Just as important as drafting the right players, developing them to reach something close to their ceiling is a big part of the way the Green Bay Packers operate. A year after taking tackle/guard hybrid Jordan Morgan in the first round, the Packers are expecting much more out of him this season.
For NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, that is a realistic expectation. The former player made a list of breakout candidates for each offensive position, the All-Breakout Team, and Morgan made it as a guard—even though there's a chance he ends up playing at tackle in 2025.
"Though he did not log many snaps as a rookie, missing time with injury while also making a positional switch, Morgan could become a major contributor for the Packers as a swing starter. For now, I'm sneaking him in here as a guard, the position where he spent most of his time in 2024, though he could crack the lineup as a right guard or left tackle, based on how competitions unfold at training camp. While the 2024 first-rounder lacks the ideal length to play on the edge, he does have quick feet and active hands, which should help him keep Jordan Love upright in the pocket. If the franchise quarterback enjoys a banner season, there's a good chance the second-year blocker will have played a major role in his success, presumably as either Love's blindside protector or as a trench warrior at the point of attack." — Bucky Brooks.
Last year, Morgan practiced at multiple positions during the offseason program and to start training camp. Later, he was established as a right guard, the spot he would have the highest chance to contribute. However, a shoulder injury limited his participation and ultimately finished his season early.
The first-rounder played 120 snaps at right guard, rotating with Sean Rhyan, and 65 snaps at left guard. He started and played the entire game against the Detroit Lions in Week 9 there, with Elgton Jenkins moving to center, because Josh Myers wasn't available.
This year, the Packers have Aaron Banks to play left guard, Jenkins moving to a full-time center, and Zach Tom at right tackle. The other two spots along the offensive line are up for grabs.
Preferrably, Green Bay wants to see if Morgan can be the left tackle and beat out Rasheed Walker. That's the more valuable position, both on the field and for contract purposes. That's the place where Morgan spent time in the offseason program, including with the ones for the entire mandatory minicamp. If Morgan doesn't succeed to start at left tackle now, he could compete for the right guard job with Sean Rhyan once again.
-1744003269-q80.webp "Shaw impressed with Michkov’s development as rookie year closes")
