The Green Bay Packers have a rich history of developing offensive linemen and having them play multiple positions. Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins are current examples of the value of cross-training, with both players having the versatility to play all five positions across the offensive line.
Jordan Morgan is the next in line to get cross-trained. The 25th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft finished his collegiate career at Arizona with 37 starts at left tackle and during OTAs and rookie camp Morgan played both tackle spots and left guard. That movement will likely continue throughout training camp.
“Obviously, you’d like a home for him,” Matt LaFleur said during his Monday press conference. “We’ve seen the value in cross-training these guys. It happens every year where you have to move guys in order to get the top five out there. He’s certainly capable of doing whatever we ask him to do.”
Where Morgan ends up could ultimately come down to where the versatile duo of Tom and Jenkins start to kick off the season.
On day one of training camp Jenkins was starting at center. That move could open the door for Morgan to slide into the left guard spot, a position he took reps at during OTAs.
If Tom ends up taking over at center, it could mean Morgan is the team’s starting right tackle when they head to Brazil.
On day one of camp, the Arizona product saw reps at right guard. If Jenkins stays at left guard and Tom sticks at right tackle, Morgan will battle Sean Rhyan for the starting right guard spot. The journey is just getting started and the offensive line shuffle will be something to monitor closely throughout camp.
Morgan is the first offensive lineman that the Packers selected in the first round of the draft since they took Derek Sherrod in the 2011 draft. With all the moving parts, Morgan could earn a starting role to kick off the season. Where that spot along the offensive line is will become more clear as we inch closer to Sept. 6.