Predicting Packers’ starting offensive line in Week 1 of 2021 NFL Season
The offensive line has been a strength of the Green Bay Packers over the last couple of seasons and has been a big reason for their success. Although it should be once again, it’s difficult to predict who the starters will come Week 1.
The Packers have experienced a bit of shuffling up front over the last two years–first losing Bryan Bulaga and then Corey Linsley in free agency. However, they added second-round draft pick Josh Myers and fourth-rounder Royce Newman via the draft and Dennis Kelly in free agency to help reload at the position.
With Myers locking down the center position, there appears to be a three four man battle at the two guard spots with Newman entering the competition after the first preseason game. For the majority of training camp, it appeared Ben Braden, Lucas Patrick and Jon Runyan would battle it out at left and right guard. However, they all struggled in the preseason opener and Newman took advantage of his opportunity. Could Green Bay really start two rookies on the interior of their line?
To further complicate matters, stud left tackle David Bakhtiari is currently on the PUP list after tearing his ACL last December. It’s unclear if he’ll start the season there–forcing him to miss at least the first six games–or if Green Bay will activate him with the hopes he can return sooner. Either way, it’s clear he won’t be ready by Week 1.
With all these moving pieces, let’s predict who will start on the offensive line in Week 1.
The Green Bay Packers are blessed to have an abundance of talent along their offensive line. But who will start come Week 1?
Left tackle: Elgton Jenkins
This is a no-brainer. Elgton Jenkins will slide out from his left guard spot and protect Aaron Rodgers’ blind spot. Jenkins has stood out all camp and is as versatile as he is elite. It will be fun to watch him go to work at a new position to begin the season.
Left guard: Lucas Patrick
The two guard spots are the hardest to predict. Most likely, this will come down to Patrick and Jon Runyan. With Runyan struggling mightily against the Houston Texans, Patrick probably becomes the favorite considering his NFL experience.
Center: Josh Myers
Josh Myers has been impressive with his command of the offensive line and ability to call coverages at the line of scrimmage. He carried that momentum into the first preseason game where he was pretty impressive. Right now, there’s no competition for the Packers’ second-round selection.
Right guard: Royce Newman
Heck, let’s continue to ride the Royce Newman hype train. Newman has been starting at right guard all week at practice and is set to start there in the Packers’ second preseason game. That’s a huge opportunity for the rookie and I believe he’ll continue the momentum he’s sustained. During the Packers’ second and final joint practice with the New York Jets on Thursday, Patrick was at left guard and Newman was at right guard.
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Right tackle: Billy Turner
Billy Turner just seems to do enough to keep his job. He was pretty good last year and has been fine throughout training camp this year. You don’t typically hear much about him. The Packers signed swing tackle Dennis Kelly, but he’s not real competition for Turner. When Bakhtiari returns, the Packers could slide Jenkins to right tackle and move Turner back inside. But for now, he’ll be the starter at right tackle.