The Green Bay Packers have a luxurious 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, as both players have the versatility to play all five positions on the offensive line.
Jordan Morgan is next in line to cross-train. The 25th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft finished his college career at Arizona State with 37 starts as a left quarterback, and during OTAs and rookie camp, Morgan played both quarterback and left guard, a move that will likely continue throughout training camp.
“Obviously, you want to have a home for him,” Matt LaFleur said during his Monday press conference. “We saw value in cross-training those guys. You have to change guys every year to put out the best five. He’s certainly capable of doing anything we ask of him.”
Where Morgan ultimately ends up may depend on where the versatile duo of Tom and Jenkins start the season.
Jenkins started at center on the first day of training camp. The move could open the door for Morgan to move to left guard, a position he has been repeating during OTAs.
If Tom eventually takes over the center role, Morgan could become the team’s right playmaker when they head to Brazil.
The Arizona native had the opportunity to play right guard on the first day of camp. If Jenkins stays at left guard and Tom moves to right quarterback, Morgan will battle Sean Rhyan for the right guard spot. The journey is just beginning, and the shakeups on the offensive line will be something to watch closely throughout camp.
Morgan is the first offensive lineman the Packers have drafted in the first round since taking Derek Sherrod in the 2011 draft. With all the moving parts, Morgan could earn a starting role to start the season. Where that spot is along the offensive line will become clearer as we get closer to Sept. 6.
