Packers: 3 bold predictions for outside linebackers in 2021 season
It’s safe to say the Green Bay Packers expect big things out of their outside linebackers in 2021. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith stormed onto the scene in 2019 after signing monster free-agent deals and were also joined by first-round draft pick Rashan Gary that year as well. They helped lead a bit of a resurgence on defense that allowed Green Bay to get back to the NFC Championship game.
The trio took a bit of a step back in 2020 (with the exception of Gary’s rise) and are looking to come back stronger than ever before. Z. Smith has one side locked up, but the other is up in the air with a battle between P. Smith and Gary about to ensue. No matter how that plays out, all three guys will see the field a ton and could even be on it at the same time.
Let’s take a moment to look at the entire position and make three bold predictions about what will happen in the 2021 season.
The Green Bay Packers have a talented trio of outside linebackers. What impact with they have on the 2021 season.
3. Preston Smith has a bounce-back year
A year after playing a strong supporting role at outside linebacker, Smith struggled in 2020 and had one of his worst seasons in the NFL. According to PFF’s grades, it was his worst. PFF graded him low in tackling and rushing the passer–two huge requirements for an outside linebacker.
New defensive coordinator Joe Barry has asked Smith to slim down over the offseason and focus on improving his speed in the new scheme. That should help Smith, as he often relies on getting off the line as quickly as possible to generate pressure on the quarterback. Don’t expect Smith to have as much playing time as he did in 2019, but he’ll get back to his normal production.
2. Packers keep 5 outside linebackers on initial roster
It’s unclear exactly how many outside linebackers the Packers will keep on their final roster. The Smith’s and Gary are locks, but there are a few spots up for grabs after them. If Barry does plan on playing those three guys together at times, they may want more depth at the position to rotate guys in and keep them healthy. Randy Ramsey, Oren Burks, and Jonathan Garvin all got some playing time a year ago and are intriguing in their own right. I believe Brian Gutekunst will find a way to keep two of them on his final roster and begin the season with five outside linebackers.
1. Rashan Gary logs double-digit sacks
Rashan Gary will be one of the rising stars on this Packers’ defense and will take a huge step forward in 2021. He made great improvements in his 2020 season and appears more ready than ever before.
Next. RB3 is wide open competition this summer. dark
Gary will overtake P. Smith as the starting outside linebacker and will become a force opposing quarterbacks have to worry about. With Z. Smith and Kenny Clark along the defensive line, Gary will be third on the offensive line’s priority list. That should allow him to double his sack total from a season ago and reach double-digit sacks in 2021.