Packers’ first depth chart: King, Cobb and other takeaways

The Green Bay Packers released their first unofficial depth chart of the regular season on Tuesday and there were a few surprises worth noting.

Just days away from Green Bay’s season-opener against the New Orleans Saints in Jacksonville, both teams are putting the final touches on their preparation for this inter-conference game.

For New Orleans, they have an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the NFC’s elites in their first game of the post Drew Brees era. For Green Bay, they will have the chance to get their top guys some live-action for the first time this season.

The Packers are clearly the more talented team and should be able to win this game if they take care of business. In order to do so, they’ll need their guys to step up and play their roles. Things could change before game day, but here are the primary takeaways from the Packers releasing their first unofficial depth chart.

With the Green Bay Packers releasing their first unofficial depth chart, here are some of the biggest takeaways about where players are listed.

Right guard: Royce Newman

The Packers will have two rookies starting on the interior of their offensive line–a potentially scary position for a veteran quarterback. With Josh Myers earning the starting center position early in training camp, Royce Newman made a late push for a starting guard spot and beat out both Jon Runyan and Ben Braden. Newman was impressive in the preseason and it seems like the Packers hit home with this fourth-round selection.

Wide receiver: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Green Bay only listed two starting wide receivers (with two starting tight ends as well) and opposite Davante Adams was Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That’s not much of a surprise considering all the positive reports that have been coming out of camp. Still, it reinforces that Valdes-Scantling could be in for a monster 2021 campaign.

Wide receiver: Randall Cobb

Also of note on the depth chart was Randall Cobb’s position relative to Amari Rodgers. While Allen Lazard was listed as the primary backup to Adams, Cobb was the backup to Valdes-Scantling. And behind him was Rodgers. Cobb was brought over thanks to Aaron Rodgers’ insistence and it appears he’ll be playing over Green Bay’s third-round pick as well.

Outside linebacker: Preston Smith

Rashan Gary has to be right on the heels of Preston Smith. There were times a season ago when Gary got on the field over Smith due to the latter’s lackluster play. Smith reportedly came to camp in much better shape and slimmed down this year. That seems to have helped as he fought off Gary’s push to become the starter in Week 1. Side note: All three of Smith, Gary and Za’Darius Smith will receive plenty of playing time both in a rotation and on the field together.

Cornerback: Kevin King

Kevin King had an awful NFC Championship game and many fans thought that would be the last they’d see of him in the green and gold. However, he re-signed for a one-year deal in the offseason and appears to have the ultimate confidence in himself. Green Bay also used their first-round pick on cornerback Eric Stokes so some thought Stokes could push King for a starting job early. However, King was listed as the starter at corner with Stokes behind him. Still, Green Bay will likely use at least five defensive backs for most of their snaps which means Stokes will still have plenty of opportunities to get on the field in his rookie season.