While the Green Bay Packers would prefer the starting offensive line to be Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Aaron Banks at left guard, Sean Rhyan at center, Anthony Belton at right guard, and Zach Tom at right tackle, both guard spots could be an issue. Banks battled multiple injuries in 2025 and missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury. Additionally, Belton struggled in his transition from tackle to guard midway through his rookie season, saw playing time at right tackle in OTAs with Tom sidelined due to a partially torn patellar tendon, and then moved back to right guard with the first-team offense in minicamp.
This could pave the way for a rookie to start.
The Green Bay Packers’ 5th-round pick has turned heads this spring
Green Bay Packers Jager Burton (52) arrives during rookie minicamp Friday, May 1 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Jager Burton has thus far received some first-team reps at right guard during OTAs and the bulk of the starting reps at left guard during mandatory minicamp with Aaron Banks sidelined. The fifth-round pick played all three interior offensive line positions in college at Kentucky, including starting 12 games at center in 2025. In his rookie season, Burton will compete for the swing guard/center role and currently holds the early lead with Jacob Monk sidelined with a biceps injury.
Matt LaFleur on fifth-round pick Jager Burton, who has gotten work w/the No. 1 O-line in OTAs and minicamp.
“I see a guy that’s extremely coachable, athletic and is making the most of his opportunity… He’s definitely going to be in the mix competing for playing time this year.” pic.twitter.com/7caEzpIVr2
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 10, 2026
The Packers’ potential Day 3 steal could compete for playing time as a rookie
During Wednesday’s press conference, Matt LaFleur was asked about Jager Burton, who has received first-team reps at both guard spots during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, as reported by Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The head coach praised the rookie for making the most of the opportunity, as well as his athleticism and coachability. LaFleur also added that Burton will be competing for playing time this season.
Matt LaFleur on fifth-round pick Jager Burton, who has gotten work w/the No. 1 O-line in OTAs and minicamp.
“I see a guy that’s extremely coachable, athletic and is making the most of his opportunity… He’s definitely going to be in the mix competing for playing time this year.” pic.twitter.com/7caEzpIVr2
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 10, 2026
It’s too early to tell whether Burton will defeat Anthony Belton for the starting right guard job or win the swing guard/center role over Jacob Monk and John Williams. We will get a better idea once players put the pads on for training camp and get live reps during joint practices and the preseason. Given Aaron Banks’s injury history and Anthony Belton’s struggles at right guard in 2025, Burton could very well start as a rookie.