Packers Depth Chart in Focus: Why Green Bay’s Roster Battles Could Define the 2026 Season

The Green Bay Packers entered the 2026 offseason believing they had assembled a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl. But as Organized Team Activities (OTAs) begin, the conversation surrounding the Packers depth chart has quickly evolved from optimism to uncertainty.

Several key positions across the roster are now under scrutiny — particularly the offensive line and running back room — where injuries, roster turnover, and emerging young players are forcing the organization to reconsider its long-term plans.

At the center of the discussion is rookie offensive lineman Jager Burton, whose versatility and athleticism may accelerate his rise in Green Bay’s system, while the running back depth chart has become increasingly concerning following legal issues involving star back Josh Jacobs.

Together, these developments are reshaping the outlook of Matt LaFleur’s roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Jager Burton Could Reshape the Packers’ Offensive Line

One of the biggest surprises from Green Bay’s 2026 NFL Draft class may end up being fifth-round pick Jager Burton.

The former Kentucky offensive lineman arrives with a rare combination of experience, versatility, and athleticism that many analysts believe far exceeds typical fifth-round value. Burton started 47 consecutive games in college and logged 2,666 snaps across three interior offensive line positions.

His collegiate workload included:

• 1,158 snaps at left guard
• 976 snaps at center
• 531 snaps at right guard

That positional flexibility immediately gives the Packers options on an offensive line currently undergoing major transition.

Burton’s athletic profile also stands out. He reportedly ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 110-inch broad jump, placing him among the top athletes at his position entering the draft.

While Burton has experience at guard, evaluators believe center is his best long-term NFL fit due to his arm length measurements and mobility profile. During his final season at Kentucky, he played 817 of his 976 career center snaps, further reinforcing that projection.

Green Bay’s Interior Offensive Line Is Changing Quickly

The Packers’ offensive front has experienced significant turnover this offseason.

Green Bay moved on from veteran Elgton Jenkins as injury concerns and salary cap implications mounted. In response, the organization has begun restructuring the interior offensive line:

• Sean Rhyan is expected to shift from guard to center
• Anthony Belton is projected to move into a starting guard role
• Jager Burton could become a developmental successor

Rhyan already has experience at center after filling in during injuries last season, but the long-term stability of the position remains uncertain.

According to roster projections, the Packers are relying heavily on youth and versatility across the line. Current projected starters include:

• LT: Jordan Morgan
• LG: Aaron Banks
• C: Sean Rhyan
• RG: Anthony Belton
• RT: Zach Tom

Behind them, Burton is viewed as one of the most intriguing reserve linemen capable of playing multiple interior spots.

Burton’s Path to Becoming a Starter

Green Bay historically prefers patience with offensive linemen, and Burton may follow that same developmental blueprint.

Anthony Belton did not start as a rookie despite being a second-round selection, while Rhyan also spent time developing before earning a full-time role.

Still, Burton’s route onto the field may not take long.

Several scenarios could accelerate his rise:

1. Interior Line Instability

If Belton struggles at guard, Green Bay could move Rhyan back to his natural guard position and promote Burton into the center role.

2. Salary Cap Decisions

Sean Rhyan remains under contract through 2028, but his deal reportedly contains significant non-guaranteed money later in the contract. The Packers could potentially save around $10 million by moving on in future seasons.

That creates a realistic opportunity for Burton to emerge as a lower-cost starting center by his third season.

3. Injury Concerns

Depth across the offensive line remains relatively thin. Beyond the starters, Green Bay lacks proven interior reserves, increasing the importance of Burton’s versatility.

The Packers Running Back Depth Chart Suddenly Looks Fragile

While the offensive line is undergoing a strategic transition, the Packers’ running back room is facing a more immediate crisis.

Star running back Josh Jacobs recently became the subject of a serious legal investigation after being booked on multiple charges, including domestic abuse allegations. The situation remains ongoing, but it has intensified concerns about Green Bay’s lack of proven depth behind him.

If Jacobs were forced to miss games during the 2026 season, the Packers would be relying heavily on unproven or injury-questioned options.

Chris Brooks Emerges as the Most Reliable Backup

At the moment, Chris Brooks appears to be the most dependable running back behind Jacobs.

Brooks has quietly built a reputation as a valuable third-down option thanks to his pass protection skills and physical running style. At 219 pounds, he offers toughness and versatility in Green Bay’s offensive system.

His recent production has been efficient despite limited opportunities:

• Averaged 4.4 yards per carry last season
• Forced six missed tackles
• Recorded four runs of 10-plus yards
• Averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2024

The challenge, however, is role expansion.

The Packers likely prefer Brooks in specialized passing situations, where his blocking ability protects quarterback Jordan Love. A heavier rushing workload could reduce his effectiveness in those crucial situations.

MarShawn Lloyd Faces a Critical Season

Perhaps no player on the Packers depth chart faces more pressure than MarShawn Lloyd.

The former third-round pick entered the league with expectations of becoming an explosive complement to Jacobs. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich once described Lloyd as someone who could add an “explosive element” to Green Bay’s offense.

Instead, recurring hamstring injuries have severely disrupted his development.

Over his first two NFL seasons:

• Lloyd has appeared in only one game
• He has just six rushing attempts
• He has recorded only 15 rushing yards

Green Bay still believes in Lloyd’s speed and upside, but availability has become the primary concern.

For Lloyd, the 2026 season may ultimately determine whether he remains part of the franchise’s long-term plans.

Packers Searching for Depth Behind Jacobs

The remainder of Green Bay’s running back depth chart remains largely speculative.

Pierre Strong Jr.

Strong previously contributed rotational snaps with the Cleveland Browns but missed the entire 2025 season after being released with an injury designation.

Damien Martinez

Martinez may be the most intriguing developmental option.

Although he failed to make Seattle’s 53-man roster last season, his college production was impressive:

• 3,169 rushing yards
• 25 touchdowns
• Successful seasons at Oregon State and Miami

Green Bay signed him to the practice squad, and he now has an opportunity to compete for a larger role.

Jaden Nixon

The undrafted rookie out of Central Florida enters camp as a longshot to make the final roster but could compete for developmental opportunities.

OTAs Could Define Several Key Position Battles

With OTAs underway, the Packers are entering one of the most important evaluation periods of the offseason.

Several major depth chart battles remain unresolved:

Running Back

• Chris Brooks vs. MarShawn Lloyd for RB2
• Damien Martinez attempting to force his way onto the roster

Offensive Line

• Sean Rhyan’s transition to center
• Anthony Belton’s readiness at guard
• Jager Burton’s development timeline

Wide Receiver

• Young prospects battling for final roster spots
• Bo Melton potentially contributing on both offense and defense

Defensive Front

• Young pass rushers being asked to replace lost production
• Questions surrounding edge-rushing depth

The Packers still possess high-end talent across the roster, particularly with Jordan Love leading the offense and Xavier McKinney anchoring the secondary. But depth concerns are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Why the Packers Depth Chart Matters More Than Ever

Contending teams rarely rely solely on star power. The NFL season is defined by injuries, roster adjustments, and unexpected contributors stepping into major roles.

For Green Bay, that reality is already arriving before training camp fully begins.

Jager Burton represents the type of developmental offensive lineman the franchise has historically turned into a long-term starter. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs has exposed how thin the running back room may truly be.

The Packers still appear capable of competing in the NFC. However, whether they can sustain that level over an entire season may depend less on their stars — and more on the depth chart battles currently unfolding behind them.