The Green Bay Packers enter training camp with questions along the offensive line, even extending to several contract situations, but one player may surprise a few people.
Second-year Donovan Jennings didn't play a snap in his rookie season, but that could soon change.
Jennings offers positional versatility, having played left tackle at college but predominantly inside on the practice field for the Packers. With a handful of veterans sitting out of the offseason program, including Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins, Jennings made the most of his opportunities.
Free-agent addition Aaron Banks missed the end of minicamp due to injury, allowing Jennings to surprisingly receive first-team reps at left guard. He also spent time at center, again highlighting his positional versatility.
Not only does Jennings' extensive work with the first-team offense provide some insight into how the Packers value him, but it could hint at his long-term outlook with the team.
"Jennings as Elgton Jenkins insurance/succession plan is pretty intriguing," writes Peter Bukowski of The Leap.
It's a great point. Jennings is undoubtedly a player to watch when training camp begins next month.
Donovan Jennings' first-team reps could be a sign of Packers' long-term vision
The Packers are among the best in the league at drafting and developing offensive linemen. Just look at the current starters.
Rasheed Walker? Seventh-round pick. Zach Tom? Also a Day 3 selection. Sean Rhyan spent time on the bench before becoming a reliable starter. Before them, Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan Jr. benefited from being given time to develop.
Jennings could be next.
It's unclear how long Elgton Jenkins will remain in Green Bay. He is the new starting center for this season but didn't practice during the offseason workout program due to uncertainty over his contract situation. The Pro Bowler has two years remaining on his deal, but his cap hit skyrockets to $24.8 million in 2026, his age-31 season.
Could Green Bay release or trade Jenkins after this year? It's not unreasonable to imagine that possibility. As Bukowski notes, perhaps Donovan Jennings is viewed as short-term insurance and a long-term succession plan at center.
There are other question marks along the offensive line. Can Jordan Morgan earn a spot in the starting lineup, and if so, will he play left tackle or right guard? What about second-round pick Anthony Belton? It's a good problem to have.
The same goes for Jennings. He has already made an impact this summer and could solidify his spot as a key backup and future starter with an impressive training camp. Stay tuned.