The Green Bay Packers are reeling after a humiliating 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, a game that exposed glaring weaknesses in their offensive line and sparked a controversial decision from head coach Matt LaFleur. The team’s first-round draft pick, Jordan Morgan, has been benched following a nightmare performance that left fans and analysts questioning the Packers’ draft strategy and roster management.
A Disastrous Day for Morgan
Jordan Morgan, selected in the 2024 NFL Draft for his versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line, struggled mightily against the Browns. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, quarterback Jordan Love faced pressure on 13 of his 31 dropbacks, with much of the Browns’ pass-rush success coming at Morgan’s expense. Pro Football Focus data paints a grim picture: Morgan allowed three pressures, a sack, and was flagged for three penalties. His performance was so poor that it often seemed like the Packers were playing with only four offensive linemen.
The decision to draft Morgan over other highly touted prospects like Cooper DeJean and Graham Barton was divisive at the time. The Packers believed Morgan’s ability to play four positions—left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and right guard—made him a valuable asset. However, his Week 3 outing raised serious doubts about his readiness and the team’s approach to his development.
A Flawed Strategy
Morgan’s struggles weren’t entirely his fault. The Packers’ coaching staff has been criticized for their handling of the rookie, who was a standout left tackle in college but has been asked to cross-train at multiple positions without a fixed role. In the Browns game, Morgan toggled between right tackle and left guard—two positions that require vastly different techniques and alignments. This constant shuffling, especially across both sides of the line, has hindered his ability to settle into a rhythm.
“It’s hardly ideal for a college left tackle to cross-train at multiple new positions without a permanent home,” noted Andy Herman of Packer Report. Herman went on to call Morgan the lowest-graded Packers player in the previous week, adding, “Let’s just say it’s not trending great so far this week.” The numbers back up Herman’s assessment, as Morgan’s performance has been on a downward trajectory since the season began.
Injuries to the offensive line compounded the issue. Right tackle Zach Tom attempted to play through an injury but lasted only one snap, a decision LaFleur later admitted was a mistake. Left guard Aaron Banks also exited the game, leaving the line in disarray. Yet, as a first-round pick, Morgan was expected to rise to the occasion, and his inability to do so has forced the coaching staff to reconsider his role.
The Draft Debate Resurfaces
The decision to bench Morgan reignites debate over the Packers’ 2024 draft choice. Many analysts believed Graham Barton, selected one pick after Morgan by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would have been the better fit. Barton was viewed as an “interior-only” player, but he has thrived as a rock-solid center for Tampa Bay, even starting two games at left tackle this season. Meanwhile, Morgan’s versatility has yet to translate into on-field success, and his role remains undefined.
Ironically, Morgan’s struggles suggest he may be better suited as a full-time guard, a position where his athleticism and strength could shine without the added complexity of switching sides or roles. Rookie Anthony Belton, who has shown promise, could take over the swing tackle role, allowing Morgan to focus on mastering one position.
LaFleur and the coaching staff now face a critical decision: how to salvage Morgan’s rookie season while stabilizing an offensive line that crumbled under pressure in Week 3. Benching Morgan sends a clear message that performance matters, but it also raises questions about the team’s long-term plan for him. Was the draft pick a mistake, or can Morgan rebound with proper coaching and a defined role?
For now, the Packers must prioritize protecting Jordan Love and restoring confidence in their offensive front. With Belton likely stepping into a larger role and veterans like Zach Tom and Aaron Banks expected to return from injury, the team has options. However, the clock is ticking to find answers before their next matchup.
The Packers’ Week 3 collapse was a wake-up call, and Morgan’s benching is a bold move to address it. Whether this sparks a turnaround or further exposes cracks in Green Bay’s foundation remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the pressure is on for LaFleur and his staff to right the ship before the season spirals further out of control.