Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Sean Rhyan entered training camp looking to compete for the team’s starting right guard position. But when Green Bay released its unofficial depth chart earlier this week, Rhyan was listed as Jordan Morgan’s backup. According to head coach Matt LaFleur, the unofficial depth chart doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, but Morgan has mostly been running around with the starters in practice.
In Arizona, Morgan played only as a left quarterback, even though many believed he could transition into a decent cornerback at the next level. So far, the Packers have let Morgan focus on the cornerback position, knowing it would give him the best chance to see the field this season while Rasheed Walker continues to man the left quarterback position.
Rhyan knew nothing would be given to him, especially when the team selected Morgan from among the players selected in the first round of the draft.
Outside of the NFL, where injuries can happen at any time, Rhyan was sidelined during Tuesday’s practice when Morgan left the practice field with a shoulder injury. The injury should sideline the 25th overall pick for only a tiny period of time, but could keep him out of Saturday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.
This allowed Rhyan to prove to the coaching staff that he is more than ready when his number is called.
“I’m a pretty good right-back,” Rhyan said, speaking about what he plans to showcase on Saturday.
Like Morgan, Rhyan also played primarily as a left guard in college, but was considered a good fit in the pros. After not registering a single tackle in his rookie season, Rhyan appeared in 12 games in 2023, playing as a right guard in place of starter Jon Runyan Jr.
When Runyan signed a lucrative contract in free agency to join the New York Giants, the door opened for Rhyan to take his spot. That was until draft night.
One of General Manager Brian Gutekunst’s core beliefs is building a robust roster through competition, something Rhyan has experienced first-hand over his first three seasons.
Green Bay wants Rhyan’s talents to be put to good operate, so they’ve given him plenty of opportunities to see where he can contribute. This summer alone, he’s thrown touchdowns at all three interior positions.
“I go left, right, center, but I think that helps me. Just because I really know the plays now,” Rhyan said. “I go from the center as the head of the line, pointing out where to go and just quickly changing plays. I’ll be the right guard for one play and then I’ll go to the left. Just being able to understand what we’re doing and the scheme.
“The technique is the same, but reversed,” he added. “It’s hard to just try to be the same on both sides. It’s hard to be good on one side in the NFL, but it’s a challenge to be good on both sides. But I’m willing to take it and put out some good stuff.”
As the Packers prepare for the preseason, Rhyan’s ability to adapt and play multiple positions could make him an invaluable asset to the team’s offensive line depth. While it’s still a tough climb, Rhyan’s highly coveted versatility could make him a gigantic part of the team’s depth this season.
