Packers: Don’t underestimate Billy Turner in 2021 season

The Green Bay Packers have lost a couple of key pieces along the offensive line this year with center Corey Linsley and tackle Rick Wagner no longer on the roster, but we shouldn’t underestimate Billy Turner.

All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari and Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins deservedly get a lot of love from the fanbase, but Turner is also coming off a great season.

It’s fair to say Turner’s first season was up and down. While he played well at times, many were wondering whether the Packers were right to give him such a big contract the offseason prior. However, he proved the Packers right for signing him in 2020 with a great season.

According to ESPN, Turner had a pass block win rate of 94 percent, tied for first among all tackles in the NFL. It says a lot about how impressive Turner was in pass protection.

He was particularly strong in the second half of the year. According to Pro Football Focus, Turner didn’t allow a single sack on 286 pass-blocking snaps in the final eight regular-season games in 2020.

A shift to right tackle seemed to help Turner. He played better on the outside than in 2019 when he played mostly at guard.

Turner should be the frontrunner to start at right tackle this season, although he also offers the versatility to line up just about anywhere the Packers need him. With starting experience at both tackle and guard, Turner will give Matt LaFleur options when it comes to deciding his starting five along the offensive line.

Versatility has been key to the Packers’ offensive line the past couple of years. Many players including Turner, Jenkins, Lucas Patrick, and Jon Runyan can all play multiple positions. Only when injuries inevitably hit do we see the importance of this.

Turner not only offers the versatility to play different positions, but he’s also coming off a great season. Don’t underestimate Turner in 2021.