Sean Rhyan’s Impressive Rise in Packers Camp Creates Competitive Offensive Line Depth, Gives Green Bay a Welcome Problem Heading Into 2025

In the NFL, having too much talent at one position is the kind of “problem” every general manager and head coach dreams about. And this summer in Green Bay, that’s exactly the situation developing on the offensive line thanks to the emergence of third-year guard Sean Rhyan.

Once viewed as a developmental depth piece, Rhyan has not only improved his play — he’s now pushing for a starting job and turning heads at training camp. His progress is causing Packers coaches to reconsider how they plan to line up the trenches in 2025, potentially reshuffling roles and sparking healthy competition across the offensive line.

A Surprise Standout in Training Camp

After a rocky start to his NFL career, which included a six-game suspension during his rookie year and limited snaps in 2023, Sean Rhyan has taken a leap forward in Year 3. Coming into the 2025 training camp stronger, faster, and more technically sound, Rhyan is earning rave reviews from coaches and teammates alike.

“He’s playing with real confidence now,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “You can see how much work he’s put in. His footwork is sharper, his leverage is better, and he’s really become a smart, physical presence inside.”

With Elgton Jenkins locked in at left guard and Josh Myers returning at center, many assumed right guard would go to veteran Jon Runyan Jr. or a newly drafted prospect. But Rhyan is making it hard to keep him off the field. He’s taken significant first-team reps and is giving the Packers’ coaching staff a legitimate decision to make.

The Ripple Effect of Rhyan’s Rise

Rhyan’s improvement is more than just a personal triumph — it could force a reordering of Green Bay’s offensive line depth chart. If he wins the starting right guard spot, Runyan Jr. could become a valuable sixth man, backing up multiple positions, or even become trade bait for a team in need of veteran interior help.

The Packers are already known for developing quality offensive linemen, and this logjam at guard reinforces that strength. Rookie lineman Cooper Beebe and second-year tackle Rasheed Walker are also pushing for more reps. With Rhyan now in the mix as a reliable option, the Packers have more flexibility to rest veterans, rotate lineups, or plug injuries without a significant drop-off in performance.

“You’d rather have too many capable guys than not enough,” said head coach Matt LaFleur. “That’s where we are now. Sean has stepped up in a big way, and it gives us options.”

Building Trust Through Physicality and Consistency

One of the key differences in Rhyan’s 2025 camp has been consistency. In previous seasons, coaches cited inconsistency as a reason for his limited usage. But this year, he’s strung together strong practices and executed well in preseason game reps.

“Every rep, every snap, he’s been reliable,” said quarterback Jordan Love. “He’s giving us a clean pocket and helping us set the tone in the run game. That’s what you want from a guard.”

Rhyan has also bulked up in the offseason, adding muscle without sacrificing quickness. He credits his growth to film study, better diet, and working with veteran linemen on hand placement and timing.

“Everything’s slowing down for me,” Rhyan said after a recent practice. “I feel like I belong now. The game used to feel too fast. Now, I know where I’m supposed to be, and I’m there with force.”

A Changing Identity Up Front

The Packers have long valued versatility along the offensive line. Over the years, players like Elgton Jenkins and David Bakhtiari have shifted between positions seamlessly, a tradition that Rhyan seems to be continuing.

If Rhyan locks down right guard, it opens the door for the Packers to use Jenkins creatively or to let younger linemen develop without being rushed. It also gives Green Bay a backup plan in case of injuries — something that derailed several contenders in 2024.

Analysts like ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky have taken notice.

“Green Bay’s O-line could be one of the best in the NFC,” Orlovsky said. “And Sean Rhyan is the X-factor. His development adds another layer of toughness and depth that championship teams need.”

A Redemption Story in Progress

Rhyan’s journey has not been easy. After a stellar college career at UCLA, he entered the NFL with high expectations but quickly faced adversity. A suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy during his rookie season cast doubt on his future. But rather than fold, Rhyan worked quietly behind the scenes to earn a second chance.

“Everyone has setbacks,” Rhyan reflected. “I had to learn from mine. I realized I needed to grow up and prove that I could be a professional, not just a talent.”

That maturity is now shining through in the way he practices, leads younger linemen, and communicates in the huddle.

“He’s not just a better player — he’s a better teammate,” said Jenkins. “You see the growth. He wants to be great.”

What It Means for the Packers in 2025

With a new-look offense centered around Jordan Love, the Packers are counting on their offensive line to be a stabilizing force. The team added explosive rookie receivers, a dynamic tight end, and upgraded its backfield through the draft. Now, ensuring that Love has time to operate is priority number one.

If Rhyan can hold down the right guard spot, it gives Green Bay a strong interior trio alongside Myers and Jenkins — one that can protect the pocket and create lanes for the run game. It also allows the team to weather the inevitable bumps and bruises of a 17-game season.

In a division filled with aggressive defensive fronts — including the Bears’ revamped pass rush and Detroit’s physical line — the Packers’ newfound depth could be the difference between contending and collapsing.

Sean Rhyan’s rise is more than just a good training camp story. It’s a testament to perseverance, development, and the Packers’ ability to nurture young talent. As he continues to climb the depth chart, Green Bay finds itself in an enviable position — with more capable linemen than starting spots.

That’s the kind of problem Matt LaFleur will gladly take.

“Competition makes everyone better,” LaFleur said. “And right now, Sean is making us better.”

If this trajectory continues, Rhyan won’t just be a camp standout — he could be a foundational piece in Green Bay’s quest to reclaim NFC North supremacy and make a deep playoff run in 2025.