Could Elgton Jenkins Switch Positions This Season?

With speculation around Zach Tom's ideal position and where first-round pick Jordan Morgan could play, there's been a lot of intrigue around the Green Bay Packers’ ideal offensive line configuration.

While the Packers could probably use a similar configuration to the preferred line they ended last season with (Rasheed Walker-Elgton Jenkins-Josh Myers-Sean Rhyan-Zach Tom), there truly isn't a single position you could write down in ink. Green Bay prioritizes versatile linemen capable of playing multiple spots, and it's fun to imagine all the different possibilities.

Even the closest one to a sure thing, Elgton Jenkins at left guard, isn't a guarantee. When someone on Twitter asked Jenkins if he'd stick at LG next season, Jenkins responded with a noncommittal GIF. So let's answer for him.

What is Jenkins' most likely spot for 2024, and what factors could push him from LG?

Jenkins already proved himself as a versatile lineman in college, starting games in four different spots (26 at center, five at left tackle, two at left guard, and one at right tackle). Since joining the team in 2019, Jenkins proved he could handle whatever spot the Packers asked him to fill, starting with taking over as the starting left guard as a rookie following Lane Taylor's Week 2 injury.

He started at four positions along Green Bay's offensive line, with 36 at LG, eight at LT, six at RT, and three at C. Following his return from a torn ACL in 2022, it looked like the Packers decided on RT as Jenkins' preferred spot but pivoted him back to left guard, which became his preferred spot moving forward. He earned Pro Bowl honors at left guard in 2020 and 2022.

With Zach Tom's sturdy presence at right tackle and Rasheed Walker stepping up on the left side, Jenkins stayed at left guard through 2023, but multiple factors could lead to a change in 2024.

Like Jenkins, Tom's best spot still isn't 100% clear. Earlier this offseason, there were reports that many in the organization believed Tom could be a Pro Bowl tackle, an All-Pro guard, or a Hall-of-Fame center. With Tom missing time this offseason with a pectoral injury, the future is still murky on the team's ultimate plans.

Jordan Morgan's addition also confuses things. The Packers have dragged their first-round rookie all over the line, giving him snaps everywhere but center. Morgan was a left tackle in college but fits Green Bay's prototypical tackle-to-guard convert archetype in many ways. The coaching staff immediately threw Morgan into action to find his best spot early, but his perfect fit is still unclear.

"It’s challenging, for sure, because in college I played left tackle," Morgan said. "Being able to come out here and use my versatility and balancing right side, left side, guards, and everything like that, it’s been a challenge but it’s also been good for me."

Matt LaFleur admitted Morgan has struggled a bit mentally adjusting to all the different positions but likes how Morgan is progressing.

"Everybody has a different learning curve in terms of how fast they can acclimate themselves to how we play at this level," LaFleur said, "but I think he’s approaching it the right way and we’re going to continue to push him."

Josh Myers and Sean Rhyan are the other presumed starters on the interior, but neither is a lock at their respective positions. The coaching staff has spoken highly of Myers, and center is still probably his job to lose. However, Myers needs to do a lot to earn a second contract in Green Bay, and Jenkins and Tom may be better fits there. Rhyan showed growth and starting potential after a rocky rookie season but is still growing into the role.

The Packers were adamant about cross-training their offensive linemen in multiple positions, and they proved that through minicamp and OTAs. With Tom out of the lineup, everyone saw work at multiple positions. Jenkins himself saw work at his usual left guard spot and at center. Jenkins played center more than any other position in college, and, like Tom, it could be his best spot.

Ultimately, Jenkins will be the last domino to determine the best five. Morgan is the first factor -- where his best spot is and whether he can earn a starting role early into his rookie season. Tom is the second factor. His best spot may be center, but it seems like there is a bigger need for his services at tackle right.

If Tom stays at tackle and Morgan earns a starting spot at either guard or tackle, that could push either Myers or Rhyan out of the lineup and push Jenkins to center. If Tom misses more time than expected, Morgan and Rhyan will look solid along the interior. A return to tackle for Jenkins also isn't outside the realm of possibilities.

Jenkins is the longest-tenured offensive player on Green Bay's roster and was the oldest player on that side of the ball before the Andre Dillard addition -- who is also in play at both tackle spots. He's also the sixth-highest-paid interior offensive lineman in the league, thanks to his ability to play anywhere. Whatever the Packers need from him, he'll be able to provide.