Fans' expectations may have become unrealistically skewed after the instant success of the Green Bay Packers' 2023 rookie class.
The Packers had several first-year players become key contributors last season, including Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave, and Karl Brooks. But it's rare. Most draft picks, even first-rounders, need time to adjust.
Jordan Morgan struggled for consistency during the offseason program, with head coach Matt LaFleur admitting that "mentally he has a long way to go."
However, it's not time to reach for the panic button. The Packers have moved Morgan around, giving him snaps at left and right tackle and both guard positions. Not only is he adjusting from college to the NFL level, but the Packers are asking him to play unfamiliar positions. It will take time.
But don't just take my word for it. Packers legend David Bakhtiari reassured the fans.
David Bakhtiari isn't worried about Jordan Morgan's struggles at minicamp
Bakhtiari isn't worried about Morgan's performance on the practice field during minicamp. As he points out, the Packers aren't even in pads yet.
It's important to note that the tweet from Tyler Herrick he is responding to is clearly a joke, but Bakhtiari still makes a fair point. While Herrick's tweet may have been written tongue-in-cheek, many Packers fans will have concerns with Morgan's slow start this offseason.
Bakhtiari is right to not share those fears. Training camp hasn't even started yet.
Even if Morgan does continue to lack consistency when the pads are on, it's OK. He is going from playing left tackle in college to learning four positions in Green Bay. Matt LaFleur cross-trains the offensive linemen, and they want Morgan to learn the ropes at several positions to find his best role. And as we've seen in recent years, that versatility is crucial when injuries hit the offensive line.
Many Packers first-rounders needed time. Jordan Love and Rashan Gary are perfect examples. They didn't look like All-Pros in their first minicamp—far from it.
Fans wanted the Packers to cut Davante Adams after his second season.
Patience is required for Morgan, especially as he learns multiple new positions. The Packers don't need him to start immediately, giving him time to learn (and fail) on the practice field before becoming an NFL starter.
