Cory's Corner: Gambling With The Green Line
Jordan Love has proven time and again that he is a completely different quarterback under pressure vs. a clean pocket. Keeping his jersey clean should be job No. 1.
For years, the frozen tundra has been protected by a literal and figurative wall of stability. But as the mud settles on the opening weeks of the 2026 free agency period, that wall looks less like a fortress and more like a construction site.
The departure of Elgton Jenkins is the headline that stings the most. Jenkins wasn't just a Pro Bowl talent; he was the unit’s Swiss Army knife. Seeing him pull on a Cleveland jersey marks the end of an era.
When you pair his exit with Rasheed Walker’s decision to join Carolina — a player who, despite a dip to a 63.0 Pro Football Focus grade last season, provided reliable starts — the Packers find themselves in a precarious position. They are officially “thin” at the most important position group on the roster.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is signaling a massive bet on internal development. By extending Sean Rhyan, the front office is clinging to the one piece of continuity they have left in the interior. Rhyan’s 59.0 PFF grade from 2025 suggests there is significant room for growth, particularly in pass protection where he struggled with a 38.5 mark, but his 66.7 run-blocking grade offers a glimmer of the “mauler” the Packers hope he becomes as the full-time center. It’s a huge gamble the Packers are making for someone to be the quarterback of the offensive line.
“I thought he got better each game,” said Gutekunst about Rhyan. “It was about Game 3 or 4 starting at center, he was playing at a very high level.”
Gutekunst is right, Rhyan’s play did improve, but he also had five poor pass blocking games afterwards. He played 87 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 17 vs. Baltimore and it turned out to be the worst game of the season by far.
The current projected depth chart reveals the magnitude of this facelift:
|
Position |
Projected Starter |
2025 PFF Grade |
Top Backup |
|
LT |
Jordan Morgan |
62.0 |
Travis Glover |
|
LG |
Aaron Banks |
<60.0 |
Donovan Jennings |
|
C |
Sean Rhyan |
59.0 |
Jacob Monk |
|
RG |
Anthony Belton |
<60.0 |
Travis Glover |
|
RT |
Zach Tom |
83.5 |
Jordan Morgan |
The anchor remains Zach Tom. His elite 83.5 PFF grade (7th among all NFL tackles) is the only thing keeping this unit in the top half of league conversations. Opposite him, the pressure shifts to Jordan Morgan. While his overall grade was a modest 62.0, his 83.6 pass-blocking grade when playing tackle late last year suggests he is ready to protect Jordan Love’s blindside.
However, the interior is a minefield of "sub-60" grades. Both Aaron Banks and sophomore Anthony Belton are looking to bounce back from disappointing 2025 campaigns. If this group doesn't gel quickly, Love—who is now playing on a $39.5 million guarantee — might find his pocket collapsing faster than a Wisconsin snowbank in April.
The “D” grade recently handed down by analysts isn't just about who left; it’s about the vacuum they left behind. As we look toward the draft, the mandate is clear: The Packers cannot afford to “best player available” their way through the first round. They must find another cornerstone to ensure this “Green Line” doesn't break.
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__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (37)
GregC
March 21, 2026 at 07:17 am
I'm not buying that this is a "facelift" for the O-line when four of the five starters from the second half of last season are returning, and the one new starter played about half the time last season. Elgton Jenkins' loss didn't sting because he was already lost twice last year--first when he came out of the gate not playing well and then when his season ended with a broken leg. That was the end of his Packers career.
The problem, of course, is that the five starters need to get healthy and/or play a lot better than they did last year. I'm hoping for a healthy Tom and Banks and improvement from the other three. It's not out of the question. The line actually feels more settled than it did at the beginning of last season, now that Jordan Morgan is playing tackle.
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 08:02 am
The author's view of Elgton Jenkins is just odd considering Jenkins himself said he was playing like crap last season and then missed the entire second half of the season due to injury. How does his loss "sting"?
Additionally Rhyan at center was playing a position he had never played before which is a substantial challenge to take on in mid-season. I have never been a big Sean Rhyan fan, but I thought he handled that move about as well as could be hoped for. A full preseason of practice at the position will certainly help him get more comfortable and more capable.
