Packers: Projecting starting lineups for Week 1 of 2021 season
Outside of a couple of positions, it doesn’t seem like there will be a lot of suspense surrounding the Green Bay Packers’ starters heading into the 2021 NFL season. Obviously, Aaron Rodgers tops the list as fans anxiously wait for his return. However, that is not a battle on the field as much as it is one between him and the front office.
Green Bay is returning a large portion of their team that got them to back-to-back NFC Championship games (center Corey Linsley being the primary exception), and the expectation is they will be at the top of the league once again. However, don’t be surprised if there are a few upstarts that earn a spot in the starting lineup sooner than later. Let’s take a look at September and predict what their starting offensive and defensive units will look like in Week 1.
Let’s take a guess at what the Green Bay Packers’ starting lineup will look like on both sides of the ball for Week 1 of the 2021 NFL Season.
The Packers’ offense was dynamic a year ago and had no issue striking from anywhere on the field. Head coach Matt LaFleur has brought creativity into this rejuvenated unit and there’s no reason they shouldn’t be dangerous once again (as long as Rodgers is back). He maximizes everyone’s skills and puts them in the best position to succeed. Let’s take a look at what their starting unit will look like.
Packers’ Offense
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers
Running back: Aaron Jones
Wide receiver: Davante Adams
Wide receiver: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Slot: Allen Lazard
Tight end: Robert Tonyan
Left tackle: Elgton Jenkins
Left guard: Jon Runyan Jr.
Center: Josh Myers
Right guard: Lucas Patrick
Right tackle: Billy Turner
Other than Rodgers, keep your eye on the Packers’ offensive line. David Bakhtiari is still recovering from a torn ACL and if he can’t start in Week 1 it will change their entire unit upfront. Elgton Jenkins will likely get first crack at left tackle considering he’s the best lineman left. Wide receiver will also be an interesting battle: Can Amari Rodgers upend Valdes-Scantling or Lazard and start in the slot? It sounds like he’s been impressive so far.
Moving on to the defense, this unit will determine just how successful Green Bay is this season. They have a bunch of individual talent but need to play better collectively. LaFleur hopes new defensive coordinator Joe Barry will unlock that, unlike his predecessor.
Defense
Defensive line: Kenny Clark
Defensive line: Kingsley Keke
Defensive line: Dean Lowry
Inside linebacker: Krys Barnes
Edge: Za’Darius Smith
Edge: Rashan Gary
Slot corner: Chandon Sullivan
Cornerback: Jaire Alexander
Cornerback: Kevin King
Safety: Adrian Amos
Safety: Darnell Savage Jr.
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There are more positions up in the air on defense including inside linebacker, one edge position, slot corner and the outside corner position opposite Jaire Alexander. Green Bay has a number of quality options at each and it will be interesting to see who emerges. For now, however, let’s go with last year’s starters until we know or see differently in training camp.