Life comes at you fast in the NFL. Only two years ago, Rasheed Walker replaced David Bakhtiari as the Green Bay Packers’ starting left tackle and made the job his.
Fast forward to today, and he is under more pressure than ever before.
Head coach Matt LaFleur hinted at Jordan Morgan potentially replacing Walker in the lineup this season, but Walker’s concerns now go far beyond that. Green Bay has stepped up its search for offensive line help by drafting Anthony Belton in the second round.
Many will view this as a reach because Belton was 97th on the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus board, but the Packers have never shown much interest in that. Some won’t like the move to use another premium pick on a tackle only a year after drafting Morgan, but it’s rarely a bad decision to build in the trenches.
Green Bay also spent big to sign new left guard Aaron Banks in free agency, proving it was an offseason priority.
It’s a big-time move for Jordan Love. The Packers don’t want a repeat of the wild-card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Once injuries hit the offensive line, it was game over.
Packers make a big move for the future by drafting Anthony Belton in Round 2
It’s a fascinating move. Does it confirm Morgan will remain at guard long-term? Can Belton play at guard? That remains to be seen.
The Packers are making an investment for the future. Belton might not start right away, and that’s OK. He needs time to improve his game, and not many teams can boast a better track record than Green Bay’s when it comes to developing offensive linemen.
Beyond this year, it puts Walker firmly on the hot seat. His contract expires next offseason.
The Packers need to pay right tackle Zach Tom, who will likely become one of the highest-paid players at the position. It won’t be easy to pay Walker, too. With the addition of Morgan last year and Belton now, the Packers are rebuilding their offensive line. That’s smart.
Along with Walker and Tom, right guard Sean Rhyan also has an expiring contract in 2026, placing more urgency on adding pieces now.
Love it or hate it, the Packers are focused on building their offensive line depth. Drafting Belton at No. 54 suggests he is a future starter, which is bad news for Walker.
