Elgton Rocked Rookie Season

Brian Gutekunst was named GM of the Packers on January 8, 2018. He’s made over 100 personnel moves since that time – some good and some bad. I’ve been listing his best moves over the course of the last few weeks. Here’s No. 2:

I admit I wasn’t thrilled when Gutekunst drafted Elgton Jenkins with the 44th pick in the 2019 draft. It had nothing to do with the former Mississippi State star; I just wanted the Packers to select A.J. Brown. And considering the wide receiver went on to catch 57 passes for 1,115 yards and 8 TDs with the Titans, you’d think I’d be even more upset with Gutekunst now. Well, I’m not. That’s how impressive Jenkins was last season.

After barely playing in the first two games, Jenkins took over for an injured Lane Taylor in week 3 and put together one of the finest rookie seasons in recent franchise history. The 24-year-old wasn’t charged with a sack in 694 pass-blocking snaps, and he allowed only 25 hurries. What makes this even more impressive is that Jenkins started just two games at guard in college. But his ability to anchor vs. power and shuffle, slide and mirror vs. speed would allow him to excel in protection at any position along the line. His only negatives were too many penalties (10) and a tendency to not always finish blocks in the run game.


While there’s no question that Jenkins will be a staple of the Packers’ offensive line for years to come, there is a question as to where he’ll play. His best position might be center, and that spot could open up in 2021 if Corey Linsley signs elsewhere as a free agent. But that’s a story for another day. Right now, the Packers are just happy to have Jenkins, and as unlikely as this may have seemed 14 1/2 months ago, so am I.

#12 – Sullivan Surpised In Secondary
#11 – Veldheer Saved The Days
#10 – Ervin Provided Positive Returns
#9 – Greene’s Injury Hurt Defense
#8 – Lewis Starred Off The Field
#7 – Amos Delivered As Expected
#6 – Lazard Leapt To Starting Job
#5 – Preston Smith Enjoyed Career Year
#4 – One Trade Filled Two Holes
#3 – Williams Wowed In 13th Season

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Michael Rodney

Packers Notes is the creation of Michael Rodney, who has been writing about the Green Bay Packers for over 30 years. His first blog, Packer Update, hit the internet in 2004. Before becoming a public educator, Rodney worked as a journalist for a couple of newspapers in his home state of New Jersey and covered the Philadelphia Eagles for WTXF-TV. He's had numerous articles on the Packers published, and he's been featured on both television and radio over the years.

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Tom Moshier
Tom Moshier
July 10, 2020 4:44 pm

I wasn’t thrilled with the pick either. I have always been of the opinion you can find guards in the later rounds. See Josh Sitton and TJ Lang. But Jenkins could dominate either at guard or center for the next 8 to 10 years provided he stays healthy. And he might could fill in at tackle in a pinch. It’s hard to argue against this selection.

Matt Simpson
Matt Simpson
July 10, 2020 7:48 pm

I think I’d still prefer Brown. An impact WR is harder to find than a very good guard. Players like Rivera, Timmerman, Sitton and Lang were all late round picks.

Tom Moshier
Tom Moshier
July 11, 2020 11:11 am

If Brown is truly an impact WR then I would agree. If he’s a solid number two WR, say, 50/600/6 then I’d rather have Jenkins. The NFL is full of guys that can put up those kind of numbers. Especially if you have HOF QB throwing the football. Lazard had close to those numbers in just 11 games last year. Pro bowl guards are a little harder to come by. Especially since MLF is committed to the run game.

Mike Sarlow
Mike Sarlow
July 12, 2020 10:30 am

Brown had over 1,000 yards, averaged almost 20 yards a catch and scored 8 TDs for a running offense. He’s much more than a 2, and please don’t compare him to Lazard.

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