Packers: Five players 25 and under who will shape future of team
By Dillon Graff
5. Guard/Tackle – Elgton Jenkins – Age 25
Most fans were disappointed when the Packers took Elgton Jenkins in Round 2 of the NFL draft due to a large clamoring for a wide receiver. Fast forward to 2021 and Elgton Jenkins is one of the most irreplaceable players on the entire roster.
Why do I feel that way? Because as it stands Jenkins is the best LG, C, RG, and RT on the roster. Not to mention the second-best left tackle. That kind of versatility can’t be understated. As we saw last year, every team needs more than five offensive linemen to get through an NFL season.
The Packers were lucky enough to have a player of Jenkins’ caliber who was able to move around the offensive line constantly, sometimes in-game so the team could get their five best linemen on the field. You’re only able to patch an offensive line together that way when you have versatility, not to mention, a player as talented as Elgton Jenkins.
As far as the future is concerned, it doesn’t really matter what position the Packers decide to play him at long term. Jenkins has proved to be more than capable at every position he’s been thrown in and taken it in stride. This gives the organization the freedom to draft the best linemen available regardless of position moving forward, because they know they can shift Jenkins around to accommodate whomever they bring in.
No offense can succeed without a quality offensive line, and locking up a player like Jenkins should be a no-brainer at this point. With David Bakhtiari already locked up long term, and Jenkins already on the roster, the future of the Packers offensive line is in good hands.