Back in the 2024 NFL Draft, plenty of Packers fans had their eyes on Cooper DeJean. The Iowa defensive back was still on the board when Green Bay was on the clock, and the buzz was loud.
But the Packers went in a different direction, selecting Jordan Morgan, a left tackle out of Arizona. That decision sparked a wave of criticism aimed at general manager Brian Gutekunst - and, perhaps unfairly, at Morgan himself.
But here’s the thing: the Packers haven’t exactly set Morgan up for success.
Since arriving in Green Bay, Morgan has been asked to be a jack-of-all-trades across the offensive line. While that kind of versatility is valuable in today’s NFL, it’s also a double-edged sword - especially for a young lineman trying to find his footing.
The Packers drafted Morgan with the idea that he could play four out of five positions on the line. But in doing so, they’ve yet to give him a real chance to settle into the one spot he was drafted to anchor: left tackle.
That needs to change in 2026.
Time to Let Jordan Morgan Be the Left Tackle
When Green Bay used a first-round pick on Morgan, the long-term vision was clear: protect the quarterback’s blindside. At Arizona, Morgan showed the kind of athleticism and footwork that teams covet in a franchise left tackle. But since arriving in the NFL, he’s been shuffled around like a utility lineman, not a cornerstone.
In his rookie year, Morgan looked like a strong candidate to win the starting right guard job. But a shoulder injury sidelined him early, and after a brief return, another injury cut his season short. He played in just six games that year, with little chance to establish rhythm or continuity.
Fast forward to last season: Morgan was back healthy and took reps all over the line during training camp, including some at left tackle. But Rasheed Walker won the starting job, and Morgan was relegated to a reserve role - the kind where you’re expected to be ready to fill in at a moment’s notice, regardless of position.
That’s a tough ask for any lineman, let alone a young one still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
And the results? Mixed, but revealing.
When Morgan was asked to step in at guard, the performance didn’t meet expectations. But when he filled in at right tackle for an injured Zach Tom, he looked much more comfortable - and, at times, impressive. His play at tackle showed flashes of why the Packers were high enough on him to take him in the first round in the first place.
A Clear Path Forward
With Rasheed Walker set to hit free agency and a return to Green Bay looking unlikely, the Packers have a golden opportunity to give Morgan the runway he needs to develop at his natural position. The revolving-door approach has run its course. It’s time to let Morgan lock in and compete for the left tackle job - and stay there.
The Packers have often talked about “cross-training” their linemen, and there’s value in that. Injuries happen, and depth matters.
But Morgan has been cross-trained for two seasons now. He’s done the utility role.
Now it’s time to see what he can do with a full offseason of reps at left tackle - the position he was drafted to play.
With Jordan Love stepping into a pivotal year in his development, protecting his blindside has never been more important. The Packers can’t afford to throw Morgan into the fire come Week 1 without giving him the proper reps and preparation. If they want consistency up front, it starts with giving Morgan a home - and letting him grow into it.
The talent is there. The flashes have been there.
Now it’s about trust, continuity, and opportunity. The Packers made a bold call in 2024.
In 2026, it’s time to double down and see it through.