Packers create a potential turning point in how the team plans and builds a key unit for the future
Second-round rookie Anthony Belton can be a big part of the Packers’ plans for next season along the offensive line.
The Green Bay Packers want their offensive linemen to be versatile. That’s why, to a certain extent, it was curious to see that second-round rookie Anthony Belton had only been taking reps at tackle — even if it happened on both sides of the line. Well, that has changed.
According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, offensive line coach Luke Butkus said that Belton is also practicing at guard. Butkus mentioned that the Packers expect their backups to be able to fill in both inside and outside.
Impactful change
So far this season, Anthony Belton had 84 snaps at right tackle and seven at left tackle — plus one as a sixth offensive lineman. In the preseason, all of his 145 snaps came at right tackle. But the ability to play inside could be helpful for his career in the near future.
The Packers will have some tough decisions to make next offseason. Left tackle Rasheed Walker and interior offensive lineman Sean Rhyan, who’s now starting at center, are both slated to become free agents. Meanwhile, center Elgton Jenkins is now out for the season with a lower-leg fracture, and his salary jumps to $20 million — he’s a realistic cut or paycut candidate.
Last year’s first-rounder Jordan Morgan is starting at right guard, but he had a solid preseason at left tackle, so he would be the natural candidate to replace Walker. With Zach Tom established at right tackle, the interior spots are more reasonably up for grabs.
If Anthony Belton gains experience at guard, that would significantly increase his chances of being a starter in 2026. Sure, there’s still a chance he beats Morgan for the LT job, but the flexibility to play inside won’t hurt him.
Developmental prospect
The Packers drafted Anthony Belton with the 54th overall pick, way before his projection — he was the 97th prospect on the consensus big board. That happened because the Packers saw traits in Belton to potentially start at left tackle in the future.
While that’s a fair approach, Belton’s size (6-6, 336 pounds) indicates he can also play inside and compete wherever there’s an opportunity.
In his limited snaps this season, the rookie showed he still needs more development — even if his physical tools are undeniable. He allowed three pressures and committed one key penalty, negating a touchdown against the Washington Commanders — the same play where Jayden Reed broke his collarbone. According to PFF, Belton has a 56.0 pass block grade and a 46.0 run block grade.
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