The Green Bay Packers managed to bolster a handful of position groups in the offseason, but a handful of roster voids still remain a concern. The biggest of all may be the offensive line after cutting ties with Elgton Jenkins and letting Rasheed Walker bolt in free agency.
Granted, the team's brass re-signed Sean Rhyan to be the starting center, but he's yet to prove that he's the long-term answer at the position. Similarly, they're confident that Jordan Morgan can be an upgrade at left tackle following Walker's departure.
While it's hard to tell how things will ultimately play out, early signs point to Morgan living up to expectations next season.
Jordan Morgan was a standout at Packers minicamp
Bill Huber of Packers On SI drew up his list of winners from mandatory minicamp and included Morgan, noting that he left a strong impression after failing to show consistency each of the past two seasons.
"The Packers drafted Jordan Morgan in the first round in 2024. A left tackle by trade, he was inconsistent, at best, in a utility role the last two seasons," Huber wrote. "Now, with Rasheed Walker leaving in free agency, Morgan's time has arrived to play his preferred position."
"It's dangerous to make any grand statements about offensive line play during shorts-and-helmets practices, but Morgan more than held his own against the speed rushers that dominate this time of the year."
Basically, Morgan is doing what he's supposed to do at this stage of the offseason, which is a positive sign. In a different article, Huber noted that quarterback Jordan Love was able to complete a pass because the third-year left tackle stonewalled rookie pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.
With Walker entrenched as Love's blindside protector last year, Morgan lined up at both guard spots when the injury bug struck. He didn't look particularly great on either side, but moving back to his more familiar left tackle position full-time could allow him to flourish.
The Packers had better hope Jordan Morgan makes a leap
The Packers let Walker leave because they're confident Morgan can become a quality starter at left tackle. Whether it actually happens remains to be seen. What's a brutal reality for most of the offensive line most definitely holds true for the left tackle position: Green Bay lacks depth in the trenches, which is why the team is banking on Morgan to break out.
If Morgan were to miss time, the Packers may need to lean on Darian Kinnard, who's listed as the primary backup at left tackle on the depth chart even though he mostly lined up on the right side last year. A 2025 trade pickup, Kinnard fared well in a backup role but could struggle if he got extended playing time.
Another option would be to look for external help, but that would only become an option if the Packers aren't impressed with either Morgan or Kinnard when training camp comes.
For the time being, Green Bay should feel good about Morgan's progress. There's still a long way to go before the regular season, but based on his progress, he's trending in the right direction.
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