Green Bay, Wisconsin — The Green Bay Packers have added a powerful presence to their offensive line with the selection of Belton, an imposing 24-year-old lineman whose pre-draft visit convinced team officials of his potential impact. Belton’s physical stature caught their attention, but his skillset has solidified their belief that he can play a key role in their offensive scheme.
Vice President of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan spoke highly of Belton’s ability, emphasizing the importance of physicality in the NFC North. “We want to establish dominance with size,” he said. “Belton not only fits that mold, he’s also a talented football player.” With his combination of strength and agility, Belton is expected to make a significant contribution on the field.
Belton’s journey through a six-year college career has been marked by growth, allowing him to refine his skills while taking pride in his playstyle from the outset. His film highlights demonstrate a player who not only uses his formidable weight to overpower opponents but also possesses the technique and agility necessary to adapt in various game situations. A notable performance at the Senior Bowl only reinforced his capabilities against premier defensive linemen.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst cited Belton’s versatility as a key asset. “He has great size and shows excellent ability in the run game,” Gutekunst noted. “Observing him at the Senior Bowl gave us insight into how well he can pass block and handle the movements required in our offensive system.” The team’s coaching staff values agility and mobility, characteristics that Belton has shown to possess, particularly for someone of his size.
While Belton’s frame naturally aligns him with a tackle position, team officials believe he can seamlessly transition to guard if required. This flexibility complements the Packers’ recent drafting strategies, which have focused on acquiring versatile players. Recent draftees like Jordan Morgan and Zach Tom have also been targeted for their ability to adapt to multiple positions on the line.
Last season, Green Bay enjoyed relative health on the offensive line, with only one significant injury impacting the unit. However, the unforeseen loss of Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins during the NFC Wild Card game reminded the team of the importance of depth. Jenkins’ early exit due to a shoulder injury underscored the unpredictability of the sport and the need for reliable backups.
For Belton, the journey leading up to the draft was filled with tension and anticipation. “I couldn’t focus on anything else during the wait,” he admitted. Nonetheless, landing with the Packers has been a lifelong dream come true. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring his “Escalade mindset” to the team, which reflects both confidence and a determination to succeed.
“This is everything I’ve aspired to as a kid,” Belton declared. “All my hard work has led to this moment, and I can’t wait to contribute to the organization.” As he prepares to don the green and gold, Belton’s ambition and energy promise to add a dynamic element to an already strong offensive line.