Tom Silverstein / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Packers believe one key trait could unlock former first-round pick's full potential as they look to maximize his value

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated May 14, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Versatility is big in the Green Bay Packers' scouting process, and it's one of the big reasons why they took Jordan Morgan with the 25th overall pick a year ago. Had they wanted an interior lineman, the Packers could have taken Graham Barton. Had they wanted a true tackle, Tyler Guyton was available. The idea behind Morgan is that he can do both at a high level, and after a rough rookie season for the player with injuries, the Packers still believe they made the correct decision.

Last year, the coaching staff moved Morgan around during the offseason program, but early in training camp decided to establish the rookie at right guard. He competed with Sean Rhyan for the starting job and was set to win it until a shoulder injury derailed his momentum. Morgan was still able to rotate with Rhyan at right guard and started one game at left guard before the injury ultimately ended his season.

Now, though, the Packers want to give him every chance to earn not only a starting spot, but the left tackle job.

"The one thing about him is he has elite athleticism," said Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich "The guy moves well, he's fast, he can redirect. Now it's a good time to put him out there and see how he does, just watch him compete."

For the Packers, Jordan Morgan beating out Rasheed Walker for the LT job would be the ideal outcome. Walker is entering the final year of his deal, so it would be financially prudent for Green Bay to allow him to walk in free agency—something that can only happen if there's a replacement in place.

Transition and flexibility

Philosophically, the Packers like to draft college left tackles and move them around the line. Walker, Morgan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom were all primarily LTs in college.

It takes time for them to find their footing as different spots, but athleticism is, once again, the key to adapt.

"The further you go inside, the faster things happen. So you have to change up how you play. Tackles are used to taking pass sets feeling, you've got a little time to see what's going on and then you can react, where when you move inside, now everything is happening quicker," Stenavich, a former NFL offensive lineman, explained. "You gotta be stouter with your sets, you gotta be quicker with your hands. So there is a transition for sure when guys move inside. Guys that are more athletic like Jordan, compared to myself back in the day, it's probably a little bit easier."

Both Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan become free agents next offseason, and this is a big reason why the Packers have spent significant draft resources on Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton over the past two years. If the young players can take over, especially Morgan at tackle, Green Bay can build the best version of its roster.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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