Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins ranked in the 10 of interior offensive linemen for the second consecutive season. Last year, Jenkins — who played left guard — ended up at No. 10 in Jeremy Fowler’s voting-based review of positions from coaches, scouts and executives at ESPN. This year, Jenkins is moving to center but is still considered a top player, coming in at No. 9 overall in Fowler’s preseason rankings.
One voter had Jenkins as high as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman. Another voter, an NFL coordinator, said Jenkins is “so underrated.”
“Can play anywhere, tough, physical, smart,” the coordinator said.
Jenkins is a two-time Pro Bowler who has started games at guard, center and both tackle positions in the NFL. He’s one of pro football’s only true five-position offensive linemen.
Last year, Jenkins received 10 All-Pro votes for his work at left guard. He was a Pro Bowler as primarily a left guard in both 2020 and 2022.
After signing Aaron Banks to a big deal in free agency, the Packers are moving Jenkins to center — a position he played extensively at Mississippi State and a position he’s played several times at the NFL level, including a start last season. General manager Brian Gutekunst believes Jenkins has big potential at center entering 2025.
“We feel he has a chance to be an All-Pro center,” Gutekunst said in March.
The Packers are hopeful the addition of Banks at left guard and Jenkins’ move to center can provide a boost for the interior of the offensive line in 2025.
A contract adjustment might be required for Jenkins before he plays for the Packers this year. He turns 30 in December and has only two years left on his current deal, and he’s now moving to less lucrative position at center. Jenkins didn’t participate during the offseason workout program while negotiating a reworked deal with the Packers.
Gutekunst has a difficult needle to thread. Jenkins is a top player, and his move to center is vital to the 2025 Packers. But he’s also approaching 30, and committing more guaranteed money to him long-term can be a risky financial adventure. The Packers and Jenkins need to compromise before the start of the 2025 season.