Green Bay Packers Rookie Already Impressing Coaches At OTAs
The Green Bay Packers may have found one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft in rookie offensive lineman Jager Burton.
Selected with the No. 153 overall pick out of the University of Kentucky, Burton entered the offseason viewed as an intriguing developmental prospect because of his athleticism and versatility. Just weeks into OTAs and minicamp, however, the rookie is already generating significant buzz around the organization.
That is especially important for a Packers team that still has questions across the interior offensive line heading into training camp.
Green Bay Packers Jager Burton Is Making the Most of His OTA Opportunity
Burton has reportedly taken advantage of increased first-team reps during offseason practices, earning opportunities at both guard spots due to injuries and rotation work.
According to head coach Matt LaFleur, Burton is already positioning himself to compete for legitimate playing time during his rookie season. That is impressive for a fifth-round pick trying to break into one of the NFL’s youngest rosters.
The early praise suggests Burton could quickly become more than just depth for Green Bay. He may legitimately push for a rotational role, and potentially even challenge for a starting job at right guard.
With questions surrounding players like Anthony Belton, Sean Rhyan, and even the overall interior depth chart, Burton’s emergence is becoming one of the more intriguing storylines of the Packers’ offseason.
Packers Coaches Love Burton’s Athleticism and Coachability
One of the biggest reasons Burton was viewed as such an intriguing draft prospect was his elite athletic profile.
His 9.88 Relative Athletic Score ranked near the top of his draft class and showcased the type of movement skills the Packers covet in offensive linemen. Green Bay has long prioritized versatility and athleticism in its blocking schemes, making Burton a natural fit for the system.
But physical tools are only part of the equation. LaFleur also praised Burton for being “extremely coachable,” which could help accelerate his development far quicker than many expected coming out of college. That combination of athletic upside and willingness to learn is exactly what teams look for in mid-round offensive line prospects.
Could Jager Burton Push for a Starting Role?
While the Packers likely entered the offseason expecting Burton to serve primarily as depth, that could change quickly if his strong offseason continues into training camp.
The competition at right guard does not appear locked in, and Burton’s versatility gives him multiple paths onto the field. Even if he does not immediately win a starting job, Green Bay clearly views him as someone capable of contributing early in his NFL career.
For a Packers team trying to maximize a roster built around expensive core players like Jordan Love, Micah Parsons, and Xavier McKinney, finding affordable contributors in the middle rounds of the draft is critical. Right now, Burton looks like he could become exactly that.
