July 13, 2026, 8:23 a.m. CT

Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Anthony Belton is becoming a commonly predicted breakout candidate ahead of the 2026 season.

Belton, a second-round pick in 2025, eventually settled into a starting role at right guard to end his rookie season, and he’ll go into 2026 expected to make a big jump as a Week 1 starter up front. Some outside Green Bay have taken notice.

Last week, Ben Solak of ESPN picked Belton as his breakout player for the Packers in 2026. Now, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com is joining the club, picking Belton as one of his breakout players at guard across the entire NFL.

From Brooks: “The Packers’ offensive line renovation has featured more big bodies taking spots in the lineup at offensive guard. Belton qualifies as a 6-6, 336-pound dancing bear at the line of scrimmage. The extra-extra-large blocker specializes in knocking defenders off the ball and finishing his run-game reps with violence. While his coaches are preaching consistency throughout the offseason, the second-year pro has the tools and talent to become an elite player as an interior blocker.”

That’s a flowery prognosis for a left-tackle-turned-guard who went through the typical ups and downs of a rookie learning a new position in 2025. But as Mark Oldacres of Packers Wire pointed out, Belton played his best football down the stretch, suggesting he got more and more comfortable at right guard and a true breakout could be coming in Year 2.

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Breakouts come in all shapes and sizes, and Belton — given some of his struggles, especially in terms of consistency as a pass blocker — has a legitimate opportunity to improve in a meaningful way as a second-year player. Brooks went one step further, stating Belton could be an “elite player” at guard.

Improvement from Belton is just one piece of the puzzle for the Packers offensive line in 2026. Jordan Morgan must take to left tackle and improve on Rasheed Walker’s shaky 2025 performance. Aaron Banks must stay healthy at left guard. Sean Rhyan must continue growing at center, a new position. And Zach Tom must bounce back from a significant knee injury and regain his dominance at right tackle.

Could a breakout season from Belton be just around the corner?