I am fine with the Packer top six O-linemen, but do have concerns about the depth after Kinnard. Glover and Monk are significant question marks and Jennings is an unknown. I would love to see the Packers invest their fourth and fifth round draft choices in offensive linemen.
Coldworld
March 21, 2026 at 09:22 am
We have a lot of OL in the background. There John Williams at G (almost certainly) who was a projected mid rounder who fell because of injury (legitimately since he effectively red shirted). Williams is essentially a bonus draft pick. Kinnard is back, but hopefully as a G as far as OL position goes.
We have Monk who played surprisingly well in the Vikings game. We have Brant Banks who was perhaps the biggest surprise in camp last year at T. Glover’s play at T actually could rival him as well. Obviously Jennings remains a mystery thanks to him getting hit in the throat preventing us seeing him in the Vikings game.
Then there’s Dalton Cooper (G/T) who lost his senior year to a leg injury but had been expected to be a mid rounder type by some previously. He signed with the Chiefs, and they wanted him back on the PS after a good camp converting to G, but he chose to sign here instead. The Packers had him in for a visit pre draft last year. Karsen Barnhart joined us late from the Chargers PS via the Broncos and Bucs PSs. A G with a RAS over 9 that I know little about otherwise.
That’s actually a lot of credible potential and we haven’t been through the draft yet. Not all of these will make the roster by any means—we typically roster 4-5 non preferred starters. I mention 8 credible prospects here in addition to the presumed starters and before the draft. If even one or two of those prove worthwhile, we look a heck of a lot better. In reality, of the 9 or 10 kept, it’s 6-7 that actually contribute snaps mainly.
I wish I trusted our coaches, because I think a decade ago we’d have been fairly confident one or two of these would become viable backups at least. In the NFL, such development is not an option but a baseline essential for success.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2026 at 10:25 am
Excellent post, CW.
It expresses where I am (and usually am) during the off-season.
Everybody forgets the bottom-of-the-roster guys, but every year we have one or two who end up blossoming, and even starting like Rasheed did.
I was ready to give up on Monk, and then he went and had one of the highest PFF ratings in the Viking game.
I'm really interested to see John Williams play; I think he's more like our OL of the past: smart, tough, and hard-working.
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 10:37 am
Your last paragraph is the core issue for me CW. While the Packers have OL prospects I have seen little true development over the last few years. The coaching staff slotted Morgan everywhere but tackle; Belton was initially slotted at tackle until they needed him at guard (where many scouting reports thought he would play in the NFL); Monk was invisible for two years until the Viking game; the musical chairs during the playoffs two years ago was mystifying; and they prematurely gave up on Nijman and Van Lanen. I just don't trust this offensive coaching staff to develop prospects.
gsd3
March 21, 2026 at 04:26 pm
I don't think it's a lack of talent thing. More likely a lack of talented coaches.
gsd3
March 21, 2026 at 07:21 am
Umm.....Cory, they don't have a 1st round pick.
TKWorldWide
March 21, 2026 at 07:39 am
I caught that too. Not sure what it’s supposed to mean.
Since'75
March 21, 2026 at 07:48 am
It means he needs a proofreader.
TKWorldWide
March 21, 2026 at 11:41 am
LOL
Turophile
March 22, 2026 at 09:12 am
Not only that.
Rhyan will be playing a different position (Center) and he has an offseason to solidify his play there.
Morgan will be playing a different position (LT) and though he has proven he is not comfortable as a guard, he should be an upgrade from what Walker was last year at LT.
Banks was injured much of last year. It remains to be seen if his play improves if he stays healthy all year - and (as I expect) the play of the guys left and right of him (Morgan and Rhyan) is a level higher than it was in 2025.
Belton has a full offseason to work out how to play RG after spending his time previously playing tackle. He also has the opportunity to make that 2nd year jump.
Tom is what he is - a good player as long as he is healthy.
This is less about who the guys are on the line as whether them playing in their best positions upgrades that line significantly. As long as they can play together as a unit for a while, to allow them to gel, I think they can.
