Packers: Predicting starting lineup in Week 1 of 2021 season
Who will be in the starting lineup when the Green Bay Packers kick off the 2021 season?
We’re still four months away from the beginning of the regular season and we don’t yet know who the Packers will even be playing in Week 1, let alone whether Aaron Rodgers will still be on the team.
That said, following the 2021 NFL Draft, here are my predictions for the Packers’ season-opening starting lineup.
Packers offense
QB: Aaron Rodgers
For now, I’m going with Rodgers remaining in Green Bay. A lot could change between now and then and this is as good as a coin flip. But let’s hope the reigning MVP is back in 2021.
RB: Aaron Jones
No surprises here. Back on a new deal, the Packers’ Pro Bowl running back will look to begin another 1,000-yard season.
WR: Davante Adams
Adams is coming off a first-team All-Pro season and will be key to this offense replicating its dominance from last year.
WR: Allen Lazard
A few candidates here including Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but for Week 1, I’m going with the Packers’ reliable number two receiver Lazard to start opposite Adams.
TE: Marcedes Lewis
Lewis started all 15 games he played last season. He plays such a crucial role in this offense and he’ll be out there from the first snap in Week 1.
TE: Josiah Deguara
Make no mistake, Robert Tonyan will be a featured part of this offense again in 2021. But like in Week 1 a year ago, the Packers’ starters at tight end are Lewis and Deguara. Deguara could be in at fullback from the opening snap.
LT: Elgton Jenkins
Hopefully David Bakhtiari won’t have to miss any time as he recovers from a torn ACL. But if Bakhtiari is out for the start of the year, Jenkins can step in.
LG: Jon Runyan Jr.
With Jenkins shifting outside to tackle, second-year Jon Runyan Jr. gets the start at guard as he looks to build on a solid rookie year.
C: Josh Myers
With Corey Linsley gone, it’s another Ohio State center stepping in. Second-round pick Myers gets the start right away.
RG: Lucas Patrick
No changes from last season. Patrick was outstanding last year and keeps his role as the starter at right guard.
RT: Billy Turner
Maybe Jenkins will move to right tackle once Bakhtiari is back, but for now, Turner remains the top choice on the right side to begin the season.
Packers defense
DL: Kenny Clark
The star of the defensive line, Clark has started every game he’s played in over the past four seasons. No change in Week 1.
DL: Kingsley Keke
Keke started nine games last season and took a step forward with four sacks and eight QB hits. I’m excited to see what he can do in 2021.
DL: T.J. Slaton
Rookie Slaton gets the start right away and he could see plenty of opportunities on early downs with his run-stopping ability.
EDGE: Za’Darius Smith
With double-digit sacks in consecutive years and a Pro Bowler in each, Smith is one of the stars of the show on defense for the Packers. He’s started all 32 games since arriving in Green Bay two years ago.
ILB: Krys Barnes
The Packers may still sign an inside linebacker, but before then, Barnes remains the top choice to start in the season opener.
EDGE: Rashan Gary
After a dominant end to the 2020 season, this could be a breakout year for Gary. He deserves to be starting opposite Smith.
CB: Jaire Alexander
No introduction needed for the All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback, who is set for another big season in Green Bay.
CB: Kevin King
Eric Stokes will compete for playing time and could soon earn a starting job, but early in the season, expect the Packers to go with King’s experience.
CB: Shemar Jean-Charles
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the lineup is fifth-round pick Jean-Charles starting in the slot ahead of Chandon Sullivan. He could be one of the steals of the draft and could make an instant impact.
S: Adrian Amos
One of Brian Gutekunst’s best moves in Green Bay has been the signing of Amos. He’s started all 32 games since and been a key piece in this secondary.
S: Darnell Savage
A rising star on defense, Savage could begin a Pro Bowl season in year three in Green Bay. I’m expecting big things from Savage in 2021.