Packers RT Zach Tom Earns Top Spot as NFL’s Highest-Graded Right Tackle in 2024 Season
In a season filled with standout performances across the league, Green Bay Packers right tackle Zach Tom has emerged as the NFL’s premier player at his position. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Tom was the highest-graded right tackle in the league for the 2024 season, a testament to his remarkable consistency, versatility, and dominance on the offensive line.
A Season to Remember
Zach Tom’s rise to the top of the PFF rankings didn’t happen overnight. In just his second year as a full-time starter, the 24-year-old has demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency, athleticism, and football IQ. His ability to handle elite pass rushers while excelling in run blocking made him a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive success this season.
PFF’s grading system, which evaluates players on every snap of every game, awarded Tom a season grade of 91.3, placing him ahead of other elite tackles. His performance was characterized by his:
- Pass Protection: Allowing just two sacks over 17 games, Tom kept quarterback Jordan Love upright and confident in the pocket.
- Run Blocking: Consistently opening lanes for running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, Tom was instrumental in Green Bay’s ground attack ranking in the league’s top ten.
- Penalties: Displaying discipline and poise, Tom was flagged only twice all season.
The Packers’ O-Line Revival
Tom’s success is a bright spot in what has been a transitional year for the Packers. As the team shifted from the Aaron Rodgers era to Jordan Love, the offensive line played a critical role in stabilizing the offense. Anchoring the right side, Tom provided the security and reliability needed for a young quarterback to develop.
Head coach Matt LaFleur praised Tom’s impact, stating, “Zach has been phenomenal. He’s the type of player every coach dreams of — smart, hardworking, and tough. He’s set a standard for what we expect on this team.”
A Rising Star with a Bright Future
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest, Tom was considered an underrated prospect with significant upside. His versatility — capable of playing all five positions on the offensive line — made him a valuable asset, but his emergence as an elite right tackle has far exceeded expectations.
Tom’s rise reflects the Packers’ ability to develop young talent. Offensive line coach Luke Butkus deserves credit for helping refine Tom’s technique and preparing him to face some of the league’s most fearsome defenders.
The Road Ahead
With the 2024 season behind him, Zach Tom is now positioned as one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen. The Packers are expected to build around their young stars, and Tom will undoubtedly be a key figure in their plans. As he enters his prime, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he continues to evolve.
For Packers fans, the emergence of Zach Tom as the NFL’s top right tackle is a beacon of hope for a team looking to re-establish itself as a perennial contender. If this season is any indication, Tom is poised to be a dominant force on the Packers’ line for years to come.
