Zach Tom of the Green Bay Packers has been named an All-Breakout Team Offensive Tackle by PFF.
As exciting as it is that the Packers have discovered their future quarterback, it also appears that they have found their future right tackle. It’s also about time. Since Bryan Bulaga’s departure last season, they have not had a regular long-term starter at the position.
Of course, that right tackle is Zach Tom, who finished the season as the Packers’ greatest all-around blocker, according to PFF. PFF wrote of his selection to their All-Breakout Team:
“The Wake Forest 2022 fourth-round pick secured the Packers’ right tackle job and never looked back, playing more than 1,000 snaps — and well.” Tom’s 75.8 run-blocking grade in 2023 rated 15th among all tackles, a significant improvement from his rookie rating of 55.7. He also finished 23rd in pass-blocking grade with a 73.9, allowing only two sacks and 33 pressures all season, with the sacks coming against Danielle Hunter and Chris Jones.”
Tom’s rise as a Pro Bowl-caliber right tackle has posed a fascinating debate for the Packers moving forward: should Green Bay maintain him at right tackle or shift him to center or possibly left tackle?
On the one side, Tom can play both positions well, and possibly better than the other alternatives the Packers have (without a healthy David Bakhtiari). Green Bay, on the other side, hasn’t had a great right tackle in years.
Whether he stays at right tackle in the summer is an open question, but for the time being, it is the best position for him as the Packers make an unexpected playoff push.
