The Green Bay Packers have a history of finding great value in the later rounds. Their starting left tackle the past few seasons, Rasheed Walker, was a seventh-round pick out of Penn State. He isn’t the only one on the offensive line taken in the later rounds. Starting right tackle Zach Tom was a fourth-round pick. There are very few first-round picks on the offensive line. They may have done it again in the 2025 NFL Draft. Cincinnati Bearcats offensive line coach Nic Cardwell had some high praise for John Williams, the team’s seventh-round pick.
Green Bay Packers OL John Williams Receives High Praise
Talking with Packers on SI, Cardwell had nothing but good things to say about John Williams. Williams was the starting left tackle for the Bearcats for the past two seasons, but his greatest asset is his versatility. He majored in aerospace engineering and has the intelligence to play multiple positions with ease.
“At the East-West Shrine Bowl, he got a few reps at guard and he got a few reps at right tackle. I’ve been around some guys that you try to put him on the right side, it’s almost like a foreign language to him, but not for John. John could switch over there and do a really good job. In fact, he likes it. When I was at one of the practices at East-West Shrine, he was asking if he could move over to the other side because he wanted to show that he could play that side.”
For many players, playing different positions on the offensive line is almost impossible. While every position may seem very similar, each comes with very different assignments and footwork. His footwork was something Cardwell highlighted in his interview.
“Footwork – incredible footwork – and hands. Where he puts his hands and punching, that’s good, but really playing with a high level of confidence.”
Great For The Packers
It’s not hard to see why the Green Bay Packers liked Williams. Versatility on the offensive line is something they have valued in recent years. All-Pro Elgton Jenkins has played left guard for the past few years but will likely move to center this year now that Josh Myers is gone. Last year’s first-round pick, Jordan Morgan, can play either guard or tackle. With free agent signing Aaron Banks on the roster, the team can play around with the right combinations.
Furthermore, if injuries happen, the team can shuffle the line and not lose too much. The versatility of John Williams allows the team to put him where they need him. If they find themselves thin at tackle, he has starting experience. If they need a guard, he can adapt easily. For a seventh-round pick, Williams provides great value.
Final Thoughts
The Green Bay Packers made a point to bolster their offensive line this offseason. Jordan Love and the offense seemed off last year and the protection was suspect at times. If the team can give Love some time, he has proven he can find the open receiver and carve up opposing defenses.