This doesn't mean the Packers shouldn't draft O line in this draft, i think they should, but its more about how high a pick they want to spend there with pressing needs at NT and CB, along with other needs that are a little less urgent, like backup QB, blocking TE, ILB, Edge, and yes, OL.
crayzpackfan
March 21, 2026 at 07:23 am
While agree that this line is a "construction site", I disagree that losing Elgton Jenkins has anything to do with it. He was damaged goods. He has always been one of favorite Packers the last several years, but the truth is, the loss of what Elgton Jenkins is today, isn't a loss at all. But you are correct, this O line really does seem to have one foot in the door and the other on a banana peel.
stockholder
March 21, 2026 at 07:51 am
There is only one person to blame for
the teams roster construction.
On-field inconsistencies, are from a
OL unit, being fragile and like glass.
Short passes to the running backs
will not make Love a elite QB.
If they can't stay healthy, Dump them!.
And draft the depth this OL so desperately
needs.
Since'75
March 21, 2026 at 07:51 am
"..... he is a completely different quarterback under pressure vs. a clean pocket."
Yea.....that's been said about QB's in the NFL for over 100 years.
Just sayin.
Turophile
March 22, 2026 at 03:42 pm
Yup...
Cory - master of the obvious.....
NFLfan
March 21, 2026 at 08:04 am
I think fans should be aware of the realities of the O-line. Tom is critical to the success of the Line and we have not heard the particulars of his recovery post-patellar tendon repair. As of February, he had not had surgery.
It takes 6 months to heal for a more sedentary life-style and up to 12 months for more intense sports. Just because Gutekunst states he 'should be ready' for the start of the season is misleading. He may also have difficulties with power and could re-injure if brought back too soon.
No one knows how Jordan Morgan will perform at Left Tackle as he has not played that position other than the game against Minnesota.
We did not have a good showing from Banks either.
These are the realities of the OL and should not be glossed over.
dobber
March 21, 2026 at 08:25 am
Zach Tom had surgery in late January.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVbm0ACkTpQ/
Coldworld
March 21, 2026 at 09:33 am
A partially torn patella tendon repair typically takes about 6 months to recover from. Then there is a build up of game fitness for athletes thereafter, certainly, but it’s reasonable to expect Tom to be ready to practice by August. That’s also the expectation Tom and Gute have separately expressed.
No need to create monsters where there are none. Even NFL players with a complete (“chronic”) tear have returned to prior performance levels within 9 to 12 months, which may be where you are getting some numbers from. That Tom’s recovery and return was initially attempted by platelet treatment makes it clear his was not of this magnitude and actually suggests it was right at the other end of the scale.
LambeauPlain
March 21, 2026 at 08:12 am
Two known unknowns: Will the OL unit stay healthy? How long will the coaching battery constantly tinker with the line up and play Stenovich's musical chairs well into the season?
It seems to me if the 5 of Morgan/Banks/Ryan/Belton/Tom practice together, in the same spots in camp and all preseason and finally develop chemistry and cohesiveness while staying healthy, this can be a good unit.
And someone please take an ax to the musical chairs! The coaches need to up their game too. Don't know if they will. The OL is a problem child: It has talent but below average coaching and little evidence of that talent being "coached up".
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 08:23 am
I would have been a lot more concerned about Morgan at LT if he hadn't played so well at RT in place of Zach Tom over the last five games of the season. He looked good with quick feet and good balance against some decent pass rushers. And Banks looked much better when he finally got healthy. I think the Packer starters will be fine.
I was disappointed LaFleur didn't make a change at offensive line coach. I completely agree with you that the Packer O-line has shown little development under Butkus.
LambeauPlain
March 21, 2026 at 09:10 am
Morgan was a fixture...and a good fixture at LT for his entire career...until Stenovich decided to make him a LG, or a RG, maybe a RT. Morgan had a few cursory snaps at LT in camp...but then back to the experiments.
