The NFL handed one of the Packers’ Day 2 rookies a six-game suspension Friday. Sean Rhyan will miss most of the Packers’ remaining games due to violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
This might not affect the Packers’ gameday plans too much, as Rhyan has played all of one snap this season (a special teams play against the Lions), but it will strip the team of a depth piece along its offensive line.
The Packers chose Rhyan 92nd overall out of UCLA, but fourth-round rookie Zach Tom has seen more action this season. Tom has made two starts and played extensively as a backup in two other games. Despite Elgton Jenkins‘ delay and David Bakhtiari‘s continued uncertainty, the Packers have been healthier up front than they were last season. That has allowed for a Rhyan developmental year.
Green Bay has chosen an O-lineman on Day 2 in three of the past four years, though Jenkins and 2021 second-round pick Josh Myers became quick studies. Rhyan worked as the Bruins’ starting left tackle for most of his college career, helping the likes of Joshua Kelley and 2023 prospect Zach Charbonnet to 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The Packers have attempted to use him inside.
This suspension will essentially close the book on Rhyan practice work until the 2023 offseason. Although Rhyan has not been needed up front this year, this absence certainly stands to affect his development.
Tom isn’t a guard. Too light.
He’s still a rookie. Give him one or two years of Wisconsin winter eating and he’ll easily achieve weight.
That wouldn’t be too hard, Wisconsin is full of cheese, Beer and Bratwursts. He’ll become obese after a few months after the season