If Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan rank among the Packers’ five best offensive linemen, the team could encounter a problem. Both started in the 20-7 preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field on August 23, with Walker lining up at left tackle and Morgan at left guard, yet each considers himself a left tackle and wants to hold that spot.
Morgan began camp rotating between right guard and left tackle, but when Walker missed a week of practice with a groin injury, Morgan stepped into the left tackle spot. Returning to the position he played at Arizona before being selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, his performance in practice and games soared.
Offensive linemen Rasheed Walker (62), Jordan Morgan (77), and Rasheed Walker (63) are shown during organized team activities for the Green Bay Packers Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Offensive linemen Rasheed Walker (62), Jordan Morgan (77), and Rasheed Walker (63) are shown during organized team activities for the Green Bay Packers Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
He has been nearly flawless in pass protection, performing like a first-round left tackle while matching up against New York Jets veteran Michael Clemons in Week 1 and rising Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu in Week 2.
“I pretty much had to prove to myself and to them that I was a real tackle, a real-deal tackle. I proved that, and they know that,” Morgan said in an interview via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein.
Jordan Morgan at left tackle for the Packers
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan runs a drill during practice on Tuesday at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon.
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan runs a drill during practice on Tuesday at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon.
That’s where the challenge arises. The Packers recognize Morgan’s talent at left tackle, yet last year they viewed him as a right guard and quickly slotted him at left guard against the Seahawks.
Walker has started 32 games at left tackle over the past two seasons but has never played a snap at guard, so the logical choice would be to move Morgan to one of the guard positions. However, Morgan told the coaches he is a left tackle and that is where he belongs.
“I can (play guard), but at the same time I’m a left tackle and they know that. It’s just going to be a matter of who does better that week, who’s the sharpest and who’s the most focused,” Morgan continued.
Morgan was addressing the competition between him and Walker for the left tackle role heading into the regular-season opener against Detroit. He expects the coaches to follow through and let him line up at left tackle.
Rasheed Walker also eyeing the left tackle spot
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) provides pass protection during the third quarter of their game Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the New Orleans Saints 34-0.
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker (63) provides pass protection during the third quarter of their game Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the New Orleans Saints 34-0.
Walker, meanwhile, isn’t stepping aside. Despite a week off, he has regained starter reps during joint practices and the preseason matchup against the Seahawks. He didn’t have to share any playing time because Morgan was filling in for Banks.
“I’m feeling a lot healthier than I was feeling before,” Walker remarked. He tied with Rhyan for most sacks allowed with three last season and led the team in pressures allowed, he brings a physical edge to the run game and has a track record of successful matchups against some of the league’s top pass rushers.
No matter where Walker and Morgan line up to start the season, the Packers boast a strong offensive line on paper.