The Green Bay Packers selected Arizona guard/tackle Jordan Morgan with the No. 25 pick in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft. The Packers are looking for pieces to build on their playoff season in 2023 and Morgan adds to protection for Jordan Love who emerged as a franchise quarterback.
Morgan moved from quarterback to tackle in high school after growing six inches in roughly a year, proving to be a natural mover with bend and power up front. Morgan started 37 games over five years at Arizona, but also fought through shoulder, ankle and knee injuries that caused him to miss time.
A great athlete with a terrific first step, Morgan does a great job reach-blocking defenders on either side of him in wide zone schemes and has enough athleticism to recover and replant himself in pass protection.
Morgan only played left tackle at Arizona, though his arm length (32 7/8) may force a move inside to guard at the NFL. The injuries are also a concern at this point, as Morgan will be 23 this season.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Morgan ranked No. 29 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Morgan struggles to anchor mid-slide versus power, but he is a balanced mover who is well-schooled and physical in all phases. Though he can survive at tackle in the NFL, his skill set projects much better inside at guard, similar to Matthew Bergeron.”
Why he’s a first-round pick
An experienced, tough offensive lineman with great knowledge and want-to in the run game, Morgan is another college tackle who feels ready to slide inside and start at guard for someone right away next year. Versatility is also a factor here.
the first (real) rep between Jordan Morgan and Laiatu Latu was a fun one pic.twitter.com/rqCJHTjIql
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 7, 2024
Come back for more analysis of the Jordan Morgan pick.
(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
