Packers make a bold and risky bet that pays off fast and provides clues it could lead to a monster impact for the team
Rookie Anthony Belton played his first snaps at right guard, and it looked great from the get go for Green Bay.
When the Green Bay Packers selected Anthony Belton in the second round, part of the premise was that he could be one of a few players left on the board at that point that had real potential to play left tackle. At the same time, his size (6-6, 336 pounds) indicated he could play guard as well.
After playing and practicing exclusively at tackle for most of his rookie year, Belton got some practice reps at guard leading up to the Minnesota Vikings game for the first time. It went so well that head coach Matt LaFleur gave it a shot in the game, creating a rotation with Jordan Morgan.
Early success
While it could be risky to play a rookie at a new position exactly in a divisional game against a complex Brian Flores’ defense on the Minnesota Vikings, Anthony Belton immediately showed his potential — especially in the run game. Not only did Belton establish himself in the rotation, he took over the job and played the entire second half.
“It’s his style of play,” LaFleur said after the win. “He’s a mauler and he does a great job. I love the way he plays the game and certainly that’s going to be something we got to look at the tape and see how it fared for us, but he’s done a great job.”
Obviously the flow of the game and the defensive performance helped, but the offensive line success with Sean Rhyan at center and Belton at right guard is notable for several reasons, now and in the future.
What it means for the team
If Belton can actually take over and become the starting right guard, that would have big implications for the future of the group. Former first-round pick Jordan Morgan, who had a strong preseason at left tackle, could finally compete with Rasheed Walker for the job there — Walker is slated to become a free agent next offseason.
Additionally, that gives the Packers options for the future on the interior as well. Sean Rhyan is also a free agent in 2026, but if that center-right guard duo improves the line, the team could realistically extend Rhyan on a reasonable deal and move on from Elgton Jenkins. The veteran’s salary jumps to $20 million next year, but there are no guarantees left, making him a prime cut or trade candidate.
There’s still a long part of the season ahead, but Belton establishing himself as a positive starter has the potential to be a transformative outcome for Green Bay.
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