Morgan reminds me of Bakhtiari in how he moves. I agree Guam...he is very light and quick on his feet with good balance. He's not as strong as David (yet), but he has plenty of strength to redirect rushers away from the QB.
I think our Tackles can be good. The interior should have the size and strength to power the run game...and prevent leaks when passing. They all just need to play together...early and often.
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 10:47 am
Morgan is not a plus run blocker yet (strength) but he certainly looks like a plus pass protector and that is a LT's primary job.
I hope the cohesive play happens, but our coaching staff's love of "versatility" may yet again get in the way of true cohesion developing. They just won't let a player focus on one position.
LambeauPlain
March 21, 2026 at 11:18 am
What other NFL team does this "musical chairs" well into the regular season?
Why isn't this a widespread NFL practice? Because it torpedo's OL familiarity and cohesiveness? Because it torpedos each member of the 5 man unit knowing their assignments and those of their wingman to create synergies greater than the parts?
I recall Jenks commenting on the communication and cohesiveness he and Bakht had. For a good long while, the left side was both a wall and a bulldozing operation.
Guam
March 21, 2026 at 01:40 pm
From your lips to LaFleur's ears..........
I've always been a fan of innovative thinking, but when an idea clearly isn't working, have enough common sense to let it go. This "musical chairs" idea should have died a couple of years ago.
Oppy
March 21, 2026 at 09:52 am
The OL hasn't been sound since 2021.
I would say it was shaky on a year-to-year basis from 2018 through 2021- Some years with strong left side, horrible right side, other years with a strong LT and C and patchwork everywhere else, etc and so forth- but since 2022 and certainly since the loss of Bakhtiari it has not been up to snuff. Sometimes due to injury and shuffling, sometimes just due to poor talent. In my opinion, A LOT of damage was done to our OL (and roster in general) during those years between 2018-2021 due to Rodgers' insistence on prioritizing veterans over all else. We did a lot of salary cap damage and stunted growth of a lot of young talent during that span of time.
With that being said, Gutekunst and his team have not done a great job of finding or developing a deep core of OL talent over these years. Rasheed Walker was a success story until 2025's disaster, there's been some marginal talent found, too, guys like Rhyan and I'll even toss Josh Meyers a bone and call him a marginal starter, too. Tom and Jenkins are the gems so far- legitimate plus players at their positions- although Jenkins injury and position move ended his run, he was one of the better guards in the league.
Hopefully, Jordan Morgan is just a really good one-trick pony who needs to play at LT to show his worth, but we'll see. Hopefully Belton develops.. Maybe Banks settles into the system with a year under his belt playing for his new team.
Let Stockholder have this legitimate rant- the Packers have to do better acquiring and developing OL talent. The Packers spent nearly two decades finding ways to maintain top level OL play, and that has slowly eroded during Gutekunst's time as GM. As I stated, I do think there was a backslide due to meeting the demands for veteran players to surround Rodgers at any costs, but certainly, the talent since then has slipped and development of players outside of Tom, Jenkins has been tenuous at best.
Coldworld
March 21, 2026 at 10:15 am
Given practice, Morgan showed he can play RT as well. I think he’s not limited by side (other than by preparation: Stenavich/Butkus’ handling of him). He is, however, not a G, just as Belton is not a T at this level despite the coaches insistence otherwise till November. Glover too is a T not a G by the looks of it and Kinnard is a G.
Sure, some cross training for game day emergencies is wise, but we need each to master their true position first. We consistently fight that. We can not afford to continue to do that or we delay development or stunt it completely, as well as making our line worse on game days. Yet here we are with the same offensive coaches.
One can only hope that the outcome of disastrous past handling has finally forced stability of position for Belton, Morgan, Glover and Rhyan at least. I greatly hope it extends to approach to developing the young depth now too. Of those, only Glover, Banks and perhaps Dalton to a lesser degree should be getting extensive time outside. We will see.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2026 at 10:19 am
The big change, in my opinion, is that our previous GMs targeted scrappy, tough guys for the offensive line, whereas Gute has gone after giant size and RAS.
stockholder
March 21, 2026 at 11:57 am
Acquiring Banks screwed up the OL.
