Packers Rookie Chooses Patience Over Spotlight, Accepts Backup Role After Making the 53-Man Roster
Green Bay, Wis. — August 28, 2025 — The Packers’ initial 53 confirmed what August practices hinted: rookie RT Anthony Belton made the team and will open the year backing up Zach Tom on the right edge. Green Bay carried all eight members of its 2025 draft class onto the first roster (two on PUP), underscoring the club’s commitment to developing its youth pipeline. Belton, a second-round pick from NC State, slots in as Tom’s primary understudy on the official depth chart.
Belton’s path is a familiar Packers blueprint: learn the protections, master the footwork in the wide/inside-zone run game, and earn early value as a dependable swing option should injuries or game plans demand shuffling. Independent depth-chart tracking this summer likewise pegged Belton as the No. 2 right tackle, reflecting consistent second-team work behind Tom.
Position coaches point to Belton’s length and anchor as traits that translate, while the staff emphasizes assignment reliability over immediate splash. With Green Bay’s OL mixing experienced starters and ascending youth, the rookie’s role gives the unit insurance without rushing his timeline.
Asked about his mindset, Belton kept it team-first:
“I’m not chasing the spotlight—I’m here to learn how to be a pro. My job is to help the Packers win any way I can: special teams, scout team, whatever’s needed. I’ll learn from the vets, stay ready, and when my number’s called, I’ll be prepared. Putting the ‘G’ on my helmet means putting the team first.”
For now, the assignment is clear: stack days, iron out technique with the vets, and be ready for situational duty when called. If Belton continues to build trustworthy snaps behind Tom, Green Bay believes patience and preparation will pay off when the schedule tightens and depth wins games in December.
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