The Green Bay Packers entered training camp with the thought that they had the right guard position settled. However, with just one game left in the preseason, the right guard competition looks more jumbled than ever, and the team might have to start considering options outside the roster.
The Packers have played two preseason games and have tried both Donovan Jennings and Jacob Monk at right guard with the first team. That does not include Anthony Belton, who has been playing right tackle due to Zach Bako-Bewele being injured, and Jager Burton, who has played left guard due to Aaron Banks being out.
Still, between Belton, Burton, Donovan Jennings, and Jacob Monk, the team has not had someone stand apart.
Jennings has a 54 grade, per PFF. Monk has a 64 grade, with a 38.8 in pass protection. Belton has a 46.8 grade, albeit at right tackle. Lastly, Burton has a 56.6 grade on the left side.
Without any of the legitimate options stepping up, the team might have to look outside the roster to resolve the position.
“The winner of this battle is Kevin Zeitler,” joked Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports. The idea is that by being a free agent and being available, he is the best option they have.
Green Bay Packers Right Guard Battle is Far From Resolved
GettyAnthony Belton #71
Belton started the competition as the top right guard option. However, it has been a few weeks since he took a snap at guard, and he has not taken any snaps at guard during the preseason.
An argument can be made that the Packers are so thin at tackle that they have to play him there with Bako-Bewele out. This is what they would do in the regular season. So, when Bako-Bewele returns, he would be back in the mix. Still, right now it is hard for him to win the spot.
The same can be said for Burton, the rookie fifth-round pick. He might get more work at right guard when Banks returns, but a rookie with hardly any experience is a tough choice to start in Week 1.
They are considering those two so strongly because Jennings and Monk have not taken control of the position. As they get closer to the season and none of the four are stepping into the roles, they are going to have to start to look outside the roster.
Packers Could Sign a Right Guard in Free Agency
Zeitler was the name thrown out, and he makes a lot of sense. He has 213 career starts and started 16 games last year. He is going to be 36-years old this season, so the question is how much gas he has in the tank. Still, he is worth kicking the tires at this point.
Another name to consider is Mekhi Becton. The former number 11 overall pick started at right guard for the Los Angeles Chargers last year and helped the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl the year before.
James Daniels, Will Hernandez, and Dylan Parham are other notable options with starting experience available.
Packers Starting Battle Could Force Free-Agent Move