Overpaying Off. Lineman that are fragile or
out of position, is not development.
You can praise Gute all you want for dumping
veterans and Stability.
But Gute went out and prioritize veterans again.
Giving up on his picks.
To cover-up his mistakes.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2026 at 02:32 pm
He did hit on Jenkins, Rd Two. Unfortunately, Jenkins had someone snap his ankle and stymie his season. They moved him to center because they had his money on the books. If you draft a LT play him there. Just a waste of Morgan's time sitting behind a so-so guy like Walker. Rhyan as a power Center who cannot pull out for wide-zone? This is why the inside running game was shut-down. The Defense knew they didn't have to worry about the off tackle plays. I would still bag a Center by round three this draft. Tom may be the weak link in this line if his body doesn't heal. This guy should not be making draft picks, or calling any more shots, but so goes the struggle.
stockholder
March 21, 2026 at 06:03 pm
That was 2019-
Both Gary and Jenkins are gone.
Morgan should have replaced Walker
if they weren't going to re-sign him. Period.
Rhyan is still better than a rookie.
Per pass protection.
Because MLF has no choice but to pass now!
Draft picks-
I'm predicting Mc Donald will drop to the
Packers @52 if no one trades up.
Bet Gute passes.
Packers0808
March 21, 2026 at 10:48 am
Have a feeling Packers will pick up an oline man after cuts made before season by other teams as well thru draft!
PhantomII
March 21, 2026 at 11:56 am
A more elusive Willis looked better than JL with a marginal OL....JL seems to just get hurt with it. It looks like the OL and DL trenches needed the most talent infusion...now the OL by far needs it at any location we can find it. GB is not going very far unless this somehow jells into something nobody can see at this time...Hopefully the draft kicks us some pieces that work. GPG
ricky
March 21, 2026 at 01:27 pm
"Draft and develop" is the Packer mantra. But right now, I'd much prefer "plug and play" for a change. Not "potential" but the ability to start on Day One.
LeotisHarris
March 21, 2026 at 07:28 pm
Cory, it's always a good idea to change the batteries in your home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when we adjust the clocks for daylight saving time. That darn carbon monoxide can lead to dizziness and confusion at the minimum. Be safe.
greengold
March 22, 2026 at 08:53 am
The Packers should consider using Pick #52 in Round 2 to FILL A WIDE OPEN ROSTER HOLE. We have a couple of important DEFENSIVE POSITIONS - in a new scheme with a new DC - without a single legit starter to begin this 2026 season.
None of us know Gutekunst’s plan. Maybe he has commitments from additional veteran FA players or trading partners still in process.
Do I want better options at LG, C, LT? Of course, like any other fan. Sure things at every position on a 53 man roster is a pipe dream.
I like that Jordan Morgan gets his shot to start at his natural position he held at Arizona as a starting LT for 4 years. I like that Sean Ryan, who knows this system inside and out can develop for a 2nd full season starting at Center.
Burning a Day 3 pick at LG to cover Gutekunst’s Aaron Banks bet should suffice. Hopefully Banks returns healthy and delivers, but cover that bet with solid Plan B.
Last I looked, the Packers need “Plan A” players at 2-4 different DEFENSIVE POSITIONS to effectively run Gannon’s 3-4.
Give Gannon what he needs.
Think about this: Gannon’s Super Bowl winning D had 9 DL, 8 LB, 6 CB, 4 S. 27 players.
THESZOTMAN1
March 22, 2026 at 04:28 pm
Thanks for article on crucial O-Line. I think the starting 5 you put forward could be better than last year, tho not great. But my real problem is backups. The names Glover, Jennings, and especially Monk do NOT inspire confidence.
The Szotman
PhantomII
March 22, 2026 at 08:32 pm
I would trade for a DE/OLB or a top NFL Center....Something to help push us to a NFCC game....Poor Willis going to Miami...only to see them dismantle it must really be a regret...surround him with every thing he needs and I do believe he could be special...JL has not been given what Rodgers had at his last shot...It's going to take all of it to succeed between coach and player....Maybe next year Gute..GPG