Former Packers fifth-round draft choice, Jacob Monk just might be setting the foundation to become a steady contributor, if called upon this season.
Elgton Jenkins is back, and slated to open the regular season as the Packers’ starting center, but should disaster strike, it sure sounds like Monk has made the most of a major opportunity this spring.
Packers’ Jacob Monk Draws Praise from Matt LaFleur
Green Bay Packers, Lecitus Smith
Green Bay offensive linemen Lecitus Smith (61) and Jacob Monk (62) run through a drill during practice on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, who lists Monk as the Packers’ surpise standout of OTA and minicamp practices, the former Duke stalwart took the bulk of first-team reps and looked capable in practice.
“Almost all the Packers’ offseason practices were at jog-through speed,” Demovsky writes for ESPN. “So it would be unwise to make any major assessments based on those sessions. Seeing who lined up where and with what units was about the only thing worth noting. In that regard, it was a good offseason for the second-year center.
“With Elgton Jenkins skipping the entire offseason program, Monk got the bulk of the work with the starters. “He’s done a nice job,” coach Matt LaFleur said of the 2024 fifth-round pick. “He’s a lot more comfortable and confident in terms of going out there and knowing what to do. And for him it’s just going to come down to those live reps.” Jenkins will be the starting center, but Monk has had the chance to show he’s valuable backup.”
Drawing an endorsement from LaFleur is a pretty significant development for the 6-foot-3 and 308-pound Monk, who has yet to play an NFL snap.
If Monk’s momentum carries over from the spring, to training camp and the preseason this summer, at bare minimum Green Bay could have a capable insurance policy should disaster strike at some point up front this season.
Green Bay Packers Jacob Monk
Green Bay offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63, right) is shown with Jacob Monk (62) during organized team activities Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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