Packers draft pick earns notable offseason recognition as early signs continue to generate excitement and become impossible to ignore
Interior offensive lineman Jager Burton has been a notable piece of the puzzle upfront for the coaching staff.
The Green Bay Packers clearly prioritized the defense to make investments this offseason. Of their six draft picks, the only offensive player was rookie fifth-round interior offensive lineman Jager Burton. Well, the early results couldn’t have been more promising, though.
Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo made a list of “rookies who are suddenly impossible to ignore” during the teams’ offseason programs. Melo listed only five players, and Burton are in it.
Surprising role
Initially, the expectation was that the Packers had selected Burton to play center. A backup as a rookie who would eventually replace Sean Rhyan. However, Burton has practiced with the ones at guard. First, at right guard when the coaching staff decided to cross-train Anthony Belton at right tackle. But at the mandatory minicamp this week, Burton also played at left guard with Aaron Banks sidelined.
“Former Kentucky offensive lineman Jager Burton had been a routine standout for the Green Bay Packers at OTAs. Apparently that carried over to minicamp, as the Packers are already in that phase of their offseason. It’s early, but he’s trending towards being a real steal with the 153rd pick.
“Burton lined up as a starter with the first-team offense at minicamp, per Packers On SI’s Bill Huber. Aaron Banks and Zach Tom did not practice due to injuries. Nonetheless, Burton is taking advantage of his opportunity to run with the starters.” — Justin Melo
Opportunities as a rookie
Under head coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers have clearly not given extra chances for rookies along the offensive line. Actually, the opposite is true. They played Lane Taylor over Elgton Jenkins, Billy Turner over Yosh Nijman, Yosh Nijman over Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker over Jordan Morgan.
This staff values experience. So the fact that Burton is fighting for a starting spot from the get go should tell you something.
“I think every practice he gets a little more comfortable,” Matt LaFleur said. “He’s definitely going to be in the mix for playing time.”
The moment for adding a valuable fifth-round offensive lineman couldn’t be any better. The Packers lost Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins this offseason, so depth is a question mark. If they can generate something with a Day 3 pick once again, the surplus value will be massive.
The Packers have a long track record of transforming late-round picks into viable starting offensive linemen. It’s still obviously early to tell for sure, but the Packers are clearly impressed by what they’ve seen from Burton.