Green Bay Packers fans might not have expected much when they drafted offensive tackle Zach Tom in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. But the rookie product from Wake Forest has been excellent in the preseason. His performance is turning heads in the national media.
Tom excelled during his time at Wake Forest, where he made the first team All-ACC team in 2021. With the Packers dealing with injuries, Tom has had a chance to make an impression with the coaching staff. He made the most of the opportunity he was given in the preseason. After Thursday’s preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Packers should feel confident in Tom’s ability to protect Aaron Rodgers.
PFF ranked the pass-blocking grades of all rookies in the preseason. Tom’s 87.6 rating in pass blocking led all rookies in the 2022 preseason. Tom recorded 69 pass-blocking snaps without allowing a single pressure. That’s excellent blocking by a rookie.
The Packers found another OL pic.twitter.com/RdXBaSH2sg
— PFF (@PFF) August 29, 2022
Tom was spectacular for the Packers against the Chiefs as well. PFF rated Tom second overall among all offensive tackles in Week 3 of the preseason in pass blocking.
Highest pass block grades among all OTs from Preseason Week 3:
Ikem Ekwonu: 88.5
Zach Tom: 87.4 pic.twitter.com/HzLngzYkod— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 29, 2022
Tom was praised for his versatility coming into the league. He has experience playing both interior offensive line positions as well as at tackle. Tom succeeded in doing that well in college. Now he appears to be able to provide those valuable services to the Packers.
The injuries to David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins have left holes in the offensive line for the Packers. Tom has proven in the preseason he can step up and do the job until they’re back. He should be allowed to start until the regular season results say otherwise. Tom is a rookie Green Bay fans should keep an eye on.
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