After David Bakhtiari‘s knee trouble led to another near-full-season absence, the Packers moved on via release and soon deviated from a defense-based strategy atop the draft. Jordan Morgan is now in place as an heir apparent.
The Packers, who had chosen one offensive player in the first round from 2012-23 (Jordan Love), went with Morgan at No. 25 this year. The team now has a deal in place with the former Arizona tackle, who will be tied to fully guaranteed money through 2027. Assuming Morgan remains on Green Bay’s roster come 2027, Green Bay will eventually have a fifth-year option decision to make.
Bakhtiari’s ACL tear during a New Year’s Eve 2020 practice created considerable trouble for the Packers, who spent most of the next three seasons without their All-Pro left tackle. Morgan also has an ACL tear in his recent past, suffering the injury in November 2022. The Pac-12 standout bounced back this past season, solidifying his value as a first-round-caliber prospect. The Commanders had attempted to trade back into Round 1 for Morgan, but the Packers pounced with their top pick.
Morgan shook off the major injury to become a first-round pick despite this draft oozing tackle options for teams. A three-year starter at Arizona, Morgan started 37 games at left tackle. His post-ACL journey included a first-team All-Pac-12 nod last season. Morgan played in parts of five seasons with the Wildcats, working almost exclusively at left tackle.
Former seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker replaced Bakhtiari at left tackle last season, while Zach Tom worked at RT. Tom is currently rehabbing a torn pectoral muscle, but the young blocker is expected to return before training camp or at some point before the regular season. The Pack view Morgan as a left tackle, which would point Walker to an eventual swing role once the rookie is ready to take over. Walker and Tom are each signed for two more seasons. The Packers, who played 42 regular-season games without Bakhtiari since 2020, also added Andre Dillard as potential depth this offseason.
As the Packers head toward training camp, here is how their draft class breaks down:
- Round 1, No. 25: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 45 (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 58: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 88: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 91 (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 111 (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 163 (from Bills): Jacob Monk (C, Duke) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 169: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 202: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 245: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 255: Kalen King (CB, Penn State) (signed)