Green Bay Packers: 5 Non-Stars Who Can Make Lasting Impact in 2021
By Paul Bretl
Compared to last year’s draft, the Green Bay Packers should have more immediate contributors this season with the selections of Eric Stokes, Josh Myers, and Amari Rodgers. However, with their limited cap space in 2021, once again, the Packers will be largely relying on internal development and improved play from their roster if they’re going to win a Super Bowl.
We all know that the star players on this team — Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, Za’Darius Smith, Jaire Alexander, and others — have to perform and are going to be the ones who carry this team. With that said, as the old saying goes, it takes all 53 over the course of an NFL season, and if a team is going to win a Super Bowl, it’s going to take more than just those star players elevating their games. Who else is going to step up?
As I combed through the Green Bay Packers roster, I identified a handful of players who can really help take this team to the next level.
Now, this doesn’t mean they will or that I’m predicting that they are going to, but with strong seasons they can be big contributors to Green Bay’s success.
Billy Turner
Last offseason, I believe my biggest concern was the right tackle position. Admittedly, I had my doubts about Billy Turner taking over that role full-time, but to my surprise — and happiness — he proved me quite wrong. Collectively, the Green Bay Packers had the best offensive line unit in football last season and Turner providing stability at both tackle positions was a big reason why.
When the regular season was all said and done, Turner had allowed just two sacks the entire season — this also includes 244 snaps at right guard — and 25 pressures. But as we saw in the NFC Championship Game — and granted, the Packers didn’t have David Bakhtiari — when the tackles struggle, so does the rest of the offense. In order for Green Bay to find continued success in 2021, they’ll need Turner playing well once again.