The Green Bay Packers have used the last couple of months to change things on the roster. With training camp quickly approaching, there will be battles taking place all over the football field.
Pads are coming on, meaning the offensive line will certainly be one to watch, and rookie Jager Burton could catch the attention of the coaching staff for all the right reasons.
He was selected in the fifth round, but from what he's done this offseason already, he's a player who can flip the depth chart, and it wouldn't be something that Green Bay would turn away.
Jagar Burton needs to create a problem Packers would gladly embrace
This offseason, the Packers gave Sean Rhyan a three-year, $33 million extension. While they believed in him enough to give him a new deal, that doesn't mean Burton won't outplay him and crack the starting lineup.
Burton has the versatility to play both guard and center. During his time at Kentucky, he was a four-year starter who showed nice foot quickness and could climb to the second level in the run game. His ability to win quickly works in his favor.
In early June, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about Burton in a positive light.
"I think every practice he gets a little more comfortable. He's definitely going to be in the mix for playing time," LaFleur said, per Dominique Yates of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The fact that Burton is already standing out before pads even come on is telling and shows that he's been more impressive than some other guys. Although Rhyan got paid, he was shaky in 2025 at both guard and center. He gave up 28 pressures and eight QB hits across 11 starts.
On Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 58.5 overall grade (31st among 40 graded centers), a 66.7 run blocking grade (17th), and a 36.8 pass blocking grade (40th).
Even if he's locked in for the 2026 season, the Packers could cut him next offseason and save $5 million in the process. Anthony Belton is another name to watch. Last season, he suited up in 14 games and made seven starts. In those outings, he had his fair share of struggles.
Belton gave up 23 pressures, and his advanced grades on PFF weren't pleasant. He posted a 49.7 overall grade (72nd among 81 graded guards), a 51.9 run blocking grade (66th), and a 43.3 pass blocking grade (73rd).
Belton and Rhyan didn't do enough to guarantee a starting spot. If Burton comes out this summer and is one of their better interior linemen, the Packers won't hesitate to put him in the starting lineup. He already has the attention of his head coach. Now it's about continuing to keep this momentum in practice and when the preseason rolls around.
Green Bay took Burton with the 153rd pick, and there's a chance he flips the depth chart upside down in training camp.
Add us as a preferred source on Google