The Green Bay Packers just bolstered their offensive line. Then, with their second-round pick, 54th overall, they selected Anthony Belton of North Carolina State. Belton is well-regarded for his size, power and versatility. He’s projected as a left tackle and will work to develop in the guard spot. His selection is indicative of the biggest issue facing the Packers. They are hungry to improve their offensive firepower after their dramatic playoff defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles more than three months ago.
Belton is one of NC State’s hidden gems. He adds a ton of weight and presence to the Packers’ roster. At more than 300 pounds, he’s heavier than any of Green Bay’s starting offensive linemen from last season. This cave bear size would go a long way towards satiating the team’s desire for a mauler on the offensive line. Instead, they are building to compete in the NFC North.
The Choice to Draft Belton
In the wake of Christian Watson’s awful right ACL tear, the decision to draft Belton makes even more sense. Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ general manager, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects leading into the draft. He noted, “I felt really good about our football team coming into this draft,” emphasizing that they had made strategic moves in free agency to improve their overall roster.
Gutekunst provided insight into that process while making the picks in this year’s draft Tuesday. “You’re evaluating your team through the entire year, you’re evaluating it against the National Football League and yourselves,” he stated. This intentional mindset informed their process throughout the draft, making them the perfect match for Belton with their fourth-round selection.
What’s most striking about Belton is its size. His varied skill set is the ideal combination for head coach Matt LaFleur’s offensive philosophy. Overall, LaFleur has been very confident in the new talent being infused onto the roster. “I think we were able to add — particularly these three days and even in free agency — pretty good culture fits, you know, guys that are going to fit into our locker room and be assets to us that way,” Gutekunst said.
The phrase “big doesn’t get small” hits especially hard when applied to Belton’s role in the NFC North. Jon-Eric Sullivan, a member of the Packers’ coaching staff, explained the scarcity underlined the demand for big, strong linemen. He contends that this is the key to winning in today’s new competitive landscape. The NFC North is home to a physical, smash-mouth style of football, so Belton’s diverse size and skills will be a big plus.
As the Packers set their sights on next season, getting past what has become an unacceptable string of early playoff exits. Jordan Love Era Since Aaron Rodgers’ period as Green Bay’s starter ended, the Packers have only managed a terrible 1-2 playoff record under their new signal-caller. The addition of a powerful offensive lineman like Belton could provide the foundation needed for Love and the offense to flourish.
There’s a clear commitment from the Packers’ coaching staff to get Belton involved, and that’s promising considering where he was selected. LaFleur is well aware of what Belton can bring to the pack, particularly with the speed and agility he possesses at his size. “Obviously Golden ran what he ran. Anytime a guy is breaking sub-4.3s, you know he’s legitimately fast,” LaFleur commented, hinting at Belton’s surprising athleticism.
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