Green Bay Packers: Ranking Options at Center from Least Likely to Start to Most
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers starting center Week 1 is: Lucas Patrick
Brian Gutekunst’s decision to extend Lucas Patrick a few seasons ago was a move that flew under the radar at the time but has proven to be a very smart one since. Along with Turner and Rick Wagner, Patrick’s play surprised many last season as well.
Patrick took nearly 1,100 snaps between the two guard positions in 2020 and gave up only three sacks — with two of them coming against Carolina — and 21 pressures. He would also rank 18th out of 58 eligible guards in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric.
As I already mentioned on the last page, as solid as Patrick was as a guard, I believe his best position may come at center, where he is able to work in a more confined area. While not as experienced there — because the Packers had Linsley — Patrick made two starts in 2019 against Dallas and Detroit and didn’t allow a single sack or pressure and wasn’t called for a penalty in either game.
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Ultimately, there really is no replacing Corey Linsley, but the Green Bay Packers are better equipped than most to absorb his departure. Whether it be Patrick or Jenkins, the Packers will be fine at the center position. Now, tackle on the other hand, that’s a different story–at least until Bakhtiari returns.