Packers: Top four position groups on roster entering 2021 season
NFC runners-up in consecutive years, the Green Bay Packers have a roster talented enough to compete for a Super Bowl.
They’ve had another offseason to address their biggest needs from cornerback to wide receiver to the offensive line, but where are they strongest?
With OTAs beginning around the league and much of the roster building complete with free agency and the draft in the books, which are the Packers’ strongest position groups in 2021?
1. Quarterback
As long as Aaron Charles Rodgers is under contract, the Packers are strongest at quarterback.
Not only is the reigning league MVP on the roster, but Green Bay also has two other first-round picks at the position in Jordan Love and Blake Bortles. Should Rodgers not play this season, the Packers may decide to begin the Love era earlier than expected, or give him more time to develop with Bortles starting.
Of course, if Rodgers is traded away, QB falls down this list considerably. But while he’s still under contract, the Packers have the deepest QB room in the league.
2. Offensive line
Yes, the Packers have lost an All-Pro with center Corey Linsley departing in free agency, but this is still a very good offensive line.
According to ESPN, the Packers ranked first for both pass block and run block win rate last season. Linsley played a big part in that, but so did All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari and Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins.
When fully healthy, it’s possible the starting five could look similar this season with second-round pick Josh Myers replacing Linsley.
No matter which direction Matt LaFleur goes with the starters at each position, the Packers have great depth along the offensive line.
3. Safety
While Green Bay does lack some depth at safety, it’s hard to argue with the starting pairing of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, which is one of the best in the league.
Where they both shine is in coverage. Amos earned Pro Football Focus’ highest coverage grade among safeties last season. He had nine pass defenses and two interceptions. Savage, meanwhile, had the Packers’ second-most pass defenses with 12, to go with a team-best four interceptions.
Together, this could be the best safety pairing in the NFL in 2021.
4. Edge rusher
Za’Darius Smith is a leader on this defense and has made double-digit sacks in both of his seasons in Green Bay.
While Preston Smith took a step back last year, Rashan Gary came on strong in the second half of the season and should start with Za’Darius Smith. Gary saved one of his best performances for the playoffs, when he made 1.5 sacks and three QB hits in the divisional round.
If Preston Smith gets back to his 2019 form, this trio can be dominant this season.