The Green Bay Packers are uncertain about where they want to deploy first-round pick Jordan Morgan, but he appears confident in his ability to play left tackle.
Morgan faced criticism prior to the draft regarding his potential to play left tackle in the NFL. Specifically, some were concerned about his arm length, which measures less than 33 inches.
However, Morgan appears unfazed by this. He addressed some of the critiques during a media session at the Packers rookie minicamp.
“I receive a lot of comments about my short arms,” Morgan stated. “It’s like, clearly you haven't watched film. I utilize them effectively, I move people off the ball, I excel at pass protection, I mean look at the statistics. It doesn't bother me. I'll just prove everyone wrong.”
The Packers are allowing Morgan to begin at left tackle as they enter training camp. Nonetheless, the team aims to field the top five offensive linemen come Week 1, so Morgan's long-term position in 2024 remains uncertain.
Jordan Morgan Scouting Report
The Packers have emphasized their desire to shield Jordan Love as they head into 2024. Investing in a top tackle like Morgan through the first round appears to be a wise choice.
Morgan exclusively played as a left tackle throughout his time at Arizona. He even earned several starts at the blind side as a true freshman. He was on the path to becoming a standout player for the Wildcats in 2022 until a torn ACL brought his season to an end.
Fortunately, Morgan made a comeback in 2023. He started in 12 games for Arizona and received first-team All-Pac-12 recognition in the process.
Morgan is smaller compared to most offensive tackles, standing at 6’5″ and weighing 311 pounds. Nevertheless, he compensates for it with exceptional movement abilities and athleticism. His Relative Athletic Score of 9.24 was bolstered by outstanding results in his 40-yard dash.
However, there are some concerns when analyzing Morgan on film. He needs to continue gaining strength to move defenders in the running game. This strength could also assist him in maintaining a solid position to better handle forceful attackers.
Regardless, the Packers favor their agile offensive linemen, and Morgan is essentially the epitome of a Green Bay offensive lineman.
The Packers Bolstered Offensive Line Depth
There were substantial worries about the Green Bay's offensive line depth this offseason. Fortunately, these concerns have been swiftly addressed thanks to the 2024 NFL Draft.
In addition to Morgan, the Packers took a gamble on a promising interior lineman in Jacob Monk. As a two-time captain for the Blue Devils, Monk fulfilled roles at tackle, guard, and center during his college career. He may still require some refinement to become a starting-quality player, but his athleticism and versatility make him a valuable depth addition to the line.
Travis Glover was a different selection by the Packers in the draft. Unlike Morgan and Monk, Glover will probably remain at tackle. He's a robust prospect at 6’6″ and 317 pounds, and exhibits a somewhat stiffer playing style.
In the offseason, the Packers also secured signings of Lecitus Smith and Andre Dillard. All these individuals will heighten the competition during training camp, with the aim of safeguarding Love in the pocket for a potential Super Bowl campaign.
