Packers promising rookie joins intriguing group and wastes no time boosting his stock in preseason opener
Anthony Belton played at a solid level as the right tackle
The Green Bay Packers took tackle Anthony Belton with the 54th overall pick, which was considered a reach based on his position as the 97th prospect on the consensus big board. The first indications, though, are extremely positive for the offensive lineman.
Belton is amongst 12 rookie offensive linemen with 20+ pass-blocking opportunities in Week 1 of the preseason who didn’t allow a single pressure, via The 33rd Team. The second-round pick played 42 snaps at right tackle, with 20 opportunities in 25 pass-block snaps, via PFF—he played with both the twos and threes, replacing starting RT Zach Tom.
The fact that Belton didn’t give up pressures matters because consistency is exactly what head coach Matt LaFleur wants from the rookie.
“There was some good and some things that we absolutely have to clean up, just like many young players,” LaFleur said after the game. “Consistency is one of the things we have to work on with him. He flashes the ability, he flashes the talent, it’s just a matter of time. He is getting better, there were some great plays in there.”
Because of his size, the post-draft chatter was that Belton could eventually move inside to guard. However, that’s not the Packers’ plan at the moment. LaFleur and the offensive coaching staff want to make him comfortable at tackle, on both sides.
Throughout training camp, Belton has practiced mostly at right tackle, but has had some left tackle reps as well. In the game, because Jordan Morgan played on the left side, Belton spent the entire game on the right.
When the Packers decided to take Belton in the second round, despite the perceived reach, the argument was that he was one of the few potential left tackles left on the board. And based on what we have seen so far, there is a real possibility for him to fill that spot in the long run.
Long-term solution
The Packers will have some complicated decisions down the line, with left tackle Rasheed Walker and right guard Sean Rhyan in the last year of their rookie deals. If Belton proves this year that he is a capable starting tackle, and maybe more than that, it would give the Packers a lot of flexibility to make roster decisions.
Matt LaFleur indicated that starters are not expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. That means Zach Tom should not participate in the game, and Belton would have even more opportunities to show his value and improve as a young player.
| Be part of the A to Z Sports community and vote in our latest Green Bay Packers poll as the preseason gets underway. |
Green Bay Packers News
How to watch Packers at Colts in preseason Week 2, a key test as Green Bay looks for a bounce-back performance
Green Bay travels to Indy for a joint practice and preseason game
