The Green Bay Packers are facing significant changes to their offensive line in the upcoming offseason, with multiple key players potentially leaving or recovering from injuries. In this context, Virginia Tech's versatile offensive lineman, Tomas Rimac, emerges as a compelling prospect for the team's consideration in the late rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. His adaptability and experience across various positions make him an attractive option for bolstering the Packers' depth and potentially securing a starting role in the future.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has a consistent track record of identifying and developing offensive line talent in the later rounds of the draft. Rimac, with his proven ability to play nearly every position on the line, aligns perfectly with this strategy. His potential selection would not only address immediate depth concerns but also provide a long-term solution for a team that values flexible and resilient players. His collegiate performance, particularly his resilience despite constant position changes, underscores his potential to succeed at the professional level.
Tomas Rimac's Journey and Adaptability on the Offensive Line
Tomas Rimac, a highly-touted recruit, began his collegiate career at West Virginia, where he established himself as a solid left guard over three seasons, demonstrating impressive pass protection by not allowing any sacks. His transition to Virginia Tech saw him embrace a more flexible role, starting at various positions across the offensive line, including both guard and tackle spots. This adaptability, though potentially hindering his mastery of a single position, proved invaluable to his team, as highlighted by Tech Sideline's lead beat writer, Andy Bitter. Rimac's physical attributes, including his imposing stature and long arms, enable him to effectively engage defenders and maintain balance in pass protection, making him a compelling prospect for the Green Bay Packers' offensive line needs.
During his time at Virginia Tech, Rimac's willingness to switch positions at a moment's notice underscored his versatility and commitment, even if it meant a temporary dip in individual performance as he adjusted to new roles. His robust build and upper-body strength are assets in run blocking, where he exhibits a capacity to displace defenders with impactful hand usage. While not an exceptionally flashy athlete, his comfort operating in open space is noteworthy. Despite facing challenges, particularly in pass protection during his initial adjustments to right guard, his overall collegiate career, marked by significant starting experience at multiple offensive line positions, positions him as a strong candidate for an NFL roster, particularly for a team like the Packers that values players with diverse skill sets and a proven ability to adapt to varying demands.
The Green Bay Packers' Strategic Pursuit of Offensive Line Talent
The Green Bay Packers are poised for a significant overhaul of their offensive line, with the potential departure of several key starters and ongoing injury recoveries. This situation creates a pressing need for both immediate depth and future foundational players. General Manager Brian Gutekunst's consistent approach of targeting offensive linemen in the later rounds of the NFL Draft, particularly in the seventh round, aligns perfectly with the evaluation of a player like Tomas Rimac. Rimac's proven versatility, having played multiple positions, makes him an ideal candidate to provide crucial depth across the line and potentially develop into a starter, addressing the team's critical need for flexible and reliable linemen in the face of impending roster changes.
With three projected seventh-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers are strategically positioned to invest in adaptable players. Rimac's capacity to seamlessly transition between various offensive line spots, coupled with his tackle-like length, presents an attractive option. Andy Bitter emphasizes Rimac's suitability for an NFL roster, where the necessity for players to fill multiple roles is paramount due to roster constraints. Rimac offers a secure baseline as a player capable of providing quality depth, with a tangible path to earning a starting position, particularly at guard. Given the team's evolving dynamics, selecting a versatile and promising player like Rimac in the seventh round represents a shrewd move to reinforce the Packers' offensive line for both the short and long term, reflecting Gutekunst's successful history in identifying value in late-round offensive line prospects.