The Green Bay Packers prioritized strengthening their offensive line as they look to get the most out of their investment in quarterback Jordan Love. They selected offensive tackle Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft before doubling down at the position and picking Anthony Belton in the second round of this year's draft.
Additionally, Green Bay signed offensive guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract that includes $27 million in guaranteed money in free agency. They also re-signed starting right tackle Zach Tom to a four-year, $88 million contract extension that includes $30.2 million in guaranteed money.
There is an ongoing battle between Morgan and incumbent starter Rasheed Walker to protect Love's blindside. It appears that Belton isn't in consideration for a starting job, and he didn't help his chances in the second preseason game.
Packers OT Anthony Belton is under pressure after tough preseason performance
Belton entered training camp with an outside chance of winning a starting job. However, it appears that Walker is set to retain his starting role. Belton struggled tremendously in his second game as a professional.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report labeled the rookie offensive tackle as a preseason Week 2 loser in the Packers' 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts, writing:
"The Packers drafted Belton in this year's second round with the intention of him eventually competing to start at left tackle. Five first-half penalties—two illegal formations, a false start, a facemask and an unnecessary roughness—against the Colts show that the rookie needs significant work and become a quick way for him to lose the coaching staff's confidence."
Five penalties in one half of football is unacceptable for an entire team, let alone one player. The Packers finished tied for 10th in the NFL in penalties with 112 last season, averaging just over 6.5 per game. The New York Jets, who led the league, averaged just over 8.0 penalties per game.
Belton, who committed all five of his penalties in the second quarter, took accountability for his mistakes. He noted that the penalties, one of which resulted in a touchdown being called back, were drive killers.
The second-round pick will have another opportunity to prove his role in Saturday's preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
While he will certainly begin the season as a backup, a strong showing could improve how the coaching staff views him heading into the season.