Packers: 3 bold predictions for offensive line in 2021 season
The Green Bay Packers have relied heavily on their big guys up front to set the tone offensively. They’ve had arguably the best offensive line over the past two seasons and hope to continue that success in the 2021 season.
It won’t be easy, as the talent they’ve lost in recent seasons has piled up. In the last two free agency periods, they’ve lost Bryan Bulaga, Corey Linsley and Lane Taylor. They’ve fortunately been piling up on draft picks to replenish the position and we should have the opportunity to see some of those young guys play major roles in 2021.
With a few question marks on the offensive line in 2021, let’s get bold and make some predictions about what will happen with the position.
The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line has been a huge part of their success over the last two seasons. Will they continue to be a strength moving forward?
3. The interior offensive line will have lots of moving parts
Green Bay used their 2021 second-round pick on center Josh Myers out of Ohio State. Myers is expected to start at center from the jump and should be a key cog in the lineup moving forward. However, both guard spots could be in flux.
Elgton Jenkins is the Packers’ stud left guard, but he might have to start the season elsewhere due to a major injury (more on that in a moment). That opens the door for someone like Jon Runyan Jr. to start at left guard while Lucas Patrick mans the right guard position he held for most of last season. There will still be plenty of competition with more OTAS, all of Training Camp and preseason to play out. Don’t be surprised to see some of those interior positions shuffle around with the ebb and flow of the season.
2. Elgton Jenkins starts the season at left tackle
It was originally thought that Billy Turner would slide over to left tackle to cover for David Bakhtiari’s injury. That’s what Green Bay did in the postseason, at least. However, Jenkins played there during OTA’s and I think he’ll remain there until Bakhtiari is ready to return. Jenkins has played there before, although very limited, and has played extremely well. He has the highest ceiling for the offensive line’s most important position. Jenkins will start the season at left tackle and hold down the position until the All Pro returns.
Next. 5 bold predictions for Packers' tight ends. dark
1. David Bakhtiari begins the year on the PUP
Speaking of Bakhtiari, he’s still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered at the end of December and it’s immediately unclear when he’ll be ready to return to the field. There has been open talk about him returning for Week 1, but that feels a little rushed to me. Green Bay just signed him to a massive contract extension and they should allow him the time he needs to fully recover from this serious injury. Jenkins is more than capable of holding down left tackle for the first six or so weeks of the season. Let Bak get to full strength which means he’s initially placed on the physically unable to perform list. It’s a tough blow, but the right long-term move.