The Green Bay Packers (and other teams, presumably) kicked off their offseason with OTAs this week.
It was a glorious day for fans of grown men running around in shorts. Our timelines were once again filled with actual football content.
But while some things are fun (seeing rookies in action, getting to know the new free agents, hearing injury updates), it’s vital to remember that we’re still early into the offseason. The team has new toys, new coaches, and new plays to test out, and this is the time of year to see what you’re working with.
What we see now is just a fraction of the picture, so we can’t make conclusive statements from a few days of voluntary workouts.
This is particularly true for the offensive line, a group the Packers invested heavily in and ripe with stories for the plucking. From the very first group lineup, there were surprises drawing in some less-than-favorable responses. It’s important to remember that this time of year is all about figuring out what the team has and that the lineup will transform dramatically by Week 1.
It’s fun to get hyped for OTAs, but take everything with a grain of salt until the pads come on and real opponents are on the field.
Unsurprisingly, Elgton Jenkins was among the few absentees for the first day of OTAs. While Jenkins waits for (financial) clarity on his future, the “opening” offensive line featured four names we expected.
Returning starters Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom took their usual bookend spots. New free-agent guard Aaron Banks lined up at left guard. Sean Rhyan took snaps at center in relief of Jenkins, a move that could help his long-term prospects.
That final spot wasn’t filled by Jordan Morgan or Anthony Belton, though. Instead, it was Jacob Monk, the versatile interior lineman, who spent much of his rookie season as a healthy scratch. Monk lined up at center and right guard, alternating with Rhyan.
People online were not happy about this, and Morgan in particular was caught in the crosshairs. The mob wondered why the first-round pick couldn’t crack the opening lineup, and the b-word (bust) was thrown around.
Shortly after, Morgan took snaps at left tackle with the first-team offense. Moments later, he lined up at right guard with Rhyan back at center. Morgan also started practice at left tackle with the twos. Point is, through one day, he’s done a little bit of everything. Not uncommon for a versatile player trying to find his best role.
Hobbs moved inside in nickel and Valentine took over outside.
Morgan at LT with first team offense second time through.
Rhyan then moves to C, Morgan to RG and Walker at LT. https://t.co/wXRukCQVa7
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) May 28, 2025
Similarly, rookie Anthony Belton took snaps at both tackle spots with the second-team offense. He’ll probably see some time at guard in the following days. Green Bay likes guys who can play multiple spots, but they still try to find the best home for a player.
In late May, Morgan and Belton’s absence from the starting lineup full-time is no concern. Part of the fun is seeing them find their best spot. Despite their multi-position versatility, Morgan and Belton don’t project as centers, and center is Green Bay’s biggest uncertainty for the next few years.
So it’s nice for the team to see what they have in Monk, who is one of Green Bay’s few options for a primary center. If Monk takes that step forward and Jenkins and Rhyan are both gone after the season, they’d have an attractive option on a rookie contract for two seasons.
Morgan showed promise at multiple positions, and his main oppositions at right guard and left tackle are on expiring rookie contracts. He’s going to crack the starting lineup sooner rather than later. Likewise, the Packers will want Belton in the lineup soon, but won’t rush an unprepared player. He’ll get the full summer to find his best spot.
In general, the offensive line is a “weakest link” type position, and Green Bay’s habit of seeking multi-position players means any move will be under a microscope. But don’t buy into too much of what you see at this stage. It’s similar to seeing Jake Hanson in the starting lineup a few years ago. While he did see some playing time thanks to injuries, the experiment ended quickly. The team must prepare for multiple scenarios, so seeing what you have is always good. Reacting too strongly to OTAs isn’t good for anyone.
The Packers have bright young offensive linemen they really like and could be in the mix for years. Rather than declare them busts from one day of voluntary, pad-free practice, let’s enjoy the journey.
Reading through all of the updates from (one) OTA practice and seeing all the usual sweeping, generalized takes based off of them and realizing how ill suited linear storytelling/content creation is to capturing the off-season process of team building.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) May 28, 2025