Emanuel Wilson shone in his first starting appearance for the Green Bay Packers. The former UDFA ran for 107 yards on 28 carries, triumphing in the end zone twice.
It was the first 100-yard rushing game for a Packer this season. Much of that was due to Green Bay’s improved run-blocking against Minnesota.
Green Bay’s right guard also became a rotation player in that game when it swapped starting right guard Jordan Morgan for rookie second-round pick Anthony Belton. Belton played well enough to pull ahead and played the entire second half.
It seems like guard could be Belton’s best spot, and that impression holds after his first extended look. Will Belton remain the starter, and what could the swap mean for Morgan?
Belton broke the mold for Green Bay’s usual type at lineman. At 6’6” and 336 lbs., he’s much bigger than Brian Gutekunst’s usual choices. Even then, the bigger linemen he picks up are usually tackle-only prospects.
Still, Belton scored an 8.07 RAS and has surprising quickness for a man of size. The Packers wanted a more physical offensive line and added guard Aaron Banks, another player with a larger build, in free agency. It’s clear the Packers wanted to get bigger on the interior, which could help their subpar run blocking.
The Packers let Belton work as a tackle at first, and he showed the typical highs and lows of a rookie.
Belton played some tackle in injury relief, but he looked much more comfortable at guard on Sunday. What started as a drive-for-drive swap with Morgan turned into Belton establishing himself, playing 68% snaps to Morgan’s 32% and staying in through the entire second half.
Of course, Belton’s 44.8 PFF grade wasn’t mind-blowing, but he showed a lot to build on. Matt LaFleur was certainly impressed and excited to give Belton more opportunities.
“He’s a mauler, and he does a great job,” LaFleur said after the game. “I love the way he plays the game.”
Keeping Anthony Belton at guard would give the Packers that big, physical interior they want. Sean Rhyan‘s stint at center has already improved the run game, and Sunday’s combination was the best the line looked all season. One rout of a struggling opponent isn’t the largest sample size, but they should continue to ride the hot hand on a short week.
What’s good for Belton is a pox for Morgan, unfortunately.
While Morgan was a classic Packers’ tackle-to-guard prospect, it’s becoming glaringly clear that Morgan’s best spot is left tackle.
The Packers didn’t do him any favors by playing the inexperienced lineman everywhere at first, but even now that he’s established at guard, he’s struggling.
Morgan has consistently been one of PFF’s lowest-graded Packers each week, and was so against the Vikings, with a 38.9. His previous play led to the rotation, and Morgan may have lost his spot.
Tackle is Morgan’s best spot, and he looked like a budding starter. But his guard potential kept him in reserve, while Rasheed Walker stayed at left tackle.
With Walker in the final year of his rookie contract, Morgan is probably the starting left tackle in 2026. But the team might keep him at guard for the rest of the season by virtue of being the best backup option. Even if Belton keeps the starting job, Morgan will back him and Banks up. Green Bay’s other reserve linemen are better suited for tackle.
Green Bay’s best offensive line combination might be Morgan-Banks-Rhyan-Belton-Tom. Walker hasn’t played particularly well this season (66.9 PFF grade). In a perfect world, there would at least be a rotation between him and Morgan. But Walker is a poor option at guard and a tackle-only potential backup, whereas Morgan can play tackle or guard.
With as many licks as Green Bay’s offensive line has taken this season, its preference for depth makes sense.
But while it stinks for Morgan, the Packers may have made the right move letting Belton move to guard. With the Detroit Lions up next and a tough slate ahead, it’s time for the Packers to embrace change to find their best starting options.
Anthony Belton won’t be perfect, but he has a solid foundation and fits Green Bay’s new vision for the offensive line. With a short week, the Packers should ride the hot hand to help their line continue to improve. It’s unfortunate for Morgan, but he’s still part of the long-term plan.