The Green Bay Packers closed out a successful 2024 NFL Draft, with most of the focus on the defensive side of the ball.
One of the biggest exceptions came in the first round, when the Packers selected a player that could play the biggest role in keeping Jordan Love healthy.
Jordan Morgan was selected witty the Packers’ first-round pick (25th overall). In doing so, Morgan became the first Arizona offensive lineman to be taken in first round since Buffalo drafted John Fina at No. 27 in 1992.
It was the ultimate badge of honor for the Wildcats’ two-time team captain who was in the midst of building an NFL resume when he tore his ACL against UCLA in November 2022.
Vowing to be ready for the start of the 2023 season, Morgan was in Arizona’s training room three times a day during his rehab in hope of beating the timeline to return from an ACL injury.
“I grinded so hard. I didn’t want to feel like a liability,” Morgan said. “I felt I was leaving my team in the dust just sitting there on the sideline and healing from an injury – I just didn’t want that to happen. That was kind of my motivation, to get back on the field with my teammates.”
Jordan Morgan didn’t just make it back. The 22-year-old offensive lineman reached his final form during his final season at Arizona. Morgan earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors while playing in 12 games for the Wildcats, re-establishing himself as one of the top offensive line prospects in this year’s draft.
Looking to replenish their O-line, the Green Bay Packers came away impressed with Morgan after strong showings at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 5.04 time in the 40-yard dash with 27 bench reps.
At least initially, Morgan understands the importance of his position — and where he was selected — when it comes to keeping Love as healthy as possible as the team’s starting quarterback.
“It’s such an honor I cannot wait to get out there and protect for him,” Morgan said of Jordan Love. “That’s what offensive linemen are supposed to do – protect the quarterback, open holes for the running back, and that’s what I’m here to do.”
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Reveals Plan For Jordan Morgan
While a few questions popped up during the pre-draft process about Morgan’s arm length, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst sees a versatile and athletic offensive lineman who can play either inside or outside on Green Bay’s flexible front.
“I think he can play all four spots,” said Gutekunst, referring to guard and tackle. “We’re fortunate enough that we’ve got a lot of guys in our group right now that can do that, and so I think we’ll kind of let the best five battle it out and see where that ends up.”
But just one day after drafting him, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur seemed to clarify what many fans were thinking when the pick was made.
When asked about Morgan playing at left tackle, LaFleur wasn’t shy about the team’s plans.
Sounds like first-round pick Jordan Morgan will begin as a left tackle. Said Matt LaFleur: “That’s what he’s played his whole career (and) he’s played a lot of football.” pic.twitter.com/MvermS7mYs
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 27, 2024
“That’s what he’s played his whole career (and) he’s played a lot of football.”
A native of Marana, Ariz., Morgan added approximately 60 pounds during his time in Tucson. With a goal to start his freshman year, Morgan stuck to the stringent plan his trainers and school nutritionist set out for him and never looked back.
Injuries and a COVID-shortened season in 2020 slowed Morgan’s start but he ended up making 37 starts at left tackle for Arizona. While that’s the position he’s played his entire life, Morgan told reporters on Thursday evening he’s willing to play wherever the Packers need him. He just wants to play and win.
As of now, it seems like the Green Bay Packers have found their next left tackle. Only time will tell if they made the right choice.