Packers: 5 players who could replace Corey Linsley in 2021
It never seemed likely that the Green Bay Packers would keep Corey Linsley this offseason as he hit free agency.
They knew Linsley’s time with the team was likely coming to an end, even after an All-Pro year, and they’ve prepared for the future at center.
For that reason, the Packers have plenty of options for the starting job this season, even if it will be incredibly difficult to replace a player as talented as Linsley.
Let’s look at potential replacements both already on the roster and through the draft.
Players already on Packers roster
Elgton Jenkins
The best option already on the roster is Jenkins, a Pro Bowler last season. Jenkins has played the majority of the snaps at guard but he lined up everywhere last year including center and tackle. And with experience playing center in college, Jenkins would make an easy transition.
One of the Packers’ best offensive linemen has shown he can play anywhere. Moving to center would make sense.
Lucas Patrick
Patrick also has the versatility to play center and he has spent time there with the Packers. A benefit of this would mean Jenkins can continue to play at guard, where he’s been so dominant in his first two seasons. Patrick is more than capable of starting at center.
Jake Hanson
A long-shot for the job in Week 1 is second-year Jake Hanson. Hanson played center at college but didn’t play a single snap in 2020, spending most of the season on the practice. Hanson would need to show significant improvements this summer. The benefit of this would be that the rest of the offensive line could stay as it was last season.
It’s highly unlikely Hanson will be the starter in September, but maybe he’s the answer long term.
Players Packers could draft
Landon Dickerson
Injury history is a concern, but there’s no doubt Dickerson has the talent to be an excellent starting center in the NFL. He’s recovering from a torn ACL which could potentially mean he falls to the second round. If he can stay healthy, Dickerson would be a great replacement for Linsley.
Quinn Meinerz
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah writes that Meinerz has “all of the traits and the right temperament to develop into an elite starter at the next level”, although he does note that there is some risk to drafting him.
But what should give teams confidence he can make a successful transition to the next level was his impressive showing at the Senior Bowl.