Packers second-year player named 2021 breakout candidate

Every year, the development of young players on the roster is crucial. For the Green Bay Packers in 2020, they got key contributions from Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, and Jaire Alexander, just to name a few.

Alexander had been a rising star in his first two seasons but enjoyed a breakout year in 2020, being named a second-team All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl.

Along with needing some production from this year’s draft class and any free agents the Packers may eventually sign, it’s also the development of the young players on the roster that will help this team take a step forward.

One player to watch is guard Jon Runyan Jr., a sixth-round pick by the Packers a year ago.

Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski predicted every team’s breakout player in 2021. For the Packers, he chose Runyan.

Runyan is a great choice. He could be a starter at guard this season. Elgton Jenkins could potentially slide to center or tackle. If a spot opens up at guard, Runyan will be one of the frontrunners.

According to Pro Football Reference, Runyan played 15 percent of the Packers’ offensive snaps last season. At times when injuries hit, Matt LaFleur turned to his rookie offensive lineman and it would be hard to not be impressed. When Runyan stepped in, the offensive line maintained its high level of play.

Runyan was one of three offensive linemen drafted by the Packers on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he had by far the best rookie season of the three of them.

AJ Dillon could also be considered a breakout candidate after impressing in year one, and Josiah Deguara could slip under the radar this summer but be a player with a big role on offense next season.

But Runyan is a great choice. A potential starter in 2021, the future is bright for the talented offensive lineman.