The pressure is on in Green Bay, and head coach Matt LaFleur is making it clear that it's time for his players to elevate their game. With NFL training camp still months away, LaFleur is setting the tone early, emphasizing that players unhappy with their roles need to take charge and make changes.
Speaking at the annual league meetings in Arizona, LaFleur delivered a straightforward message to his team, particularly those who might be dissatisfied with their current positions. "It’s on you to do something about that," he stated, urging players to take responsibility for their own progress.
This message resonates particularly with offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, who has been shuffled around the line, playing out of position for two seasons. Now, with the opportunity to start at left tackle, Morgan has a chance to prove himself without any excuses.
Morgan's Journey to Left Tackle
Drafted 25th overall in 2024, Morgan came into the league as a promising left tackle from Arizona. However, the Packers have moved him around, playing him at both guard positions, which hasn't allowed him to develop fully in his natural role. While he's shown above-average pass protection skills for a guard, his run-blocking has been less effective, highlighting the need for him to play in his more familiar left tackle spot.
Last season, Morgan logged 748 offensive snaps, but only 51 of those were at left tackle. Instead, he found himself at right guard for 358 snaps, left guard for 191, and right tackle for 148. This inconsistency has hindered his ability to settle into any one position.
With former starting left tackle Rasheed Walker leaving in free agency, Morgan now has the perfect opportunity to shine. The path is clear for him to demonstrate why he was a first-round pick, and if he doesn't, the responsibility will fall squarely on his shoulders.
In college, Morgan was a stalwart at left tackle, surrendering just 10 sacks over five years, with five in one season and never more than two in the others. His college career, which included over 2,400 snaps at left tackle, showcased his potential to protect the quarterback's blindside effectively.
As Morgan steps into this critical role, he'll be tasked with safeguarding franchise quarterback Jordan Love. While he's not alone in needing to step up-Aaron Banks also has improvements to make in run-blocking-Morgan's ability to fulfill his potential could be transformative for LaFleur's offense. The stage is set, and it's time for Morgan to rise to the challenge.