Packers make intriguing offensive line experiment with rookie and it could add fascinating wrinkle to key battle in 2026
Fifth-round rookie Jager Burton practiced with the starters at right guard, and that move can create real competition ahead of training camp.
We can’t possibly know how impactful a rookie will be before the pads come on. But early indications show that the Green Bay Packers are pretty excited about what they have in fifth-round rookie Jager Burton. It’s just the second week of OTAs, and Burton is already practicing with the starters in a team period.
And it’s a decision that could create real competition ahead of training camp. On Tuesday, Burton had snaps at right guard with the ones, with the coaching staff moving Anthony Belton to right tackle. Last year, the starting lineup had Belton at right guard, which should be his primary position, and veteran Darian Kinnard at right tackle.
Interior versatility
This test is interesting because it shows the Packers are willing to keep moving players around the offensive line. Burton was expected to play mostly at center, but Green Bay drafted in part because of his versatility to play the three interior spots.
“He’s really, truly versatile,” said Packers director of college scouting Matt Malaspina after the pick. “He played well at guard, he played well at center. It wasn’t that hard to figure out.”
In college, Burton played 1,097 snaps at left guard, 976 snaps at center, and 477 snaps at right guard.
Meanwhile, Anthony Belton has returned to the tackle position. Last year’s second-round pick played his entire rookie offseason program, training camp, and preseason at tackle, moving to guard only throughout the regular season. Guard seemed like the best position for his style of play, but the Packers are still willing to consider him outside.
From time to time, like it happened with Jordan Morgan, moving players can affect their development in the NFL. However, for the most part it hugely helps the coaching staff to figure out offensive line formations in the case someone gets hurt. With starting right tackle Zach Tom still recovering from a knee injury, that reality comes into play again.
The Packers took Jager Burton in large part because he fits their versatility mold. And the staff is taking advantage of that ability from the get go.