After a drafting four defensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft, Green Bay finally took their first offensive player in the fifth round.
The center from Kentucky has fills a depth need for the Packers on the offensive line despite resigning Sean Rhyan this offseason.
The Packers traded their own fifth round pick in the jump up for their second round pick, but thanks to their trade with Philadelphia they had the ammo to add to their offensive line.
Analysis
Like many of GM Brian Gutekunst’s picks, Burton is an exceptional athlete with a high RAS score. He started his career at center before pivoting to guard for the middle of his college career.
He switched back to center for his final season at Kentucky and played well enough to become a 5th round pick. Burton is quick for his size which helps with pass blocking and gives him good range in the run game.
While he’s not as aggressive in the run game as you’d like, he is strong enough to believe that he could develop that given time.
Team Fit
Despite resigning Sean Rhyan there’s plenty of reason to believe that there’s opportunity to be had on the interior of the offensive line.
While the initial thought would have Burton serve as a swing lineman on the interior, it’s possible that he overtakes either Rhyan at C or even Belton at guard.
Regardless of where he ends up, he does provide the Packers with some much needed depth along an offensive line with real questions.
If he can step up and take one of those spots though, I wouldn’t expect Jordan Love to be on the receiving end of anymore cheap shots without Burton sending a message right back.
5th round picks are always a crap shoot, but there’s real reason to believe that Burton could see the field early this season.
Go Pack Go!
