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Packers Draft Kentucky Lineman Jager Burton, Boost Line Depth

4/26/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Packers Draft Burton

The Green Bay Packers drafted Kentucky lineman Jager Burton with the 153rd pick in fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, 2026.
Burton started 47 games in 51 appearances at guard and center, allowing three sacks on over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps and 98.6% efficiency in 2025.
He ran a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, jumped 28-inch vertical and 9-foot-3-inch broad.
Coaches said his versatility adds depth to the line.

Summary

Burton Battles Backup

Jager Burton will compete with Jacob Monk for the Packers’ backup-center job, putting Monk’s status in doubt.
Aaron Banks is under a four-year contract that Green Bay may look to end after the 2026 season, while Sean Rhyan’s recent extension locks him in as the primary center.
Green Bay traded the No. 160 fifth-round pick from Philadelphia for Dontayvion Wicks to Tampa Bay, moving up seven spots in the third round.

History

Historical Context

Since the Packers used their 14th-overall pick in 2000 to select tight end Bubba Franks and followed with a 10th-overall choice of defensive end Jamal Reynolds in 2001, the franchise has a track record of first-round talent shaping the roster. The 2026 fifth-round pick Jager Burton now challenges for the backup-center spot, echoing that legacy.

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Packers Draft Burton

The Green Bay Packers drafted Kentucky lineman Jager Burton with the 153rd pick in fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, 2026.
Burton started 47 games in 51 appearances at guard and center, allowing three sacks on over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps and 98.6% efficiency in 2025.
He ran a 4.94-second 40-yard dash, jumped 28-inch vertical and 9-foot-3-inch broad.
Coaches said his versatility adds depth to the line.

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