7. Corey Linsley
Anchoring the middle of the offensive line since being drafted in the fifth round in 2014, center Corey Linsley has been one of the Packers’ unsung heroes for a while now. Linsley took over as the starter as a rookie (starting all 16 games) and hasn’t looked back since. Although he’s never been named to a Pro Bowl, Linsley has been a model of consistency for the Packers’ offensive line for years.
Set to turn 28 years old before the start of the 2019 season, Linsley is now one of the older veterans on the Packers’ O-line. He hasn’t missed a game in two seasons and is locked up for the foreseeable future after signing a multi-year extension at the beginning of the 2018 offseason.
That being said, perhaps the Packers have already started looking for Linsley’s potential replacement in a few years when his current deal expires. Green Bay spent this year’s second-round pick on guard/center Elgton Jenkins, who figures to be a reliable backup behind Linsley. It’s safe to say his starting spot is safe no matter what, but Jenkins provides insurance in case the consistent Linsley falls injured.
Linsley was ranked as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 center (subscription required) last season, with an overall grade of 73.7. It’ll be interesting to see how he adapts to Matt LaFleur’s scheme change to a heavy zone running scheme. Linsley is certainly athletic enough to handle reach blocks and pulls, so it shouldn’t be a problem.