Jager Burton and the Green Bay Packers may already have more familiarity with each other than most rookie draft picks entering their first NFL offseason. The former Kentucky offensive lineman spent part of his college career studying the team’s film long before the organization selected him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Burton revealed that Kentucky offensive line coach Eric Wolford regularly used Green Bay tape while teaching blocking concepts and installing plays with the Wildcats offense. That exposure gave Burton an early understanding of the techniques, communication and overall style often associated with the Packers’ offensive front. It also created an immediate sense of comfort when the franchise eventually called his name on draft weekend.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pound lineman enters the NFL with a reputation for toughness, versatility and physical play in the trenches. Burton gained valuable experience during his college career by lining up at multiple positions across the offensive line, a trait that could increase his value within Green Bay’s system. His willingness to adapt and learn different responsibilities has already drawn positive attention during the early stages of the offseason.
Burton also expressed excitement about learning from the veterans and experienced leaders already established in the locker room. The rookie described his approach as one centered on absorbing as much knowledge as possible while adjusting to the speed and complexity of professional football. Coaches often value that mentality from young offensive linemen entering systems built heavily around communication and trust.
Why Rookie Jager Burton is Familiar With Green Bay Packers’ Plays Explained
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There’s a reason why Burton knows the team’s plays so well. This is detailed more in an article by Wes Hodkiewicz for the franchise’s official website.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pound offensive lineman was diving into Green Bay’s film well before the Packers drafted him in the fifth round (No. 153 overall).
During Burton’s senior year at Kentucky, Wildcats O-line coach Eric Wolford occasionally included cutups of the Packers’ front as the team installed plays.
That experience further fueled Burton’s excitement to get going in Green Bay, which the 23-year-old Lexington, Ky., native says already feels like home.
“Our O-line coach would use (the Packers) as teach tape for some of the plays we were putting in,” Burton said. “I’m just excited to get around them here in two weeks and be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as I can and add it to my game. Super grateful to be in a room with experience and great leaders.”
The familiarity with the team’s offensive concepts may help Burton transition more smoothly into the Packers’ scheme compared to many rookies. Offensive line development often requires significant adjustment time at the NFL level, but Burton’s prior exposure to similar teaching methods could allow him to progress more quickly during training camp and preseason practices.
While Burton still faces competition for playing time, the early connection between his college preparation and Green Bay’s system has already become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the Packers’ rookie class. If his work ethic and adaptability continue translating to the professional level, Burton could eventually develop into another valuable depth piece along the team’s offensive line.
