Offensive tackle Anthony Belton was the last rookie to officially get a contract from the Green Bay Packers, receiving it only around July 18. The ones picked later than him already have theirs including undrafted Sam Brown Jr. and Taylor Elgersma and 87th pick Savion Williams.
Matthew Golden, the highly-touted wide receiver the team picked in 23rd, also got his.
Much of the criticism on Belton is his readiness for the NFL physicality and it is not just about size.
“I didn’t love second-round tackle Anthony Belton,” CBS Sports insider Pete Prisco said about him late April.
“I thought he went a little higher than I expected. He’s big, but raw. Then again, the Packers do a nice job developing offensive lineman.”
A Packers insider defended the pick saying he is an elite player.
“This is a three-year starter at left tackle with elite, and I mean elite, pass-blocking grades,” the insider said.
“Elite grades in true pass sets. He’s a really, really talented pass protector. Guys that big do not move like him.”
Matt LaFLeur reveals plan for Anthony Belton
The training camp and other OTAs took place and looks like the team finally found the area where Belton can excel.
The team announced that some players will assume new roles with the team like Bo Melton and Elgton Jenkins.
For their rookie, the job will be at the offensive tackle as LaFleur believes he got the talent to fulfill that role.
“I think he’s got the talent to do that. We just want to try to get him a little more settled on the perimeter at tackle,” LaFleur said Monday after practice.
Belton was drafted 54th overall in the second round. He played his last three seasons with the NC State Wolfpack where he was named to the Third-team All-ACC.
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