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The Packers just made Zach Tom one of the highest-paid tackles in NFL history right before training camp kicked off. Talk about perfect timing – it’s like they lifted 315 pounds off everyone’s shoulders. But Tom’s massive payday creates a ripple effect across Green Bay’s offensive front, especially when it comes to first-round rookie Jordan Morgan and where he fits in the puzzle.
We already know where Tom will line up, and the Pack spent big money bringing in Aaron Banks this offseason. Meanwhile, everyone’s wondering what Tom’s deal means for Elgton Jenkins, who’s still in a contract standoff with the front office. But let’s be real – Jenkins is practically locked in at center unless something crazy happens. And Rasheed Walker? He was shutting down edge rushers left and right last year while protecting Jordan Love’s blindside. He’s not going anywhere.
That leaves just one spot up for grabs – right guard. Sean Rhyan has the early edge after starting there last season, but second-rounder Anthony Belton is apparently getting looks inside during camp. So where does that leave Morgan, both now and down the road?
Zach Tom’s contract extension raises questions about Jordan Morgan’s status with Packers
Having too many quality linemen is like having too many cold beers in the fridge – it’s a good problem to have. But maybe John Madden’s famous quarterback logic applies here too. Remember when he said “if you have two QBs, you actually have none”? The Packers’ O-line might be heading toward a similar situation, with Morgan potentially drawing the short straw.
Morgan barely saw the field as a rookie, appearing in just six games with a single start. His shoulder got banged up, but even before that, he was bouncing between both guard spots – a major adjustment for a guy who played left tackle exclusively for three years at Arizona. The 25th overall pick struggled with the transition before getting hurt, which opened the door for Rhyan to step in and impress the coaching staff. Now Green Bay’s bringing in Belton as additional competition – not exactly a vote of confidence in last year’s first-rounder.
Rhyan gives Matt LaFleur a solid option at right guard while Morgan continues figuring things out. But let’s not crown Rhyan just yet – he racked up six penalties and surrendered four sacks in 961 snaps last season. That’s not exactly All-Pro material. If Morgan can’t beat him out and Belton develops quickly, the front office might start wondering if they whiffed on that first-round pick.
The tape doesn’t lie.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) slapped Morgan with a below-average overall grade of 59.2 in his rookie campaign. He struggled big-time in the run game and was just okay protecting Love from interior rushers. When you’re a first-round pick, “okay” doesn’t cut it. Belton showing up in the second round this year sends a pretty clear message – the Packers aren’t completely sold on what they’ve seen from Morgan and they’re keeping their options open.
