive line evaluations.

Bulaga’s analysis paints a picture of a high-stakes gamble by General Manager Brian Gutekunst. After previous attempts to rebuild the line through size and scheme adjustments failed to yield consistent results, the franchise is now banking on the development of its own recent draft capital. The success of this strategy, and by extension the protection of franchise quarterback Jordan Love, rests precariously on the shoulders of Jordan Morgan. His ability to anchor the blindside against the NFL’s premier pass rushers will be the defining storyline of the Packers’ offensive season, a make-or-break variable that could either solidify the unit or send it spiraling.

Former Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga recently shared insights about the current state of Green Bay’s offensive line. According to his analysis, several quiet developments could significantly strengthen protection and stability in the trenches. His perspective has sparked renewed optimism among fans hoping to see the offense operate more consistently.