On paper, the Green Bay Packers have put together a solid offensive line, but they'll need several things to go their way in order to ensure Jordan Love stays protected in 2026. Leaving aside that the Packers lack depth across the unit, they will also need some of their starters to either stay healthy or take the next step. Sophomore Anthony Belton falls in the latter category.
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Belton played right tackle in the preseason before settling at right guard. While he wasn't outright dreadful, he also showed that he has a long way to go to prove he can be a fixture of the Green Bay offensive line.
The good news is that there are reason to believe that Belton can make the leap in Year 2.
The Packers need Anthony Belton to improve in Year 2
Belton mostly lined up at left tackle at North Carolina State, so he may have had a bit of a hard time adjusting to playing right guard. In 2025, he didn't give up any sacks but allowed 16 pressures in six starts. For context, Elgton Jenkins gave up 14 total pressures in the span of 16 contests the year prior.
As a run blocker, which was supposed to be one of his strengths coming out of college, Belton also has his work cut out to remain in the starting lineup. Last year, he posted a measly 51.9 Pro Football Focus grade in that department, ranking 66th among 81 qualifying guards.
Belton is entering training camp as the starter and doesn't face serious competition. Sure, rookie Jager Burton could push him (when healthy), but he may have a better chance of challenging Sean Rhyan for the center job.
Either way, Burton doesn't appear to be an immediate threat to Belton. But even if he is, Belton will have an edge by virtue of being the veteran.
Anthony Belton could enjoy a breakout second season for Packers
While you can't overlook his growing pains as a rookie, Belton didn't suddenly stop being a good offensive lineman. Heck, there's a reason the Packers used a second-round pick on him, and their trust in him could pay massive dividends next season.
Players' readiness is always variable coming out of the draft, and switching positions only added to Belton's learning curve. With one year of experience under his belt, nothing is stopping him from making progress. In fact, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com included the 6-foot-6, 336-pound lineman in his All-Breakout Team, noting that he has grittiness and athleticism to become an elite player.
Of course, there's always a chance that Belton won't make strides and will instead struggle next season. If that's the case, the right guard position could become a weak link in the offseason.
That said, there's a reason the Packers are rolling with him as the Week 1 starter. He has the talent to enjoy a breakout second year.
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